The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1901-06-28
A Brave Coward.
BY Robert Louis Stevenson.
BY Robert Louis Stevenson.

NNOO0FN
CHAPTER IX.-(Continued.)
And With that he was gone among
The thicket. made fire, for I had
10 fear Of the Italians, who had even
aDared all the little possessions left in
~ sncampment; and. broken as she
Vas by the excitement and the hideous
catastrophe Of the evening. managed
- bring her back to some composure of
ainA and strength of body.
Day had already come, when a sharp
Hist?" sounded from the thicket. I
started from the ground, but the voice
OF Northmour was heard adding, in the
most tranquil tones: Come here.
CAssiIis, and alone; want to show you
something"
I consulted Clara with my eyes, and,
1sceiving her tacit permission, left her
alone and clambered out of the den
At some distance of saw Northmour
leaning against an alder. and, as soon
% he perceived me, he began walking
seward. had almost overtaken him
- he reached the outskirts of the
wood.
Look" said he, pausing.
A couple Of steps more brought me
cat of the foliage. The light of the
morning lay cold and clear over that
weti-known scene. The pavilion was
hut q blackened wreck.
Close by the islet schooner yacht
lay to, and well-manned boat was
quilting vigorously for the shore
The Red Earl" 1 cried. "The Red
Earl twelve hours too latel'
Feel in your pocket, Frank Are
you armed?" asked Northmour.
obeyed him, and 1 think 1 must
Rave become deadly pale. My revolver
Dad been taken from me.
You see 1 have you in my power"
rs continued. II disarmed you last
might while you were nursing Clara;
bat this morning-here-take your
pistol. No thanks!" he cried, holding
up his hand. II do not like them;
that Is the only way you can annoy
me now"
He began to walk backward across
Tae links to meet the boat, and I fol-
lowed stop or two behind. In front
'tof the pavilion I paused to see where
Mr. Huddlestone had fallen; but there
Was no sign Of him, nor 30 much as
txace Of blood.
Gfaden Floe," said Northmour.
He continued to advance till we had
come to the head Of the beach.
mo farther, please" said he.
Would you like to take her to Graden
House?"
Thank you" replied 4; IT shall try
TO get her to the minister's at Ora
den Wester."
The PROV of the boat here grated on
tne beach, and sailor jumped ashore
With line in his hand.
wait minute, ladsl" cried North
snaour; and then lower and to nv pri-
vate ear: "You had better say nothing
at this to her." he added.
"On the contrary" 1 broke out, "she
shall know everything that can tell"
You do not understand" he re-
turned, with an air of great dignity.
1t Will be nothing to her; she ex-
poets 1t OF me. Good-bye!" he added.
with a nod.
I offered him my hand.
Excuse me-" said he. "It's small. I
know; but can't push things quite so
far as that l don't wish any sentiment
Ta1 business, to sit by your hearth a
vhite-haired wanderer, and all that.
Quite the contrary: 1 hope to God I
GaaN never again clap eyes on. either
one Of you"
well, God bless you, Northmour!"
I said heartily.
oh, yes" he returned.
He walked down the beach. and the
1nan who was ashore gave him an arm
on board, and then showed off and
asaped into the bows himself. North
nnossr took the tiller.
They were not yet half way to the
Esd Carl, and was still watching
ftefT progress when the sun rose out
at the sea.
One word more and my story Is done.
Yeacs after Northmour was killed
aesating under the colors of Garibaldi
Ear the liberation Of Tyron.
THE END.