The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1902-08-07

IlOWeNeTs tneTe Was no conveyance OF
any kind outside the station. One
sleepy porter had already departed, and
the other one, who took Bells ticket
and was obviously waiting to lock up,
dcposed that carriage from the cas-
tie had come to the station. but that
some clerical gentleman had come
along ami countermanded 1t. Where
" on the iog-cart had departed.
Very strange" Bell muttered. What
sort OF parson was it?"
II only just saw his face" the porter
yawned Dressed in black, with a
white tie and straw hat Walked in
a slouchlng kind OF way, with his hands
down; new curate from st. Adams,
perhaps. Looked like a chap as could
take care of himself in a row.
Thanks" Bell said. CURLY. "Pll
manage the walk: it's only two miles.
Goodnight"
Bells face was grim and set as ne
stepped out into the road. He knew
fairly well what this meant. 1t was
pretty evident that his arch enemy
knew his movements perfectly well, and
that a vigorous attempt was being
made 10 prevent him reaching the cas-
tie. He called back TO the porter:
How long since the carriage went?"
he asked.
A voice from the darkness said Ten
minutes" and Bell trudged along with
the knowledge that one OF his enemies,
at least, was close at hand. That Reg
inald Henson was at the castle he had
not the remotest idea. Nor did he fear
personal violence. Despite his figure,
he was man of enormous strength and
&C urage. But he had not long to walt.
Somebody was coming down the lone
ly road towards him. somebody in cler-
ieal attire. The stranger stopped and
politely. II little huskily, inquired IL
ne was on the right way to Moreton
Station. Bell answered, as politely.
that he was, and asked to know the
time. Not that he cared anything
about the time: what he really wanted
was to see the strangers hands. The
little ruse was successful. In the dim
light Bell could see a flattened, hideous
thumb with the pink parody of nail
upon II.
Thanks, very much" he said. crisp
ly. Keep straight on"
He half turned as the stranger
swung round The latter darted at
Bell, but ne came too late. Bells fist
shot out and caught him fairly on the
forehead. Then the stick in Bells left
hand came down with crushing force
on the PROSTATE mans skull. So ut
terly dazed ana surprised was he that
he lay on the ground for a moment,
ynnting heavily.
you murdercus ruffian!' Bell ex-
claimed. ''You escaped convict in an
honest mans clothes. Get upl So you
are the fellow"
He paused. suddenly. industrious OF
letting the rascal see that he knew too
much. The other man rolled over sud
dwenly, like a cat and made dash for
a gap in the hedge. He was gone like
a fash. Pursuit would be useless. for
pace was not Bells strong point. And
he was not fearful OF being attacked
again.
Henson seems TO be pretty well
served" ne muttered. grimly.
Meanwhile, the man with the thumb
was flying over the fields in the direc-
ton of Littimer He made his way
across country to the cliffs with the as
sured air OF one who knows every inch
of the ground. He had failed In the
first part of his instructions. and there
was no time to be lost II he was to car
nv out the second part successfully.
He struck the cliffs at length a mile
or so away, and proceeded to scramble
along them until he lay hidden just UNI
der the terraces OF Littimer Castle. He
Knew that ne was IN time for this part
of the program. despite the fact that
his head ached considerably from the
- lid tt1f
Law there, painting and breathing heavi-
". waiting for the signal to come.
Meanwhile, Bell was Jogging along
placidly and with no fear in his heart
at NIL. He did not need anybody to tell
him what was the object of his late an
tagonist's attack. He knew perfectly
well that IL the ruffian had got the bet
ter Of him he would never have seen
the Rembrandt again. Henson's hounds
were on the track: but Il would go hard
II they pulled the quarry down Just as
the sanctuary was in sight. Presently
Bell could see the lights OF the castle.
BY the lodge gates stood n dog-cart;
In the flare of the lamps Bell recognized
the features OF the driver, very old
servant Of Littimer's. Bell took In the
situation at glance.
+ rs THIS the way you come lot me,
LundG" he asked.
SIN very sorry. sir" Lund replied.
"But a clergyman rear the station said
you had gone another way, so turned
back. And when I got here couldn't
rake top nor tail of the story. Blest ~
I .Mesn't a bit nervous that IL might
have been some plan TO rob you. And
I was going to drive slowly along to the
station again when you turned up"
"Oh, there's nothing wrong" said
Bell. cheerily. and dent look as IL
had come to any harm. Anybody
staying at the castle, Lund?"
"Only Mr.. Reginald Henson, sir"
Lund said, disparagingly.
Bell started. but his emotion was lost
In the darkness. 1t came as a great
surprise to him to find that HIS enemy
was actually in the field. And how APP
prehensive of danger he must be to
como so far. with his health In so shat
tered a condition. Bell smiled TO him
self as he pictured Henson's face on
seeing him once more Under that ROOF.
''How long has Mr.. Henson been
Aere?" he asked.
"Only came yesterday, sir. Shall
drive you up to the house! And IL you
wouldn't mind saying nothing to his
iordship about my mistake, sir"
Make your mind easy on that score"
Ben said. drily. ''Iis iordship shall