Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1904-07-15
CHAPTER XII.-(Continued)

CHAPTER XII.-(Continued)
Thrusting the pistol quickly in his
pocket, the young man sprang towards
her so suddenly that she could not de-
fend herself, and clasping her slight form
tightly in his strong arms, he lifted her
at once to the waiting conveyance, placed
her in it, then leaping to her side, seized
the reins, and drove rapidly off, while the
poor girl was in almost fainting condi-
ton, 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 1 will do thing, l
intend to do it. Now l decided this af-
ternoon to have you for a companion on
little drive, and you see l have car
ried 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, I thing your conduct
ungentlemanly and cruel in the extreme
'Not at all! 1 assure you, l regard
you as the cruel one, when you declined
to favor me with your company. Why
you treat me so strangely is an enigma
You ought to feel honored to be allowed
to ride with so wel-known, wealthy and
kind-hearted a man."
''It is no honor, sir, but deep insult,
to be thus forced to do what is dis
agreeable"
81 suppose it would be very disagree
able also to have me kiss you?"
"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, I would like to do
it, you are SO sweet and beautiful, but
i 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,
icnowledging to herself that it was best
under the circumstances to make NO fur
ther resistance she 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 moi
one word more was spoken by either vic
tor or vanQuished.
Ethel's 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
he in hol
tered and obscure spot, Robert jumped
out, then turned to assist Ethe. 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 ther
with a sinking dread at her heart at once
repaired to the sick mans room.
A volley of spiteful, hard words salut
ed 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 o.
the outrageous conduct of his wife'S
nephew.
Robert! Did you say Robert did 81
tnsolent Il thing? Was he guilty of Sc
objectionable an act?" exclaimed the as
tonished baronet.
do not believe her. uncle" immediate
iy interposed Belle, who had made it hel
business to be present. What she says
Is utterly false. l do not doubt but thai
she spent the time riding with some
beau: but, assure you, it was not will
my brother, for he was with me the ell
tire afternoon. She is a wicked girl tt
impose such a falsehood upon SO sick 1
man."
As Belle uttered this cruel fabrication
she glanced spitefully, yet with ill-con
cealed triumph, towards the amazed
Ethel, who was not at all prepared fol
such an artful and malicious attack.
'.Sir Reginald, 1 assure you 1 speal
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. 81 will never believe it. Leav,
the room instantly. 1 do not wish to sex
your face again until morning."
With cold, dignifed bow Ethel lef
at his bidding-left, too, without anothe
word, knowing we'll that contradiction
WOuN only eHraSe anu excite Cne pas
sionate and unjust person before her.
After she had disappeared Belle ais.
at once took her departure, chagrinet
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 ha,
iutrusted to her keeping secret whici
made her services far too valuable to b.
easily dispensed with. He might be en-
ragged, and so dismiss her for a night
but no fault she might be guilty of woul.
induce him to part with her while al
went we'll in the concealed room.
CHAPTER XIII.
The next afternoon, Ethel felt that sh
could safely start to the village, to max
a few purchass for herself, as at tn