Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-02-22
stretcner, was already pacing up and

WOrGQ WOulQ nave uO ueldy.
Come inside quickly" he said.
"There is not second to losel They
may be after us alreadyp'
We followed him into the house, and
then for the first time saw that Alic
had dressed herself in the van for the
part she had to play. Throwing herself
down upon the stretoher, she pulled the
coverlet across her, donned wig with
corkscrew curls, drew veil over her
face and announced herself ready. Janet
picked up her reticule, smelling salts,
shawls, fans, etc. the maid brought an
armful of rugs; took one end Of the
stretcher, Walworth the other, and so
We went down the steps to the carriage.
Then the invalid was hoisted in, Janet
and stepped in and seated ourselves
beside her, Walworth sprang on to the
box beside the coaohman and away we
went for Waterloo as fast as our spirited
horse could trot.
Not word was spoken all the way,
and in less than ten minutes we had
rattled mp the causeway and were dis
embarking our precious load upon the
platform. As the porters came crowding
around us, I thought this fitting op.
portunity for assuming the role l had
elected to play. So calling upon two OF
them to take up "Mrs. Wakeman' and
be very careful not to shake her, led
the way toward the Pullman which had
been specially reserved for US. Wal
worth, in his capacity of family servant,
had mounted guard at the door, and,
when we were inside, went off to his
own carriage. a minute later the guard
waved his flag, the whistle sounded and
the train steamed slowly out of the sta
tion. So far we were safe. But, oh,
what an awful risk we had runl
Fortunately the train by which we
were travelling was an express and did
not stop anywhere until it reached East
leigh; so that as soon as we were under
way Allie could remove her wig and
bedclothes and sit upright.
"Alie," whispered. taking her hand
and looking into her beautiful eyes,
"can you believe that so far you arc
safer"
Hardly" she said "But we must
not relax any of our precautions. By
this time the police will have learned
the truth, and 1 shouldn't be at all sur
prised if the train is searched at East
leigh They're certain to telegraph in
every direction to stop US"
but surely they won't suspect us?'
II hope not, but we must not make
too sure. Here she crossed the carriage
and took my sisters hand. Janet,
what could George have been thinking
of to allow you to run this risk? Why
did you do it?'-
In reply Janet patted her hand and
looked affectionately into her face.
IF you really want to know the rea-
son, it was because we both love you. "
"You are too good to me-" Allie an
swered, her dear eyes swimming with
tears, "far too good"
"Hush You must not say that. Let US
be thankful that our venture has pros
pered as it has done.
Mile after mile sped by, and soon We
had passed Winchester and were draw
ing close to Eastleigh. Then Allie re-
sumed her wig and veil and, having
done 80, laid herself down once more
upon her couch. Closer and closer we
came, till presently we entered the sta
tion itself and with great rattle and
roar of brakes drew up at the platform.
Then ensued the usual scurrying Of pas
sengers, the "by your leave" of porters
with trucks Of luggage, after that the
gradual subsistence of hustle, and IN
three min ates all was ready for proceed
ing upon our way once more. But just
as the guard was about to give his sig
nal the station master staid his hand.
Next moment an inspector Of police, ac-
companied by sergeant and two or
three constables, appeared upon the scene
and began slowly to inspect the various
carriages. l leaned out Of the window
and watched them, outwardly calm, but
inwardly trembling. Every moment
they were drawing nearer to our car
riage. I looked behind me. Janet was
seated by Allies side slowly tanning
her. From them turned and glanced
down the platform again. The police
were already at the next carriage and in
a minute would be at my door. What
should l do? What should | say? But I
dared not think. felt must leave it
all to chance. A moment later the in
spector arrived and was about to turn
the handle.
Excuse me-" said, pretending to
mistake his meaning, "but this carriage
is engaged. think you will find room
in the next compartment
"I'm not looking for seat, the Off
Ger replied civilly enough, "I'm looking
for all escaped criminal.
"Hush, hushl My good sir, not so
loud for mercy's sake, / whispered, as
if in all ecstasy of fear. II have my
wife inside dangerously i'll. She must
not be frightened. "
II beg your pardon, sir" he answer
ed. "I'm sorry spoke so loud" Then
as moved aside to admit him: Don't
trouble, sir. / don't think need come
in, thank you.
"I'm glad of that" replied. "And
pray who is this escapee you are look
ing for?'
"The woman there has been such
talk about lately, The Beautiful White
Devil. She managed to effect an escape
on the way to Holloway Jail this after
noon. But l am keeping the train. I
must get on. Good afternoon and thank
you, sir. "
"Good afternoon.