The Glenwood post., 1906-10-06

dler VINO. AT the r1Sk OF his own Ntos
had snatched her from what threaten
ed to be her funeral pyre.
Pardon me, again. II say I don't
fully believe that; but 1t does not mat
TOR at all. l am curious to know how
you came to be fastened in that attic
room, place where, as a boy, spent
many an hour in play. and even once
escaped doing penance up there by fol-
lowing the same route over which our
line Of retreat ran. How came that
door locked?"
She loked at him curiously.
What right have you to demand
an answer"
"The best right in the world-that
of husband"
II refuse to acknowledge the rela-
ton, sir"
Just as you please. Then nave .
right to ask the same question because
my life was put in peril to save you"
"On that account | will answer you.
1t was a strange thing for me to do.
had not been over here for year or
more. though we keep the keys Of the
Ridgeway house. Perhaps the men.
ton Of your name last night stirred up
some memories Of pleasant ramblings
in these grounds in years gone by.
'At any rate I came, and having en-
tered the house roamed all over 1t.
A flood of memories swept over me al
| went from room to room.
Suddenly | heard voices-looking
out of the window saw unknown men
dismounting. l became alarmed.
Escape was no longer a possibility.
and | retreated to that small room.
hoping they would look for valuables
and go away without discovering me.
My hopes were without foundation
for | was seen by man who came
seeking some hidden wealth or valu.
able property. l have in these troub-
lous times always gone armed, and
my father taught me as girl how to
shoot.
when he would have seized me
put bullet in his shoulder that sent
him tumbling down the attic stairs.
Then | slammed the door shut. 1t
caught in some way, for l could not
open it again when l discovered the
house to be on fire. That is the story
in brief, sir. You have no concern
with other particulars"
He knew there was more to it. yet
would not presume to ask questions
This naughty girl aroused his inter-
est-just as the hunters keenest en-
thusiasm is awakened by the game
that gives him the most trouble, SO
this man who all his life had fought
shy of the gentler sex had met his
fate in a way never known of men
forced to wed TO save his life. hated
by the girl who took his name in order
to save the old plantation home, he
now found himself actually swearing
under his breath that in due time.
sooner or later, he would hear from
confession of love.
Thus, her very expression of dislike
only served to arouse his determina-
ton.
ALLOW me the privilege of seeing
you home." he said, courteously, but
firmly.
She opened her lips to refuse
Il shan so whether you say yes or
no, so please don't put yourself to the
trouble. Your nerves have received a
shock from this experience. Besides.
the smoke has served to disguise you.
so that the lady of Granger plantation
might not be recognized. Just now
the safest place for you is at home.
Your shrewd father has seen to 1t that
guard will be thrown around his
grounds. Come. let us go, Miss Mol
lie"
He gave few orders to his men
who mounted and went around by the
main road.
The two made use OF the shorter
path. In the dividing fence was a
turnstile that had seen much service
in years gone by, but was decrepit
from age now
ITO be continued.)