Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1906-11-21
Nh Vt $sS5 III HCIIAPTER XXI.
an hen Gonzaga4 etiiirn sd lead linz th

horse, IA Wa . at nished Is md the
gig empty .5s..ss 81 3}s5ss D
But herfelts no 3 alarm, ct tirsst; Law:
ender had probably joined 4 friend
somewhere, and he studied attentively
the group a bout the church and on
the road None looked familiar mo-
where did he see the gracefully poised
head which, not even. the .ungainly
poke-bonnet could wholly disguise.
It occurred to him that she might be
hiding in the forest near, and the idea
pleased him-that she might indulge
in such bit of coquetry was delicious
to the starved lover. He encouraged
this hope, and while he harnessed the
horse cast shy glances into the covert
near. For she might be lurking
there, and this prodigal wooer had
plenty Of smiles to waste upon the
mere hope of their reception.
But when the wagon was in readi-
ness, and still Lavender did not ap-
pear, he was alarmed, and searched
thoroughly the woods near. He
called, and, the dread now growing
upon him, echoed in his voice, bring
ing up the few stragglers yet idling
about.
HAS anybody seen Miss Creigh-
ton?" he demanded, and the question
was repeated from mouth to mouth.
At last one verdant youth remarked
lazily. that he had seen an Indian
help her out of the wagon.
"1ndian!" The very name was
fraught with manifold terrors, and a
panic seized them all.
But this was quickly allayed when
the youth explained that the Indian
was the Usage, the guide and serv-
ant of the new teacher, MIR. Winslow.
They all knew Owatoga, and knew,
too, that both he and his master
were friends Of the Creightons. ,
did she go away with this fellow"
the Spaniard asked.
The rustic did not know, nor had
he observed in which direction they
went.
With curse upon bucolic stupidity
in general this pumpkins in particu-
lar, and his own most of all, Gonzaga
drove down the road to the village.
For he had seen Winslow walking
rapidly in that direction-alone, it is
true, but it was more than likely he
would know the whereabouts of his
Usage friend. A thousand suspi-
cions filled his jealous mind, wrought
f0 ho ;oh ;toh of
and alarm.
Rapidly he traversed the mile to
the town, and went straight to the
inn.
There, on the point of mounting
his horse to go home, was Gerald, of
whom Gonzaga demanded: Have
you seen your sister,"
Explanations followed the negative
reply, and Gerald exclaimed: "She
is with that cursed red-skin, I'll be
sworn!"
Then in reply to the Spaniard's i'm
patient suggestion, he said: "Of
course we must find Winslow. He's
in the garden-pottering about those
id pansies!"
They hurried to the garden-a pretty
spot where much of Winslow's time
was spent, to the disgust or amuse-
ment of the villagers. They found
him there, and Gonzaga told their err
rand.
Winslow listened incredulous, dis
mayed. "You say she was last seen
with Owatoga?" he asked.
'tUnless you have seen her since"
the Spaniard put in, with cold, half
yelled insult.
Charles made no reply, but a flush
mounted to his temples and stayed
there, hiding the deathly pallor which
had at first betrayed his anxiety.
Gerald spoke quickly to calm the
gathering storm. "Mr. Winslow can
perhaps tell us where Owatoga is, or
is likely to be-"
II have not seen him since we part
ed an hour ago on the road to the
church, I was given a friendly lift,
and came straight here; I supposed, of
course, that he would follow"
During this recital which Charles adj
dressed wholly to young Creighton,
Gonzaga stood by furious;y poking
with the butt of his whip at the shells
bordering the flower beds. There is
evidently no satisfaction to be gained
here,'' he exclaimed, contemptuously.
Shall we try other quarters?' and
strobe away, leaving Gerald uncertain
whether to go with him, or remain.
Winslow decided for him. "Your
friend speaks truly, SIR he said. II
can give no satisfaction, except the as
surance Of gentleman that I am as
ignorant as yourself of the where
abouts of your sister or the Indian
Impulslvely Gerald extended his
hand. Winslow took it with an eff
fort. Was not this man a murderer
a coward? 'But-but he was
her brother. 50. .''..'
Charles took the proffered hand. Il
see as yet little cause for alarm. There
nave been no inquiries ct your home;
she may be there 5t'4 I 81,
"True," Gerald responded. ''I'll go
at once" - ~ + ~'':.
I'm the meantime: said Winslow, ~
shall leave. no stone unturned that
may help to find her-and then keep
her," he added, under his breath, as.
outwardly calm, he bent again over
the plants. Ct > |=.. /, II T =: =. -
When Gonzaga left the. garden, he.
went straight toward the inn. S He:
inquired Of the octoroon whether she
knew anything Of the missing one. y
She expressed absolute ignorance,
but he felt, somehow, that she could
help il. she would. The bronze brown