Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-05
CHAPTER XIV.

Meanwhile, around curve in the Mis-
 souri, slipped boat, its keel making
 ivory circles in the black water.
 With eyes scanning the shore. the
 man in the stern pointed to the lights
 ahead He spoke low to his compan-
 ion: See, Owatoga, the tavern is prob
 ably there; suppose we can find land
 ing" -.
 It was toward midnight of the fifth
 day of the voyage that Winslow, now
 free, having received mysterious let
 ter purporting to be from the octoroon,
 bidding him come thither to aid some
 one in trouble, came in sight of the town
 of St. Charles. He had so timed the
 last few hours of the trip that he might
 reach the town at the moment when,
 according to the letter, his presence
 would be needed.
 Beyond bend in the river widened
 the bay, half circle of darkness, with
 here and there phosphorescent gleam
 of stolen jewels with which the river
 dared deck her bosom only at night.
 In the center of the bay, and facing
 the settlement, the island rose crowned
 with cottonwood trees that shivered in
 the night wind. In the distance, hills,
 tall and sheer, formed a rampant to the
 north. Between bay and bluff lay
 the town, it's mud-walled cottages show ing white in the blaokness, The village
 was asleep and dark, except for the lights which Winslow rightfully sup posed indicated the tavern. And from another building to the west came streak of light and the sound of voices, with now and then the faint echo of a violin.
 Winslow's whole being was tensely alive to these human sights and sounds. For days of the tedious journey he had heard, save for the rare speech of his guide, only the cries of wild beasts, the i shrieks of waterfowl, or the sonorous melody of the forest trees. His breath came short-his heart threbbed queerly Wonder lay the town which was to be his home for many future days. Yon- der, too, his love awaited him-in sor- row, perhaps, or trouble, but still there. She might not be expecting him, for of his coming he had sent no word when he himself could out-journey a messenger. He was sure of but one thing-he would see her tonight, and he urged: Row faster, Owatoga."
 AS they neared the shore. voices from within the tavern were plainly heard. Owatoga anchored his boat, and, leav-. ing him to watch it, Winslow moved for ward alone This stealth was distaste- full. but the woman,s note had enjoined secrecy, and 1t was for Lavender's sake. At thought of her waiting for him, need ing him, perhaps, his steps quickened. Rapidly he climbed the sloping bank, crushing the may-apples that, dying, bequeathed to the air a hoarded fra grance.
 He gained the road at few paces from where rose a pollard willow tree, it's bare head whitened by the gleam of stars. At its base figure stood which, gradually from out attendant shadows, took the form of woman. At first she gave no sign.
 Winslow slowly advanced through the avenue of branches that stretched from the shady covert on either side. Once he paused to listen. A crackle of leaves. a step on the turf behind him. was Owatoga following? All was silent again. and he pressed forward.
 The woman bent expectant to meet him, and put out welcoming hand, murmuring: Gerald, is 1t you? At l lasti"
 But Winslcw stood still in surprise. He could not see her face, but the voice was not Lavender's.
 Then from somewhere back of him ! out of the gloomy forest came another sound; allow growth was only half-hu- man in its rage and glee. winslow's blood i curdled. Turning to see whence the voice came, he met pair of eyes glaring | in . grotesquely large head like jack o'lantern light
 The figure threw itself upon him with tigerish strength. There was a wom- ans scream, and for few moments no sound but the heavy breathing of the two men husged together in a death grapple. Vain was Winslow's clumsy rife against this unseen foe, whose hands in the darkness elutched his throat. There was flash of steel, but, putting forth all his strength. Winslou turned its course. The blade, swervine from its fatal errand. lodged in his and he sank to the ground. With a cry. the woman rushed forward. but the slayer. brandishing the knife over the prostrate Winslow. waved her back. Be of, What dye want with a carrion lover. anyway, Come to meet the branch-waier gal did hef Wanted that rich coal land. eh7" and be raised the knife again
 But it was never lowered Al that instant. from out the underbrush across the road. vhistled an arrov. and this time the messenger of death did not fall Without . groan the braneh-va- ter man sank to earth. already vet with the blood of his intended victim 70 MotionIess. the girl stood. hands clasped. eyes staring with horror. her lover dead. and by her fathers hand. That father killed. but by rhour In the iens. shade she had not seen the ar TOW fly from the bushes opposite. Whence came it. then-the sudden death bIovz A nsneless fear. a superrti- tious dread possessed her. Here. in