Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1898-08-01

There was a sound as of some
thing put over his mouth, then Alice
head him laugh outright.
"You think these trees have ears,
sister?"
Il do not know what I think, but
take care, Paul-breathe but once
again your shameful disgrace, and i
will never"
Help me again. Well that is just
what I don't want, so trot away, my
dear; the secret is safe. Be quick
with that money. I am due at Nest
ley in an hour"
"Stay here, and I will bring it to
YOU"
Alice heard light step pass away,
and she sat, undecided what to do.
She was IN corner, hidden we'll
from sight. Anyone peering round
would scarcely have distinguished her
grey dress and cloak from the tree
trunks, but she could see little way
out on to the wider pathway, and
as Valerie disappeared she heard the
man laugh softly to himself and
saunter to and fro while he waited.
Alice drew herself back as she saw
his figure cross the small space at the
opening of her hiding place, and as
he turned and strollei back he
glanced nervously at him.
He was like Valerie, 1T coarser
and harder, and his ch..k WAS dis
figured with scar that gave sin
lister look to his face
He was humming to himself, and
glanced neither up nor down. Alice
drew a deep breath Of relief as he
passed.
Something about the man gave her
a sense of alarm, and she was glad
when after some moments she heard
Valerie's fleet footsteps returning,
and heard her, painting, say:
Here Paul! And now go. There is
no use in hanging about. must
return to the house."
Thanks, my sweet sister. Yes, I
will go. That is my address should
you desire to hear from me. I shall
know where to find you."
Leave me in peace for awhile,
Valerie said abruptly.
.Giye me fifty pounds, and l will
leave you altogether"
II cannot, Paul. | have not the
money; if I had, you
Should not have it." finished the
man.
paul, you are ungenerous; but
am a fool to do as much as I do for
you'll
''You are no fool, Valerie! You don't
want to have me come boldly to the
castle and ask for my sister-eh?'
Alice heard Va1erie's sudden excla-
nation, and then she heard the man
kiss his sister and leisurely depart.
She waited to let them both pass
away, then, rising, made her way
slowly back to the castle.
.
Paul Ross strolled leisurely through
the woods, until he came to path
way that led to the village, and past
the dreaded Madman's Drift
Here he stopped and uttered soft,
low whistle.
In an instant man had crept from
beneath some bushes, and stood up
right.
Paul Ross moved towards him.
"Well," said the other, how
much?"
Fifteen pounds!"
Fifteen pounds!" repeated the
other. s.Your sister is not generous.
Valerie swears she has only ten
pounds more, and | believe her.
ssShe may have no more, but
ssHave YOU examined the entrances
well?" queried Ross.
"Not all; but they are not difficult
to manage
Where do you sleep?"
The man laughed.
''In the guests corridor noble
apartment, my friend. The earl
knows how to lodge his company
"Much va1uables about?" asked Ross
eagerly.
'Much?" echoed the other. "The
castle is veritable gold-mine! By
Jove, Ross, that was a good notion OF
yours, the trip abroad"
eyes; I fatter myself I am not SO
stupid as Valerie thinks me. She is
the fool in this case"
''You mean in not snatching the
earl before the murder and the row.
Paul nodded.
well, it was a mistake; she has
lost her chance now"
Ross looked up suddenly.
.'Wlhat is the girl like?"
'sWho?"
''Why, my Lady Alice as Valerie
calls her." laughed Paul.
''Like?" repeated the other. "She
is most lovely. Paul, can it be true
about her lowly birth? 1 have never
seen a more beautiful creature among
ALL
GAIN the ladies of family and for
tune with whom you are on such
very intimate terms-eh, mon gar
COM"
Paul leisurely pulled away q cloud
Of smoke
/ well, she is plebian for all that