The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1899-07-07

mind at ease since Nab had restored the |
box of flies. Uncle be said aloud, |
would you like to go on the water? 1t |
would be cool there, and the boat is |
ready"
The very thing, What do you say?"
said Uncle John. appealing to his visitor. !
Indeed it would be very pleasant" re-
piled his lordshp. And so the whole party
walked down to the pool--to the very spot
where Nab had trembled so on the pre-
vious night, and where she tremblcd anew
at the recollection now, even in the sun
shine, surrounded by friends. Could it
have been that her father had here crept
away out of sight like thief?
"Oh, what for-4what for?' cried Mab's
heart.
Are there many fish in your piece of
water. Mr. Charlford?" asked Lord Wyn-
more, as they waited for Dicks signal to
embark
Yes, good many; and fishing is sport
of which | am very fond" replied Uncle
John.
Dick would have WINGED at the mention
of fishing had he been uncertain as to the
whereabouts of the box containing the
flies. but now he smiled, and sent a CRATE
full glance toward Nab.
cheerily, when he espicd his knife, which
he had thrown upon the grass after cut
ting a string which he could not olsen
tanglc.
Darling TO the spot to pick it up, lest
he should forget it and leave it there, his
foot came in contact with something hard
something under the cump of dock
leaves where he had concealed the flies
on the previous day
Heavens. Had Nab left them there
after all. Dick thrust his hands hastily
among the leaves and drew out a small
boX--the identical one which Nab. by a
nod, had intimated to him that she had
taken back to the house.
Poor Dick was momcntarily overwhelm-
ed. Nab had ever been true as steel: and
had she failed him now? But there was
no time to ask the question-hs uncle was
impatient to enter the boat-and Dick. Sc
cretlng the box in one of his pockets,
while darling rcproachful look at his
sister. was soon rowing them out to a
shady part of the pool, where he rested
on his sculls.
Lord Wynmore talked good deal to
Mabel on the water--told her of the for
eign lakes he had seen, and of how much
at home the Norwegian women are on
their tiords; and Nab interested and be-
suiled, did not ut first notice Dicks trou-
bled brow; but she soon perceived that
something had disturbed him.
1t was not till they were returning to the
house-their uncle walking with Lord
Wynmore and Carolnc-that the brother
and sister could exchange a word in pri-
vate.
What did YOU mean, Mab.' said Dick
by motionng to me that you had done
ceived me before, How can | trust you
what I asked you to do. You never de-
again.
Il did do what you told me, Dick said
Nab, with warmth. Il went to the pool
and found the box. and took it back with
meat what Il cost you little know"
"Took it back with you?' cried Dick.
why, here it is-look.'' and he drew the
box from his pocket
"Oh, you frighten me-" exclaimed Nab,
with wildly staring eyes. Il did find the
box under the leaves, and took it back -
"Nonscnse! Don't you see it in my
hand? If you took any box, it was not
this one. and this is the one l hid under
the leaves. What have you been at. Mab?'
L don't know. ! took back the one
found. Oh, Dick, who could have put it
there:'
Il don't care who did; but I care to get
this in its place before he discovers the
loss said Dick, indicating Uncle John
with a nod. And l thought l had got 50
safely out of that pickle! Oh, Nab, how
could you make such a mistaken
Did l make a mistake, Dick?' said
| Nab, with bcwildered air. IF so, it was
no wonder. for. OH, so many strange things
have happened. When can tell you about
them? To-night-it must be to-night.''
Come out into the corridor after you
are sent up to bed Nab. and we can have
nice talk in the gallery. Thatll do
won't it?'
''Bcautfully, dear Dick" said Mabel
looking so moved that the young fellow
wondered what had occurred. But he
only said, in low tone:
You say you found box under The
leaves and took it into Uncle Johns room
Nab? Then that must be taken away a
once;
"Yes, for | certainly put one there. But
lingering behind so that her uncle shoult
not hear her next words-"but sues
where | was all last night, Dick!"
Last night? Why, here, l shou!,
think. Where else could you be?'
was mere, Dut uOl III llit uDuSe, Su
answered, looking up at him. The doc
was fastened when | got back from th
pool. and l dared not ring, so | made VI
my mind to sit in the summer house"
oh Nab interrupted Dick, quit
, startled, 'how dreadful. You don't meal
to say you stayed out all night:"
Yes" she said, nodding, "and shoul
have been terribly frightened and perhap
hurt by a rough sort Of man who ha
, turned into the grounds TO sleep, but that
in running away from him out of the littl
green gate, | fortunately did so just a
; Lord Wynmore was passing along tn
!. road. 1t seems he was walking back fror
' Lord Bilstone's. l called out, Save me
! save me! And he was so kind, when h
: understood why | was not able to get II
and that | meant to sit in the arbor Il
/ daylight, that he actually walked abor
Z, all those hours to protect me from danSc
: Oh, Dick, he is such 4 thorough gentle
/ man"
Y ..JJuch-thpv are StODpinCi Uncle JOh