The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1897-12-17

She did not think cf their coming
from thence until Bell Morton rushed
upon her like a Whillwird of affec-
ton.
"Oh, Stella, Stella, Stella! Dear!"
"Bell!"
That was all that was said They
clung to each other and wept in their
gladness, Miss Morton lowering and
tiuttering over her friend like a mother
bird over her endangered birding;
while Miss Stella clung to her in salts
fed silence, supremely content in her
presence.
Miss Morton and the astonished
driver-who had not been informed of
the object CT their drive-assisted Miss
Stella to the carriage, which could not
be brought quite Up to the hut, and
they Immediately started for home.
On the way they met the dead wa
gon' and the coroner and his jury go
ing after the body of the Prophet. for
Tom had thoughtfully told the official
that he had found the dead Prophet
while hunting rabbits. not limiting at
his more startling discovery. The
coroner took his jury out to view the
scene, intending to hear Toms testi-
Ii.
During the ride homeward Miss Stel-
la related her strange story as far as
she knew the details From Miss Nor
ton she learned of the long search by
the people and the longer search by
the adjutant; of the despair of her
friends; of their vain surmises: of the
rumors of her discovery all over the
country; CT Captain Zenith's trip to
g L.
and Miss Leson; finally of the death of
hope and of the reluctant abandon
mert of the search
"Where is the adjutant now?"
cat Camp Cook, just below Scran-
ton."
"Tell the driver to go to the tele-
graph Office"
"For what?"
II want to telegraph to the adju-
tant."
Her wish was obeyed and at the tel
egraph office Tom ran in and procured
telegraph blank upon which Miss
Stella wrote:
Il want to see you," and after ad-
dressing it, signed it simply Stella"
and Tom took it in, paying for it's
transmission with money from Miss
Morton's purse. Miss Morton wanted
to send long message but Miss Stel-
la insisted that explanations could
await meeting.
When they were near the Zenith
residence Miss Morton stopped the
carriage and got out, saying:
wait here until 1 return; l will go
before and announce your coming; do
not be impatient; do not get excited
when you see the folks at home; re-
member, control yourself and take
care, dear, for you are weak"
Having delivered her cautionary ad-
monition she walked to Miss Stella's
home. Captain Zenith was sitting by
an open window with a newspaper in
his hand. Walking as if it was her
purpose to go beyond, Miss Morton,
after passing the gate step or two,
said:
Good morning Captain Zenith Hew
are you to-day? Well, l hope?"
Good morning Bell! Yes, pretty
well, thank you. Will you come in?"
Have you any news from Stellar"
"Ah, no, and dear child, we never
shall have news of her."
"Oh, it won't do to give up; we must
always hope for news of her; doubtless
she will come home all right some
day."
Bell, Bell! Girl! You have heard
from her! Have you not heard from
herr"
81 really believe that / have heard
from herr and if have she is all right
and quite safe.'
MY daughter! My dear daughter!
Where is my poor child, Bell? For
Gods sake don't torture me? Don't
keep me waiting? Where is she? Tell
me?"
He had come out through the open
window and now stood by her side,
with his hand laid appealingly on her
shoulder
Il will tell you where she is and will
take you to her when you are suffi=
ciently calm to approach her without
excitement, She has been very sick
and must not be agitated."
Il will not excite her; l will restrain
myself; take me to her?'
mot yet; the family, too, must be
prepared. Where is Carrier"
I'm the house; l will call her"
"If you please; it will be better"
Going to the window Captain Zenith
called within;
"Garrie can you come here a mo-
ment? Miss Morton wishes to see you
and she cannot come in?'
Miss Carrie came out, and Miss Nor
ton said:
Carrie, dear, we have found Stella
she has been very sick and is now
convalescent; she can be brought home
to-day; very shortly; but she must be
received quietly and without excite
ment. Will you prepare your moth
er and sisters while the Captain and
bring her? You must hurry-and take
care"
Il will take care; only, be quick;
do not keep us waiting; she shall not
be excitea.H
Miss Carrie returned to the house |
to make the gladdening announcement
and Miss Morton, taking Captain Ze-
nith's arm said
Let us go to Stella"
She did not proceed directly 10 the
carriage, but Wapt the longer way,
around the block. AS they approached
the carriage she explained:
''Stella is close to your house; have |
taken you out of the way in order to
give Carrie more time. Remember, |
see Stella
Il will remember"
The driver seeing them approach |
moved up at the most leisurely pace
al his horses. When the pedes-
trians were opposite the carriage Miss
Morton turned and said quietly;