Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-01-15
CHAPTER XII.
THE MESSAGE.

Ct1Af LEN All.
THE MESSAGE.
To Will Law, as he turned away from
the prison gate upon the errand as
signed to him, the vast and shapeless
shadows of the night-covered city took
the form OF appalling monsters. relent-
less, remorseless, savage of purpose.
He passed, as one in some hideous
dream, along streets that wound and
wound until his brain lost distance and
direction. 1t might have been an hour,
two hours, and the clock might have
registered after midnight, when at last
lie discovered himself in front of the
chairmen assured him was his destina-
ton. 1t was with trepidation that he
stepped to the half-lighted door and
fumbled for the knocker. The door
slowly swung open, and he was con-
fronted by the portly presence Of a
lackey who stood in silence waiting
for his word
"A message for Lady Catharine
Knollys," said Will, with what courage
he could summon. "'Tis Of impor-
lance, l make no doubt" For it was
to the Lady Catharine that John Law
had first turned. His heart craved one
more sight of the face so beloved, one
more word from the voice which SO
late had thrilled his SOUL Away from
these-ah! that was the prison for
him, these were the bars which to him
seemed imperatively needful to be
broken. Aid he did not think of ask
ing. Only, across London, in the night,
he had sent the cry of his heart:
Come to mel"
'The Lady Catharine is not in at this
hour" said the butler, with some as
perity, closing the door again in part.
But it's important. doubt if twill
bear the delay of night" Indeed,
Will Law had hitherto hardly paused
to reflect how unusueS was this mes
sage, from such person, to such adj
dress. and at such an hour.
The butler hesitated, and so did the
unbidden guest at the door. Neither
heard at first the light rustic of gar
ments at the head of the stair, nor
saw the face bent over the balustrade
in the shadows of the hall.
What is it, James?" asked voice
from above.
IA message for the Lady Catharine,'
replied the servant Said to be i'm
portant What should l do?"
Lady Catharine Knollys is away"
said the soft voice of Mary Connynge,
speaking from the stair. Her voice
came nearer as she now descended ard
appeared at the first landing.
eve may crave your pardon, sir"
said she, that we receive you so Ill,
but the hour is very late. Lady Cath
arine is away, and Sir Charles is forth
also, as usual, at this time. am left
proxy for my entertainers, and per-
haps may serve you in this case.
Therefore pray step within.
"Sir, am in some hesitation" said
Mary Connynge. There is indeed
none in the house except the servants.
You say your message is of impor-
lance"
"It has indeed Importance" respond
ed Will. ut comes from my brother"
Your brother, Mr.. Law"
From my brother, John Law. He
is in trouble. l make no doubt the
message will set all plain"
"ln that case" said Mary Connynge,
her voice cool, though her soul was hot
with Impotence, ''it might perhaps be
well if took the liberty of reading the
message in Lady Catharine's absence.
You say your brother is in trouble?"
The girl tore open the Enclosure. She
saw but three words, written boldly,
firmly, addressed to no one, and signed
by no one.
Come to mel" Thus spoke the mes
sage. This was the summons that had
crossed black London town that night.
Mary Connynge rose quickly to her
feet, forgetting for the time the man
who stood before her. The instant de-
manded all the resources of her soul.
She fought to remain mistress of her
self. A moment, and she passed Will
Law with swift foot, and gained again
the stairway in the hall, the letter
still fast within her hand. Will Law
had not time to ask its contents.
There is need of haste" said she.
James, have up the calash at once
Mr.. Law, crave your excuse for q
time. In moment shall be ready to
60 with you.'
In two minutes she was sobbing
alone, her face down upon the bed. In
five she was at the door, dressed,
cloaked, smiling sweetly and ready for
the journey. And thus it was that, Of
two women who loved John Law, that
one Jared on to sec him for whom he
had not copt