The Coalville times. [volume] (Coalville, Utah) 1894-1923, 1900-11-30
- ~ ID s.s 81 81 n ,is yIs y
CHAPTER Il.-(ContinuedJ


Dluebclrs eyes grew larger than
their wont,
"Rumors? haven't heard any, she
said. what are they. Doctor Rothes|
"You haven't heard?" lie had not
released her hand, and was holding II
very closely now. They say that the
Beers are marching into Natal"
OH" Bluebell uttered little cry.
and the rosy color faded out Of her
face. rs II war. them"
IL suppose So Rothcs answered
gravoly. 1T seems Kruger has as good
as declared war by sending a message
TO England demanding that our troops
should be Immediately recalled from
South Africa"
Bluebell sat very still on her horse.
her hands clasped: Rothes had at last
withdrawn his.
"will thew come TO Ladysmith?" she
whispered at last.
Rothes nodded THAT Is what is
expected We shall be besleged. The
inhabitants are beginning TO fly al
ready, and expect in few days
Ladysmlth will be deserted except by
the garrison"
And you. what will you do7" Blue
bell asked. There was a little CULVER
In her voice, which seemed TO send
swift thrill OF mingled Joy and pain to
Rothes' very soul.
II shall remain here. OF course" no
answered. trying 10 speak In his usual
tone. Unless there Is fighting out
side. II there is shall 20 with tho
army"
Bluebell was silent for moment.
and then she said:
'You will be on our side. OF courseI"
81 will be with the British army"
Rothes answered quietly, but, thank
heaven. Doctors business Is not to
fight on any particular side. or to STAY
his brother. but to do what he can for
those who are wounded and dying on
either side. But you are going into
the town. Miss Leslie1. must not
keep you"
81 have messages" said Dluebell;
''but will not wait long. as am go
ing back alone"
"May 20 bit OF tho way with
your" Rothes asked eagerly. Il do
not like the idea OF you riding those
twelve miles alone with the country In
this unsettled state"
Her soft eyes fell suddenly. Dluebell
would hardly acknowledge to herself
how her heart beat and her veins
thrilled at the proposal.
THANK you she said the next
moment. at is kind OF you. shall
leave the town about three, think
Then l shall be here at that time.
he answered Goodbye. Just now"
And he moved away.
Bluebell rode ON into the town.
The terrible tidlngs had shocked and
Mortified her. but she was not fright
ened. There was little fear In Bluobell
I.eshe's nature. small and childish and
fragile as she looked. And she was n
woman; and the look In Adair Rothes'
eyes. the close, warm clasp Of his
hand, occupifi her thoughts almost
more than this terrible picture OF
war.
She found Ladysmith In n state OF
confusion. Many OF the shops were
shut. But Bluebell managed TO get
her business done, and then went to
see one OF her acqualntances.
She found her busy preparing for
departure.
Il suppose it's safer TO 60" said
Mrs. Lloyd. n pretty little English wo-
man. whose husband was an engineer.
Tied insists on my going; but don't
feel as II | could leave him here
alone"
you are going and Mr., Lloyd is
remalnlng?" exclaimed Bluebell. with
startled eyes. and then; "Oh. Nellie.
how can you?"
81 would not. Of course. II had only
myself to consider" said Mrs. Lloyd,
the tears sprlnglng to her eyes; but
there is my poor little baby. Bluebeil. 20
What OF that" said Bluebell. "A
wlfe's place is beside her husband.
surely? Better you should both die
together, II the worst comes, than that
you should be separated. Nellie. how
would you feel II anything happened
10 your husband and you so far
away?"
Nellie burst into tears.
Eyes, you are quito right. Bluebell. l
held out against Ted ever so long. and.
now that you speak like that. | feel
that have been very cowardly to give
in 10 him. No, won't go!"
Bluebell let her friend. whose mind
was thoroughly made up, after a
little, and the two friends kissed each
other. with the feeling that they might
never meet again on earth. Bluebell
kept back her own tears. and answer
ed the little woman as bravely as she
could, but as she rode out Of the town
her path was al blurred by the blind
ing tears that came TO her eyes now.
Doctor Rothes was waiting for her,
mounted on fine chestnut horse OF his
own, and together they rode on In
silence until they were out OF sight
OF the town.
"You saw one OF your frlends?'
Rothes said at last