The Forrest City times., 1899-04-21
/ /.

mus sHlooiHiN, dHu tic crisp, iioIch
ground under their feet, the twain
started upon their ramble.
With buoyant steps they breasted
the Hogs Back" from which favorite
vantage ground a splendid view of the
surrounding country could be OBJ
tanned.
Yes, there's the dear old Towers"
said Alice, where / should be living
now if the pater had not died"
you've found another home" whis-
pered Charley, land other parents
II know that, dear" responded the
girl. But you cannot imagine what
it feels like to have ones birthplace
given over to ruin and decay, and to
know that one hasn't single living
relative. Only to think | cannot even
visit my fathers grave. because he died
in some PARKWAY outlandish place."
Then, with returning viyacity, she
added: Don't you remember that day
in your school holidays when we walked
over there and rambled through the
disused rooms? How we thought there
was ghost in the hall, and ran all
the three miles back home without
once stopping?"
II should just think l did," said the
young officer. You caught chill
through being overheated, and the
governor said he would make tailor of
me for being such an idiot"
You wouldn't be afraid now?"
queried the girl.
NO fear.." laughed her companion.
Life on man-of-war soon knocks all
the fear of spooks out of a man."
Let us pay another visit, them"
A sharp walk soon brought the twain
to the rusty lodge gates of Westcrne
Towers.
How dreary it looks" said the girl.
II wonder if that scullery window is
still unfastened? ?"
Charley tried. and, to his surprise,
the sash slipped up without difficulty.
Its case of gentlemen first this
time" said he, stepping through the
aperture. Come along, tomboy. If
you're not careful you'll tear your
dress. The windows no bigger than
viz thpCCi- ioiC VI a VI
The easement being negotiated in
safety, together they wandered through
the cobweb-festooned rooms of the
once-palatial residence. Ascending to
a second story, Robson carelessly threw
open a door of room which faced the
landing. Here an unexpected sight met
their gaze. Sitting before a wood fire
was an elderly man, contemplating the
flames with a ruminant air. At the
sound they made he turned his face to-
ward them and started in alarm.
The next moment the youth was
across the room and graphing with the
stranger. you villain" he painted
i've got you at last. Run, Allie, bring
some one quickly! l can't hold him
long; say he's deserter from the
navy!"
The trembling limbs of the girl
failed to carry out his behests as she
stood fascinated, watching the unequal
struggle which was speedily ended.
Youth and agility were no match for
the sailors sinewy arms, and in short
time Robson was ANONYMOUSLY pinned
against the wall.
With lowering brows and eyes which
BODIED no good to his captive, West
stood staring at the lad. as if undecided
what to do with him. Then, catching
sight of the pale face of Alice, who was
petrified with horror upon recognizing
in her companions antagonist the man
who had so persistently logged her
footsteps of late, his own features as
sumed softer expression and he NUT
tered: 1T is kismet."
After a pause of breathless silence
the ex-sailor, addressing his captive.
said: You are not so muscular as was
your father in his youth. young fellow.
The Charley Robson that knew would
never have allowed an old man 10 get
the better of him; but let that pass and
come to the crux of the matter. You
want TO arrest me for deserving from
the navy. Very well. you shall, if you
still wish to after hearing what have
TO say"
Releasing the grip upon his would
be captor, the elder man. in strangely
cultured voice. addressed his auditors.
Years ago said he. Il was known
and respected in this neighborhood. a
man of substance, and a member of the
diplomatic corps. Unfortunately. in
my official capacity, became embroiled
in quarrel with political opponent.
and, as was more common even Is wears
ago. the result was had no alternative
between fighting a duel or being dis
honored.
Not 10 make a long story, my ad-
versary and our seconds journeyed TO
Guildford with me late one night. in
tending to settle our differences at day.
break on the following morning. With
the courtesy that such affairs demand
ed, ! offered the whole party hospitality
for the night.
From the moment my head touched
the pillow until | was awakened the
neAi morning my mind was an entire