Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-21
CHAPTER XXI.
Blackhart Precedes Antoinette to the
Pond

She paused moment Should she go for
help, or venture alone?
"Ill see what I can do myself, first she
thought and quickly climbed the steps,
Her foot slipped on the moss of the top one,
and she would have fallen to the bottom
had she not grasped the low hanging branch
of the tree on her left. The noise and her
exclamation gave warning to another per-
son who was at the pond for the same pur-
pose as herself, hidden from sight among
the shrubbery.
1.-THE northeast corner, under the lily
pads" she murmured. 'The water looks
deeper than 1 ever thought it. l wonder II
there could be any snakes or craw-daddles
in It? for 1 shall have to take OF my shoes"
She unlaced them. and lest she should lose
courage, stepped quickly into the water in
her bare feet, and pushing aside the heavy
leaves of the lilies looked into the clear
water for the family jewel 1t was not
there A multitude of conflicting thoughts
filed her breast, but Observation-Disclosures,
bitter disappointment crowned them ALL
The tears filled her eyes, as she realized
that she had really believed Moses story.
HE said the falling water may have
moved it, and I'll search everywhere before
/ give it up" She dashed away the tears
and pushed aside the leaves once more, and
there-tnere, two feet from the spot where
Nose had placed it, lay the ring, the prec-
ious ruby that meant so much to them ALL
Antoinette uttered cry OF delight, and
clasping the jewel tightly in her hand step
ped out Cf the pond. Her dress was ruined
by the water. but she forgot about it, and
stood looking at the recovered gem. Only
for a moment, however. An oath in a low
undertone and pair of eyes filled with
rage caused her heart to bound in terror
She recognized DR.. Blackhart, and knew in
stantly what brought him there. The ring
was in her hand, but how long should she
be able to retain 1t against his superior
1 rNr I,o M cn1r rcd 90 r,alr4
effort. hoping against hope that her youth
and agility would outwit his strength
She dashed around to the opposite side of
the fountain before he had quite emerged
from his hiding place. He was between her
and the steps, and thus her retreat was cut
OFF. She called loudly for help, and he
knew that he must be quick or the game
| was lost. He made as II to follow her, but
could not do 1t without leaving the steps
| open to her, unless he made directly
through the water. which he now did
Antotnette realized that her only hope
was in reaching the steps without delay,
| whichever way she attempted to go he cut
| her Off by turning in that direction At
last she made dash, but she sped by he
| caught her arm. She uttered despairing
| cry for help.
1t was heard. and the last thing AntoI-
nette saw before she lost consciousness was
| Mr. Glover coming to her assistance.
Hold, there, you villain! Touch her at
youi Pcih' dio tie uioW ne gave Black
hart with his good right hand staggered
that individual. Marks advance had been
SO quiet that he had not seen him until he
was almost upon him.
Now, however. recovering from the blow,
he beat hasty retreat, and Mark, whose
attention must ell be directed to Antoi-
nette. saw him escape, raging inwardly that
he could not stop him, or bring any one
with shouts for help. -.
Antoinette at last opened her eyes,
"Oh, Mark she cried Historically. cling
ing to his hand, where is the ring?''
What ring. Miss Montjoy?"
She explained in a few words
Il must have dropped 1t In the water
Please look for it. cannot lose it nowi''
You must let me take you to the house
first" he answered.
mo. no. am all right, and will not
leave this spot until the ring IL founds"
Mark turned his steps toward the water.
and fortunately did not have to look long