The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1906-06-12

and In the brilliant moonlight that
made the night as clear as day its &C.
cupants were plainly visible-a girl in
long, loose automobile coat and a
man who drove the machine with des-
perate haste, his eyes steadfastly on
the road except when he turned to re-
gard his companion with rapturous de-
light
Charlotte had been In earnest She
loved her bluff. choleric father, but he
should have known it was impossible
to forbid daughter of two and TWEEN
ty to marry man of irreproachable
character who was able and anxious to
marry her
1T is so daringw she had objected.
Yes, but there Is no other way, and
l love you so!' Osborne pleaded, and
the look in his eyes had melted Char
lotte's last lingering scruple.
The machine whirled along at reck-
less pace, spinning along the smooth,
hard road, taking the hills with dizzy
intrepidity.
what If something should happenT
suggested Charlotte nervously as they
breasted a long slope and, turning alb
ruptly, dipped suddenly down dan
gerous descent.
Robert Osborne seized the lever of
the hand brake and jammed 1t on.
Something is going to happen" he re-
turned blissfully. His eyes, watchful
and alert, were on the road before him,
but his voice left nothing to be desired.
Il didn't mean that" said Charlotte,
with radiant smile. II meant
AS they swung around a curve at a
desperate pace and struck bit Of
level road Osborne let out the ma
chine another notch, and Charlotte's
voice trailed into silence as the car
gave quick jump and tore along the
firm, level surface.
Whatever you mean, 1t won't make
any difference, dear" The motor beat
continuous accompaniment to Os-
borne's voice. you are mine, and l
won't give you up. Mine. Do you hear,
dearT
The fresh air rushing past cooled her
face-and fears. She looked, with
sense Of security, at the tense, watch
full figure beside her. Yes; she was
glad she had come, but
1T is daring" she said softly again.
The car dashed on, speeding past
wooded slopes, scudding through the
bright patches of moonlight AS they
whirled around a short curve the scat
tered houses on the outskirts of town
came into view. They drove quietly
through the deserted streets. A low
set, yellow light twinkled from the
vicarage window-all the other houses
were darkened. Osborne drove eau
tiously up to the little lighted house.
The door was opened by a ruddy,
kindly featured old man who, greeting
them cheerily, ushered them into a
pleasant, homelike room.
This is very irregular" he said, half
smiling, half disappearing at is only
because l have known you. Robert.
ever since you were born and baptized
you and confirmed you that 1 am will
ing"
Breaking off abruptly, he took Char
lotte's hand in his and regarded her
searchingly.
Are you quite sure you will have
nothing to regret In this hasty mar
iiage?
Il am sure" Charlotte blushed Grim
son, but met his eyes unfiinchingly.
Then the minister opened his prayer
book and Robert took her hand in his
and drew her gently forward.
II, Robert, take thee, Charlotte
Just then there broke on the stiffness
of the night a sound that froze the
words on his lips.
1t was the continuous, rapid beaAspf
a motor car, and they knew 1t at onAe
for what 1t was-the roar of the colo
ners automobile.
Charlotte's face went white with ter
ror and Osborne's mouth settled In one
grim straight line as he dashed to the
door.
The distant trees doomed specter-like
In the white glare Of the headlights as
the car dashed toward the vicarage.
With one quick swing Of his power
full shoulders Osborne grasped Char
lotte and lifted her into his car.
"Come with usl Get into the carr
he commanded the minister desper-
ately.
For an instant Osborne thought he
would not do 1t. and then unexpected
ly the old man climbed into the walt
ing automobile.
Osborne bounded on the step, seized
the steering wheel and started the car.
The throb Of the moter deepened and
the car was of with bound
Nov go onl Finish itT' demanded
Osborne.
"This Ia most Irregular" dsmurred