The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1903-07-29

come in from the outside. The man ad-
dressed him in the language Of the
country, and his heart almost stopped
beating. How was he to answer? Mum
bling something almost inaudible, he
hurried on to the ground floor, trembling
with fear lest the man should call to
him to halt. He was relieved to find,
in the end, that his progress was not
to be impeded. In another moment he
was boldly unlocking the door that led
to the visitors hall. Then came the
door to the warden's Office. Here he
found three sleepy guards, none OF
whom paid any attention to him as he
passed through. and entered Captain
Dangloss' private room. The gruH old
captain sat at desk writing. The es-
Gaping man half paused as If to speak
to him. a sharp cough from the cap
tain and significant jerk Of the head
told him that there must be no delay,
no words. Opening the door he stepped
out into storm SO fierce and wild that
be shuddered apprehensively.
"A fitting night!' he muttered as he
plunged into the driving rain, forcing
his way across the courtyard toward
the main gate. The little light in the
gatekeeper's window was his guide,
so, blinded by the torrents, blown by
the winds, he soon found himself be-
fore the final barrier. Peering through
the window, be saw the keeper doing
In his chair. BY the light from Within
he selected from the bunch Of keys he
carried one that had white string
knotted in its ring. This was the key
that was to open the big gate In case
no one challenged him. In any other
case he was to give the countersign,
"Dangloss," and trust fortune to pass
him through without question.
Luck was with him, and, finding the
great lock, he softly inserted and turn
ed the key. The wind blew the heavy
gate open violently, and it required all
Of his strength to keep it from banging
against the wall beyond. The most diff
fcult task that he had encountered
grew from his efforts to close the gate
against the blast he was about to
give up in despair when a hand was
laid on his shoulder and some one
Kissed in his startled ear:
"Sh! Not a wordH'
His legs almost went from under bis
Eody, so great was the shock and the
fear. Two strong hands Joined his
own in the effort to pull the door into
position, and he knew at once that they
belonged to the man who was to meet
him on the corner at the right OF the
prison wall. He undoubtedly had tired
Of the delay and, feeling secure In the
darkness Of the storm, had cone to
meet his charge, the escaping prisoner.
Their united efforts brought about the
desired result, and together they left
the prison behind, striking out against
the storm in all its fury.
"You are late" called the stranger in
his ear.
'Not too late, am I?'' he cried back,
clutching the others arm.
ssNo, but we must hasten"
Captain Quinnox, is it you?'
"Have q care! The storm has ears
and can hear Names" cautioned the
other. AS rapidly as possible they
made their way along the black street
almost river with its sheet Of water
LOFTY had lost his bearings and knew
not whittier he went, trusting to the
guidance Of his struggling companion
There seemed to be no end to theil
journey, and he was growing weak be
meath the exertion and the excitement
GLOW far do we go?' he cried at last
"But a few rods. The carriage is al
the next corner"
"W'here IS the carriage to take me-?
he demanded.
81 am not at liberty to say"
cam to see her before I go?'
s.That is something I cannot answer,
sir. My instructions are to place you
in the carriage and ride beside the
driver until our destination is reached" !"
"Is it the castle?' cried the other
ioyously.
ut is not the CASTLE" was the disap-
pointing answer.
At that moment they came upon q
great dark hulk and heard the stamp
ing Of horses hoofs close at hand. It
was so dark they could scarcely discern
the shape Of the carriage, although
they could touch its side With their
hands.
A soldier stood in the shelter Of the
vehicle and opened the door for the
American.
"Hurry! Get in:9' exclaimed ouin-
no1.
Il wish to know if this is liable to
get her into trouble" demanded Lorry,
pausins with one foot on the steps.
"Gct inr' commanded the soldier who
was holding the door, pushing him for
ward uneasily. He flounGsred into the
carriage, where all was dry and clean.
In his hand he still carried the keys
and the lantern, the slide of Which he
had closed before leaving the prison
yard. He could not see, but he knew
that the trappings Of the vehicle were
superior. Outside he heard the soldier,
who was preparing to enter, say:
This carriage travels on most ur-
rent business for her royal highness,
captain. 1t is not to be stopped"
4 moment later he was inside and
the door slammed. The carriage rock
ed rs QuinnoN swung up beside the
driver.
You may as we'll be comfortable"
said Lorry's companion as he sat riglG
and restless. I'VE have long and
rough ride before u.s."
[To BE CONTINUED.
Church Mods.
Didn't the minister feel 1t when SO
many in the congregation fell asleep
during the sermon:"
~, &o