The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-08-11
CHAPTER Y.
Mrs. A1crride,v ns n Frient


Olive was some minutes before she
costa entirely cor,s,ci the wild
thoughts which the reading OF the
II consisted OF Just three lines Of
writing:
II feel I cannot bear the disgrace
wticn has fallen on me. and choose
t',ia II cans OF ending a life which
would be intolerable. Olive Parmen-
ter
When the first almost breath'ess
feeling OF horror subsidized and Olive
hal lrgained her self-command she
was i,ile to extract some degree CT
comfort from her discovery:
1t was clear that the attack upon
Ter lad been designed by Richard
Mcrricew. and that 1t was no more
ordinary attempt at robbery. He must
in some way haze learned of her in
ten,.on to go to Sheffield-there had
been no secret made of the fact, III
deed aid he had instigated this ruf-
firms work.
Eat why should he be go afraid OF
any results OF her journey? Why was
he SO anxious for her death? There
was only one answer. He was con-
sc.ous that her journey might result
in her discovering something which
would reveal the truth, and thus de-
stroy the conspiracy by which her
fathers name had been blackened and
she herself so wronged and robbed.
Thus the feeling of horror at her
narrow escape soon gave way to one
Of exultation and greater confidence.
She had escaped the cunning scheme
7 laid for her destruction. had gained a
startling confirmation Of her own In
stinctive guess, and had received
,;,,,r s-I,a fnrpat
She had paid a heavy price for this
but now that the peril was passed
she had no regrets.
Her plight was nevertheless serious
All her money was gone and every
thing which was OF any value. Worst
loss of all. moreover, was that of q
ralf-dozen photographs Of her father
taken at different ages, which she
had brought to assist her IN her task
Her dress was badly torn. her hat
damaged beyond repair, and she her
self bruised and hurt as the result O.
her assailants violence. She did wha,
shc could to make herself presentable
but she presented sorry figure a.
the train ran into the Sheffield sta
ten, and she called to an official ant
Immediately reported what had oc
CURED.
TO her amazement her story was no
believed. and she was subjected to I
rough and ready cross examination a
the hands of a stupid official, who's
chief anxiety appeared to be to throw
iiscredlt on her word In order to hus
the matter up in the interests of tn
company.
why didn't you have the trai
stopped?" he asked.
II tried to. 7 pulled the cord o
communication, but no notice wa
taken
CHATS nonsense" was the roug
retort. ASK the guard and the engin
driver.' he added to another man.
l;Gt the train had been allowed 4
proceed on its journey, and they hae
OF course, gone on with u.
Is hat marks OF this supposed vie
zion,
"You can see my dress for yourse
and my hat"
you might have done that your
self / caution you to be very care
full. We have had more than one a
tempt to rush the company III til
way"
"This is monstrous,' cried Olive, Il
dignantly.
keep your temper and give uss I'll
facts" lie retorted.. Where's yo'
ticket?'
ut was taken from me with Il
rest--rny money and Jewels
II expected that" he replied. wi
a. sneer and u knowing nod.
"Do you dare to suggest that | a
making up this story in order to ayo
paving my fare9'
II don't suggest anything. 1 wa
your ticket, That's all"
n can prove that 1t was taken. Tt
lion. John Fenwick, Lord Belbo
ough's son, was with ME when to,
It at Oxford, Youtcan telegraph hin
why don't you make him du
at once" pTAwered the man, winkin
Two know your sort. Fetch co