The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1904-05-14
CHAPTER xxi.

grounds of Sedge HUI. IhkeH on her
guard by Mrs. Thomas Eastbclrs Sudden
appearance. disturbed by the events OF
the night. and ever conscious of the dan
ger which the presence of the two III
truders in her aunt's house foreshndOwr'l.
she followed the woman In good faith
some distance along the garden paths
and In the direction Of the high road.
I'VE will go no further" she said; tell
me what I have to fear from your hiis-
band and Peterson. aud will reward You
handsomely"
Listen then "a we'll rs you can. |
amt agoing to speak loud for anybody"
III am listening"
Sarah Eastbell inclined her head more
closely to the woman, who began whis-
yering about her husband In n bling
fashion that was difficult to follow. un-
III she went suddenly back three steps, to
Sarah's surprise. and stood gazing at
her. or at something near her.
What is itf" exclaimed Sarah; what
There was no opportunity to say more.
60 scream, or to struggle. Two strong
arms closed round her, and n cloth, wet
and sickly with drugs, was pressed to
upF mouth anu ny
hand, that seemed to snatch her Mt once
from active life to oblivion.
When she came back to consciousness
It was to life apart from Sedge Hill,
and those who loved her there. She was
lying on n bed. with Sophy Eastbell doz-
Ing by the side of scantily furnished
fire. There was narrow window in the
side of the room, with some boards nail
ed across it to keep the light of one splut-
tering candle from hetraying itself to the
night.
Suddenly Sophy woke up, and gave a
nervous jump in her chair at finding her
sister-in-law crouched upon the bed. with
her great dark eyes glazing at her.
Where have you brought me? Why
arm l in this dreadful placer" Sarah ask
ed In an eager voice.
you've come round. have your said
Sophy well. I am glad of that. Blest
If | didn't think they'd overdone it with
their klory -what's-its-name. and sent you
bang off afore they meant it,"
Sarah Eastbell was sitting at the edge
Of the bed now, regarding her jailer
back from dreRmand yeti
asked less patiently.
You'll know In good time, gal. There's
no 'casion for hurry. or a furry. Take
It cool. You're safe enuf."
Sarah Eastbell was standing at the
door of the room when she had recovered
herself. 1t was locked. as she had sus-
pected.
Its no use your thinking of getting
out Sally" said Toms wife. "don't build
on that. or harm will happen to you.
That's certain"
'Do you think | am the weak girl
whom you remember lasti" said Sarah
walking from the door to the womans
side, and clutching her tightly by the
waist, cor that | am to be frightened by
this trick of yours. and of the wretchcs
who have assisted you? DO you know in
shat peril you have put yourself?'
"Oh, yes. we all know: It's all been
thought on" said the woman ironically.
We're of the don't care sort, and have
Glanced it. You can't say it wasn't well
done, Sally"
Give me the key of the door. or YOU
two!" cried Sarah.
that" cried her sister-in law. "or you'll
be sorry If | go away. or If any one
downstairs comes up instead of me, be-
cause you are too violent for my COM
pany. You can't behave like lady. for
all your fine fash silk | have only to
shreek out, and there are three men be-
low who don't stand nonsense sch as
yourn."
Sarah Eastbell released her hold. Yes.
she was in danger. and must be eau
tious. They who brought her to this
den had risked = great deal in entrapping
her, and would risk more rather than
allow her to escape. She must be pru-
dent and on her guard. not defiant md
aggressive.
Il amt got no key, IL You must know"
said Sophy. ms she returned to her chair
aud sat down; this is my room, and
we're both locked in together. I'm TO
take charge of you, that's all, my gal.
and think yourself lucky it's me-"
What place is itT" Sarah asked again.
"A place of bis'ness." was the enigmat-
ic answer.
"Coiners--the old gang from Potter's
Court-the petersons," cried Sarah.
Mrs. Eastbell did not answer. She
warmed her thin hands at the fire, and a
convenient cough prevented all possible
tty of reply. She was prudent woman.
and not likely TO commit herself and her
friends by responding to leading uues-
tons of this character.
The spiriting away of young lady
from home without her consent, and with
out leaving clue wherewith to trace her.
is no light feat in the nineteenth cen.
fury. and Mrs. Thomas Eastbell had
shown natural pride in the neatness Of
the achievement True. the house was
live or six miles from a quiet city. and
was desolate enough at all times, the
hour was late, the circumstances were
opportune. and how to profit by the tiches
OF old Mrs. Eastbell and her granddau,h-
ter had been tho Stnd. nf = -