Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-12-05

Claimed hOhiln, Win genuine ieeiiuB,
"for. whoever you may be. / am sure
you sympsthize with my unhappy
fate
"Alas, sir" answered the sad, sweet
voice. "who would not sympathize with
your
Further conversation between them
was interrupted by the sound Of foot
steps in tho corridor. Nevertheless their
brief interview was sufficient to con-
vince the prisoner that he had made q
friend upon whom he could rely.
Every day thereafter Polly Westbrook
found opportunities to visit the cell of
the captive when no prying eyes were
near and cheer him with consoling
words Like Pyramus and Thisbe OF
old, they whispered through wall, the
"grief hole" affording them an easy
means Of communication.
1t soon became apparent TO Robin
that the girl was desperately in love
with him. He was still too deeply en-
amored with Zadie Price to fully return
her affection. Nevertheless he regarded
her with an admiring fondness which
might In time ripen into more tender
feeling. And now an event occurred
which brought this very thing to pass.
Driven to desperation by the entreat-
les and commands Of her tyrant father
Zadis at last married old Caleb Shurker.
As soon as this was consummated, Farm
or Price paid visit to the Goshen jail
and communicated the news TO young
Robin. Indeed he took a malicious
pleasure in so doing. At first the young
man was completely Frustrated. he
flung himself down on his pallet, and.
turning his face to the wall. abandoned
himself to the dull apathy Of despair.
But he possessed too decided a char
acter to die Of broken heart. Gradual
ly his grief gave place TO burning de-
sire for revenge, and he rose up the en-
bodiment Of resolution. Realizing the
futility Of his design unless he could es-
cape from his prison, he set his wits to
work 10 devise means Of accomplish
ing this end And naturally his thoughts
reverted TO Polly Westbrook.
Accordingly the next time the de-
voted girl paid him visit he broached
the subject in such tender, appealing
way tina, he completely won her over to
his plans
Polly" he began. al know you do
not wish to see me die in prison. but
die will, unless speedily released from
confinement am poor and friendless,
az you know, 30 can expect no assist
ance from the law. II am TO regain
my freedom at all 1t must be through
you. Polly. In short. you must aid me
to escape"
ALAS. and never see you morei" she
returned with a sigh. THAT will be
very hard. Edward. Yet, IL you wish it
to be 80. will help you.
"Never see me more. Pollyv return
Cd Robin, gently. "Do You mean 10
tell me you are so deeply attached to
this doleful place that you viii refuse
the chance to leave itT'
"But how can leave it" she cried
plaintively. "It Is the only home
have"
Nevertheless offer you an opportu-
nifty to leave it.
Howl
"By making your escape with me.
Polly uttered q little cry Of JOY,
which was checked half way by
mournful sigh.
what You ask Is impossible, Ed
ward" she answered sadly. Indeed l
fear / must have been foolish and for
ward for you to think 30 lightly OF my
character.
"On the contrary, ! respect You high
". or would not ask you to become
my wife "
Again she uttered little joyous cry.
"Did you mean that We should run
off and get marriedi" she asked eagerly.
Exactly"
"Oh, my darling Edward.
Interpreting this exclamation as q
consent to his proposition. Robin now
proceeded to arrange the details OF their
intended elopement
"Can you procure key to my cellf
he asked.
Easily"
"Whenf"
Tonight II you like"
"Good," f" he exclaimed eagerly.
'"Then let 1t be tonight. Gather what
You need for our journey in the mean
time, 30 that we will not be delayed in
starting. At what hour will you come
for met"
"About midnight, she replied. "Fa-
ther will be asleep then. and / can fiich
the keys from his pocket.
"Then SO far everything is arranged, >
said Robin. "And now to the most
difficult part Of our scheme. In order to
elude pursuit, Polly, it will be neces.
sary for us to procure feet horse and
sonfe kind of conveyance.
"Alas, never thought Of that, she
replied, with a crestfallen air.
"Oh, don't be downhesrted about it,
Pollyr' he said laughingly. "Once
am outside these walls ! will find 9
horse quickly enough"
"You don't mean that You will stea
one, / hopef" she asked doubtfully.
"Tll borrow one" he answered iron
ically. Now. ! dare say, Polly. thai
your father has q horse In his stable
that he would be perfectly willing t
lend Us. Am not rightf"
| "The chestnut might answer oul
| purpose, she said reAectively. "But
then, we must be sure to return It, To-
| Il is my fathers favorite roadster. I"
| "And now for . conveyance, sug
gested Robin
"As to that" returned Polly. "fa
| ther has . chaise in the barn which
think he could spare for few days"
| Excellent" exclaimed hen lover tn
/ umphantly. "Our plans are oil com
plete. And now you had better 90
1 Polly, and prepare Tor tonight's adven
ture.
The girl shook hands with hin
through the 'grief hole" and the
turned away with the words:
j ''Remember I win return h9e {
midnight " -,
/ The British empire embraces 400
rivers.