The Yale expositor. (Yale, St. Clair County, Mich.) 1894-current, 1908-07-31


Alvin reflected again. Suddenly his
face was illuminated. There's way,
and it's sure-marry met"
What? Alvin!" She half rose,
angry that he could jest at such
moment. But. no, his face was seri-
Gus. Yet it was too absurd, impos-
sible.
Not really, of course. but so far as
any one else knows. Elope with me to-
night"
His daring idea was suggestive OF an
other. mo, Alvin, not even to save
Alfred Vincent could | do that. Sui
eide is cowardly, yet I'd rather kill
myself than seem to be so tickle, to
betray dear little Viola"
Miss Stella, don't speak of suicide!
And Viola'd know how 1t was, of
course. But there's other ways, If you
won't accept my offer" He smiled
boyishly in spite of the tragic moment.
Yes, there's another way; | shall
disappear, just drop out of sight. And
you'll Aelp me, won't you? This very
night? %
Yes. indeed. This night is the
| only time | could do it, too. I'm to
work nights after this"
Can you get me away secretly, AL
vim? Have you any plan?"
Yes, l can fix 1t. l know a man
he's a friend of mine, and as close
mouthed as a dumb one. I'll get his
team and start you on your way to
Sacramento, or to the Bay, as you
think best. I'd say San Francisco; it's
bigger, you can hide safer there"
Yes, that will be better. But you,
Alvin"
"Oh, don't worry about me. I'll be
back here before daylight, and take
the train tomorrow. Every one knows
I'm TO go to Sacramento"
Stella was silent.
Got any money!"
Not much. My trip to Virginia took
most of it."
well, don't fidget over that. I've
a couple OF hundred l can lend you
as well as not; and you can take your
time to pay. No matter II it's never.
And maybe Sally b. can think up a
better trick for YOU"
20, Alvin, you're so good Thank"
She could not trust her voice, yet after
a struggle went on. I'm sure, Alvin,
we've thought of the only way. But
we will tell What time must we
start?"
Not later than midnight. You bet
ter get everything fixed before ten
and let the house get plumb dark an
hour or so before"
VERY well. I'll have my letter writ
ten in a half-hour. VIII you come fol
it and mail it at once?"
He nodded.
And Alvin, will you stay here while
| talk 1t all over with Sally B.?
want no misunderstanding of what we
are to do"
Alvin assented and she left him
There was no hesitation now.
strange calmness pervaded her. With
out hesitancy or revising she wrote
the words that were to separate hei
from her past, that were to bind hel
to life of lonely hiding.
Not to save any mans life, or ever
my own" she wrote, will / marry
Gideon Ingram. This much l promise
however. | will leave this place
and all who know me. l will
hide so securely that 1t will b'
useless for any one TO seek me
And / will never meet Alfred Vim
cent, communicate with him, or re
ceive communication from him unit
Gideon Ingram himself gives permits
sion.'
She signed the letter, directed ant
sealed the envelope and went down
stairs.
you pore little critter!" Sally b
cried. flying to her with open arms a.
she entered. "Als told me the hui
blamed layout! Blast that durneC
Injun!" She felt Stella tremble In he
arms. Don't be afeard, honey! You'v'
got friends. Men Bill'll stand by We
You've struck the only thing to do,
reckon"
Stella stood erect and was silent
The others watched her without speak
ing. waiting on her mood. At last sh
faced them.
This step changes all my life
Please tell Uncle Billy the-the bes
thing you can think OF, Mrs. Sally,
Stella said, the words coming slowly
as If she were thinking out her plal
a as she went. From this time l shal
be Esther Anthony. Only you, Mrs
Sally, shall know where l am, or wha
I'm doing. Uncle Billy and Alvin
= you're so good. Alvin-they can know
y of me through you. Will you keep m
u secret, Sally Bernard, sacredly?"
Its thunderin' noble, this thinl
s that yo're goin' to do, Stella; an II
II promise, an. keep my mouth shet 0. X
" II you likewise promise to always lie
IS me know where yo're Arranging Out
II Do your"
II yes" Stella said, and walked to tn
II window, speechless. No sound e'
Is capped her, but Sally b. saw her shou
Is ders lift and tremble, and flew to hei