The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1902-09-06

"But you said he was at his resi-
dence," suggested our hero, wht
was fearful that some evil might b,
meant for him.
81 know nothing to the contra
ry, sir" the stranger returned
promptly. "All | can say is AlariC
Orsa has fallen upon the ice anc
hurt himself severely and upon be-
ing Informed that you were near by
with sledge he asked that you
might be sent for
"Been hurt, has he?"
eyes, sir"
"Badlyp"
81 believe no bones are broken,
but he is SO badly sprained that he
cannot walk"
"Ah, then perhaps he wants me
to carry him home"
81 can't say as to that, sir They
only sent me to find you. / don't
know the man myself"
There was something SO frank in
the statement thus made that Ru-
ric believed it all honest, and he
stood no longer in doubt.
81 will CO." he said. ''But lead
the way quickly, for have no time
to waste"
81 will lead as fast as you will
want to follow" answered the man.
And thus speaking he turned
back, and, having gone some dozen
rods by the way they had both come,
he turned down a narrow street
which led toward the river. Half
way down this he went, and then he
turned again-this time to the left
and thus~Ruric found himself in
a narrow, dark lane, within which
the snow was deep and almost I'M
trodden.
"Look ye," cried the youth, stop
ping as he found himself over knees
in snow, 81 think we have gone
about far enough in this direction"
"This is the shortest way" said
the stranger guide alphabetically. |
81 did not think the snow was so
deep here. But it's only in the next
street"
"Then on you CO."
Again the stranger started, and
Ruric followed on. The lane was a
crooked one, and more than once
the youth had another inclination
to stop. He had no direct fear, but
yet he had some just grounds for
doubt. Had he not seen what had
been attempted against the count
he might have had no such doubts
now, but as it was he thought that
If one attempt had been made to
ruin him through the emperor's dis
pleasure by the man who was now
trying to murder the count it would
not be at all improbable that some
more effective plan should be adopt
I'd toward him. He was bordering
.hus when they came to cross lane
ull as narrow as this, into which
he guide turned.
"Look We once more, sirrahp'
rled the youth, now stopping short.
Do you call this street ?"
es, sir, and on this street we
hall find the man we seek. 1t is
'nly short cut from where he is
o the inn where your horse is, so
7ou won't have to retrace these du-
,ious ways. Only little farther,
ir."
"But don't like this"
"Why, bless you, sir, if you wish
o go direct to the inn where your
lorse is this will be the nearest
way"
"Well, on you CO."
And on they went, now slipping
m the ice, now in the snow to their
,nees and anon stumbling along
'ver frozen bubbles and deep holes.
1T length the guide stopped and
pened a small gate which was fixed
n high, thick brick wall. Ruric hes 4
tated here again. He had no weap-
N of any kind. If he had had even
pistol or sword, he would have
AIRED not. But he did not show his
thoughts to his guide. The gate
pened with creak upon its frosty
lnges, and by the dim starlight the
outh could see an open court be-
ond, and farther still house of
ONE kind doomed up.
This place seems not to be used
luch," remarked Ruric as he saw /
he snow in the court was trodden
ut little, only one or two tracks
eng visible from the gate to the
ouse. ,
"Ah-yes-you said-what ?"
u said this place didn't seem to !
e used much" the youth repeated. |
1ough he was sure the fellow heard !
ne first time.
"Ah, yes-a-the usual entrance j
the other way, by the sledge
ath." 5