Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1901-09-25

pyrcnos OF me country many smali
inns for the accommodation of 'persons
of the baser sort.
1t was before such waysidc inn
that the chairmen stopped. Molly knew
1t very well. 1t was at q place called
Riklcy's Spring. The name of the
house was the Travellers Rest, and it
stood just two miles and half from
Lynn and one mile or so from the VII
lage of South Wootten. 1t was small
house. gloomy and Ill lighted ut tho
best. There was door In the middle.
The diamond panes of the windows
were mostly broken in their lcadcn
frames; the woodwork was decaying;
the upper floor, projecting, dnrkened
the lower rooms. In the dim twilight,
when the chair stopped, the house look
cd dark and noisome place. fit only
for cutthron.s and murdcrers.
The poles We're withdrawn and the
door thrown open. Molly, looking out,
saw before her, hat in hand her late
partner, tho young fellow they called
Tom Rising.
"Oh," she cried, as 1t possible? 1
thought I was in the hands of some
highwayman. Is this your doing, sir?
I was told that you were gentleman"
He bowed low and began little
speech which he Ind prepared In read
mess.
Madam, you will confess that you
are yourself alone to blame. Fired with
the sight Of so much loneliness, what
wonder If asplred to possess myself
of these charms? Sure, Lnplander
himself would be warmed even in his
frozen region by SUCH
"Sir, what nonsense Is this? What
do you mean?"
Il mean, madam, that your lovely
face and figure should be sufficient ex-
cuse not only in tho eyes of the world,
but in your own eyes, for an action
such US this. The violence of the pas-
sion which,
"Sir, will you order your fellows to
take me back?"
mo, madam; will not"
"Then, sir, will you tell me what you
propose to do?'
II intend to marry you"
against my consent?"
Il have you in my power. I shall,
however, ask your consent. II you
grant 1t, we shall enter upon married
life MS pair of lovers should. If you
refuse, | shall be the master, but you
will be the WIFE"
Molly laughed. you think that 1
am afraid? Very well, sir. If you per-
sist, you shall have n lesson in love-
making that will cos, your life"
Everything is fair In love. Come,
madam, you will please to get out of
the chair"
what villain Is thisw said Molly.
HE Is In love with my fortune, and he
pretends 1t is my person. He thinks
to steal my fortune when he runs away
with me. You are a highwayman, Mr..
Rising, a common thief and common
robber. You shall be hanged outside
Norwich CASTLE"
Tom Rising swore great oath, call
ing, In his blasphemous way, upon the
LORD TO inlet dire pains and penalties
upon him If he should resign tho lovely
object Of his affection now in his pos
session. You have heard that he had
the reputation Of reckless daredevil
who stuck at nothing, was daunted by
nothing and was like bulldog for his
tenacity.
Understand, madam" he concluded
this declaration, ~ am resolved to
marry yot-resolved. Bear that In
mind"
"And 1. sir, am resolved that l will
not marry you-resolved. Bear that
in mind"
"Never yet did 1 resolve upon any.
thing but had 1t. No; never yet"
"Mr. Rising, you think you have me
in your power. You shall see. Once
more I ask you, rs a gentleman, tc
send me back, Remember, have many
friends. The whole town, high and
low, will be presently out after me
securing the country in every dIrec
tion."
"In nm hour Won will he MT Wootten