The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-12-09


quired.
Most likely. Did you ever know such
luck?" exclaimed George.
Then he extended his arms dramatical-
1y, making a strange figure, siIhouetted
against the brilliant sky, and cried:
''Oh, my darling! my darling! Go away
from me! Go! Hulloal they've gone.''
They had vanished as though the earth
had swallowed them.
They've gone down the tunnel to the
beach," I explained.
George began to run.
you won't stop Them" I cried.
I'm going to see where they go, and
help" he replied over his shoulder.
Together we scrambled down the steep
incline, in such complete darkness that
/ could scarcely see my companion.
Only occasionally heard his voice. The
ground was rough, and he was wearing
thin slippers. Once on the sands we saw
our fdgitives again. The man was
launching small boat. We saw Mary
assisted in, but before her companion
could follow, George (who Is Simmer
than y was by his side. The man turned,
and the moonlight CLEANED on a revolver.
ran painting over the wet sands. There
was a French oatf1-a scream from the
boat-and then the quiet tones of Georges
voice.
Put down that pistol. Get in, man."
I heard him say.
The man stood irresolute.
''You shall not take her back he cried.
'Great Scott! Not for the worId!''
said George. I'm here to help"
Then, suddenly, he seized the hand that
held The pistol, jerked it upward, and,
with dexterous push, tumbled the man
backward into the boat, his legs hanging
feebly over the gunwale. Before he could
rise, George himself, with mighty effort
had sent his fiancee and her abductor
out on the sea. Willing hands make
light work
We stood on the beach in silence,
watching the man get out a pair of souls
and pull toward a large yawl that lay
motfonless a little way from the shore
They had almost reached 1t before George
spoke.
She's gone of her own free wilI-seey'
he cried, pointing to the retreating boat
Il would have kept my word, but--well,
this settles the matter. Hetherhridge,
old chap, l feel like a man who has just
escaped hanging
And certainly, on our way home,
George behaved like one. He seemed to
forget everything, even the mater
in the thought of his release. We pre-
scribed whisky for ourselves on arriving,
and then went to bed and dreamed mad
dreams. At least ] did Assisting at an
elopement, especially after supper, and
when there is any running to be done,
does not suit my constitution.
Next morning We were both up be-
times, and walked to the scene Of the
adventure.
Well said I, as we stood at the
mouth OF the tunnel, breathing. the fresh,
salt breeze, what are you going to do
now?"'
Work" said George.
We come back to the point from
which we started, then?''
Thank heaven, yes,'' replied George,
fervently. 81 am going up to London
this morning to find something to do.
I've got several good friends there who
will help me-
I made no further attempt to combat
this resolution, and at noon we set out
for the station
Its goodbye to all this sort Of
thing" said George, as we walked down
the avenue to the lodge gates, "old wine,
old houses, old trees, the grandeur Of
the immortal elms'-the grace of life
all gone. Now, for the stuffv little
house, surrounded by squalling chi dren,
washing and the smell of neighboring
dinners Poor old mater!''
George sighed deeply, and we walked
on in silence
Suddenly 1 felt Georges hand close on
my arm, and he stopped. If there had
been lion in the path he could not have
appeared more disconnected. AS it hap
pened, however, 1t was only nv sister
Isabel, who was standing by the great
gray gate, a dainty figure in her cling
ing white dress.
You'll excuse me, Hetherbridge: I
don't want to be rude, but if we could
get out another way
Rubbish I said firmly and led him
down to the gates
Presently Isabel saw US, and from her
movements [ fancied she would have rim
away, too, If there had been an onnor-
tunfty; but 1t was fated otherwise.
Il was afraid I should miss vo1, "
said she, when we met Il thought vo,,
were leaving by the early train. BlIt
where is Miss Hepburn"
Il am going to the station now. Mary
has gone already" said George.
/ i"GOne!' exclaimed Isabel
+ I think I will take a little walk"
said I.
but my train!'' said George.
There will be plenty more. You can't
go today now" I replied, and walked
away.
I did not consider my presence was de-
sired.
They stood together in silence, looking
after me.
Returning couple of hours later
met Isabel.
George is not going until tomorrow,
she said:
"Ohr' I remarked
'T have proposed to him, Jack" said