Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-08-15

| Is POSITIVE tHdt pTettIcr piStulS he'ci
was than she made framed in its rich
somber darkness. "Are we not en-
gaged?"
II hope so!" Dorrance cried fervent
ly. "I'll have you II you'll let me-
though all the world"
"Ch, here" Darby exclaimed hastily
Pm q modest man! Go OH with the
1iot. begin TO see a light"
well. then." Ruth took up the thread
f narrative. las Il last resort he per
:ua,.el me to coI.e down here from At.
ANITA, knowing that could never es.
cape. And never thought. It's TWEEN.
" miles 10 the nea ,'st village, eighteen
1 10 the nearest railroad. | could not
walk il ir tried, and Cassius keeps
lose watch Oh me- The horses uncle
took with him when he left this morn
Ing. saying that he would return this
evening. am positive that he means
20 bring back with him this Odious Mr..
Fetter and II clergyman"
1.-TWO and two" said Darby.
"And-and ! know you thought me n
bold creature this afternoon, but was
desperate, helpless. could not think
what to do. You will help me, dear Mr..
Darby, won't you?" And, believe me,
she pumped down on her knees before
him.
Darby was so embarrassed that he
Jumped as though she had kissed him.
He adopted paternal tone, speaking
with the matured judgment of twenty
five years
why, of course, my dear, you may
rely OH me-" He was in Il fine conceit
with himself for that speech.
"Oh, thank you
Not at all, Not at all" Darby mar
vels that he restrained himself from
saying, "Tut, tut, my dear" He added.
with q relieving inspiration, Then the
best thing we can do is to get right
aboard the Beau Gallant"
"Not In thousand years." said Dor
rance firmly.
why"
Dorrance eyed him curiously. "rve
a better plan," he said at length.
"Well?"
"I'll tell you later. For the present
you stay here. I'm going to trOt down
to-the beach and signal Hendricks. We
dine aboard tonight, you and H.
That's a mercy. At what time!'
But DOrrance was gone.
HE is just splendid, isn't he" said
Ruth.
"Dorrance? Oh, yes. he's all right.
| IL you marry him
"I've promised" She hung her head
| in such sweet confusion that Tom Dar-
by was more than ever enviOus.
But he will not hold you to that
promise"
Indeed" she famed defiantly, 'he
has the right"
81 wish had" said Darby. Hes a
lucky dog"
| Here he suddenly executed back
ward leap of some several feet. Ruth
had whipped out from beneath her
skirts a small revolver. To Tom Darby
its size approximated that Of a can
non.
Great Scottw he cried. You can
have him. I'm not thinking Of inter-
| fering DOn'tw
For moment her surprise was only
equaled by his own. Then she began
to laugh convulsively.
"Take itv she gasped. "It's-for-
you"
Darby was suspicious. "What for"
he inquired.
"You might need-it-should uncle
Henry come. He-he would be angry"
Darby approached and took the weap-
on gingerly.
"Is it loaded?" he asked, with trepi-
dation.
"Of course"
every we'll, then" In resignation. He
deposited 1t softly upon table, con-
| vinced that at any second he might be-
come an involuntary suicide, and re-
| tired to q distance Ruth fled into the
hallway. Darby eyed the revolver
askance and swore softly, sighed and
lit Il cigarette.
Twilight was falling, and from be-
| hind him came stitied mirth.
Come 10 o'clock on Il cool, starlit
night, and the Beau Gallant was speed
| ing westward; under full head Of
| steam. To the north lOomed the dim,
| low coast OF Alabama.
In the saloon was assembled mot
ley party to champagne supper, or
| which Dorrance and Tom Darby form
| ed the only self satisfied members, the
| others being plunged in deepest gloom
despite all attempts to enlven them.
First, Henry Wharton, aged IN years
and sin, if his countenancc be allowed
rs evidence, glowering evilly across
the table at Darby, whom he had mis-
takenly conceived to be the moving
| spirit Of the enterprise; then Mir. Fet'
ter, young aud weak willcd, lacking ex-
cusc for his existence, but nightly i'm
pressed with his own stimulation of
rakish worldliness; lastly, pale,
| frightened person, Il clergyman by his
cloth. but deep in the clutch Of rag
ing thirst for strong drink-these were
the unwilling guests.
Mr.. Wharton addressed himself to
Tom Darby, who was cOntentedly en-
gaging the breast Of tender chicken.
Mr.. Wharton shook lean fist framed
| I'm coiInd linen at him
"I'll have the law on your he cried,
ouivering with rage. You'll lind,
| young man, that this is not country
where you can kidnap-yes, kidnap-
peaceful citizens ut your will and not
suffer for it."
81 wish" said Darby calmly. that
you wouldn't wear your cuffs more
than week ut time. You spoil my
appetite"
Mr.. Wharton fumed, speechless. Fet'
ter laughed.
Hes right there, pop" he said ir'
reverently. But don't you think you
are a little lawless" he added To
Darby. :,
"Not at ALL" Dorrance interposed,
smiling indulgently. 'The parson will
be witness that you came willingly"
The parson raised cxpostulating
hands. "At the pistols point" he pro
tested very truthfully.
Il merely invited you to Il stag OIL
my wedding eve, and you came with
| ,....,... +,,orul I did understand that