Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-17
CHAPTER v.
Eliuor Sits Up Late,

1SlluOI OILS " AdtS'
Just what happened Immediately thereafter
Richard Strong never quite knew. The first
binding sensation which paralyzed every
nerve was succeeded by an overpowering
sense of what had happened on the road be-
fore him. The hand clutching the whip he
had half raised to his throat-the gesture
of man who is choking-suddenly stopped;
descended fercely, brutaly! The maddened
horses sprang forward. became uncontrol-
liable. dashed down the road and passed the
other carriage, almost grazing it. Startled,
Charlie Dalton gazed after the runaway
team, but with no suspicion of the greater
danger he for the moment had escaped.
How long did Richard Strong struggle
with the horses? How did it happen he
managed to elude destruction? He was
conscious of having experienced several
narrow escapes; of having overtaken and
passed other vehicles. But at length he
succeeded in checking the headong speed
and drawing the painting and affrighted
team to a nervous gait. He became also,
aware of feeling now a deep-settled numb
ness, different from the emotion of that first
outbreak. Gazing back, he peered into the
gloom and saw nothing; listening he heard
nothing. He wondered how far they were
ucWH the ROAD, now long he should a
obliged to wait
But for an accident and he had a,raadv
acted. He knew that he should act now If
he remained, and yet was powerless to re-
slst the primal human impulse that held
him to the spot He even feared they might
not pass that way, but at the fork take the
other road leading into the city This an
prehension grew into disappointed assllr-
ance as time sped on and he saw no signs
OF them He left his wagon and restlessly
n md fIT
at the sky, where sicllly, yel!owish i'm
press marked the position of the moon be-
hind the clouds, and then down the silent
deserted road. TIE horses quivering and
trembling, required no attention from him
but remained willingly at a etandstill
During his vigil his mind now oyervfvid-
~ acute. passed in review many events that
were suddenly illumined with new meaning.
1 ne reason Tor her confession that day at
saratoga became plainly manifest She had
told him she did not care for him. But She
had not added that all the time in her raind
mad been another figure; in her heart an
other image!
And she had married him. knowing if,
She had stood before the altar and pledgad
herself to him, conscious of it, TO what
ehdE And Dalton? A bitter exclamation
burst from Richard strong's lips. He and
The unmistakable sound OF carriage
wheels broke in upon his mood and fxedIv
he gazed in the direction of the approach
ing VENICE. He realized fully what he
was gong to do. He did not consider how
he should bring about the desired end,
but he knew he could not fail.
Nearer drew the carriage and he moved
out into the road to meet it. How slowly
1t approached! He breathed harder: the
interval became interminable At his feet
a katydid began it's cheerful song The
We hicle was now but a few feet from him
q fierce joy beat in his breast The patter
o. hoofs grew louder, and Richard Strong
had stepped forward when a strange voice
called out. The unfamiliar tones arrested
his action, held him as If paralyzed. The
person who drove up was alone.
Hello. there!" he exclaimed as he
brought his horses to a standstill. Break
DOWN."
The motionless figure did not answer
Il guess you're the runaway team. Need
any help?"
NO" The word was forced through his
lips.
The whip cracked and the carriage moved