Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1903-09-11
you could possibly fall in love, with the

you could possibly fall in love, with the
exception Of my daughter, l can hardly
think that you have had sufficient oppor-
tunity to know your own mind. Next
month she proceeds to England with her
mother, and for the next two years she
will be engaged upon finishing her edu-
cation. At the end of that time | shall
myself return to England, and we shall
then enter into society. If at that time
you are still of the same way of think
ing, and choose to renew our acquaint-
ance, shall be very happy
Mr.. Cooper endeavored in vain to alter
Mr.. Hardy's determination, and was at
last obliged to give the required promise.
Two or three days after this he rode up
and said that he had come to say good
by, that he had received letters urging
him to return at once, and had therefore
made up his mind to start by the next
mail from Buenos Ayres.
For a few days Maud was unusually
quiet and subdued, but her natural spir-
its speedily recovered themselves, and
she was soon as lively and gay as ever.
About a fortnight after the departure
of Mr.. Cooper an event took place which
for while threatened to upset all the
plans which they had formed for the fu-
ture.
One or other of the girls was in the
habit of frequently going over to stay for
a day or two with Mrs. Mercer. One
evening Hubert rode over with Ethel,
and Mrs. Mercer persuaded the latter t0
stay for the night; Hubert declining to
do so, as he had arranged with Charley
to go over early to Canterbury to assist
at the branding of the cattle at that sta
ton.
In the morning they had taken their
coffee, and We're preparing for start,
when, just as they were mounting their
horses, one Of the men drew their atten-
tlon to man running at full speed to-
ward the house from the direction of Mr..
| Mercer's.
| What can be the matter?" Charley
said. What strange thing that mes
senger should come over ON foot instead
of on horseback
Lets ride and meet him, Charley"
Hubert said; and putting spurs to their
| horses, they galloped toward the APP
preaching figure.
AS they came close to him he stumbled
and fell, and lay upon the ground. ex-
| hausted and unable to rise. The boys
| sprang from their horses with feeling
Of vague uneasiness and alarm.
whats the matter?' they asked
The peon was too exhausted to reply
for moment or two; then he gasped
| out, LOS Indios! the Indians!'
The boys gave simultaneous cry Of
dread.
What has happened? Tell us quick,
man; are they attacking the estanca?"
The man shook his head.
"Estancia burnt. All killed but me-"
he said.
The news was too sudden and terrible
for the boys to speak. They stood white
and motioness with horror.
"All killed! Oh, Ethel, Ethelw Char
ley groaned.
Hubert burst into tears. "What will
mamma do?"
Come, Hubert" Charley said, dashing
away the tears from his eyes, do not let
us waste moment. All hope may not
be over. The Indians seldom kill wom-
en-, but carry them away, and she may
be alive yet. If she is, we will rescue
her, if we go right across America. Come,
man, jump up behind me on my horse"
The peon obeyed the order, and in five
minutes they reached the gate. Here
they dismounted.
Let us walk up to the house, Hubert,
so as not to excite suspicion. We must
call papa out and tell him first, so that
he may break it to mamma If she learn
it suddenly, 1t may kill her."
Nv III InrI,, - n.
and was standing at the door, looking
with pleased eye upon the signs OF
comfort and prosperity around him.
There was no need, therefore, for them
to approach nearer. AS Mr.. Hardy look
ed round upon hearing the gate shut,
Charley beckoned to him to come down
to them. Mr.. Hardy, feeling that some
thing strange was happening, ran down
the steps and hurried toward them.
BY the time he reached them, he had
no need to ask questions. Hubert was
leaning upon the gate, crying as if his
heart would break; Charley stood with
his hand on his lips, as if to check the
sobs from breaking out, while the tears
streamed down his cheeks.
"Ethel?' Mr.. Hardy asked.
Charley nodded and then said. with n
great effort: "The Indians have burned
the estancia; one of the men has escaped
and brought the news. We know moth
ing more. Perhaps she is carried off, not
killed"
Mr.. Hardy staggered under the sudden
blow. Carried off, he murmured to
himself. 1T is worse than DEATH"
Yes, papa Charley said, anxious to
give his fathers thoughts new turn.
But we will rescue her, if she is alive,
wherever they may take her"
(To be continued)
Waiter and Dish-Carrier.