Oakes Republican., 1902-02-07

darkness had fallen upon st. Johns
Wood, orept round to the back en-
trance in the alley, out of which Gilbert
Rickerby had thrust Kim on the night
of the strange burial in the garden.
Even here he dared not knock or make
any sign; he could only wait in pa
tience, on the chance of something for
tInate happening 20 assist him.
He had to wait very considerable
time and had just began to make W.
his mind to an attempt to scale the
high wall, when he heard the sound OF
feet among the dead leaves inside. Not
knowing What else to do, the little man
rapred sharply With his knuckles on the
wooden door; ond then drew back flat
against the wall beside it, hoping to es
cape notice if the person who answered
the summons should not prove to be
the one he wanted.
In a moment or two the door was
cautiously opened after a little grating
OF the key in the lock, and a head was
thrust forth. The head turned slowly
in the direction OF Mr.. Reeks. and then
an arm was extended out to becllon
him. AS he reached the gate the hand
belonging to the arm caught hold of
him and drew him swiftly inside.
This is good of you, Reeks," said
the voice of Gilbert Ricilerby. 81 have
just heard what has happene dor part
OF it, at least. Old Jenlima has just
come to me-the jiiSt moment she could
get to ne--and ha s told NE that I.eath-
wood brought poor Olive back last
night. I haven't time TO ask how he
got her away firm you or what has
happened; suffice it that she is here,
and that We have failed"
NO; don't say that, Mr.. Rickerby,'
whispered the little man, eXcitedly. Il
came round as soon as ever I knew OF
it; but 1 had to wait until dark. We
must get her away again, sir; and at
once. The only question is-how is it to
be done?"
Upon my word, my friend, you put
fresh heart into me-" said Gilbert. Il
was just making up my mind to take
her away myself hut don't you realize
how difficult that is? 1 scarcely know
where TO take her-and then, again, did
ever the world see two such poor trav-
elers? She, poo: girl, believes me to
be dead, and has no idea of the peril in
which she stands, or of the real state of
her case; her mind is completely un-
hinged For my part, L have no name
myself or say who 1 really am. More
than all that, I cannot quit this place
and leave that villain unpunished or my
poor servant unavenged; I mean to see
the end of this matter, be the end wha.
it may
eyes; I think understand that. The
only thing is, I suppose, for me to do
over again what have so disgracefully
C,o1 fo1y 0f hn
young LADY myself The only thing is
where are we to take herr"
ct have thought Of that" replied Gil
bert, at once. "Tha man Taggett, wnom
YOU saw in the garden last night. left
here yesterday with his wife. They
have secured an engagement with some
small! travelling show. He told me, be-
fore he left, through Jemima, that they
stopped tonight at Barnet, at a little
inn called the Grown and Cushion. He
will be willing, I know, to take care of
the girl. I have a plan in my head for
bringing this rascal to book and maxi
ing some of his villainies recoil on his
own head. Jemima has gone to pre-
pare Miss Mallory and to get her out of
the house; I had made UP my mind to
take her away myself. in despair of any
better chance of doing so. No one will
suspect old Jelninla; the girl will be
here directly. See, here is money; more
than you will need. Will you run at
once to the nearest livery stable or cab
rank and get vehicle that will take
you at once, and swiftly, to Barnet?
We cannot run the risk of the publicity
of railway trains"
The little man took the money which
was pressed into his hand and ran out
on his errand. He found a livery sta
BILE in a back street; and, by cheerful
payment and copious bribes, soon had
a closed four-wheeled vehicle at his dis
pcsal. Leaving. this in a street out of
sight of the house, he hurried back to
find Gilbert talking earnestly to the
n,uffied figure of the young girl, While
the old woman stood quietly at little
distance. There was no time for ex-
plantations and courtesies in the dark
ness, Gilbert and the little man half
persuaded, half-dragged the trembling
girl along and helped her into the We
hicle, Jemimn staying behind to guard
the gate.
Immediately afterwards the horse
had started; Mr.. Raass sat in the
darkness of the vehicle with his COM
panion, and Gilbert Rickerby was hur-
rying back to the house.