Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-12

was enough to make the DOlueSt SLdTt. All day they had heard only the hum of bee, or twitter of bird; the swaying of branch or futter of leaf in the too ardent caress of the south wind.
 But this noise was none of these. It came from the road whence they had journeyed The Indians! They were overtaken!
 A fear seized the girl-a horror so awful that she would have fallen but for Windows protecting arms. For no other terror the mind of those days could conjure had power to appall like this. As both stood to catch the sounds that grew nearer, they distin- guished the tramp of hoofs, and min gled with these the voices and laugh ter of many men.
 Laughter! Speech! Here was re lief so great that they wanted to shout aloud-to give it some physical ut- terance. For Indians did not pursue fugitives with tumult of voices and chatter of harness.
 Thank God for the laughter" Wins low cried. The cracking of thorns' shall be my next toast
 Lavender's smile was an effort as nearer came the ring of hoofs and the sound of men in loud talk. They were not Indians-for that she was deeply grateful, but what were they? Any interruption was unwelcome now. A premonition of evil made her shrink back as a troop of horsemen filed into view. The search party! Winslow was ashamed of his sudden sinking of heart at the sight which should have been so welcome, for her sake. But their happy hour together was ended nv. Gerald rode ahead, Gonzaga be- side him.
 Gerald. brother" and, clapping her hands, ecstatically, Lavender rushed from the protecting shrubbery into the middle of the road.
 There was confusion in the band of riders; the sudden halt was followed by variety of oaths and exclamations. Amidst volley of questions the lead CTS dismounted and advsrsed.- Gerald first Lavender stepped to meet him. but the eager welcome left her lips as she read in his face distrust and anger
 Without touching her outstretched hand: 50, we have found you!" he said.
 That was all, and there was a ring in his voice, glitter in his eyes like steel.
 Why, Gerald. have you no word of welcome-are you not glad to see mel"
 Here winslow interposed, quietly: T fear I am the one he is not glad to sec" and he faced the brother who surveyed him in naughty silence.
 But why-I. don't understand" Lavender stammersd, looking helpless ly from one to the other.
 Here Gonzaga bowed low to her. Perhaps I can enlighten you. Miss Creighton. But first" and, advan. cing a step. he offered his hand.
 Mechanically she put her palm in his and. holding it in a lingering pres sure. he continued: First allow me to say how glad am to see you safs and well"
 She withdrew her hand. This is no time for compliment, senor. am surely puzzled at this greeting. Where expected pleasure. a word of welcome, at least. I meet with cold ness. and a public snub. am loath to turn from my brother for explana- ton. but it seems I am forced 10 it"
 At this Gerald's anger burst all bounds. and he cried: What You ask what is the matter? You who disappeared with this mans servant. only to be encountered alone with the master two days lster?"
 WinslOw stood silent holding him. self in check by great effort
 To his surprise. Lavender gave a little sarcastic laugh. Are you wor- ried about the servant: He is safe as I have been"
 Then dropping the mask of light ness. Safe" she repeated. Safe. with this gentleman. but for whom you would have gone back to our mother-alone.
 She ended with touch of solennIty which was not without it's effect upon her brother. He turned toward Wins low, but before he could speak. Con zaga intsrposed. with a laugh. low, ripplins, but not pleasant to hear. We all agree in delight al your res cue-I. of all men. have cause to re- ioice." and again he bent over her hand.
 His words and manner. coming so soon after Lavender's confession. let in a food of light on Wiaslowis brain. This. then. uas the somebody else Because of this man. with his cruel smile and reckless. debOnair manner. she had mo right to love him" No right to hovs him-winsIor. to whom the day vas more splendid. the night more blest becaass with taen came thought and dreams of heri
 The sadden suspicion made him stazzer for a moment. and ss if to add fuel to his peut-ap rage. the Span izrd commented further with . side long look fn his direction 1t is. of course. a great i0y that you are safe even under tke eircznstznces-bzt. vel the o1ly ro1ble Is. that oar