The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1903-01-30
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CHAPTER Iv.-(Continued,,

CHAPTER IV.-(Continued.I
WAS 1t anything. dearie?" She ut
tered an exclamation as she saw Blue
BELLS white face. 1.-The Boers-they're
going to attack US. Bluebell? Is that
itr"
mo, no. auntie-not so far as I
know" said the girl. with an attempt
at . wan smile. Eat least, that wasn't
what dad wanted. But don't ask me
tonight. auntie. I'm tired. Good night"
Miss Elizabeth was all of mother she
had sever known.
Good night. God keep you, dearie."
the elder woman whispered. Her
words remained with Bluebell after she
had shut herself into her room.
God keep her! There was One to
whom she should turn now for help in
this most terrible crisis of her young
life. Bluebell threw herself on her
knees. burying her ace in her hands.
Oh. God, show her what vas the
right thing to do. Help her, oh, God.
Tor there was no other who could tell
her what she must do!
Save her father from the conse
quences Of a deliberate crime by selling
herself to this s%coundrel! 1t was a
OF her? Nay, would she be doing right
In making it? Bluebell was a good,
sweet, true-hearted girl. She had al
ways shown respect and affection for
the most ENJOYABLE nan who was her
father, sven when he was least worthy
OF respect; but she had an unusual
amount Of common sense for a young
girl. and was not likely to be betrayed
Into any sentimental and maudIin
cours Of action.
Az she knelt there a sudden thought
came to Bluebell. bringing the warm
blood In a palpitating wave wei the
panor Of her white face, and quicken
ing the throbs of her heart that had
been beating SO low and despairingly.
Ut was the thought Of Adair Rothes.
III he were only here" Bluebell said
70 herself. Il think he would help me.
He said he was my friend"
Her thoughts wandered from the
0errible crisis Of the moment to the
brief time of happiness in the after
noon when Rothes had first met her.
Ut had not lasted long, that was true;
put somehow the memory Of Rothes'
clasp Of her hand, of his long look into
her eyes, brought a kind of brief
sweetness into Bluebell's heart, which
sven the pain and sorrow of the pres
ont could not quite blot out.
When she rose from her knees her
mind was quite made up.
II shall not marry that man." she
raid. and her eyes were full Of a
strange, deep determination. at would
not make dads sin the less II I did SO.
81 would be q sin on my part to marry
= man like that. It would be adding
oin to sin. Dad must escape, but 1t
will be In some other way. Twill help
him to do so. He must escape to Eng
eand. and auntie and I will carry on
che farm here"
This determination brought q GER
tain restfulness to Bluebell. She un-
dressed. got into bed, and presently
went to sleep, though It was q sleep
disturbed by troubled dreams of Beers
attacking New Kelso, setting fire to
&, and tying up all its occupants to
stakes in order that they might be
burnt also.
Adam Leslie had q worse night than
his daughter. He vas up at daybreak
and riding v e his farm. AS he was
returning about Z o'clock he saw q tall,
dark figure approaching him on horse
back. He recognized 1t at once. and
his heart sank.
Moore rode quickly up to him. MI.
Leslie could see some excitement on
The usually dark. impassive face.
News. Leslie-great news!" he ex-
claimed, as he came close to the other
man, and flung himself OF his horse.
sListen. man; but frst"-he dropped
his voice-"what Of my love affair.
How have you succeeded with the little
oride-elect?" !.
Leslie's rubicund face blanched, but
he endeavored to put on an air Of as
ourance.
my dear Moore. she will come
round; I am not afraid Of that. OF
course you must allow for 4 little re-
~1uctance at first; but there isn't the
slightest fear but she will give in. But
you'l give us q day or two more Of
grace. win you not?"
His tone Of abject entreaty told more
than his words did to the keen ear Of
Gerald Moore, who turned aside for q
moment, and passed his hand over hi.
lips as II to conceal their expression
Eyes, I will give you . day or two
more" he said presently, "for there's
some work before you. Mr.. Leslie, II
% I think. you feel inclined to tel
something which the British genera
at LAdysmith would give his ears tt
know. In q few days some of tn,
biggest men on the Beers side may
- made prisoners. Ha! is that no
tidings worth hearing? I could Civ,
the Information myself. but I wish yol
% have the chance Of a little glory
and also Of q ~pecuniary reward. Yo,
DO not need to sell this information