Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-07-15
CHAPTER vIII.-tContinued.D


She paused a moment outside; then
she hurried axay-I rather aimlesly, fol-
lowing her She crossed the high road
and took narrow footpath s,hich led
by short cut to the mine. Wondering
what could Dc taking her that way, ] con-
tinued to follow her. When she had got
abort halfway TO the mine, she turned
OF again, and FASTENED along With in
creased speed toward Greystoek Tower.
Greystoek Tower was a ruin, consist
ing Of three diiapidated UNCOVERED walls
and a buttress; it stood on an eminence
a few inbred yards from the seashore,
and by the superstitious inhabitants Of
the village was supposed 10 be haunted.
/ was astonished to see her going to-
ward 1t. alone, on a dark night, and as If
her very life depended upon her speed.
Having reached the ruin, she paused, and
stood as If listening. | crept up in the
shadow Of the ruin. Presently | heard
a peculiar whistle Annie said softly:
..Yes-I am here" Then a figure,
that of a maa. emerged from the dark
ness and Joined her.
Ny establishment at all this was SO
great that for a time | was utterly I'M
able to move. They stood close togeth-
err, talking earnestly; but ! could not
catch a word Of what they said. Pres,
entity they began to move away, and j
deemed Ii time TO interfere.
In two strides / was between them
Annie uttered SCREAM. The man stood
his ground. and looked into my face, II
was now my turn to utter an exciama-
ton. 1t was young Redruth, the master
of the mine.
,f.fr 49,
ney?" he asked. curtiy.
Il am here to take my cousin home,
sir" | replied.
Indeed, he sneered: II should have
thought you were here to play the spyp'
Even that would be better than play
ing the villain" ! returned.
Hugh, dear Hughw said Annie, pluck
ing at my sleeve.
"Don't .,gitate yourself, ANNIE said
Redr1sh. q oily. while | was ready to
knock him down. And you, sir, stand
out Of the way; | have business with
this young lady. aud J request you to
leave us
And IL ! refusef'
He rai-ed small cane which he car
ried and strnen 20 across tine shoulders.
In moment had wapched II from dis
hand, and with one wel~pianted blow |
would have made him measure his length
upon the ground, but with another
scream Annie rushed forward and stood
before us.
You shall pay for this. you seoun-
drels' said my master; and, without an
other word, be disappeared into the dark,
mess,
Annie. still frightened and trembling.
rushed forward 10 follow him, but In a
moment | was beside her
You'll come with me, Annie" / said,
taking her hand firmly IN mine.
BY this time she was crying bitterly,
'"Oh. Hugh" she sobbed. what have
you done? You win ruin us all--your-
self. father. and all Of ust'
| kept my hold upon her, and led her
back across the meadows 70 the cottage
During the walk. no word passed be.
tween us. | was silent, expecting she
would give some explanation Of the
scene, When we reached the cottage
gate, she paused, and spoke.
Hugh" she said, you won't tell
mother or father
No, no" ] interrupted her. "Doa't
fear for me. but | mean 20 look after yuo
In the future, Annie"
aDon't be hard on me, Hugh" she
said. piteously. Il meant no harm. But
II will be better for you and father IL
speak to the young master sometimes.
Mould best let rs manage our own nf.
fairs. Annie. and keep Yourself to the
house; always remember that"
She dried her eyes and composed her
self bit, and we went In together. The
old couple we're astonished, but not I'll
pleased at seeing Us in company. They
noticed Annia's pallor. too. and exchang'
ed looks. the meaning Of which / now
knew full well | dreaded 20 be question
I'd so when Annie had gone to her room
which she did pretty quickly | explained
that | had returned fer certain little ne
count books. Then | hurried back to the
Office 70 finish my lights work.