The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1906-12-07

Then while her defenders, each rolled
in a blanket, slept on their rifles under
| the stars, Lavender tossed in fitfu
dreams. Dreams, vague and indistinct
but running through them all the visior
| of her mother-of the far-off home Of
that mothers yearning. Clear and dis
,, ,tinct was the long gravel walk bordered
with chestnut all in flower. Woodbine
over the door swung like fragrant cen
sers, the hooking bird trilled greet
ing, and her mother smiled to see and
hear.
Then they climbed the worn stone
steps, crossed the porch, but the door
the door was shut. They knocked
and called-no answer, and she gazed
around at the old familiar place over
which cold. gray pail suddenly
spread, shutting out the daylight
The hooking bird ceased his note,
the flowers withered.
Then the face of her mother faded,
and she stood at the door-alone.
CHAPTER XXI.
When Gonzaga returned leading the
horse, he was astonished to find the
gig empty.
But he felt no alarm at first; Law
ender had probably Joined friend
somewhere, and he studied attentively
the groups about the church and on
the road. None looked familiar-no-
where did he see the gracefully poised
head which not even the ungainly
poke bonnet could wholly disguise.
1t 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.
"Indian!" 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, Mr.. 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 a 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
now. to the highest pitch of. anger
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, III be
sworn!"
Then in reply to the Spaniards 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.
UNLESS you have seen her since"
he Spaniard put in, with cold. half
yelled insult.
Charles made no reply, but a flush
to his temples and stayed
here, 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
S likely to be-"
81 have not seen him since we part
I'd an hour ago on the road to the
church, was given a friendly lift,
and came straight here; l supposed, of
+h.2 ~ ,..a,,I1 fNIIAxups