The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1903-12-05

stop, str; not another stcpr
ders and shimmered around her face
with a cloudlike effect, giving TO the
features In their repose n setting that
intensified their sweetness and sadness.
In very low but distinct voice she
was reading. with a slightly quavering
information
Mlgnonne, allons voir ST la rose,
Que &c matin avoit DISCLOSE
Sa robe de pourpe au soleil.
when Hamilton, after stealthily mount
ing the rough stairway which led to
her door. peeped In through a space
between the slabs and felt n stroke of
disappointment, seeing at glance that
Farnsworth was not there. He gazed
for some time, not without a sense Of
villalny. while she continued her sweet
ly monotonous reading. If his heart
had been as hard as the iron swivel
balls that lay beside Alice he must still
have felt a thrill OF something like ten
der sympathy. She now showed no
trace OF the vivacious sauciness which
had heretofore always marked her fea-
lures when she was in his presence.
A dainty gentleness, touched with mel
ancholy, gave to her face an appealing
lock all the more powerful on account
Of It's unconscious simplicity of express
alon.
The man felt an impulse pure and
1 noble, which would have borne him
back down the ladder and away from
the building had not stronger one set
boldly In the opposite direction. There
was short struggle with the scared
remnant OF his better nature, and then
he tried 10 open the door, but IL was
| locked
Alice heard the slight noise and
breaking of her reading turned TO
look. Hamilton made another effort
10 enter before he recollected TINT the
wooden key, or notched lever, that con
trolled the cumbrous wooden lock
hung on n peg beside the door. He felt
for 1t along the wall, and soon laid his
hand on IT, Then again he peeped
through 10 see Alice, who was now
standing upright, near the swivel. She
had thrown her hair back from her
face and neck; the lamps pickering
light seemed suddenly to have magni-
fed her stature and enhanced her
beauty. Her book lay on the tumbled
wraps nj her feet. and In either hand
she grasped swivel shot.
IIamilton's combative disposition
came TO the aid Of his baser passion
when he saw once more a defiant fash
from his prisoners face. 1t was easy
i A. a
Helm had prohtcd by this trait rs
much ms others had suffered by 1t, but
In the case of Alice, Hamilton's min
gled resentment and admiration were
but powerful irritant 10 the coarsest
and most dangerous side OF his nature.
After some fumbling and delay he
fitted the key with steady hand and
moved the wooden bolt. creakinc, and
jolting. from its slot. Then flinging the
clumsy door wide open. he stepped In.
Alice started when she recognized the
midnight intruder and second deep
er look into his countenance made her
brave heart recoil, while with n sink
ing sensation her breath almost stop
ped II was but momentary weak
ness. however. followed by vigorous
reaction.
"what are you here for. STRIP she
demanded. What do you wantT
II am neither burglar nor a muir
derer. mademolselle," he responded,
lifting his hat and bowling. with n
smile not In the least reassuring.
you look like both. Stop where
you areF'
mot so loud. my dear Miss Roussil
lon. am not deaf, and. besides, the
garrison needs 10 sleep"
"Stop. sir; not another stepv
She poised herself. leaning slightly
backward. and held the iron ball In her
right hand ready TO throw Il at him.
lie halted. still smiling villainously
"Mademoisellc, assure you that
your excitement Is quite unnecessary.
I I am not here 20 harm you"
"You cannot harm me. you cowardly
wrctcl!"
"1irmph. Pride goes before n fall,
wench" he retortcd. taking half step
I backward. Then thought arose in
Ills mind which added n new shade TO
the rcpellcnt darkness OF his counte-
nance.
"Nfiss RoussIllon," he said In Eng
lish and with n changed voice. which
seemed TO grow harder, each word de-
lfberately emphasized. II have come 60
break some bad news TO you"
'You would scarcely bring me good
news. sir. and am not curious 70 hear
the bad"
/