Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-10-27

Alice asked hurrledly.
Nothing. Just leave him beside
the road. Someone will find him and
take him home. Now, jump down.
We've got good mile to go yet"
Alice stopped to pat the good little
animal that had helped her so well,
then clasping the hand Myra held out,
they hurried on over the rough road
almost at a run.
1t was now quite dark; the stars
shone here and there, but the moon
refused to tighten the gloom.
Now we can rest" Myra said
breathlessly as they approached the
town; we must make some plans. 1t
is too late to get to London tonight.
We must take room at the inn."
Yes" murmured Alice almost spent
with fatigue, sinking to the ground.
Then the first thing in the morning
we can creep out, get to the station
and go up to town. Once there, l
know of safe corner to hide till you
can let your friends know"
Alice shuddered. The image of Va
lclie's dark, revengeful face clouded
beheld it. She only remembered how
Valerie hated her and she dreaded
her.
No, no. she said family; Il
shall not let them know. l am best
lost! l will work, beg, starve, but |
will not go back"
Myra looked at her curiously.
You have a husband" she said
abruptly. do you not love him?"
A blush covered Alice's pale face,
bur the darkness hid it.
Il have no husband, she said in
low tones. II am nothing to him.
he-he is nothing to me. There is
another who has greater claim on him
than | have"
Myra rose to her feet again.
You are tired and ill., Let us 20
into the town and find room"
Have you money!" asked Alice,
rising with difficulty.
Yes, enough to last till we get safe
ly away. Here is the inn. Now then,
stand behind me. l must tell some
lie or we shall not get in"
Alice shrunk back into the dark
ness of the portico, while Myra rang
the bell loudly.
Moretown was an early place, and
the inn was closed for the night.
I'VE want a ROOM" she said boldly,
as the sleepy landlord appeared-"a
room for my mistress and myself.
We've lost the last train to London.
My mistress was telegraphed for, ner
brother is very i'll. We start by the
first train in the morning"
The man rubbed his chin and
looked doubtful for a moment.
MY missus is abed." he said after a
while. Has you gotten money!"
Money; yes" Myra chinked her
purse. Make haste and don't ask
any more such questions or my mis-
tress will go off to the other inn"
"Lawks no. Come We in. | dare say
it's all right; but it's main queer to
see two young women out this time
o'right."
Hold your tongue and lead the
way up" Myra commanded; and as
the man lit a candle, she dragged in
Alice half fainting with fatigue and
fear.
"Lawks, she do look ILL" exclaimed
the man. 'Be she going to die. mis-
sus? If SO, she can't come in here
ode ! No fool! She's upset, as you
would be if your brother were as Ill
as hers. There go on! Fetch US
some food, and be quick about it."
The man toiled up the old-fashioned
staircase, and Myra followed with
some difficulty, for she supported
Alice, whose strength was going at
every step.
Once inside the understanding bed
room, Myra put her gently into a
chair and with one faint sigh Alice's
head sank back, and she became I'M
conscious.
CHAPTER XVII.
Al soon as the food came, Myra
busted herself in restoring the poor
girl who lay before her so white and
cold
Her strength is gone she muir
INJURED, moistening the pale lips with
some brandy she had ordered: she
wants the fire OF revenge and jealousy
t. keep her up as | am kept"
Her efforts were soon rewarded.
Alices dark eyelashes We're lifted, and
she looked round. She smiled family
as she met the glance of Myras great,
dark eyes, and tried to rise.
First you must eat some, and then
you must lie down and Sleep have
told that fool to call US at six-the
train goes at half-past. We are
close to the station"
But will he not reach us before
then?" gasped Alice.
I'VE must risk that, Myra said
gloomily. "He will be insensible for
some time, and then the cart has
gone, so we have very good start.
But be brave. You are free now.
Trust in me, and you shall remain
free or my life will answer for it. He
shall not get you into his power, the
cruel, cowardly wretch"