Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-11-10
WomanAgainst Woman
MRS. M. A. HOLMES.
ABYA
MRS. M. A. HOLMES,

ten, as the passage from the other
part Of the castle was the one always
used.
She leaned her whole weight against
the door and 1t swung back. Inside
the only light came from two iron
gratings In the wall.
standing with his back to her, gaz-
ing up at the grating, was man
The mist cleared from her eyes; she
saw he was alone.
Another door ut the end led to a
second chamber, and here, doubtless
the other man was imprisoned.
PAUL" she whispered family
The man turned swiftly. It was
her brother.
"Valerie" he exclaimed.
Hush! Speak low! The policemen
are just outside"
What do you want?" he muttered.
You must escape"
Paul uttered low exclamation.
"How?"
Valerie thought for an instant. Her
fear was going; she felt her calm self
again.
You must follow me-"
Paul held out his hands.
with these things on?" he asked
grimly.
For answer she tore the lace from
her head and wound 1t tightly round
his hands, thus deadening any chink
of the handouts.
you can walk all right she said
firmly. "Who was taken with your
Sam and the old woman"
And Jura?" asked Valerie eagerly.
Curse HIM" Paul muttered savage
ly, gone! He escaped us last night
took the girl with him. BY now, |
expect, he Is in France"
Valerie felt a thrill of pleasure.
Alice was gone then. After such dis
grace she could never return to Roy.
Now lot her but get Paul away and all
might yet be well. Who but Godfrey
Armistead knew of her brother? and
against his word. she Judged rightly,
hers; then, worked well, Roy could be
pushed to seek divorce, and the cas-
tie and the man she loved would yet
be hers.
We'll" said Paul impatiently,
breaking in on Valerie's reverie,
what are you going to do? How am
| to get away"
Trust me. Listen. am going to
lead you up the steps outside. They
end In the corridor that belongs to
this wing. My lady Alice's room
stands there, empty. No one goes in,
by order"--Valerie sneered-"by or
der of the earl. You must be hidden
there TIL nighttime, then l will have
thought of some plan to get you out Of
the castle. Creep softly! Leave the
door open. They will think you have
escaped that way. Now, not n word.
Holding their breaths, they stole
noiselcssly out and up the steps,
At the top, Valerie pushed Paul into
n corner and looked out. The corri-
dor was deserted.
She beckoned him to remain, and
crept along TIL she reached the door
Of Alice's boudoir. 1t was unlocked.
She made n sign, and Paul was
soon beside her.
Not word. will be back In an
hour Don't so near the window
valerie, you arc good to me- Paul
saia with something like remorsefuI
affection.
bah! don't be a fool! You must
escape or | am disgraced.
She shut the door quietly, then
stole along to the one she had just
left at the top of the steps. turned
the key firmly and slipped 1t into her
pocket and then with cheerfulness
cropt back TO her own room.
She had two hours in which &c
think of how to get Paul away, but
the difficulties seemed to increase
every minute,
Ivening came, ~
Valeries maid had gone to her room
to help her dress for dinner: but
pleading illness, Valerie dismissed
her and told her not to come agar
that night.
Plan after plan had rushed to he
mind, but all seemed impossible,
AS yet she had not heard that Paul'
escape had been discovered, but eacl
! moment was more dangerous.
! he must go even II he left the cas-
tie through window.
When all was quiet she quilted tn,
room, and stole back to the wing IL
which she had left her brother. hu
had scarcely done SO when she hear,
sounds of footsteps approaching. and
looking round nerNously, saw Davis
.Alice's maid.
What do you want here" she de
manded harshly.
Davis looked as If she too could asl
that question.
My lady has desired me to com
and arrange Lady Darrell's apart
ments," she answered quickly.
What for?" Valerie demanded
! this time with a sensation OF annoy
!, ance that was like pain.
Il don't know. Miss Ross. ar
} told to obey orders. and | must Il