Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-07-29
MASTER OF THE MINE
By Robert Buchanan.
By Robert Buchanan.
20
CHAPTER VIII.-(Continued.D


She paused a moment outside; then
she hurried away. rather aimlesly, fol-
lowing her. She crossed the high road
and took a narrow footpath which led
by a short cut to the mine. Wondering
what could be taking her that way. l con-
tinued to follow her. When she had got
about halfway to the mine, she turned
of again. and fastened along with in
creased speed toward Greystock Tower.
Greystock Tower was a ruin, consist
ing of three dilapidated UNCOVERED walls
and a buttress; it stood on an eminence
a few hundred yards from the seashore,
and by the superstitious inhabitants of
the village was supposed to be haunted.
/ was ~astonished to see her going to-
ward il, 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. l crept up in the
shadow of the ruin. Presently l heard
a peculiar whistle. Annie said softly:
"Yes-I am here" Then a figure,
that of a man, emerged from the dark
ness and Joined her.
My establishment at all this was 80
great that for a time | was utterly I'M
able to move. They stood close togeth-
er. talking earnestly; but l could not
catch a word of what they said. Pres
emily they began to move away, and l
deemed it time to interfere.
In two strides | was between them
Annie uttered a scream. The man stood
his ground, and looked into my face. 1t
was now my turn to utter an exclama-
/ finn u-aG nunu palrnth tha ,nostar
of the mine.
What are you doing here, Trelaw-
ney?" he asked, CURLY.
Il am here to take my cousin home,
SIR" l replied.
Indeed" he sneered; II should have
thought you were here to play the spy"
Even that would be better than play
ing the villain" l returned.
Hugh, dear Hugh" said Annie, pluck
ing at my sleeve.
Don't agitate yourself, Annie" said
Redruth, coOlly, while l was ready to
knock him down. And you, sir, stand
out of the way; l have business with
this young lady, and l request you to
leave u.s."
"And if | refuse?'
He raised a small cane which he car
ried and struck me across the shoulders.
In a moment had wrenched it from his
hand, and with one we'll planted 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 scoun-
drel!' said my master; and, without an
other word, he disappeared into the dark
ness.
Annie, still frightened and trembling.
rushed forward to follow him, but in a
moment | was beside her.
You'll come with me, Annie" l said
taking her hand firmly in mine.
By this time she was crying bitterly
"Oh, Hugh" she sobbed, what hav.
you done? You will ruin us all-your.
self, father, and all Of u.s."
l kept my hold upon her, and led her
back across the meadows to 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 tel
mother or father"
mo, no." | interrupted her. Dom
fear for me, but l mean to look after yuC
in the future, Annie
Don't be hard on me, Hugh sh,
said, piteOusly. Il meant no harm. Blu
it will be better for you and father if
speak to the young master sometimes
You'd best let us manage our own af
fairs, Annie, and keep yourself to the
house; always remember that"
She dried her eyes and composed her
self a bit, and we went in together. TIL,
old couple were astonished, but not il
pleased at seeing us in company. The.
noticed Annie's pallor, too, and exchang
ed looks, the meaning of which | nov
knew full well. dreaded to be question
ed: so when Annie had gone to her room
which she did pretty quickly, l explained
that / had returned for certain little &C
count books. Then l hurried back to tn
Office to finish ny nights work.