The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-13
CHAPTER xII.-tcontinued.,

Thrusting the pistol quickly In his
pocket, the young man sprang towards
her 80 suddenly that she could not de-
Gend herself, and clasping her slight form
tightly In his strong arms, he lifted her
ct once to the waiting conveyance, placed
her In 1t, then leaping to her side, seized
the reins, and drove rapidly off, while the
poor girl was in almost fainting condi-
tion, from displeasure and fright.
After a few moments Of intense still
ness, broken only by the clatter Of the
horses hoofs, as he bounded on, Robert
turned to her with laughing triumph
In his eyes and exultingly exclaimed:
"You see, my charming young friend,
that when 1 say / will do thing,
intend to do it. Now decided this af-
ternOon to have you for companion on
little drive, and you see | have car
ried the day, and here you are, seated
eozily by my side, while we are dashing
away In grand style. Confess now, is
not this just splendidT
''1t Is not. Sir, / thing your conduct
ungentlemanly and cruel in the extreme"
mot at ALL assure you, l regard
you az the cruel one, when you declined
70 favor me with your company. Why
you treat me so strangely 10 an enigma!
You ought to feel honored to be allowed
60 ride with 30 well-known, wealthy and
kind-hearted a man."
eft Is no honor, sir, but a deep insult,
TO be thus forced to do what IL dis
agreeable"
IL suppose It would be very disagree
able also to have me kiss your
"Sir" was the indignant exclamation
that fell upon his ear.
"Well, disagreeable or not to you, It
would be extremely agreeable to me. l
tell you candidly, would like to do
1t, you are so sweet and beautiful, but
will refrain, and deny myself that
pleasure, If you keep perfectly quiet, and
just try to enjoy this ride while you have
the chance. If you do motif you make
the least fuss. vow will do it!''
Ethel made no reply. She realized
fully that the eccentric individual beside
her had her In his power, therefore &C.
knOwledging to herself that 1t was best
under the circumstances to make no fur
thsr resistance, che sank back In her seat
and remained silent and motionless.
Away they few over the long and lone.
ly road, passing brooks, ponds, trees,
rocks, indeed everything but houses and
inhabitants. During the whole drive not
one word more was spoken by either vic
tor or vanQuished.
NthePs face was deadly pale, however,
during the hour that ensued before the
head of the horse was turned homeward
while Roberts was illuminated by a glow
Of intense satisfaction and triumph.
When at length the shades Of evening
began to gather, they once more neared
Glendenning Hall. Stopping the horse
before they reached the place, In a shell
tered and obscure spot, Robert jumped
out, then turned to assist Ethel from the
vehicle.
Springing past him to the ground,
Ethel darted away. Breathing a prayer
of fervent thanksgiving for her safe re-
turn, when she had once more reached
her room, the poor girl brushed away the
tears that had relieved her excited feel
ings as soon as she had entered, and then
with a sinking dread at her heart at once
repaired to the sick mans room.
A volley Of spfteful, hard words salut-
Cd her entrance from the irritable in.
valid, and It was some time before she
could utter one word in her own defense
When at last he gave her an opportunity
to speak she informed him truthfully OF
the outrageous conduct OF his wife's
nephew.
"RobertI Did you say Robert did SC
insolent a thing2 Was he guilty of &C
objectionable an actr' exclaimed the as
tOnished baronet.
"Do not believe her, uncle" immediate
" interposed Belle, who had made 1t hel
business to be present. What she says
L. utterly false. do not doubt but that
che spent the time riding with some
beau; but, / assure you, 1t was not with
my brother, for he was with me the en-
tire afternoon. She is q wicked girl to
impose such falsehood upon so sick 6
man."
As Belle uttered this cruel fabrication
she glanced spitefully, yet with ill-cOn
csaled triumph, towards the amazed
0thel, who was not at all prepared fol
such an artful and malicious attack.
"Str Reginald, assure you l SPEAK
only the truth. 1t was Robert Glenden,
ming who forced me into his carriage
and thus detained me against my will"
you know BETTER" roared Sir Regi
maid. II will never believe 1t. Leave
the room instantly. do not wish to SET
your face again until morning"
With q cold, dignifed bow Ethel left
at his bidding-left, too, without another
word, knowing we'll that contradictions
would only enrage and excite the pas
sionats and unjust person before her.
After she had disappeared Belle alaC
at once took her departure, chagrined
that her uncle had not Instantly dismiss
ed her rival from his service and house
She did not know that this his lord
ship would on no account do, as he hat
intruRted to her keeping a secret which
made her services far too valuable to b.
easily dispensed with. He might be en-
ragged, and so dismiss her FOR q night
but no fault she might be guilty Of woult
induce him to part with her while al
went well In the concealed room.
CHAPTER XIII,