Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1907-12-31
CHAPTER XVII.
Jetta Speaks Again.

cousin and lay the case before him.
For Ree's sake, cannot allow him to
drive you from the island
It was after lessons, and she had
climbed up to the schoolroom, ana
there, by direct questions, won from
me the story Of my troubles with Nin-
cent Hawkstone. Bee, perched on
stool at the far end Of the room' was
watching through a glass a fleet OF
flshing-boats fitting, dream-hKe'
around n point Of the island.
His infatuation for you Is very nn-
fortunate" sighed Mrs. Otway, for he
Is reckless, ungovernable-he stops at
nothing. But courage, my dear; you
are under my protection, and 1 snail
take care that no harm comes TO you
If Won talk again Of leaving the Is
land YOU will break all our hearts
Bee dashed down the glass, sprang
off her stool, and cast herself on my
breast
.I will write to papa!" she declared
land tell him all the wicked thlnss
that Vincent said to you in the grave
ward. Miss Ravenel. You shall never
leave the island unless you take me
with you. 1 love you so well that
couldn't stay here-no, 1 couldn't pite-
ously, IF you went away!"
Miss Bee" said Mrs. Otway, severe
". 'it is not good for little pitchers 10
have such big ears"
But the poor child was sobbing ABOUT
nv neck, and I hastened to soothe her
with such promises as I could con-
scientiously make.
ct will not leave the island, Bee, so
long as it is possible for me to remain
here" said. And then put away my
books, and we descended to the garden
and sat down together by the ancient
SUM- -dials. The afternoon sun lay herce
and sultry on the sea. Beds OF velVety
carnations and spotted lilies filled the
air with odors, the hot whirr OF To-
Gusts sounded in the grass. Bee De-
gan to talk Of a schooner which had
once been wrecked on the beach below
the old seawall. was listening dream
iIv when the horseshoe gate creaked.
heard a step, looked up, and saw
woman standing at my shoulder, star
ing i'm a curious, intent way at little
Bee.
She was dressed In red cotton
gown. with a handkerchief of the same
material knotted over her black halr'
Her face and hands were as brown as
mt. She wore huge gold hoops In
her ears. and carried string of wick
er baskets.
Pretty lady" she began. in SOFT
wheedling tone, buy something for the
little one, and help a poor gypsy. I've
come all the way from Whithaven 10
sell my wares"
How in the world did you get here?'
cried. involuntarily. Persons ike
sSsou do not find access to the island an
easy matter"
II begged fisherman to take me IN
his boat lady," answered the gypsy
meekIy. I've baskets to sell and for
tunes to tell. Let me see your hanu'
All. how white it is-how lovely! l
ought to find good luck in its lines.
drew quickly back
"I have no wish to hear my fortune
answered, coldly. "and If you want to
dispose Of your baskets. you had better
go to the housekeepers room in the
rear of the Hall"
She flashed me strange glance. be-
ing naturally observant, l saw that her
ewes were of a soft violet color and
that they contrasted oddly with her
nut brown skin and raven hair,
Then. you won't let the gypsy read
YOUR fortune, lady?" she whined. "Weli'
l can tell you something without look
ing at your hand. This island is an
evil place for you. You are in great
peril here. Be warned in time-ge'
away as soon as you cam"
She detached tiny basket from her
neck and held it out to Bee, VINO was
staring at the bizarre creature WITH
wide eyes.
Take it," she coaXed, softly, ana
show me the way to the housekeeper'
little one. Is this pretty lady your
mother"
mo" answered Bee; Il have no
mother"
She limped out into the walk without
waiting for any sign either OF assem-
or dissent from me.
II am lame" she said to the gypsy
"I cannot go very fast"
The woman nodded.
Yes, 1 know, little dear! Somebody
dropped you long ago. and you never
were the same after it. Don't hurry tof
me-"
They vanished around a corner OF the
stone porch Assailed by sudder
premonition of danger. 1 leaped to my
feet.
"Come back. Bee" l shouted, and
flew after them, stumbling over the
string Of baskets which the gypsy had
thrown down in the first turn of the
path. 1 looked and saw red gown
disappearing down the wooded terrace
Fear lent me wings. Swift as she was
was swifter, l grasped the cotton
dress. and as did so, saw that she
was clasping Bee in a suffocating en-
brace, and that one hand was pressed
tight upon the little helpless mouth.
Stop" 1 commanded. What are
YOU doing with that child?"
IT am taking her away" she Missed
Don't attempt to interfere. She Is
mine-my own flesh and blood, Jetta
Ravenel!"
And then l knew who this basket
vender was.
II must interfere" said, for she Is
in my charge-I am answerable for hei
safety. You cannot go a step further
Give her back to me at once. See!
YOU are choking her cruelty" Then
raised a loud cry of Help! help!
which 1 knew would be heard by some
of the workmen always at hand. She