The National tribune., 1901-04-04

you'll have to let me carry you, now,
anyhow. The road, or rather lane, be-
gins here, but is very muddy and while
you are already wet, you are not plastered
with clay"
After a little show of objection, Gilbert
lifted Margaret from the ground and
splashed along the unused track of the
woods-road. Coming out of the shadow
of the belt of forest which covered the
low lands around the head of the lake,
the way became dryer, though rather
more slippery and dangerous. The lights
of village showed some distance in front
of them, and not far away on the left
there was an unsteady spark which Gil
bert judged was a lantern carried by
some person walking up the railroad-track
which he knew to be in the vicinity. The
point of light seemed to be about TO
turn off toward the village when the young
man hailed it. 1t paused, and guided by
it, Gilbert made his way up the embank-
ment to the grayelled bed of the railroad
where he sat Margaret down on the ties,
damp, but clean-shod.
We'll. l vow!' exclaimed the man he
had hailed. lifting his lantern and fash
ing its light over the pair. Il never
heard that Elmwood was haunted, il it is
deserted"
.'It got a close call tonight, then,"
laughed Gilbert, putting up his hand and
wiping his forehead. my wife and ]
have had about as narrow an escape from
being ghosts as people can have"
Caught in the squall, eh? Twas a
pretty hard blow, that's a fact. They
say quite number of people from Chau-
tauqua and other points on the lake are
missing"
Here are two of them, at least" re-
piled Sears, turning to Margaret. Il am
Gilbert Sears, and this is my wife. We
have been staying at Chautauqua. We
got ASHORE less than half an hour ago.
leaving our boat smashed on the spiles of
the dock at Elmwood."
You have had close call, madam"
said the farmer, earnestly. Where were
you thinking of going now, Mr.. SearsT'
7 Il would like to ask you about that"
answered Sears. I'VE thought OF follow
ing the track, here, either to Mayville or
Point Chautauqua, which is the nearer,
| believe"
Hum" said the stranger. ats as
good a mile and three-quarters or two
miles either way. Point Chautauqua's
the straigbtest going, though it'll seem
quite a way to anyone as wet and tired
as you two must be. If you'll walk to
the village, I'll let you have a bed" He
raised his lantern as he spoke and threw
its light into Gilbert's face again. Lost
your hatG' he asked.
'Early in the action" answered Gil
bert. Margaret laughingly held up the
draggled shade-bat still tied to her own
waist; Much obliged for Jour offer of a
bed. Mp
"Hymes-Bethuel Hymes, at your serv-
ice."
''Mr. Hymes, but our people will be
anxious, and we think it best to go on, IL
possible. Thank you, and If you hear of
any inquiry for those who are missing,
kindly say that Mrs. and Mr.. Gilbert
Sears are safe at the Grand Hotel, Point
Chautauqua. Good night"
"All right, sir; just as you choose" re-
turned Hymes. Good night, ma am"
but turned in an instant and called after
them:
Say, see here, Mr.. Sears, wouldn't you
like the lantern? It's only a little way to
my house, and you can leave it with the
clerk at the hotel. He knows me-Beth-
uel Hymes"
"If it will not inconvenience YOU. Mr..
Hymes," began Gilbert, stepping back to
the crossing.
Not in the least" heartily, "and your
wife,ll make the trip sight easier"
You're very thoughtful sir" called
Margaret out of the darkness. 'I think
| shall have to drive over and return the
lantern myself to let you see I'm not al
ways such a fright
1Iob Wv, an, uOu lOtSeI, u
Bethuel Hymes," came the CHEEKY re-
sponse. Good night, and good luck to
you"
There, my DEAR" said Gilbert, when
Hymes had splashed out Of ear-shot, 1--WE
are husband and wife in the eyes of the
law, declarediy and incontestably, and
Bethuel Hymes is the Witness"
There was moments silence: 'orhat's
a common-law marriage, isn't itf' asked
Margaret
Yes, but it is just as binding as any
other"
But not so nice, Gilbert. That was a
splendid ceremony out on the lake, BUT
"Neyer mind, DEAR" implored Sears.
"As soon as possible Mr.. Ashbel shall
| marry us in church, with the Methodist
minister-they change so often can't re-
member his name, TO assist, and we'll
have all Summerdale there"
And Notwithstanding her attempt at
dissatisfaction, Margaret snuggled up to
him and gave huge sigh of content.
Go be continued.)