The National tribune., 1903-11-19

The chief actor is in the background, and
he will hire some other assassin"
"But why could anybody wish to assas-
sipate the poor girl-or l mean. a poor girl
Unconseiously she has nearly told tho
keep.
Frank Vernon's quick perception told
him he was on the right track.
After a brief silence, he said: "Lillie.
what I want to say is this: There Is a
suspicion that Miss Montrose in hiding in
your house."
He paused and watched her face, but
she had schooled her features until they
were fixed and immOvable as stone. She
met lis gaze unfinchingly, and merely
answered.:
II am not responsible for the suspicious
Of people" -. :,
"That il true, Lille, but want to sup
pose a case. II Miss Montross were IA
your house. and this Sam had been hired
and had failed, don't you know that an
other attempt would surely bs nader
Perhaps you are correct; but even II
in driving her away!"
''Liliie, 1t II very dangerous In these
disturbed times for you to live In this
coantry-seat without 9 protector"
", dm CdpaDio Ok tAkluB CAI0 u my
self, am mott" she asked with one Of her
most provoking smiles.
"Lillie, don't treat this matter so light
ly-it is serious"
"weu, 1t will prove serious for burglars
in my mouse. Aunt and are as brave
az any Of you men. Don't think that you
lords Of creation have all the courage"
quite abashed. If he could only make her
believe she needed a protector! At last
he said:
"Lillie. will you call on me for protec-
ton when you are again threatened?"
She gave him . roguish look, and
answered..
had gone after you the night Black Sam
entered the house. he would have robbed
the house and murdered every one in It
before you could have gotten here. The
woodcutter was nearer, and called him.
Il you will build q cabin near the house,
and we should be threatened again, we
will call on you"
Next day after Franks visit q buggy
drawn by a span Of light-bay horses cams
down the broad turnpike and came to q
halt in front Of the house. Lille saw the
vehicle In time to place Miss Montrosc
on her guard, and went down to see who
| the new arrival was.
1t was John Redgrave. He came up
the pebble walk, and though his step was
steady. bis face showed evidences Of rs-
cent debauch.
".Good morning, Lille" he said, bowins
and coming near enough to clasp her hand.
How are you this morningw
Where are you going, Mr.. Redgrave.
81 came to see you"
"Be seated. It's more pleasant on the
porch than In the house."
| John threw himself into the proffered
1 tnn n l.,
face, and; said:
"It's a hot and dusty drive from Col.
Iinsville. and I'm nearly choked"-
"Shall l get you glass Of water?" she
I asked, interrupting him.
| mo, no! You haven't beer, have you r.
Nothing but water and cider. unless
yon want cold tea"
II don't waat any of those drinks" John
declared with an expression Of disgust on
his face. After wiping his brow three
or four times. he added:
Heard - had very narrow escape,
LiIlie?"
"Yes, we have had several"
He evidently intended mischief, but he
10 where he can do no harm now.h
Johp shifted his chair 70 one side, and
| wished hs had Q drink to brace up his
nerves fer the task. Lille occasionally
glanced at him from the corners 81 her
eyes. and was debating In her own mind
how she would dispose AZ this common
nuisance.
Lille" said John. clearing his threat.
"Lilhs. I'm plAin, hlunt man. There ia
ne dandy about me. nor sham, either. !
como Of oass % the point"
| well. what 10 the point when Jon get
thersT asked Lille.
1T is tAb. You need protector. Lil-
"D>Iw
"Yss. Yea are two lonely women, o.