Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-04-04
CHAPTER vi.
Lady Ellen Takes FLIGHT.

Lady Ellen Takes Flight.
Now. viii you tell me your plans?-
began Strathgate as the three descend
ed 20 the mall.
Presently. presently" whispered
Ellen I'VE must get out of sight and
sound OF the house"
Where shall we go?"
The arbor is the nearest and safest
place OF conceaiment"
Strathgate led the way rapidly along
the wall OF the terrace and in few
moments the three fugitives gained
the shelter OF the arbor where they
could talk without risk Of being over
heard.
What next?" he said to Ellen. who
had stopped overwhelmed at the
thoughts brought back by the place
where she had seen Lady Cecily in
her husbands arms.
we must have horses and a We
hicle OF some kind" she said
Would not a post chaise do7"
There are three OF US. my lord
answered Ellen.
Does Mistress Deborah so with
you then?" said Strathgate. much sur
prised
Certainly Do you think I would
leave her alone with the people yon-
der?"
Il see" returned the earl. who was
very much annoyed and put out by
the inhiction of this third party in
what he had fondly hoped would be a
tete-a-tote flight
There was no help for 70. however.
He trusted 90 fortune 90 assist him
20 dispose OF Mistress Deborah later.
Where shall we get this carriage?"
In the stables. OF course"
'Bnt - the coachman and the
grooms?"
1T happens" said Ellen. that some
OF them are away for the night. I be-
licve there are not more than three
stable boys az home and the coach
man. The boys are devoted to me.
The coachman VIII have 20 be per
suaded"
And how Will YOU persuade him?'
queried Strathgate. "Brbe him?"
THAT would hardly be possible" re-
turned Ellen. Il shall hope that
these she touched the pistols at
her belt-"may Influence him"
Would you kin him?"
THAT would scarcely be necessary.
With your assistance we viii bind and
gag him. They are bound 20 discover
our flight anyway. aud al we can do
Is 20 prevent their giving any alarm
until they are sought for in the morn
Ing which viii give US a fair start"
Il see" returned Strathgate. but
would you not better let me undertake
rrfss..
scarcely woman's work"
Yes. yes" urged Deborah. Let
him go alone"
Not at ALL" returned Ellen, for
get II you please that / am a woman"
That were impossible" murmured
Strathgate gently.
For ] can use these weapons per-
haps as well as a man." went on my
lady calmly.
How about the houndsg" queried
Strathgate
| Their kennels are far removed
| from the stables and / do not think
they will give US trouble. Now, II we
are 10 get away tonight, we must
hasten. My lord. are you armed?"
| AS yourself" returned Strathgate,
drawing aside his cloak and showing
sword and pistols
This way then" said Ellen. lead
ing as II hers were the right unques-
| toned
She was thoroughly familiar with
the lay OF the land and the location
OF the stables The coachman, who
was unmarried. slept in a house by
himself. Entrance was easy since
the door was not locked Deborah
stayed outside in the deep shadow of
little porch while Strathgate and
Ellen entered the room. There was a
low fire burning on the hearth which
gave forth sufficient light to enable
the two to discover the coachman
sound asleep in hts bed.
| Let me do the talking" said
Strathgate. He won't recognize you
II you stay back here in the dark
ness"
Very we'll" assented Ellen as the
earl stepped over to the bed and
roughly shook the coachman. who
opened his eyes to find himself star
Ing into the muzzle OF a pistol.
l You know me. Higginbotham," be-
gan Strathgate.
Yes, my lud." said the coachman.
greatly surprised and endeavoring to
| rise
strathgate pressed him down in his
bed
Lie still ! want TO borrow a pair
and carriage from your master. I'm
driving far tonight and want a good
pair. No, you are not 70 bother about
hitching them up ! simply wished TO
tell you the facts so you won't make
any trouble"
But. my lud. why don't you ask
Lord Darlington? I'm sure he'd give
you anything you went"
ITS not necessary 70 70 into my
reasons" answered Stratheate shortly.
This locke c-corcd 70 me. nv lnd.-