Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1898-05-05

Before him he saw The dim outline Of
a building of ancient architecture. a
portion Of which had fallen into pictur-
esuue decay.
"The keysw Mordanr said, impa-
tiently.
He snatched them from the other.
and fitting one into the rusty iron door
OF the building, passed in, followed by
Fergus. The door was closed again.
noiselessly, and Carslake, almost be-
side himself with curiosity, swung him
self up into an adjacent tree. from the
boughs of which he could just manage
10 see the unglazed windows of the
structure.
Within, by the light of the lantern,
he saw a strange and fearsome sight.
Two men were bending over a swathed
and rigid form that was reposing upon
the mosS-grown flags.
The face, from which Fergus had ac-
cidentally disturbed the wrapDings,
was that of a dead woman. about mid
dle-age, so he judged. There was
not the shadow of a doubt but that she
vas dead, and had been so for some
days-this much he could see.
In utter bewilderment, and beyond
measure shocked at this CHASTITY dis
covery, Carslake sprang lightly to the
ground. That they were about to bury
the remains. and would probably be
some little time making their final ar
rangements, he had already gathered
from the few words he had overheard
between them.
His own plans. which had come to
him like an inspiration, were matured
ere he found himself again under Pan
Sxr'0 window nffny nm ahSanna nf ahnnt
half an hour.
He assembled, as before, by means of
the creepers, and, on reaching the win
dow, found her almost demented with
anxiety at his protracted absence.
Its ali right, d~arling-at least, l
mean it is all wrong: but there is now
no time for explanation. My precious
girl, you must trust to me, and make
your preparations to leave this place
Immediately. Nay, do not be SO Wild
~ frightened. All will be well if you
will but trust me implicitly"
There will be no improperly in
your leaving here with me, dearest, for
your cousin, Elsie. will travel with
us. Come, darling, come. If you love
me-, without further delay, or all will
be lost"
Elsie she asked, in glad surprise.
us it possible? Where did you find
herr"
you shall know presently. In the
meantime, get your cloak, hat, and
such small matters as are absolutely
necessary for a days journey. Hasten,
my dear one, for the % of Heaven.
Pansy, you must bring any box straps
you may have, or stout cord-this is
most essential. Above all, do not for
get that"
She ran back into the house to make
her preparations, and Carslake swung
himself into the window. Knotting the
sheets and towels into a rope with
which to lower her, he stood waiting.
with what patience he could com
mand.
She suffered him to tie the sheets Sc
curely around her, and cautiously low
er her to the ground, where she stood
awaiting his coming in unspeakable
terror. He next let down her travelling
bag, bundle Of rugs, etc, and, descend
ing himself, disencumbered the trem-
bling girl from her wrappings.
Now, dearest, follow NE closely n
noiselessly. Don't exclaim or take
fright at anything we may see, or we
are undone."
They exchanged not another word,
as Carslake led her through the shrub
berry by means of which they at length
reached the entrance to the avenue.
Now, my darling" he whispered.
''the only person who stands in the
way of III flight, and with whom we
have to deal, Is your cousin Salome.
Your cousin Elsie is in the travelling
carriage at the gates, and Salome is sci
TO watch her until the others arrive. /
am going to make it impossible for her
TO call the assistance of these ruffians.
but you must not be frightened at the
means shall adopt"
Wait here a moment. and do not
make a sound" he whispered.
He found SalOme just where he had
left her half an hour before. She was
standing with her back towards The
shrubbery, and her shawl drawn over
her head. Goeffry, scarce breathing,
lest he should disturb her waited until
a gust of wind swayed the trees and
rustled the leaves then stealing for
ward. threw a shawl he had found in
Pansy's room over her head and face,
and held 1t securely down.
Salome struggled madly TO ~disengage
herself, but Carslake was quick as
thought. In Il moment he had pinioned
her arms. and bound them to her side,
then another strap bound her ankles.
and, last, a gag. mercifully contriyed
rs circumstances would admit, was
thrust between her teeth.
II am very sorry. madam" observed
Carslake, as he disposed her, In "a sit
ting posture, against a messy bank.
But you might prove somewhat OBJ
structive to our plans"
Carslake returned for Pansy, and,
leading her towards the carriage. ex-
planned i'm n few words that Elsie had
been drugged. and would require all
their care.
He left her for n moment TO untether
the horses. and. %springing into the We
hicle. gathered up the reins and urged
them into a gallop.
There is no time TO be lost. though
! do not think they can very readily
procure horses. and You say these are
the only two that the stables OF the
Manor afford"
AS they dashed through the sleeping
village the clock struck three.
q .
I.