The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1904-08-13
CHAPTER XI.-(Continued.)

fpnd herself and CiaSping her slght form
tightly in his strong arms. he lifted her
a; once TO the waiting convey ance, placed
her in it, then eaping to her side, seized
the reins. and drove rapidly off, while the
NOR girl was in almost fainting condi-
ton. from dspleasure and fright
After a few moments of intense still
ness. broken only by the clatter of the
horses hoofs IS he bounded on, Robert
turned to her with laughing triumph
ia his eyes and exuItingly exclaimed
You see. my charming young friend
that when | say | will do thing.
intend to do it, Now | decided this af-
teruoon to have you for a companion on
II little drive. and you see | have car
RED the day, and here you are, seated
cozily by my side. while we are dashing
away in grand style. Confess now. is
not this just splendid?"
1T is not Sir. | thing your conduct
ungentlemanly and cruel in the extreme"
Not at all, | assure you, | regard
you as the cruel one, when you declined
to favor me with your company. Why
you treat me 80 strangely is an enigma
You ought TO feel honOred to be allowed
to ride with SO weli-knOwn. wealthy and
kind hearted Il man"
ut is no honor. sir. but a deep inault,
to be thus forced to do what is dis
agreeable"
II suppose it would be very disagree
able also to have me kiss your
Sir was the indignant exclamation
that fell upon his ear,
We'll, disagreeable or not to you, it
would be extremely agreeable to me. |
tell you candidly. | would like to do
It, you nre so sweet and beautiful, but
l will refrain, and deny myself that
pleasure. If you keep perfectly quiet, and
juat 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 ac-
kno wledging to herself that 1t was best
under the circumstances to make no fur
Their resistance. she sank back In her seat
aud remained silent and motionless.
Away they Jew 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.
Ethels face was deadly pale. however.
during the hour that ensued before the
head of the horse was turned home ward
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 10 the ground,
Ethel darted away. Breathing 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 spiteful. hard words salut-
cd her entrance from the irritable in
valid. aud 1t 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
che outrageous conduct OF his wife's
nephew.
Robert! Did you say Robert did so
insoleDt a thing! Was he guilty of SO
unpardona BILE an actT' exclaimed the as
conLhed baronet.
DO not believe her. uncle" immediate
ty interposed Belle, who had made it her
business TO be present. what she says
Is utterly false. do not doubt but that
abe spent the time riding with come
beau; but, | assure you, 1t was not with
my brother. for he was with me the en-
tire afternoon. She is wicked girl to
impose such a fslsehood upon so sick 8
man"
As Belle uttered this cruel fabrication
she glanced spitefully, yet with ill-con
ceMed triumph, towards the amazed
Ethel. who was not at all prepared fol-
such an artful and malicious attack.
''Sir Reginald, | assure you | speak
only che truth. Ii was Robert Glenden
ming who forced me into his carriage
sud thus detained me against my will"
You know better" roared Sir Regi
maid. Il will never believe it, Leave
the room instantly. ! do not wish TO set
your face again until morning"
With a cold, digniied bow Ethel left
at his bidding-left. too. without anothe,
word. knowing well that contradiction.
would only enrage and excite the pas
sionate and unjust person before her.
After she had disappeared Belle ak
at once took her departure. chagrined
that her uncle had not instantly dismiss
I'd her rival from his service and house
she did not know that this his lord
snip would on no account do, as he had
intrusted TO her keeping a secret which
iaAde her services far too valuable TO bs
easily dispensed with. He might be en-
ragged and 50 dismiss her for a night
o'n 10 fault she might be guilty of woult
induce him 10 part with her while al
Ne1t vel In tha nannAaIAh 49,.