The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1908-08-21
CHAPTER x1x-continued.

~ III III a.o WSu oo = ,ooiA =
presently stole away on some excuse or
other and started in good time n on
foot into the city. l reached the rem
devious a quarter Of an hour before
the time named, and %strolling between
the church and the bakers shop tried
to look as much like a chance passerby
as l could, keeping the while q wary
lookout for any who might u out to
be my correspondent.
The morning was cold and gray. A
THRILLING air was falling. The passers
were few, and the appearance of the
streets dirty and, with Uttered kennels.
was dreary indeed. l found 1t hard at
n C to keep myself warm II to avoid
observation as I hung about. Ten
o'clock had rung from more than n
steeple, and l was beginning to think
myself a fool for my pains when a
woman of middle height, slender and
young In figure, but wearing a shabby
brown cloak, n with her head muftled
In a hood, as though she had the tooth
ache or dreaded the weather more than
ordinary, turned the corner of the bel
fry and made straight toward me. She
me without notice. But when abreast
OF me she glanced up suddenly, her
eyes the only features l could see.
FOLLOW me to the church," she MUIR
INJURED gently, and che swept on to the
porch.
~ = S0SSN2 Sl1iiitly-S9 lSldSldIll.
~, my feet seeming like lead, for I
knew who She was. Though l had only
Eeen her eyes, l had recognized them
and guessed already what her business
with me was. She led the way reso-
lutely to a quiet corner. The church
was empty and still. with only the
scent OF incense in the air to tell ofEa
recent service. 1t was no surprise to
me when she turned abruptly. and re-
moving her hood looked me in the
face.
What have you lone with him?"
she painted, laying her hand on my
arm. Speak! Tell me what you have
done with him?"
The question. the very question 1
had foreseen! Yet I tried to fence
with her. 1 said, with whom?"
with whom?" she repeated bitterly.
In three years that you do not recog-
ni2e me?"
NO: 1 know you," 1 said.
There was a hectic flush on her
cheeks, and 1t seemed to me tha the
dark hair was thinner on her thin tenn
Piles than when had seen her last,
but her eyes were the same.
Then why ask with whom?" she
cried passionately. What have you
done with the nan you called Clar-
ence?"
sDcne With him?" I said feebly.
Aye, Gone with him? Come, speak
and tell mel" she repeated In fierce ac-
cents. her and clutching my wrist,
lher eyes probing my face with merci-
less glances. Have Q killed him?
Tell me?'
KILLED him, Mistress Anne?" I said
SullenlY. No; I have not killed him"
He is alive?" she cried.
For all | know. he is alive"
She slared at me FOR some seconds to
assure herself that I was telling the
truth. Then she heaved a great sigh,
her fell from my wrists, the col
cred her eyes I glanced round with
momentary idea OF escape, l so
ehranit from that which was to come.
But before / mad we'll entertained the
notion she looked up, her face rown
calm.
Then what have you done with
him?s she asked.
Il have done nothing with him., 1
answered.
She laughed-a mirthless laugh.
Bah" she said, do not tell me lies!
That Is you honor, / suppose-your
lar there! Do you think that I do not
know all about them? Shall I give YOU
the list? He Is a very dangerous con-
s.pirator. is Sir Thomas P~enruddoclse,
n . ne metz And that scented dandy,
son-tell me OF him! Tell me Of him.
! say!" h exclaimed, with a sudden
return from irony to q fierce e~agerness,
GREATNESS impatience. Why did he
not come up last night? What have
you done with hiIn?"
shook my head, sick and trembling
How could tel her?
y see she said. You will not tell
me. But you swear he Is yet alive.
Master Cludde? Good. Then you are
noialns him for a hostage? Is that
~ with 2 piercing glance at my face,
.or you have condemned him, but for
some reason the sentence has not been
executed ?" She drew a long, deep
breath. for l fear my face betrayed me.
That Is 1t. is lit Then there is still
time" sAt
She turned from me and looked to-
ward the end Of the aisle, where a dull
red lamp hanging before the altar
'Glowed feebly in the warm, scented air.
She seemed SO to turn and so to look
IN thenkfulness as IL the news she had
learned were good instead of what it
was. What Is the hour fixed? 2" she
asked suddenly.
/ shook my head.
You will not tell me? Well. 1t mat
tiers not" she answered briskiy. .He
must be saved. Do you hear? He m,lst
ppe saved. Maste. Cludde. That is your
Business"
] shook my head.
you think It is not?" she said. We'll
I can show you it is! Listen!"
She raised herself on a step OF the
fount and looked me harshly in the
face. IF he be not given up to me safe
and sound by sunset this n I
will betray you all! All! have the
list mere" she muttered sternly. touch
ing her bosom. You, Master Bertie.
P~enruddocke, Fleming, Barnes-all,
All! Do you hear? Give him up. or
yOu shall hang!"
you would not do it," I cried
aghast, speering into her burning eyes.
Would not do 1t? Fool!" she Kissed.
IF all the world but he had but one
head, I would cut it off to save his!
sHeis my husband! Do you hear? He
q my husband-my all! Do you think
! have given up everything, friends and
honor n safety. for him to lose him
now?. No! o say I would not do 1t?
DO you know what I have done? You
have q car there,
d touched me lightly on the breast.
ssI did It" she said.
your I muttered.
sxes. j YOU blind fool! I did it, she
anpWered.I"You escaped then and / was
ofs II, since the wound answered my
pdfpoAe.&aHnt o will not escape again.
~ cord - surer."
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