Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1907-02-07

CHAPTER XXn.
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 a 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
p~oke-bonnet could wholly disguise.
It occurred to him that she might be
hiding In the forest near, and the idea
pleased him-that she might indulge
in such a 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 o 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 neal. 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-
TONI" he demanded, and the question
was repeated from mouth to mouth.
At last n 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, MI. 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 Ii
true, but 1t was more than likely HI
would know the whereabouts of his
Usage friend. A thousand suspi-
cions filled his jealous mind, wrought
now to the highest pitch Of anger
AID alarm.
Rapidly he traversed the mile te
the town, and went straight to the
inn.
There, on the point of mounting
his horse to go home. was Gerald, o.
whom Gonzaga demanded: Have
you seen your sister,"
Explanations followed the negative
reply, and Gerald exclaimed: "Sh'
is with that cursed red-skin, I'll b.
sworn!"
Then in reply to the S%paniard's i'm
patient suggestion, he said: 20
course we must find Winslow. He:
in the garden-pottering about those
id pansies!"
They hurried to the garden-a pretty
spot where much of Winslow's timt
was spent, to the disgust or amuse
ment of the villagers. They fount
him there, and Gonzaga told their er
rand.
Winslow listened incredulous, dis
mayed. "You say she was last seel
with Owatoga?" he asked.
"Unless you have seen her since,
the Spaniard put in, with cold, half
yelled insult.
Charles made no reply, but a flusl
mounted to his temples and stayet
there, hiding the deathly pallor which
had at first betrayed his anxiety.
Gerald SPOKE quickly to calm tn,
gathering storm. "Mr. Winslow cal
perhaps tell us where Owatoga is, O.
Is likely to be-"
II have not seen him since we part
ed an hour ago on the road to tn,
church, was given a friendly lift
and came straight here; | supposed, o
course, that he would follow"
During this recital which Charles ad
dressed wholly to young Creighton
Gonzaga stood by furiously pokin,
with the butt of his whip at the she'll
bordering the flower beds. "There i
evidently no satisfaction to be game
here" he exclaimed, contemptuously
Shall we try other quarters?" an,
strobe away, leaving Gerald uncertail
whether to go with him, or remain.
Winslow decided for him. "You
friend speaks truly, sir" he said. "
can give no satisfaction, except the as
surance of q gentleman that l am a
ignorant as yourself of the where
abouts of your sister or the Indian"
Impulsively Gerald extended hi
hand. Winslow took it with an eff
fort. Was not this man a murdere
worse, a coward? But-but he wa
her brother.
Charles took the proffered hand. &c
see as yet little cause for alarm. Their
have been no inquiries at your home
she may be there"
TRUE" Gerald responded. "Ill g
at once"
"In the meantime" said Winslow, I"
shall leave no stone unturned tina
may help to find her-and then kee
her." he added, under his breath, as
outwardly calm, he bent again owe
the plants.
When Gonzaga left the garden, b
went straight toward the inn. Fl