Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-03-04
RY FRANK Il. sTAuFEER
CHAPTER YI.-fContinned

lie hung out his hand ~ qBek f1re
wei gesture, then plunged among the
thfckets, as if scarcely caring where he
brought up. Barbara looked after him
her shawl dropping from her shoulders
her hand at her temples, her eyes heavy
with unshed tears.
Much of that interview was Witnessed,
though none of 1t was overheard. On the
opposite slope stood Brice Rutherford,
hidden from vi"w by the shadows Of the
trees under h b he stood. He had
reached the ravEle by another path. He
had come upon the spot accidentally in
his stroll neither prompted by curiosity
nor uneasiness about Barbara's safety
Once his attention was drawn 10 the
couple, he did not take it from them. He
was considerably surprised. and the sur
prise eliminated in amazement when he
saw the seedily dressed young man lean
across the fence and kiss her, she party
to the caress, or, at least. manifesting no
resentment.
The young owner Of Croylands ground
his heel into the sod. A dark frown set
tied upon his face, and he unconsciously
clenched his right hand, He felt some
how as If he had right to be offended.
She is like all the rest of them" he
mattered. what have | been thinking
about? She may have d dozen rustic
lovers. 1t was an appointment, and |
now know why she didn't want my com
pany. Why, | had invested her with so
much purity that | was almost afraid
to touch even the tips of her fingers.
Bahp'
II was an explosive exclamation of con
tempt. He turned and strobe moodily
from the spot All! he didn't know. Men
never know. Had he waited a minute
longer he would have seen her standing
erect, her hands clasped h0r eyes uplift-
ed. prayer of faith in her soul, the bene-
diction of peace on her face. He could
not have mistaken ia the bright moor
light either the reverential character of
her attitude or the purity of the thoughts
which had made her countehanee look so
sanity.
She slowly retraced her steps. her
shawl drawn closely around her. the dew
trembling upon the bushes as she swept
them with her dress. When she entered
a wider path, she walked with more
briskness, little overawed by the still
ness which brooded over everything
She came in sight of the house. which
doomed up Gloomly and grand, There
was light ia Brice's room. He came to
the open window, looked out of it and
then disappeared. She heard rustling
noise in one of the paths, and saw Il
mans hat above the hedge He ran
along in bent posture. his eyes glaring
his breathing audible He was mserably
clad, aud was carrying n gun. He was
the tramp whom Brice had beaten for
frightening the little mare, and who had
sworn revenge
Barbara became alarmed. She could
not divine his purpose. but knew he was
not there for any good Should she stand
still or follow him?
He shot into the walk beyond her, but
did not notice her presence. He stopped
on fine with the window Of Brice's
room, and shaded his brow with his hand,
as it to sharpen his vision.
Brce was no doubt walking up and
down his roonl--luite a habit with him
when the hour had grown late. He once
more stopped at the open window. He
looked out Lpou the lawn.
Quick as a flash the prowler stood
erect aud brought his gun to his shout
der, then lowered the weapon, for Brice
WAS no longer in sight That was enough
for Barbara She at ouce comprehend
ed his intentions. and she was frightened
so much that she heard her heart beat.
She almost bit her lips until they bled
ia her effort 10 repress scream. Oh,
what was she expected to do under the
circumstances?
The man had crouehed again He was
watching and waiting a look Of pent-up
malice in his wasted face Scarcely
knowing what impelcd her, Parbara
crept swiftly yet noisele' " toward him.
She was ready for anyti however des-
perate, only so that SD, Ould save Brice
from such horrible and unexpected
death.
Brice appeared at the window again
Once more the tramp rose to his feet. his
eye cleaning along the barrel of his gun.
and an exultant smile upon his lips He
pulled the trigger. but missed his aim
Barbara had reached him and had grasp
ed his arm
The tramp turned ansrily upon his as
salant. He did not stop to notice how
frail she was. 1t uldn't have mat
tered, perhaps, il he had He struck her
with the butt of the gun. then dashed
across the terraces
Barbara lay still and white in the
moonlight the blood trickliug slowly from
a cash in her forehead