The Leon reporter., 1900-09-13
By H. B. Mackenzie

MISS Elizabeth arrived in the spider
twenty-four hours after. and could
only wiring Rothes' hand in silence,
her thin, sallow, unlovely face work
ing convulsively
God will spare her, Miss Eliza
beth" Rothes said huskily. 1--WE both
owe debt we can never repay to the
young fellow who found her. for you
know it was not who did SO. We
might never have seen her again but
for Lieutenant Preston"
Rothes knew his duty lay in Lady
smith, yet he could not tear himself
from Bluebell's side until he knew
whether it was to be life or death.
Mercifully, the delirium did not last
long, and on the third day, after 6.
long sleep, she opened her eyes, that
had full reason in them, upon her
aunt.
"Auntie. where am I? she asked
feebly. Oh, what fearful dream
have had!"
When Miss Elizabeth ran for Rothes
the strong man felt himself trembling
like a child. He returned with her
quickly, but he could not speak when
Bluebell's eyes rose to his.
II have had such a fearful dream,
DIR. Rothes," she whispered, her eyes
appealing with dumb pathos to his
trustful ones. 81 am afraid it was
reality, though. Is my father deado
Did Mr.. Moore carry me away? And
was I dying in the veldt?"
"It is all true"-holding the poor
little weak hand in his own strong one
but, God be thanked, you are safe
now-safe and in good keeping. All
you have to do is to get WE'LL
did you find me?" she whispered.
And he felt the little hand CULVER.
He had determined not, to speak,
but the question upset all his determi.
nations. He sank on his knees, hold
ing the little hand to his lips
II was seeking for you six days,
Bluebell; but after all it was young
officer who found you and gave you
to my keeping. Oh, Bluebell, my heart
is torn in two when think of all you
have gone through and l unable to
wanted help-I, who would give my
life to save you pain! My darling! my
own darling!"
A little wave of color spread over
her white face; her throat futtered.
"You-love me. then?" she whis-
pered.
II have loved you ever since first
met you at Maritzburg, Bluebell; but
never dared to hope. Bluebell, it
seems wrong to speak of it at this ter
rible time; but you do care little,
after all. about me?-do you?"
The little, wasted hand stroked his
cheek.
II love you with all my heart. Adair.
knew it that awful night when the
Beers" she paused, shuddering.
you'll take care of me. and not let
that dreadful man come near me?"
He folded the hand to his breast,
and, bending, kissed again and again
the pale little face, cheeks, and eyes
and lips.
day. The battle of Elandslaagte had
taken place, and the hospital in the
little town was full.
Mr.. and Mrs. Dalziel were kindness
ITSELF and insisted on the Leslies stay
ing as long as ever they felt inclined.
On the first day on which Bluebell
was able to get up Adair Rothes ap-
peared. It was two days after the
battle of Ladysmith, of which word
had been brought to the Dalziels.
Bluebell welcomed him with blush
and a smile that made Rothes' heart
throb. But there was something in his
face which made Bluebell's heart fret
with mingled fear and anxiety.
You have some news? What is it?
Tell me quickly, Adair!" she breathed,
lifting her face from it's hiding place
"Yes, my darling" Rothes answered
slowly; Il have strange news for you.
do not know how you will take it,
Bluebell; something very terrible hap
pened at the battle on Monday. Some
you knew!"
1T was Gerald Moore!" said Bluebell
| quickly. She turned very pale, and
| shivered a little.
81 went up to him. when the battle
was nearly over, hearing him groan-
ing. did not know who he was till
| was beside him. He was moaning
for water. and turned to get him
some. AS l did so wounded Boer
near called: Look out. doctor!'
stepped aside. and as did so bull
let whizzed past me, striking my ear.
l turned and saw Moore on his elbow,
a look of such unnatural hatred on his
face as shall never forget, his gun
still in his hand AS turned he ut
tered a strange sound, the gun dropped
from his hand. and he fell back on
the grassy knoll. When reached him
he was dead!"
| With little cry Bluebell folded her
arms about her lovers neck
"Oh, Adair. thank God! thank God,
you were saved:"
For few minutes Rothes did not
speak. His strong mouth quivered a
little At last he said:
"Now comes the strange news have
for you, Bluebell. Papers were found
upon Gerald Moore, and the officer into
whose hands they fell-the general,
Bluebell- sent for me. He knows me
personally, and knows what you are
to NE. Those papers affect you, and
i YOU only."