Owingsville outlook. [volume] (Owingsville, Ky.) 1879-192?, 1898-06-09
But got no further. The man was no.

soon gave up the search, put the pis-
tol in nv pocket, and started briskly up
the road toward the Morley place.
IL the station agent was such des-
perste fellow as TO draw and shoot at
word, what could Florence have to do
with him?
IL was strange that Sonntag should
know the fellows right name and not
know the danger attendant on calling
him by IL. My lawyer had seemed sur
prised when l stated that the fellow
had told me his name was Hunter. In
all probability Sonntag had addressed
him by the name of Skinner many
times. and the fellow had not resented
II, or the lawyer would have mentioned
the fact. Why, then. should he resent
In so fierce and deadly a manner my use
Of his right name?
Perhaps Florence could tell me some
thing about Mr.. Hunter. or skinner At
least il was right | should warn her
against him.
With these thoughts fitting across
my mind, ! soon arrived at the Morley
home, and, entering the gate. went up
the long graveled walk. Before an OPP
portunity was allowed me to ascend
the steps leading to the piazza. my name
was called.
why, Mr.. Conway"
Ii was Florence who called, and who
on my turning toward her got out of
hammock. She WAS still dressed in her
riding-habit, and as approached no.
ticed her horse tied to post near by.
Are Won going riding again." !
asked. in that case. pardon my in
trusiou"
Papa and | usually ride at this
time. / am waiting for him." she said
with a touch of surprise; for | had
spoken in rather formal tones.
Then ] will defer my GRAND. Some
other time will answer just as well, per-
haps. Will YOU kindly tell me when
may have the pleasure of seeing you?"
What is il, Nelson? What can be
the NATTER" she asked, her brown
eyes staring in establishment. Twill
you not speak now?''
"Why. / can certainly. II is not very
important, perhaps. ] wish to ask you
what you know about the station agent
at Sidington. / have seen you talking
with him on several occasions. What
can one like you have to talk about with
such a desperate villain"
Florence's face turned white. "Des-
perate villain?" she repeated, in a fear
some whisper. "Why. Nelson!"
Then ! told of my recent talk with
the scoundrel and his dastardly at
tempt 10 shoot me.
Florence hearkened. with hands
clasped across her bosom. her eyes
staring in terrified amazement.
'Oh, do not be alarmed" / added. He
did not hit me. 4 miss is as good as a
mile, you know"
But she still stood gazing at me.
doubt and fear upon her face, too dunn
founded to speak. Finally, she burst
into tears, and, in a most pathetic way.
held out her hands appealingly TO me.
Stirred TO the hearts core by her
grief, caught the dear form in my
arms. Wondering what could be the
cause of the sudden and overwhelming
expression of sorrow, and heartily
ashamed of myself for having ad-
dressed her in cold, formal tones,
sought with many endearing terms &C.
console her
What is il, my love. that so distressee
you? Tell me about il. You do not
know how happy it would make me TO
be allowed TO share your troubles"
81 am troubled, Nelson, deeply
troubled" she replied, raising her tear
stained face. There are SO many in
applicable things going on about me.
dreadful happenings. in my heart, tint
IL il were not for your love existeEre
would be misery. And now your own
dear life is threatened. and all 10Y
f, fault, too. / cannot understand il at all
Why should anyone want TO kill you
Oh, Nelson!"
/ She laid her head against me. and |
fell back behind her ear in such beau
tiful waves. For few moments / could
not answer. Her words startled me be.
yond expressinon. What, i'm Gods name
was there about this back-country
place? Had its uncanny mysteries even
entered my darling's sweet life to faint
its happiness?
do not give way to an unreasonable
terror, dear heart" 1 finally said
What possible harm can reach you?"
ut is not for myself that am fenr-
full, and / suppose il is unreasonable;
but think, Nelson, il he had shot you!'
She shuddered, and then with an ef.
fort became calmer.
do not worry about me. Be sure
am able to take care of myself; and
forewarned is forearmed. What else
is there? Tell me. You know you may
count on my help and sympathy"
"Yes, yes, know that, Nelson. And
do need your help. 1t seems as though
I were walking blindfolded on the edge
of precipice." The loved form
nestled closer to me. 1t made me fool
ishly happy to hold her in my arms and
know they were as a haven of refuge 10
her.
Then, too" Florence went on, 81
am so worried about father"
$50 you said yesterday. Have YOU
any reason TO be?"
Maybe not; at least know of none
except that he is SO changed of late
But a woman's instinct often divineu
causes for worry when none are per.
ceptible."
you cannot mean that he is changed
toward you?"
"Oh, no, no! Not in his love for me
Indeed, there seems to be an augment
ed tenderness toward me. And i,
makes me feel as though. somehow,
was partly the cause of the trouble
Why, / know there is something wor
rying poor father. He is even chang
ing in appearance, and is becoming sc
haggard. There is some secret sorrow
he as enduring. spoke to him about
it only the other day."
) What answer did he give your"
asked.
Just laughed, and said was giftes
with a vivid imagination"
There, you see, il must be onl,