The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1900-07-13

AsNAAAJp AAuOt ~ AOWp b4C 6hlu
across the gate for the tenth time at
least. do be careful, and be sure to
take the road. It's longer than the
path, but it's much safer"
The young man laughed and was
glad. What he would fain have said
could never dare say itself while she
still wore the old fashioned pearl ring,
but 1t was worth something to have
her anxious for his safety.
Don't borrow trouble on that
score." he rejoined. singing the cam
era over his shoulder. 81 doubt II I
could find the path In the dark IL
should try. When may | come againY'
Her blush made him thrill with
pleasure. He could not see 1t, but he
knew 1t was there.
when do you want to comeY
Tomorrow and the next day and
the day after that and"-
'Hushr' she commanded. And then
by way of reprieve: "Im glad you like
our mountain. Come whenever you
please. Papa is always glad to see
you."
A sudden access Of daring filed his
soul. And your" he queried.
"Et moi aussi, toujours," was the
laughing concession as the fluttering
draperies disappeared up the path.
The music of the words sang itself
over and over as he went his way
down the starlit lane making shift to
forget the dull luster Of the pearls on
Miss Dickson's finger-temporarily, at
least.
Lois stood at the edge Of the porch
until the shape of him was but dark
er blur against the shadowy back
ground Of the forest at the lanes foot.
Then she turned to go in. In the act
she had glimpse Of shadow dartlng
quickly across the lawn. 1t disappeared
In the blacker shadow of the cedar
hedge. and something impelled her to
go back to the gate. She was just In
time to see the figure of man glide
through an opening In the cedars 1t
crouched for an instant. as one who
gropes for missile In the dark. and
then ran swiftly down the lane. Lois
saw and needed no explanation. 1t
was the negro David. and bis superstl-
tious rage had again got the better of
his fear of consequences. In the catch
ing of her breath she understood that
Henry Russell's life lay In her hand,
and the next moment she, was
flying down the starlit lane.
She came upon the two men at the
first turn In the main road. and at the
sight her tongue claye to the roof Of
her mouth. and her bones became as
water. Russell was down. and the ne
gro stood over him with great stone
uplifted.
"Davidr Speech and strength came
back TO her In q tidal wave Of conflict
ing emotions. and she dung herself be-
tween them.
The man dropped the stone. as he
had the scythe blade. but he was loath
to abandon his purpose.
"Doan' yo' git en- de way. Miss Lois.
ain't gwine ter hut him none. I'ze
des almin ter smash dat debbl's hoo
doc box of his'n.'
you've killed himw she sobbed.
kneeling beside the felled one. Then.
with q sudden upblaze Of authority:
"Run-run to the house and call my
father! Tell him what you've done
and bring him quickly! Co"
When Russell opened his eyes, he
thought he was on train which was
roaring through an intermlnable tun-
mel. Not otherwise could the din and
clamor drumming In bis ears be ac-
counted for Then the imaginary train
shot out into darkness and starlight
and silence. and he remembered. None
the less. there was gap and things
unaccountable In It. Something had
struck him fairly between the shoul- |
ders, and he had fallen face down.
ward. Now he was lying on his back.
with his head pillowed. He groaned.
and the hallucination returned. II was
q train. after all. and he must be In q
berth In the Pullman. with the roof Of
the car gone and the stars twinkling
sleepiiy overhead. Undoubted stars
they were. and In clear sky. and yet
1t was raining. He felt drop plash
on his cheek and was vaguely con-
scious Of prompting to get up and
seek shelter. But when he would have
essayed It two soft arms went about
his neck. and a pair Of tremulous lips |
touched his forehead. AS bali stun
ned man might. he said the first thing
that suggested itself, II don't care II II |
rains pltchforks"
"Oh. | am so gladr' said a voice with |
a sob in 1t. II was sure he had killed |
youl Where are you hurtY
Russell came to his own in the mat |
ter of self possession with gratifying
celebrity.
'As long rs ! lie perfectly still I'm
not hurt anywhere. Don't move, please. |
Was 1t the crazy headed negroT
"Yes: It was David. He thought you
had 'hoodooed' Nam Sephny. and he |
was trying to smash the camera"
"Where Is he noww
"He has gone TO the house for help. |
oh, do wish they'd hurryp
Don't. I'm quite comfortable"
Then In spasm Of reluctant thought
fulness. But you'll take cold sitting |
on the ground"
He made shameless pretense of ris- |
ing. and the two arms held him down,
rs he had hoped they would. One OF |
them was unsleeved for a little way,
and he kissed II.
"Oh. don't believe you are hurt at
allp
Eyes. am-dreadfuIly. How did |
you come to be hereY'
81 saw David following you"
"Then you were not In such a hurry |