Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1905-04-01
CHAPTER X

Deafened by the rush of steam, whist
ling engines the shouting Of men, jos
tied and knocked hither and thither by
eager passengers seeking their luggage,
and by heavily laden porters, was quite
confused. At length l inquired Of a
quiet-looking policeman the way to
Rackstraw's buildings.
"There may be hundred Rackstraw's
buildings, for what l know" he said.
with laugh: What part of the city
is it?"
Camden Town is the rest Of the direc-
ton" | answered.
"Ohl that is miles away from here.
The best way for you to get to Camden
Town is to get into bus that you'll see
pass those iron gates below"
thanked him for his information
and managed to get into the right bus.
l felt very sick and weary when
emerged once more into the streets.
went into "A pastry cooks to eat a bun,
and inquire for Rackstraw's buildings,
and they directed me. Small houses,
one story high; town-looking in their dir
ty bricks: country-looking IN their little
gardens that lay in front. l knocked
at No 8, and the door was answered by
Martha herself.
what! Msater Sias," exclaimed she,
with surprise, sis that you? Oh, what a
turn you've given me! Do come in,
dear. How poorly and tired you do
lookw
calculating establishment and kindly
welcome, she led me into the little front
room. and forced me to sit down IN an
old armchair.
Now sit down there and rest while l
get you a nice cup of tea; I'm sure you
must want it. Dear mel-the idea of
seeing youl How long have you been
here and what's brought you up; some
thing wrong down there? But there
don't answer any Of my questions till
You've had something, for I'm sure YOU
look half dead"
Busting about all the time she was
talking. putting the cups and saucers,
ard preparing the meal. Then she call
ed in her mother from the back to see
Master Silas, whom she had talked about
SO much. Her mother was a very stout.
kindly looking woman, who came in wip-
ing the soap suds off her arms, and who
welcomed me as sincerely as her daugh-
ter did.
After hearty tea felt better then
proceeded to satisfy Martha's curiosity,
which was all on edge; and while | was
about it l made a clean breast Of every
circumstance, from the time that | over
heard the first conversation between the
Rev. Mr.. Porter and his daughter, until
the day OF my marriage. Passing over
the month"; upon the events OF which
/ told her my lips were sealed, | related
the particulars Of my flight. This long
narrative, Of course. was not given with
out repeated Interruptions on her part.
There. l always said you was be-
witched. She ought to be burnt The
wicked old hypocrite, he ought to have
six months. That's the reason they gave
me notice, because l shouldn't see too
much; but, you know, a marriage can't
stand good that's brought about by
witchcraft. She can't be your lawful
wife"
she is no more my wife than you
are. Martha / answered; but, the next
moment for various reasons, / was sor-
ry that l spoke so openly.
"Only think OF that, nowl What a
wicked. unnatural creature she must ber'
cried Martha. but what a mercy il is
that you're out OF their clutches; I'm
sure my heart always felt for you I
was in a way when heard you was to
be married. / knew some awful viii
lainy was going on. But what a pity
you didn't hear more about that grim
old woman that he followed from Gray S
Inn You might have found out your
re- ms. and-who knows they may
he rich people"
Erich people wouldn't be likely to
own one Of the Rev Mr. Porter's board
ers," l answered bitterly.
"Ah. poor lads, they're much to be
pitied," sighed Martha. "And now, Mas