Rosebud County news. [volume] (Forsyth, Mont.) 1901-1906, 1901-12-26
CHAPTER II.

as well as to care for my horse, WHOM
l had somewhat neglected in the morn
Ing. From time to time went dow
to the edge of the wood, but there wa
no change in the pavilion, and not
human creature was seen all day upol
the links. The schooner in the ofiin
was the one touch of life within m,
range of vision. She, apparently witt
no set object, stood of and on or la,
to, hour after hour, but as the evenin,
deepened, she drew steadily nearer.
became more convinced that she car
| rled NOrthmOur and his friends. ant
that they would probably come ashore
after dark.
The night set in pitch dark. Thu
wind came on the sea in squalls, like
the firing of battery of cannon; now
ana then there was a flaw of rain. anC
the surf rolled heavier with the risins
tide. was down at the observatory
among the elders, when light was
run up to the masthead of the schooner
and showed she was closer in thar
when had last seen her by the dying
daylight. concluded that this mus.
be signal to Northmour's associates
on shore; and stepping forth into the
links, looked around me for somethins
in response.
A small footpath ran along the mar
gin OF the wood, and formed the mos
direct communication between the pa
vilion and the mansion house: and. as
cast my eyes to that side, l saw 6
spark OF light, not quarter of a mile
away, and rapidly approaching. From
It's uneven course it appeared to be the
light OF a lantern carried by person
who followed the windings of the path
and was often staggered and taken
aback by the more violent squalls.
concealed myself once more among the
elders, and waited eagerly for the new.
comer's advance. 1t proved to be
woman, and, as she passed within few
rods OF my ambush, was able to rec.
ognlze the features. The deaf and 81.
lent old rame, who had nursed North
mour in his childhood, was his asso.
ciate in this underhand affair.
l followed her at little distance
taking advantage of the innumerable
heights and hollows, concealed by the
darkness, and favored not only by the
nurses deafness, but the uproar of the
wind and the surf. She entered the
pavilion, and, going at once to the up.
per story, opened and set light in one
Of the windows that looked toward the
sea.
Immediately afterward the light a,
the schooner's masthead was run down
ana eXtlnguished. Its purpose had been
attained, and those on board were sure
mat they were expected. The old WON
an resumed her preparations. Although |
he other shutters remained close, ] |
could see a glimmer going to and frc
ABOUT the house; and gush of sparks |
rom one chimney after another soon
old me that the fires were being kin
lied.
Some time before II, while the tide |
vas still dangerously low, boats Ian.
ern appeared close in shore; and my
attention being thus awakened could
perceive another still far to seward |
tossed and sometimes hidden
by the pillows. The weather, which
vas getting dirtier as the night went
IN and the perilous situation of the
'acht on a lee shore, had probably
1rlven them to attempt a landing at
he earliest possible moment.
A little afterward four yachtsmen
very heavy chest and guided
" a fifth with lantern passed close
n front OF me as lay and were admit
ed to the pavilion by the nurse They
eturned to the beach and passed me a
bird time with another chest larger
Tut apparently not so heavy as the
lrst. A third time they made the tran
1T; and on this occasion one of the
'achtsmen carried leather portman-
eau and the others lady's trunk and
arriage bag. My curiosity was sharp
Y excited.
While l was thus rejecting a SECOND
antern drew near me from the beach.
was carried by yachtsman whom |
lad not yet seen and who was conduct
ng two other persons to the pavilion.
'hese two persons We're unquestionably
he guests for whom the house was
nade ready; and, straining eye and
ar. set myself to watch them as they
assed
One was an unusually tall man, in a
raveling hat slouched over his eyes.
nd highland cape closely buttoned
nd turned up so as to conceal his face.
'ou could make out no more of him
han that he was, as have said, unusu-
lily tall, and walked feebly with a
ct0 DIV, |