Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1902-10-04

The man was stunned, and lay perfect.
" inert as Humphrey and his companion
struggled to their feet. painting with ex-
ertion, and listening for the return Of the
party who had gone on.
But they had not heard the noise OF the
struggle. the maxe-like turnings Of the
path had shut 1t out, and their voices
now came mufiled and soft, rs II from q
distance.
Thn Humphrey felt his hand gripped
hrmly.
"This way"
"what! Are you going to take me
back to prison?" said Humphrey, mock.
insly:
II am going straight to libertyw cried
Humphrey.
"This way, then" whispered his COM
panion: and without a word Humphrey
allowed himself to be led back along the
dark arcade. listening to the heavy pant
ing Of his guide, who seemed to be breath
ing heavily, as IL In pain.
For some time no word was spoken.
Then. as he became aware Of his com.
panion's purpose, Humphrey stopped
short.
"You are leading me back to that
cursed prison." he said, fercely. Loose
my hand"
where you will be SAFE" was whispered
back. Have not suffered enough,
man? DO you think wish to die with
the knowledge that these dogs will seize
and rend your
"Rend me?"
Eyes. They have risen. That wretch,
whom have spared SO long In my weak
folly, IL at their head. Humphrey Arm.
strong. believe me. am trying to have
your lifeg'
"Then why not make for the shore? A
boat! Give me a boat and let me go"
"Half the men who were faithful to
me are dead. treacherously burned to
death In their quarters. I cannot OK.
plain; but the doorway was blocked by
those fends. The landing place Is guard.
Cd BY a portion Of his blood-thirsty gang.
TO 20 to the shore Is to seek your death.
Will you not trust me now2'
1T Is to keep me hcrew he cried fierce
ITO keep you here when would GLADLY
say go! Trust me. Give me time to
think. was coming to save you when
We met. Will you not believe"
YES" cried Humphrey, hoarscly. Il
will trust your
"Ha"
That was ali. His hand was gripped
more tightly; and, as he yielded II to his
companion, he felt himself led with un-
erring decision In and out among the
moldering ruins Of the edge Of the clear
ing to the side Of the old amphithcatcr,
q faint metallic clink from time to time
indicating that sword was being struck
upon the stones to make sure Of tho way.
"You are going back there?" said
Humphrey.
eyes," came back. hoarsely. do not
speak. We may be heard"
Humphrey was conscious that his guide
had led him to the altar and sunk upon
It with moan; but she still tightly chung
to his hand.
There they remained In silence AZ II
listening for pursuit; and the deep, hoarse
breathing Of both sounded painfully loud
In the utter darkness.
Humphrey cssaycd to speak again and
again, but he felt that he could not trust
himself to utter words.
1t was his companion who broke the
painful silence ~ she still chung to his
hand.
II ought to have acted sooner" she
said, bitterly. II might have known It,
but In my cruel selHshness could not let
you 90. DO not blame me-do not re.
prOach me. 1t was my madness; and
now the punishment has come"
II do not understand you," he said,
huskily.
"You do" she said. gently. "But Il II
NO time to think Of this. Listen! These
men will search every spot to find and
slay me--and you; but you shall escape.
Now listen: Below this old place there
IL rock chamber, known only to mo and
Bart-who lies wounded yonder and help.
less; hut he will not betray the secret,
even II he thinks that you are there. You
will 20 70 the end Of your couch, press
hea. with your shoulder against the
corner. forcing It In this direction, and
then the great stone will move upon .
pivot. There Ii way down"
"You need not tell me-" said Hum
phrey at this point. II know"
"Thank Heavenv' she calculated
''xeep In hiding there TIL the wretches
are on their guard: and then cautiously
make your way by night down to the
landing place. and by some means seise
q boat. There will DO no guard kept
when am gone"
"And my people-my poor fellows9"
"GOne." she said, quietly. "They seized
Q boat and escaped long ago. All mas
been confusion here since-since ] have
beed mad" she added, piteously.
"Escaped!
"Yes; and you will escape. And In the
future. when You are away-and happy
don't curse me-thlnk Of me as q poor
women. driven by fate-to what I am
but who saw and loved you, Humphrey
Armstrong, as woman has seldom loved
before"
'Oh. hush" he said. huskiiy. "FOr
Heavens sake. don't speak like thatw
mo" she said. gently, II will not
speak. 1t is nearly over now. You will
forgive mc?"
"FOrgive you-yes"
She uttered low sigh, full of thank
fulness, as she still chung to his hand.
ut Is enough" she said. snow, 60!
You know the way. BE cautious, be pa
tient and blde your time; aud then Heav-
en- speed You safely home! He has for
given me-" she sighed to herself, and the
pressure upon his hand seemed to In
crease.
"Well." she said, after few moments
pause, "why do You stay"
Her voice startled him In Its intensity,
for II seemed to echo through the place;
and his hand had, as II had been for many
minutes mast gra sned hers with crvshin %