Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-09-15
; WomanAgainst Woman
tBYt
MRS. M. A. HOLMES.
tBYt
MRS. M. A. HOLMES.
why should l speak of it,

why shouIu SpSAh pl N1
Frank Meredith relapsed into ST.
lence He recalled Valorie's face Tie
day he had seen her at the ruins,
then his mind went 10 Alice. and
his cheek flushed as he remembered
her lovelipeSs.
Il wish | could see her again."
Z he murmured as he turned from the
window to SO out, she looked so
unhappy, and now that know her
story | understand what she meant
about being friendless do not
care to sec her at the castle. |
should like to be able to do something
+ for her"
Well. you are off," exclaimed
/ Geottrey Armistead ITO the abbey
again. Why, Frank, believe there
is some siren hidden In the ruins
Don't blush old maa!"
Frank smiled and at that in
slant Sir Robert Carlyle was an
nounced.
lave you heard the news9" he
said hurriedly.
Both answered In the negative.
THE castle has been robbed, the cole
brated Darrell diamonds are stolen,
and who do You think is the thief?
No one less than the young Countess
Darroll!"
Frank uttered an exclamation.
Il could not have believed IT,"
went on Sir Robert AT the din
ner the other night she was charm
ing, and yet they discovered yester-
day morning that she had eloped
with guest staying In the house
a Cou0t lura. taking the diamonds
and n quantity OF plate with her"
! "Jura!" repeated Godfrey Armi-
stead. Where have l heard that
name?"
she Is In trouble" thought Frank
Meredith hurriedly; there Ia some
mystery hero, am sure. She may
let me know, Well, let her sum
mon me when she will, l shall be
ready?"
The cart with It's strange burden
was driven rapidly by Paul Ross
along the deserted lanes.
Count Jura sat in silence beside
his companion.
The smock-frocks and slouched
hats were complete DISCUSSES. Any
one meeting them would have taken
them for honest farmers returning
to their homes from distant mar
| ket-town.
The count was thinking and plan
ming.
1t was not the first time by many
that he had robbed host OF heir
looms aud valuables but never be-
fore had he carried away, or attempt
ed to induce a woman to come Ia
his secret and hazardous life.
His reason and good common sense
had fed before the passion that
Alice had inspired within M,
His wild, lawless heart bowed down
before her fair. sweet beauty. He
had thrust all fear from his mind
and with Valerle's aid had rot the
girl into his hands.
He determined an they approached
iut uDUil W uluht Npttuy HTIulBt~
ments with Paul about dIsposing OF
the plate and Jewels, and then to
start at once from England. taking
Alice with him.
When the cart drew up by tho
ruins, Count Jura bent over the
girls lifcIess form. and lifted her
easily from her hard resting-place
Show light. Paul" he said
sharply.
Ross at once opened his dark Ian.
tern and shot ray OF light on TO the
broken steps that led to the vaults
Of the abbey.
wait here. will return IN an
Instant You are sure Dame Burden
Is here all right?" said the count.
"Yes." answered Paul shortly, MS he
held the lantern high over his head
and threw the light on his com
ranlon's path.
The count moved down the steps
carefully and catered dark passage
He traversed this for few seconds
then gImmer OF light at the
farther end told him he was In the
right direction.
He whistled softly, and figure
came towards him.
Dame Burden?" he asked quickly.
Eyes, George. What Is It? The
swags safe?"
Yes Yes, outside. Lead the wal
In. have got something here foi
you TO look after"
4 In another moment he stood In Z
large stone chamber. II was a curl
GUS scene. On the rough walls. stained
and wrecked by time, were huns
rich curtains. caught on great rusty
nails.
The stone floor was lined with
rugs and skins thrown carelessly
down; a pile OF cushions was fiung
on one end Of mattress. over which
was stretched rich silken coverlet
The light came from two tallow-
candles stuck into beautiful, old
silver vases. A profusion OF strange