The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1901-07-18

the guinea prize offered for a solution
of the sStobcross Mystery"
The two young people met often Ii
that leafy lane and talked most alb
sorbingly of-let US say Of bicycles
and the component parts thereof. And
the arrogant earl kept his nose SO per-
pendicular that he saw nothing Of
what was passing under his chin, as
one might remark. But was there
none to enlighten him? Reader, you
have guessed it. No account of a grim
castle can be written without taking
account Of the surly servitor-the me-
hial whose forefathers have faithfully
shaved and spied for the baronial
house with which they have been con-
nected all through the centuries.
Peter Trevellick, the grabbed man of
all work about the castle, had sus-
picion Of what was going forward, and
he stealthily watched the young pair.
For a long time he was baf1ed, be-
cause he was 76 years old and no
Splinter on the cycle, and as most of
their conferences took place in the
aforementioned leafy lane on their
wheels espionage was not without it's
difficulties. Trevellick, the better to
further his sinister purpose, fawned on
the young man and pretended to be his
friend, actually winning his confidence.
Alb, youth, youth! When will you
learn discretion? Haven't you read
enough dime novels to know that
crawling servitors are ever to be dis
trusted?
At last the young man gave Trevel-
lick note to take to Lady Gwendolen.
1t was to be slipped into her hand
secretly, and Peter was to choose his
opportunity, which he promised to do.
John A. gave him a shilling, which the
old man bit to test it's quality when
the donors back was turned. Then he
rubbed his withered hands one over
the other and chuckled, after the man.
ner Of villains on the melodramatic
stage. He steamed open the note
and read it. 1t was without address
or signature and ran as follows:
Il have everything arranged, and
think there will be no fear of discov-
cry. If you can get away without Gre
ating suspicion, meet me in the old ar
Dor tonight at 8, and I will tell you
ALL
Resealing the letter, Trevellick hand
ed it to the lady and watched her fur
lively While she read. She was visibly
agitated by it's contents, the color COM
ing and going on her fair cheeks.
Need I state that when young Biggs
met the Lady Gwendolen in the sum-
mer house old Trevellck was listening
outside? think not; yet. fearing there
may be any misapprehension, l will
state it and add that he had his ear at
a knothole. He heard every palpitating
word, for the two, having no suspicion,
did not speak in whispers. Little do
young people know of the meanness of
this world.
"Don't you think we might try it on
a tandem?" asked Lady Gwendolen
sweetly.
| mo, no." said young Biggs eagerly
II think we should have two bicycles.
Then in case Of pursuit we could go
|
those who follow. We could meet at
the market cross in Puddlebury and go
together to the place of appointment
"Yes; suppose that would be the
better plan," sighed the girl, ''although
dislike riding alone in the dark
II don't suppose it will be necessary
for us to separate on the road. am
| Of hot loI
done should our plans be discovered a
most unlikely eventuality, for your ia
Their has not the slightest suspicion and
may not miss you until it is too late for
him to do anything"
| Old Peter chuckled Extensively and
silently as he heard this.
GLOW thoughtful you are! viii it
take long, once we reach there?
"Only few minutes
| "And to think that an action fraught
with such consequences, an action
which changes the whole course of two
human lives, occupies but a few min
utes! I can hardly believe that we are
so near to the realization Of our fondest
hopes. When shall I meet you?"
|
cles at three hours after midnight. The
lighted lamps will guide you. We will
ride slowly unless there is pursuit and
should reach Puddlebury about day.
light. hope you will have no difficulty
in getting away from the castle un-
seen.''
"There will be no trouble about that
At 3 o'clock, then?'
Thus they parted, and Gwendolen
sought her own room. Had she any
qualms about leaving it thus surrepti-
tiously? I'm sure don't know. l am
compelled to keep strictly to the facts
within my own cognizance.
am, however, delighted to be able to
state that here the villain met his
first difficulty. The proud earl was
not at home: The county court was
in. session that week at Scradling-
ton, ten miles westward from the cas-
tie, while Puddlebury was 20 miles to