The Meeker herald., 1906-08-25

stranger in a strange. inhospitable
land"
Then" replied the secretary. there
Is but one name by which l can call
you. You are-you must be. the Eng
lish maid, Miss Keppel? Though
when left the governors dwelling
supposed that lady to be safely housed
there. To encounter her miles away.
In fisherman's hut. and at this hour.
seems strange beyond belief"
Il am lost on the marshes. sir" she
said, with quiet dignity.
"And why did you leave the gov
ernor? But see. Pakenham con-
fessed the truth to you even as Miss
Winslow did to me-"
Not SO; l needed no confession,
she answered, bitterly. AT the mar
Dor he failed to meet me. l was left
to make the journey alone, almost to
the governors gate.
No. ! sent my maid to demand
speech with Pakenham. He could not
be found-he had vanished. l waited
for no words with the governor. While
he and his household fancied me to be
resting from my journey l put on this
cloak, took my purse and jewels, and
stole with my maid from the house.
We thought to make our way to the
harbor and there seek ship ready for
sea, but in the darkness we missed the
road, and found ourselves astray In
the marshes. My maid was overcome
with fright. and wept and walled SO
much that permitted her to turn
back; but myself continued on
alone"
"Alone!" echoed the secretary, with q
vivid remembrance of the marsh by
night, you have brave heart"
Suddenly the secretary arose and
pushed back his chair.
Miss Keppel," he said. II omitted to
tell you one trifiing incident in my
own story-I have killed Captain Pa
kenham!"
She sat as II turning to stone.
you said moment ago that when
you sent for him at the governors
house he could not be found. Doubt
less he was lying under the trees at
the foot of the garden with my sword
In his vitals. for we fought immedi-
ately after the arrival of your coach.
Miss Keppel, you need wander no
further. l have rid you of that for
tune hunter-that blind mole, who
could prefer Margaret Winslow to
you'll"
He walked toward the door. She
started to her feet and took step
after him.
"Oh. sir. what would you do-where
would you go?"
Back to the governor-to surrender
myself and take my punishment like
man."
She tried 10 bar his way with i'm
ploring hands.
"Oh, sir, stay!-contdnue your
flight! No one shall know that you
have been here-that have seen you.
Do not surrender yourself. Colonial
judges have little mercy-they will de-
mand life for life. Pray, pray, lis
ten to mel"
He looked at her with a smile.
-You pity me-that is sweet. But
will not fly further"
Argument seemed to fail her. Her
hands fell at her side.
Then. II you go back, will go with
you-that Ia. II you will accept my
poor company. will plead your cause
with the governor. After all that has
happened, he owes me some considera-
ton. Maybe we can reach the town
before the Old Year dies
Come, then" said the secretary,
land God bless you for q brave and
generous maid"
His excellency was walking his
council chamber in great disturbance
of mind. The house was still-all
sounds of festivity had long since
died in 1t.
Steps sounded in the corridor. and
as the maid opened the door, his ex-
cellency saw on the threshold two dis
heveled, snow-covered figures, like
specters blown out of darkness.
What! have you dared to come
back, sirrah?" he cried. and fumbled
for his gold snuff-box.
YES" answered the secretary, ITO
take my punishment" :
"Punishment-for WHAT"
1.-The Staying of Pakenham. in your
excellency's garden"
"Humph!" said the governor. "and
who is this with you? All, the Eng.
lish maid! A pretty kettle of fish we
have in the house! Well. sir. PAX.
enham = not dead. Your sword missed
his heart by an inch or two-he will
recover" y
The secretary had expected. other
tidings. He threw up his head and
breathed freely again.
Eyes, yes" said the governor, che
| will survive your thrust. fast enough
for his new-made wife Is now nursing
him-a clergyman welded him to
Margaret several hours ago. She