The Huttig news., 1908-06-27

ne lOOke0 1urtlVely through edCn open door while pressing her hand shut over the coin. Take that" he whis- pered. You must pay yo' own bills, and book yo'self, honey. Don't ask me why!" he added as she opened her lips to speak.
 Instantly he was gone, leaving her to puzzle out the matter for herself. But the need for dissembling her re- lations with Uncle Billy, whom she had known longer than any one living save Gideon, did not dawn upon her.
 Supper alone was less an ordeal than she had expected. On her return to her room she met the hall boy and ordered pen and paper She had bare ly seated herself to write when a dis patch interrupted her; it was ad. dressed to William Dodge, and was from Alfred at Carson City. Am de tained here. Will be in Colfax on the thirtieth.'
 In the reaction of relief she wrote a short, almost happy letter to Alfred, sending it to post by the hall boy. The
 
 other passenger shared the box seat with Stella; and leisurely. little shy ", she told Uncle Billy of her plans for school, and received his advice, heart felt, if not always wise.
 At Dutch Flat she stopped to visit going for Uncle Billy's next trip, hop  ing vainly that Alfred would be with him It was indeed a homecoming, Days only she had been away; they seemed weeks. Sally B., Viola, Vic Wah, even the dog, greeted her over with a heart-wrench her leaving it would be-
 Here's letter for you" Sally B. said. when Stella was at last free. Ut came yesterday
 She took it. but paled with quick fear when she saw the strange hand writing She hastened to her room There was neither date. address, nor signature. but the message was cruel.
 Stella Anthony: Alfred Vineent's life is in your hands. Send to the ad- dress below within one week after October 30 your written word that you will marry Gideon Ingram, and Vincent shall go free Refuse to do this and he shall die. Return this let ter with your answer, or it will not avail
 In the postscript were directions for address; but Stella did not read them. She thrust the sinister sheet out of sight in her pocket, yet the words burned in her brain, written there for ever Motionless. she gazed at the wall in a useless endeavor to think
 Darkness fell. Still she stood there, leaning against the wall now, though she had no memory of moving A step caught her ear. She started up, in tent on defending herself against in- terruption. The Chinese boys harsh voice came through the door telling her that Alvin waited in the rarlor to say goodbye.
 She went into the parlor. Alvin, 2 man in years, yet ever the buoyant boy, sprang forward with outstretched hands to greet her.
 Oh Miss Stella, the 50 miles are done! Done 'pon honor. too. The commissioners have examined and ac- cepted the work They say it's O. K. and the governments bound to re- ceive it. And the blamed strike that broke out yesterday won't hinder the r1lQ Qrl coming on the sly. I'm going to my Sacramento office in the morning. 1 came to say good Why. Miss Stella! Whats the matter?"
 His exuberance was a tonic Stella's numb heart began to beat little color to her lips. hope to her soul. Yet she did not speak, though she smiled
 What is it, Miss Stella? ?' Alvin re- peated You look as if you'd died and come back. though not all of you. There's awful things in-your faeet"
 And in my heart, too, Alvin. Oh. Alvin. T." She grew cold again, and was silent.
 Tactful Alvin said nothing, but push ing a chair behind her pressed her gently into 1t. He did not release her hand. but stroked it softly. waiting for her to speak.
 Suddenly she started up. This was the thirtieth, anda week, the letter had said And she did not know how far the answer was to go. Precious time had already been wasted It was ages since she read those awful words. She must do something, tell some one, get help. Alvin! He was the one She put the letter in his hand Read it, quick" she com handed
 He complied, starting at the first words, then reading on quietly, through the postscript directions. and ending with careful scrutiny of the en- velope Stella watched him anxiously. wondering, even in her preoecupation, at the maturity and wisdom that came into his face at emergency's call. "Oh. Alvin, there must be some way be- side-beside obeying. How can do that2 Yet how can I be Alfred's- mur-murderer ?'' She shuddered at the word.
 "Perhans this is only a threat from