The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-10-27
(Continued.)


The month rolled away and the day
came for Roginald's liberation. dog
cart was sent for him and the heir OF the
Bassetts emerged from county jail, anu
uttered a whoop OF delight; he insisted
on driving, and went home at a rafting
pace.
He was In high spirits till he got IN
sight OF Huntercombe hall: and then II
suddenly occurred 10 his mercurial mind
that he should probably not be received
with an ovation. petty larceny. being
novelty In that ancient house whose rep
resentative he was.
When he did got there. he found the
whole family In such a state OF commo-
ton that his return was hardly noticed
at all.
Master Compton's dlnner-hour was two
D. m. and yet. at three o'clock OF this
day. he did not come In.
This was reported To Lady Bassett ana
Il gave her some little anxiety; for she
suspected no might possibly be In the
company OF Ruperta Bassett; and. al
though she did not herself much object
to that, she objected very much 20 have
Il talked about and made fuss. SO she
went herself to the end OF the lawn, and
out into the meadow, that servant
might not find the young people together,
h her suspicion was correct.
She went into the meadow and called.
'.Comrtoni Compton," as loud as she
could, but there was no reply.
Then she came in. and began TO be
alarmed and sent servants about In all
directions.
But two hours elapsed. and there were
40 tidings. The thing looked serious
She sent out grooms we'll mounted to
scour the country. One OF these fell In
with SIR Charles. who thereupon came
home and found his wife In pitiaoie
state. She was sitting I'm an armchair
trembling and crying Historically.
She caught his hand directly and grasp
ed Il like a wise.
TT is Richard Bassettp she cried. HE
knows how TO wound and kill me. He has
stolen our child
Sir Charles hurried out. and. soon after
that Reginald arrived. and stood awe
struck at her deplorable condition.
Sir Charles came back heated and an
xious kissed Reginald. told him In three
words his brother was missing, and theh
Informed Lady Bassett that he had learn
ed something very extraordinary; Nch-
ard Bassett's little girl had also disap-
peared, and his people were out looking
after her
"Ah. they are together!'' cried Lady
Bassett.
together, A son OF mino consorting
with that viper s. brood?'
what does that poor child know? Oh,
md him for me, II you love that dear
childs mother!'
Sir charles hurried out directly. but
was met at the door by servant, who
hlurted out. The men have dragged the
flsh-ponds, Sir Charles, and they want 10
know II they shall drag the brook
Hold your tongue, idiot!' cried Sir
Charles and thrust him out but the wise
acre had not spoken In vain. Lady Bas-
sett moaned and went into worse hyster-
les with nobody near her but Reginald.
That worthy never having seen a lady
IN mysteries, and not being hardened at
all points, uttered a. sympathetic howl
and flung his arms around her neck.
''Oh! oh! OH Don't cry mamma
LADY Bassett shuddered at his touch,
but did not repel him.
f'I'll find him for YOU" said the boy,
''if you will leave of crying"
She stared In his face for moment,
and then went on az before.
Mamma" said he getting impatient.
do listen to me. I'll nnd him easy
enough. II you will only listen"
him.
"Ay I know a sight more than the
fools about here. I'm poacher. Just you
put me on his track. I'll soon run INTO
him II he's above GROUND"
"A child like you! cried Lady Bassett;
'how can you do that" and she began to
wiring her hands again.
an show you" said the boy, getting
very impatient. "if you will leave OF cry
ing like a great baby, and come to amy
place YOU like where he has been today
and left a mark
"Ahl" cried Lady Bassett,
'T'm q poacher" repeated Reginald,
quite proudly: 'you forget that"
Come with me-" cried Lady Bassett.
starting up.
She whipped on her bonnet and ran