Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1899-07-07
CHAPTER X.
WAITING FOR HELP

II ever fellow was bCwildcrrd by b
single speech, it was Richard Gordon.
walked mp and down that platform till
l was called to breakfast, trying To d.
eide what Miss Cullen had expressed.
only tn succeed in read .n% 30 different
meanings III her parting SIX words. !
wanted to think that it was her way Of
suggesting that l deceived myself in
thinking that there was ;Lnything be-
tween Lord Rallies and herself; hut,
though l wished to believe this, | had
seen too much to the contrary to take
stock in the idea. Yet couldn't believe
that Madgo was a coquettc became
angry and hot with myself for even
thinking il for moment.
Puzzle us I did over the words, |
managed TO eat good breakfast and
then went into the Cullcns' eur and
electrified the party ly telling them of
Camps and i'rcd's dispatches and how
had come tC Ovcrhcur the former Mr.
Cullen and Albert couldn't say enough
about my clcvuncss in what had really
been pure luck and seemed to think /
had sat up all night in order to hear
that telegram. The person for whose
opinion / cared TIE most, Miss CulICn,
didn't say aIytf'.-, LAT She gave me
look that st, ms h"rt beating like a
trip hammer and maJe me put the most
hopeful construction Oh that speech of
hers. 1t seemed impossible that she
didn't care for Lord Rallies and that
she might care for me; but, after having
had no hope whatsoever, the smallest
crumb Of u chance nearly lifted ne off
my feet.
We had a consultation over what was
best to lie done, but didn't reach any
definite conclusion till the station agent
brought me a telegram from the post
master general. Breaking it open, Tread
aloud;
Do not allow service of writ and retain pos.
session of letters according to prior instruc-
tons At the request of this department. the
secretary of war has directed the command
ing officer at Fort Whpple to furnish you with
military protection, ana You will cali upon him
Mt once, if in your judgment ii is necessary. On
no account surrender United States property
to territorial authorities. Keep department
notified.
"Oh, splendidl' cried Madgc, clap
ping her hands.
Mr. Camp will find that other pco-
pie can give surprise parties us well rs
himself, " | said ChecrfuIly.
you'll telegraph at once?" asked
Mr.. Cullen.
INSTANTLY" I said, rising, and add
ed, Don't you want 10 see what |
say, Miss CulIcn:'
"Of course l do!' she cried, eagerly
jumping up.
Lord Rallies scowlcd as he said: Yes
Let's see what Mr.. superintendent has
TO say.
''You needn't trouble Yourself" |
said. But he followed us into the sta
ton. J was Disguised, but at the same
TINS 1t seemed to me that ne had come
because he was Jealous and that wasn't
all unpleasant thought. Whatever his
motive he was a third party in the writ
ing of that telegram and had to stand
by while Miss Cullen and l discussed
and drafted it. | didb't try to make
it any too brief, not merely asking for
a guard and when l might expect it, but
giving as well IA pretty full history Of
case, which was hardly necessary.
you'll bankrupt yourself, laughed
Madge. "Iou must let us pay"
IN let you pay, Miss CuIlen, if you
want, l said GLOW much is it, Welp-
ly?" l asked, showing the blanks i'll to
the operator
"Nothin for lady," Sid Welply,
grinning.
"Therc, Miss Cullen, l said "Does
the cast come up to that in gallantry?"