Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-04-29
CHAPTER Xxx.

Barbara sat for few minutes with
her hands folded in her lap. Then she
thrust the letter into the fame of the
lamp and watched 1t as it crumbled into
ashes
"Thus do dispose of this bugbear of
trouble" she thought. "Brice would re-
gard it as rare piece of magnanimity,
am sure. have no idea that departed
spirits hover near us, but if they did
and Benson was looking on, | wonder
what he'd think about my disposal of
his letter and the decision Mt which
have arrived? He'd be satisfied. | know,
could he look right down into my heart
am not periling any of the interests of
his sweet little grandchild"
She turned down the lamp and went
and stood by the open window. She
looked out over the stretch of moonlit
scenery and mp into the sky, where the
stars twinkled softly. \ serene stiffness
brooded over everything; the air was
drowsy with perfume and gently moist
ened by the mist from tn fountain.
At last she turned away from the win
dow and prepared to dsrobe, for the
clocks in the house were striking the
hour of ten. Happening to glance into
the mirror she saw a man step into the
room from the balcony.
She recognized him as the tramp who
had dealt her the vicious blow and who
had grinned at her from the dark stair
way of the deserted forge. For a mo-
ment she was almost paralyzed with
fear. Her presence of mind soon return
ed to her, however, She sank softly 10
herself; she busted herself about need
less trifies. she looked H. o the mirror
without seeming TO look into it.
Presently she saw the ma nglide be
hind the curtains Of window alongside
of the one = rough which no had enter
ed. She knew that Brice's perm was
greater than hers she guessed at the
ruffau's purpose; she determined to baf-
fle him If she could. She glided toward
the curtainet nlcove.
IF you will step out and state your
errand III patiently hear what you have
| 10 say" she said.
There was a strange steadiness in hei
! voice. The curtains trembled slightly
/ but there was no response. She ehal
lenged again and with effect.
| The fellow came out of his hiding
place, a CLEAN of surprise in his sunker
eyes He was low hrowcd. dangerou,
looking, niserably clad.
What do you WANT" Barbara asked
fearessness in her tone and attitude.
Not you, anyhow" he said. with
grin
Barbara had iposened her beautifu
brown hair and ii was streaming down
ward behind her. almost reaching to he
feet The light from the lamp fell acros
her male rpSoluta facp
I've this TO say" he added, with sig
nihcant toss of his head IF you rails
an alarm it's all over with you. ia onl
have 10 close my hand on that littl
white neck of yours Eve seen you afor
. At the old forge one night You wer
with the iron-handed ariStoeratr'
That was the second time you say
e me-" Barbara said.
"Oh. il was, eh' Where else -
The night you fred your gun At tn
, window"
The tramp flung up his head his ev
: preston intensifying. surprise and ad
: miration predominating.
J "Ehr he calculated You made m
! miss my aim? You grabbed met Wei
, it was plucky in you, You lotS :
: sweet that I'm half sorry for 'he whac
: gave you. 1t didn't leave no scar.
notice. DO you know I've mind (
: make You give me a kiss. Just 70 sho'
2 me that you don't hold any spite abo,
) it,"
{ He leered impudently at her and can
{ closer to her. For moment every pa