The Bowbells tribune., 1905-01-13
CHAPTER V.-(Continued.)

a queer looking couple over there, she
whispered leaning across the table
toward her husband.
Like ourseIves-Bohemi said
the professor. students of Nature.
shouldn't be bit surprised; |
will endeavor to get acquainted with
them. They may understand some
thing about the country ard the local
methods of h:rd.catchins, My dear
Absaom. always remember that you
cant learn too much
1T might have been better. my love.
if you hadn't learnt quite so much. :
said Mrs Tapley, with sigh.
my dear" said the professor. lit
was not to be avoided. My brain was
bound to be fed
DO you think cheese is the best
thing for it?' asked Absalom. as he
observed his father helping himself
to a goodly portion.
Under the circumstances. yes.
said Prof. Tapney. sternly.
When their modest supper had been
concluded the professor approached
|
ther end of the room. Waggling his
great head at them, he advanced. with
his hands under his coat tails, ard
smiled genially.
"You will pardon me, sir, he said,
"as a student of Nature and as man
in general scientific way-you will
pardon me for presenting myself, my
wife, and my son to you. We are
traveling-er-for pleasure; in the
midst of a busy life we find ourselves
with leisure to observe Nature and to
admire her. Your daughter, pre-
sume?"
The girl raised her beautiful eyes
and looked full at the professor.
| yes she said. My father and | are
travelling in this poor fashion, she
added, with a smile. and with glance
round the room. because money is
scarce and We have far to go. We
have walked from Southampton
"Most extraordinary" exclaimed
the professor. My love. my dear Dl
ana, do OH hear this? This lady and
her father (permit me to present
my wife and my only offspring)-
these good people have actually trav-
eled from Southampton as we have
DONE"
"You look tired, my dear" said Mrs.
Tapney, dropping her hand tenderly
on the girls shoulder and smiling
down. into her face. You are not
made for this sort of work. How far
are you going?"
Not much farther now" Teplied tho
girl, wearily. 1T has seemed long
way, but we are near the end now
How far are you going?" asked
Mrs. Tapney again. seating herself be-
side the girl.
'Into Surrey" was the reply. We
are going to village called Haw-
ley"
VERY strange thing" said the pro-
| fessor, with one of those sudden
changes of mind which characterized
| him. "Surrey is the very county for
me; have heard it's fauna most high
ly spoken of, and believe there is
wildness about it that promises well
for the art of taxidermy We will 30
with you"
I'VE would prefer, sir. said the old
man, speaking with a strong. strange
accent, "to travel alone. No offense
meant sir, or to you. madam; but our
business is such that We are best
alone. And we start early tomorrow.
1t is our last day on the road,
think"
my dear sir. would not obtrude
myself for moment" said the pro-
fessor airily. ''It only struck ME. as
fellow travellers ON the great road of
life. we might. perhaps. journey lit
tie way together. But no matter"
"Grace, we arc best alone. | think" I"
said the old man, in a low voice.
Yes: best alone" said the girl
II happened. however. that they
were destined to travel together after
ALL for although. when the professor
partook of breakfast il: the morning
before starting out again. he heard
that the strange pair had started at
daylight ON their way. his own small
party came up with them al niglltiall.
1t had been a hot and heavy day, and
walking had been hard and difficult.
Nevertheless. the professor had walk
cd ON rflanfully, mile on mile. with
scarcely d rest, enlvenins tho way by
dilating on those shadowy plans h"
had concerning the future Only al
nigh,fall turning corner OF tie road.
the three of them came upon the
strang pair they had seen the night be-
fore al the inn, ana came upon them.
too at the moment Of a crisis.
The girl had evidently tainted at the
side of the road, and the old man was
knecling beside her. wringing his
hands and calling her by name.
"Grace!-Gon't give up now! Over
miles of land and sea We have come
until we are within sight of the end
of the journey Tonight the real
Grace Yarwood comes i::!o her own:
She must not fail now
Kindly Mrs. Tapney. hurrying for
!; ward began to perform such feminine
Offices as were necessary; Absalom. at
the instigation of his energetic father