Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-04-25
CHAPTER MI.

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CHAPTER MI.
Not until another hour lad passed
did Beatrice venture to uplift the
lounge, and whisper to her lover that
the road was free for his escape.
MY brave darling!" he exclaimed.
Hyou have saved me, that 1. in turn,
might save you from the power of that
pastardly villain. How can leave you
here: Are you sure, my love. that YOU
will be strong enough to resist his
hachinations-his toils?"
The memory of this night will give
kne strength" she answered. Besides,
BERTHE you have restored to me my
Faith in my fathers honor, my moth"
fr's purity and my right to my own
name. Yet that faith must be proven
before the world. With such an in
centive, can I let any obstacle weak
hess may impose be a stumbling block
TO my feet? No! They may be bruised,
Ind torn and bleeding, but they will
ever press on to the goal where you
and 1, dear, are to meet!'
My noble girl, I will not fear for
you, and always, though months
should pass, and I should give no sign,
remember that 1 am not far off. This
man is playing a desperate game. He
has tied my hands at the very outset,
DO far as open warfare is concerned;
but I will meet him with his own cum
ping. We play for the same stake. We
battle for the same prize. If neces-
harry, l will borrow his weapons. Cum
hing alone can meet cunning. 1 dare
trust my cause to no man but myself.
Only, my darling, if most unexpected
~ at times you should find me near you
when you imagine me far away. be
very careful that you do not let sur
prise master you; that you do not be-
tray US both by an incautious word or
glance. Be ever prepared-ever watch
full"
II WILL Bertie-I WILL But you must
hot lose another moment. here. My
door is unfastened. At any moment
Randolph may return. If he should
find you, all would be lost. Go, dar-
ling, and may my love, which goes
with you wrap itself around you in
links of steel, against which, by day
pr by night, sleeping or waking, the
weapons Of your enemies will find
themselves foiled and blunted."
With rare unreserve. she threw her
arms about his neck as she spoke, and
of her own sweet accord, lifted to his
her fragrant lips.
He stopped to meet them.
my love, my love!" he whispered,
kow as he strained her close to his
heart.
For a moment the world was forgot
ten by them both. The ecstasy of
loves passion enchanted them. Past
and future alike here merged in the ex-
Quiste and Intoxicating present.
"Good-night!" she murmured.
@Good- might" he answered. once
more catching her to his heart, and
raining mad kisses on her eyes, lips
and hair.
A minute later the branches of the
tree beyond her window rustled as if
some sudden breeze had moved them:
but Tyrrell's master had summoned
him from the watch. and as dark
figure glided down it's trunk and dis
appeared in the darkness, there was no
one to question or intercept its retreat;
and only a girls sob followed it as one
of the echoes of the quiet night-an
echo caught by Gods listening angels
and carried by them to the great white
throne as a wordless prayer.
The next morning, pale, but calm and
composed Beatrice met her cousin at
The breakfast table. 1t was the first
meal she had taken with him since her
gathers death, and, already seated. he
kprang up, surprised at her entrance.
''An unexpected honor dear Bea-
trice!" he exclaimed, courteousy
She bent her head in silent recogni-
Aion that she heard, and moved to her
place beyond the urn.
His own face looked haggard and
Ats expression had lost no whit of it's
relentless and implacable resolve.
When the meal was ended, he mo-
tioned the servants to withdraw.
81 wish to apologize to you, Bea-
xrice," he said. when they were alone,
''for my enforced entrance into your
room last night. Knowing however,
your infatuated belief in Bertram Tall
6bot's innocence. 1 could we'll imagine
you furthering his escape from justice.
The result did not warrant my zeal. but
4 was evidently falsely informed. AS L
am ready to forget the bitter words you
addressed to me in your anger. So I
trust, you will forgive the cause that
INSPIRED them"
"It is so small a portion Of my debt
70 you, Mr.. Chester, that We need