The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1900-01-26

bled tone. "It makes me think so much
of what l saw here that night!'
Discuss the matter as they might, they
could not get enlightenment, direction, as
they sought. Caroline was the mystery.
] They decided to make another strong ap-
peal to her upon her return.
They were seated with their uncle that
next evening, wondering why Caroline
had not returned on the late afternoon
train, when a bell echoed through the
house, and Immediately afterward Bailey,
one of the men servants, entered and pre-
| scented to his master an envelope on sill
yer tray.
ut is a telegram! oh, what has hap
pened" cried Nab, starting up, unable to
restrain her anxiety.
Mr.. Charlford opened the telegram leis-
urely and read:
House Surgeon of st. James Hospital
| to Mr.. Charlford, of the Court, Milliton,
! Surrey:
"A young lady, supposed to be your rel
alive. lies at hospital. Brought in this
afternoon. Picked up insensible near
Westminster Abbey. Is recovering con-
seriousness. Letters found induce this
communication. Telegraph reply"
Now, uncle, must gov said Dick, We
hemently. "My own sister lies insensiblc
at hospital. Nab and ought to 20 to
her directly
"One of you is enough at time, thank
you" replied Mr.. Charlford. "Of course
in the circumstances, must permit you
to go to town with me-a pretty annoy
ance, which might easily have been avoid
ed. Caroline has been knocked down, I
presume-an accident which would not
have happened had she had her maid with
her. Was she carrying out something I'M
derhand without my knowledge? The
sooner your father comes back the bet
ter!''
In half an hour Mabel was alone in the
drawing room, weeping very bitter tears
while Dick was speeding toward London
with his unpleasant companion. Nor were
his musings whit less anxious than were
Mabel's. Caroline found insensible! Why
why?
What an endless night it seemed to be
to unhappy Mabel! She did not dream OF
! repose, but wandered from room to room
or sat counting the wretched moments,
watching for the lingering dawn and for
what sunrise would bring.
1t came at length-came with ineffabe
beauty. Once more the household was
| astir; there was a possibility Of news Of
Caroline. Dick would be sure to send Il
telegram-he had promised that in the
agonized brief farewell she took Of him
on the preceding night. And he kept his
word.
Caroline much better. She knows u.s.
She will be able to be moved back to-day.
Don't be anxious"
Mabel burst into joyful tears, forget
ting for moment all about the painful
mystery which had yet to be solved.
CHAPTER IN.
Mabel about nine o'clock that evening
stood anxiously watching the approach Of
her uncle's carriage-the carriage which
was bringing home Dick and Caroline It
was coming along at an easy pace-and
Mabel rushed off to meet it as soon as it
entered the avenue leading to the house.
There is not the slightest reason for
this cxcitement-your sister is pretty near
" recovered. Pray go indoors, and do not
make scene!' said Uncle John, in his
harshest tone.
Caroline, who was leaning back in the
CdTFlaHe, anu WHO was somewhat pale,
said, coldly, How do you do, Mabel?' as
if nothing of consequence had occurred
| since they had parted.
Thus rebuffed, Mabel retreated hastily,
but followed her sister eagerly upstairs as
| soon as Caroline had alighted
Do leave me in peace tonight, Nab;
am tired with my journey, and have told
uncle would rather go to bed,'' she said,
speaking almost in her usual tone.
Mayn't | come to you for a moment? 2"
| entreated Nab.
But Caroline replied, Not tonight"
and the disappointed girl retired
She met Dick on the stairs.
Make haste, Mab!" he whispered.
Uncle John is raging for his dinner-he
| had nothing in town. There's the first
bell.''
I'll have dined,'' she returned, hastily.
Never mind" said Dick For good
ness sake come in and talk-Uncle John
will be furious il you do not.
The instant dinner was over she motion
ed to Dick to come and sit by her. but her
| uncle intcrposcd
'Mabel," he said, in his clear. cold tones.
Il see you are preparing to question your
brother about Caroline, so I will inform
you myself in plain words of what actually
| occurred, for it will spare me the infliction
Of hearing something very prosaic and an
Ia. ~,