Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-10-29
-=@ o.
CHAPTER X1I.-(ContinuedJ

Thrusting the pistol quickly In his
pocket, the young man sprang towards
her 80 suddenly that she could not de
fend herself, and clasping her slight form
tightly in his strong arms, he lifted her
at once TO the waiting conveyance, placed
lAer In it. then leaping to her side, seized
the reins, and drove rapidly off, while the
poor girl was in almost faintins condl-
hlon, from displeasure and fright.
After few moments of intense still
mess. broken only by the CHATTER of the
'norse's hoofs, as he bounded on, Robert
mrned to her with laughing triumph
70 his eyes and exultingly exclaimed:
"You see my charming young friend
Ehat when ! say | will do a thing, l
intend to do 1t. Now decided this af-
ternoon to have you for companion on
q little drive, and you see | have car
gied the day, and here you are, seated
coEily by my side, while we are dashing
away In grand style. Confess now, is
mot this just splendidW
at Is not. Sir, / thing your conduct
ungentlemnnly md cruel in the extreme"
mot at all! | assure you, | regard
you as the cruel one, when you declined
TO favor me with your company. why
you treat me so strangely is an enigma!
You ought to feel honored to be allowed
10 ride with so well-known, wealthy and
lkind-hearted a man"
ut is no honor sir, but a deep insult,
TO be thus forced to do what Is dis
agreeable"
IL suppose 1t would be very disagree
able also to have me kiss your
IL Il ts1.t,
that fell upon his ear.
"WeI disagreeable or not to you, 1t
would be extremely agreeable to me. l
4ell you candidly, / would like to do
at, you are so sweet and beautiful but
II will refrain and deny myself that
pleasure, if you keep perfectly quiet, and
Dust try to enjoy this ride while you have
the chance. If you do motif you make
che least fuss, vow l will do it!'
Ethel made no reply. She realized
fully that the eccentric individual beside
her had her in his power, therefore ac-
lknowledging to herself that it was best
under the circumstances to make no fur
hher resistance, she sank back in her seat
and remained silent and motionless.
Away they few over the long and lone
iy road, passing brooks, ponds, trees,
rocks, indeed everything but houses and
inhabitants. During the whole drive not
one word more was spoken by either vic
tor or vanQushed.
Ethers face was deadly pale, however
during the hour that ensued before the
head of the horse was turned homeward
while Roberts was illuminated by glow
Iof intense satisfaction and triumph.
When at length the shades Of evening
began TO gather they once more neared
Glendenning Hall. Stopping the horse
before they reached the place, In a shell
tered and obscure spot, Robert jumped
out, then turned to assist Ethe! from the
vehicle.
Springing past him to the ground
Ethel darted away. Breathing Il prayer
OF fervent thanksgiving for her safe re
turn, when she had once more reached
her room, The poor girl brushed away tn,
tears that had relieved her excited feel
tngs as soon as she had entered. and theI
with a sinking dread at her heart at one,
repaired to the sick mans room.
A volley Of spiteful, hard words salut
ed her entrance from the irritable in
valid, and it was some time before sh
could utter one word in her own defense
When at last he gave her an opportunit.
TO speak she informed him truthfully o
th- outrageous conduct of his wife
nephew.
Robert! Did you say Robert did s
int client a thing? Was he guilty of s
objectionable an act?" exclaimed the as
tOnished baronet.
"Do not believe her, uncle" immediate
~ loterposed Belle, who had made it he
Business to be present; What she say
10 utterly false. l do not doubt but tina
she spent the time riding with som
2eNu; but, assure you, it was not wit
my brother, for he was with me the ell
IRE afternoon. She is a wicked girl I
FNpose such a falsehood upon SO sick
man"
As Belle uttered this cruel fabricatio
he glanced spitefully, yet with ill-col
sealed triumph, towards the amaze
Ethel, who was not at all prepared fl
ouch an artful and malicious attack.
"Slr Reginald, assure you | spea
only the truth. 1t was Robert Glendel
ming who forced me into his carriag
and thus detained me against my will"
You know better" roared Sir Req
nald. IL will never believe it. Lea,
the room instantly. l do not wish to s.
your face again until morning"
With a cold, dignihed bow Ethel lie
at his bidding--left, too, without anoth
word, knowing well that contradictio
would only enrage and excite the pa
sionate and unjust person before her.
After she had disappeared Belle al
at once took her departure, chagrin
that her uncle had not Instantly dsmi.
ed her rival from his service and houi
She did not know that this his lor
ship would on no account do, as he h
intrusted to her keeping a secret viii
made her services far too valuable to
easily dispen. ed with. He might be ,
ragged, and so dismiss her for a nigl
but no fau!, she might be guilty of wo,
induce him to part with her while
went well in the concealed room.
CHAPTER XIII.
rhe next afternoon, Ethel felt that