The Holly chieftain., 1900-06-29
LOST !
ON THE. )
VELDT ;
CHAPTER Iv.-(continued. }
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WAS 1t anything, dearie?" She ut
tered an exclamation as she saw Blue
BELLS white face. THE Boers-they're
going to attack us, Bluebell? Is that
lit"
mo. no, auntie-not SO far az
know" said the girl. with an attempt
at wan smile. "At least, that wasn't
what dad wanted. But don't ask me
tonight, auntie, I'm tired. Good night"
Miss Elizabeth was all Of mother she
had ever known.
Good night. God keep you, dearie,"
the elder woman whispered. Her
words remained with Bluebell after she
had shut herself into her room.
God keep her! There was One to
whom she should turn now for help in
this most terrible crisis Of her young
life. Bluebell threw herself ON her
knees. burying her face in her hands.
oh. God, show her what was the
right thing to do. Help her. oh, God,
for there was NO other who could tell
her what she must do!
Save her father from the conse-
quences of deliberate crime by selling
herself to this scoundrel! It was .
fearful sacrifice! Did God demand 1t
of her? Nay. would she be doing right
in making It? Bluebell was good,
sweet. true-hearted girl. She had al
ways shown respect and affection for
the most unlovable man who was her
father, even when he was least worthy
of respect; but she had an unusual
amount OF common sense for a young
girl, and was not likely to be betrayed
into any sentimental and maudlin
course of action.
AS she knelt there sudden thought
came to Bluebell. bringing the warm
blood in a palpitating wave over the
pallor Of her white face, and quicken
ing the throbs of her heart that had
been beating so low and despairingly.
1t was the thought of Adair Rothes.
III he were only here" Bluebell said
to herself. II think he would help me.
He said he was my friend"
Her thoughts wandered from the
terrible crisis of the moment to the
brief time of happiness in the after
noon when Rothes had first met her
1t had not lasted long. that was true;
but somehow the memory of Rothes
clasp of her hand, of his long look into
her eyes, brought kind of brie
sweetness into Bluebells heart, which
even the pain and sorrow Of the pres
ent could not quite blot out.
When she rose from her knees heI
mind was quite made up.
Il shall not marry that man." she
said, and her eyes were full Of q
strange, deep determination. "It woult
not make dads sin the less II did so
1t would be sin on my part to marry
man like that. 1t would be adding
sin to sin. Dad must escape. but II
will be in some other way. will helI
him to do so. He must escape to Eng
land, and auntie and / will carry or
the farm here"
This determination brought a Ger.
tain restfulness TO Bluebell. She I'M.
dressed, got into bed. and presently
went to sleep, though 1t was sleeT
disturbed by troubled dreams OF Beers
attacking New Kelso, setting fire tc
it, and tying up all its occupants tt
stakes in order that they might bt
burnt also.
Adam Leslie had worse night thar
his daughter. He was up at daybreai
and riding over his farm. AS he wa:
: returning about Z o'clock he saw tall
dark figure approaching him on horse
; back. He recognized it at once. ant
his heart sank.
Moore rode quickly up to him. Mr.
/ Leslie could see some excitement OF
the usually dark, impassive face.
News. Leslie-great news!" he ex
claimed, as he came close to the othel
man, and flung himself off his horse
Listen, man; but first'-he dropped
his voce-"what Of my love affair
, How have you succeeded with the little
bride-elect?"
.. Leslie's rubicund face blanched, bu
: he endeavored to put on an air of as
surance.
my dear Moore, she will com,
round; / am not afraid of that O
course you must allow for little re
luctance at first; but there isn't thu
slightest fear but she will give in. Blu
.. you'll give lis day or two more O
grace, will you not?"
His tone of abject entreaty told more
, than his words did to the keen ear o
Gerald Moore, who turned aside for ;
moment, and passed his hand over hi
lips as If to conceal their expression
Yes, will give you day or two
, more" he said presently, "for there,
some work before you. Mr.. Leslie. II
as think, you feel inclined to tai