The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1903-02-06
CHAPTER Iv.-(Continued.)
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CHAPTER V.-(Continued.)
VAST anything, dearie?" She ut
tered an exclamation as she saw Blue
bells white face. The Boers--they're
going to attack us, Bluebell? Is that
IT."
"No, no, auntic-not so far as
know" said the girl, with an attempt
at wan smile. "At least, that wasn't
what dad, wanted. But don't ask me
tonight, auntie, I'm tired. Good night"
Miss Elizabeth was all of mother she
had ever known.
Good night. God keep you, dearie,"
the elder woman whispered. Her
words remained with Bluebell after she
had shut herself into her room.
God keep her! There was One to
whom she should turn now for help in
this most terrible crisis of her young
life. Bluebell threw herself on her
knees, burying her face in her hands.
oh, God, show her what was the
right thing to do. Help her, oh, God,
for there was no other who could tell
her what she must do!
Save her father from the conse-
quences of deliberate crime by selling
herself to this scoundrel! 1t was a
fearful sacrifice! Did God demand it
OF her? Nay, would she be doing right
in making it? Bluebell was good,
sweet, true-hearted girl She had al
ways shown respect and affection for
the most unlovable man who was her
father. even when he was least worthy
Of respect; but she had an unusual
amount of common sense for young
girl, and was not likely to, be betrayed
Into any sentimental and naudlin
course of action.
AS she knelt there sudden thought
came to Bluebell, bringing the warm
blood in a palpitating wave over the
pallor of her white face, and quicken
Ing the throbs of her heart that had
been beating SO low and despairingly.
1t was the thought of Adair Rothes.
IF he were only here" Bluebell said
to herself, Il think he would help me.
He said he was my friend"
Her thoughts wandered from the
terrible crisis of the moment to the
brief time of happiness in the after
noon when Rothes had first met her.
1t had not lasted long, that was true;
but somehow the memory of Rothes'
clasp OF her hand, of his long look into
her eyes, brought a kind of brief
sweetness into Bluebell's heart, which
even the pain and sorrow of the pres
ent could not quite blot out.
When she rose from her knees her
mind was quite made up
\ shall not marry that man," she
said, and her eyes were full of a
strange, deep determination. 1T would
not make dads sin the less if did so.
1t would be a sin on my part to marry
q man like that. 1t would be adding
sin to sin. Dad must escape. but it
will be in some other way I will help
him to do SO. He must escape to Eng
land, and auntie and I will carry on
the farm here"
This determination brought a GER
tain restfulness to Bluebell She un-
dressed, got into bed, and presently
went to sleep, though it was sleep
disturbed by troubled dreams Of Beers
attacking New Kelso, setting fire to
It, and tying up all its occupants to
stakes in order that they might be
burnt also.
Adam Leslie had worse night than
his daughter. He was up at daybreak
and riding over his farm. AS he was
returning about Z o'clock he saw tall,
dark figure approaching him on horse
back. He recognized it at once, and
his heart sank.
Moore rode quickly up to him. Mr..
Leslie could see some excitement on
the usually dark, impressive face.
News, Leslie-great news!" he ex-
claimed, as he came close to the other
man, and flung himself off his horse.
Listen, man; but first"-he dropped
his voice-"what of my love affair.
How have you succeeded with the little
bride-elect?"
Leslle's rubicund face blanched, but
he endeavored to put on an air of as
surance.
"My dear Moore, she will come
round; I am not afraid of that. OF
course you must allow for little re-
luctance at first; but there isn't the
slightest fear but she will give in. But
you'll give us a day or two more of
grace. will you not?"
His tone of abject entreaty told more
than his words did to the keen ear of
Gerald Moore, who turned aside for
moment, and passed his hand over his
lips as II to conceal their expression.
YES, will give you day or two
more" he said presently, for there's
some work before you, Mr.. Leslie, If,
@ + think, you feel inclined to tell
something which the British general
ut Ladysmith would give his ears to
know. In q few days some Of the
biggest men ON the Beers side may
10 made prisoners. Ha! is that not
tidings worth hearing? could give
the information myself, but I wish you
20 have the chance Of q little glory,
and also Of = pecuniary reward. You
4 20 NOT need to sell this information
ssnder several hundred pounds. Z
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