Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1901-09-11
CHAPTER x.-(Continued.l

That some terrible calamity had
happened even Lady Jane. whose nrst
fear had been that the bride had run
away, was fully convinced.
"But, Leila, you will stay by me?"
uuayered the mistress of the house,
suddenly transformed into broken
down old woman.
81 will, dear aunty," grayely said
Leila. 81 shall see little Syb safe In
bed, then shall return to YOU"
Leila Desmond. slenderly graceful,
soft and caressing. womanly to the
fnger-tips, was yet one of those loyal,
strong natures we turn to lean upon
in the day of trouble"
Gervis gave her one look OF rever-
ence, then he placed his arm round
that mother for wnom he and this
perfect woman. nobly planned had
sacrificed themselves so fatally.
Every hour was bringing home to
him the terrible blunder he had made
in his life. Love between man and
woman was God-given. to be priced
as sacred; but under the specious pre-
text of sacrificing himself for the good
of his house, he had torn love from
his heart, and then sold that empty
shell for gold. That it had been Bit
ter, sinful bargain he now knew.
Perhaps this impending calamity
| which he was helplessly waiting for
| the new day to discover might be
heavens punishment for what he had
| done.
1t was still and quiet in the old
/ house. There was lull of expectancy
until the daylight should come to al
low action to be resumed.
In Leila's room it was silent as the
| grave. Beside the white-drapsried bed
knelt Leila herself She was praying
with frightened tears now no one was
by to see them-praying earnestly for
the hapless girl who had Swallowed her
life.
That something dire had happened
Leila instinctively knew; but all she
could do was to pray for help from
above.
'LeiIal Sis!" A hoarse, shril
voice made her spring to her feet.
Close at her side stood Syb. shiver
ing in her little blue dressing-gown
her face working convulsively.
81 can't keep it from you any long
er! / dare not, though l do hate he
sol" the deformed girl was saying, he
teeth chattering as much from terro
as from cold.
Speak, syb!"
Leila gripped the thin wrist. he
breath coming thick and fast. Sy
knew, then!
II heard cry, a smothered screar
from the old oak chest, as | wake
round the gallery; but I hated her $
that would not speak before! An
, when / saw you, through the open doc
between our rooms, praying with sob
I knew 1t must be for her. SO / mus
tell, and you'd better be quick!"
Syb slipped to the floor in swool
But Leila was already gone. Wit
flying feet she was rushing downstaii
from the third floor, where her BEE
room and Syb's were.
, "Gervisl Gervis! Come, and CON
quickly! Bring Barnes!" When 81
had reached the gallery she shrieke
loudly Her voice, sharp with fea
! rang through the old house and mad
: Gervis leap to his feet.
Its Leila! She has found out som
thing! Mother dear, stay here, pri
u youl"
. He pressed Lady Jane back on h
y seat.
. mo one knows what we have g
Is to facet"
y Bring Barnes! Oh, be quick!" L
T. Has voice cried again in an agony
N haste.
70 Barnes, the white-haired old butlt
at was stiff and rheumatic. 1t seem
as though he would never reach I
top OF the wide, crimson-covered sta
0, case, and yet the old man was dol
~ his best, though Gervis would ia
have dragged him up two steps at
4 time.
ys Where are you, Leila?" he hoarse
D. shouted.
IN Here! here! Quick!"
en- Round the curve of the gallery th
q, found Leila, tearing frantically
as holly and moss decorations from wi
We had been bank of greenery.
rd The blood was trickling down
or hands and wrists. as the holly t.
nd them cruelty. But, unconscious
II pain, Leila continued to pull. until
~, old blackjack chest, which had be
IT. the foundation OF the green bank, v
" displayed.
in "Press the spring, Barnes! Nobc
OF in Temple-Dene knows the secret
be you. Press, for Gladys dear SAX
mt painted the girl, madly beside hers
eW Whatever" Barnes was beg
ming, and fumbIing with HIS spec
lon eles
MAN, do as you're bid!" shou
~ Gervis, catching the infection of
!, ila's frenzy. And he dragged Bar
q forward.
Something In his blazing eyes mi
:, the old man pull himself together.
- He stopped forward. With shak
:. hands, he felt along the carvings;