Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1899-02-25
CHAPTER VVIV

CHAPTER XIV.
1t would be difficult to analyze my
feelings during the remarkable inter
view between my double and Miss
Mansley. Her words were too plain to
be mistaken, and when Hank Boyer
went forth from that southern home it
was with the knowledge that everything
was ended between him and the beaute-
Gus woman of whose love any man
might feel proud.
Unto few indeed is given the privi-
lege of making the acquaintance of a
member of the other sex as had been
mine i'll this case. Miss Mansley had
been the means of saving me from vio-
lent death, for it is beyond supposition
that | could have effected my escape
from the room in the inn without the
help she gave at the critical moment.
My gratitude was deep, and yet so per-
verse is male human nature that was
uncomfortable and restless over a point
that L had no right or business to allow
to intrude into my mind.
When she left her home on the pre-
vious evening and walked to the hamlet
of Aldine for the purpose of helping the
man i'll imminent peril, did she believe
he was Hank Boyer, whom she had now
just dismissed from her presence? My
belief was that she did, and believing
thus | was-miSerable.
| waited i'll the alcove until she sum
moned me forth, when l resumed my
old place directly in front of her and at
one side of the room. | was amazed to
observe scarcely any signs of agitation
over what was certainly an extraor-
dinary interview She was brilliant
brunette, with hair and eyes of intense
blackness and complexion almost
olive. There seemed to be a faint height
ening of color and brighter luster in
the eyes that inthralled me.
81 am puzzled over one thing" she
remarked with that quiet self posses
sion which was one of her most admira-
Bile characteristics.
Can be of any help to you?'
''lt is my anxiety regarding your
safety. l do not know when father will
return, and every hour of his absence
increases your personal danger"
"How?'
"You have told me of your persistent
pursuit, which up to this time has been
fruitless, but you left the swamp in the
daytime and came here as | wished you
to do. Even if you were not seen while
on the road it must become known that
you are here. "
Unfortunately there can be no doubt
OH that point for both your servant and
myself observed Il man some distance
up the highway who was watching us.
He saw me enter your grounds and
knows l am here"
The information startled her, and she
rose and went to each of the windows
in turn, scanning all of the country in
her field of vision.
81 see nothing to cause alarm" she
said, coming back to her seat, "but
there can be no question that it exists. "
''Such being the fact, it is my duty
to depart at once. l have no right TO
bring trouble upon the household from
which | have received kindnesses that L
can never repay or forget. will leave" "
Stay a moment" she said as l rose
to my feet. "We must make no mis-
take. If father returns and you are gone,
he will be diSpleased with me. ="
"Why?''
because you were invited to our
home, and Mississippian defends the
safety and honor of his guest to the
death. :"
"a most chivalrous sentiment, but it
renders my duty none the less urgent"
'Have you decided whittier you will
go and how you will reach that point?"
Il can walk to SOuthfield and there
take the steamer up or down the river" "
And in trying to do SO place your
self in the hands of the very ones whom
you have been seeking to avoid. should
put my chestnut at your disposal were
it not for one thing"
"What is that"
"Your objectionable insult"
"Heavens! OF what insult have I
been guilty."
"YOu bought him for $50"
| joined III her laugh, but the flash
of mirth instantly passed. and she add
ed, Mounted upon. him you need fear
no pursuit.
"But if overtaken by accident, how
shall | explain the possession of the ami
NAL which il is believed | have already
once stolen?'
"Refer inquiring ones to me, or, bet
ter still, perhaps, L will give you bill
of sale that no one can question"
"You are fertile in resources, but it
will be difficult for me to return your
animal after riding him so far"
81 have not asked you to return him.