Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1900-09-26

but to Florence in particular. what
shall we do and where shall we 60?
see that some cards have already been
left by several people, and l have no
doubt they will do all In their power to
entertain you charmingly."
"For my part" said Mrs. Hurst, Il
don't feel like entertaining or being en-
tertained. I'm a perfect wreck. and
you'll never catch me 30 far west OF
New York again"
"Oh, you don't know the west yet,
my DEAR" replied her brother. 'This
has been an unfortunate trip, but you
mustn't blame the country for our ex-
ceptionally trying experience"
II like the country well enough" was
the response. THE scenery Is magnif-
cent, and the climate is superb, but !
must confess don't admire some OF Its
products-the Dallon gang, for In
stance" she concluded, laughing.
"Well, l can't blame you for that,
only I had hoped to show you some
thing of the west at Its best before we
turned our faces toward the rising sun
again. What do the girls say"
1.-THE girls say, Stand not upon the
order of your going, but 60 quickly, "
said saucy Madge. "Flo and have
settled everything. We don't want any
more adventures. We've seen enough
of the country, and the people can
wait. We want to 60 home! and she
put her knuckles in her eyes and pre-
tended to boo-boo like spoiled child.
Draper turned to Florence for confir.
nation, who said:
81 don't want to seem ungrateful, but
] should like to get back to New York"
"Well, Ives. my boy" said their host.
you and evidently have no option In
the matter, but as a mere matter Of
politeness l should like to hear, your
wishes"
"Oh, I'm for New York." was the un.
blushing reply. "You know my leave
expires tomorrow" But the rogue had
taken his cue from Madge. If she had
said. "Stay." he would have found
means to square the Office for few
days longer.
"That settles itv said Uncle John.
"I'm in hopeless minority, and. to be
frank With you, want to get back
myself" And then be told them Of
Filley's disappearance with the money
intended for their ransom.
"The wretch" hissed Florence Gran.
Miss, her usually pale face white with
Indignation. 1--WE might have been
murdered for all he cared! l always
disliked him. but almost came to hate
him on this trip. So there" And she
subsided into chair, all quivering
with the unwonted excitement.
Mrs. Hurst beheld this little outburst
with quiet satisfaction. II nothing
else had been accomplished, Filley had
put himself out of the running, and the
danger was past. That Florence ever
regarded the man seriously she had
never been quite able to credit. Now it
was John Draper's turn. and he should
have his innings before New York was
reached.
"Then 1t was Ches-Mr. Ives-who
really saved US after allY said Madge.
What should we have done without
you" she said. The words were sim
pie and commonplace enough. but the
tone and the glance which accompa-
MED them were eloquent Of honest ad-
miration and maidenly liking. Mrs.
Hurst saw and In that instant submit
ted to the inevitable.
"Yes; we certainly owe our safety to
Chester" said Uncle John. Il should
never have thought of the little river
Us a means of escape. and If l had I'm
too fat to wriggle along like an eel In a
water pipe. Ah. Ches, my boy, It's you
youngsters who capture all the best
things in life after all, and we old fel-
lows have to put up with what Is LEFT" "
sighed Uncle John In mock dismay.
But Florence would none Of this and
came to the rescue.
why. Mr.. Draper, what would we
poor women have done II you had left
| us?"
"Yes," chimed In Ives, modestly an1-
ious to change the direction Of the con-
versation: 1T needed more courage and
fortitude to stay behind In that den Of
thieves than it did to cut and run. The
only cur in the party vanished. and we
can thank our stars that he did US none
of the mischief he intended"
So saying he rose and went to the
window where Madge was gazing
down at the busy life Of the Queen
City Of the Plains. and we will not dis
turb them.
How soon can we start, John" que
ried Mrs. Hurst.
"ThIs very evening"" was the reply.
I'VE can 60 east with the flier at 6
O'Clock. Is 1t agreed"
"Oh. yes! Let us get away" begged
Florence, and thus 1t was settled.
TO BE CONTINUED.