The Lamar register., 1908-08-26
CHAPTER vllI.-contlnuea.

CHAP ! Elk missionaries.
The ground was somewhat soft in
the shadow and footprints were dis
cernible in the low srot where the
carriage had fallen. There were
marks of woman's shoe and mans,
albeit a man of small feet, by the
side of the carriage door and other
marks around the horses. From the
trampling and hoof marks Seton con-
cluded that the horses must have stood
quiet for some time. He surmised that
the Inmates of the carriage had taken
advantage of the stop to get out and
go ahead while Strathgate lay stunned.
After final search of the interior
of the carriage in which he was re-
warded by finding a tiny bowknot of
scarlet ribbon which he thought he
recognized as one that had trimmed
Mistress Debbie's gown. for it was
color she affected. and which he
tucked carefully away in his pocket.
An hour from the carriage he came
upon a bay coach horse struggling by
the wayslde. with certain portions of
harness dragging from him. Here was
another mystery. II there had been
two horses, where was the other?
why was he abandoned in the high
road not soul being near? The
Aprse permitted him to get close
Enough to enable him to see that the
traces which dangled from his sides
had been severed by a knife. There
could be no doubt that this was one
of Darlington coach horses.
There was no reason on earth, II
they had started out on two, for aban-
doning one.
He galloped down the road and in
a few minutes came to little fishing
village. Some of the fishermen had
gone off for the days work in their
boats, but one grizzled sailor was
mocdily pacing up and down the little
wharf. Refining his horse in on the
shore. Seton hailed him.
My man." he said. have you seen
anything of two or three people. two
women and a man inquiring for boat
this morning."
NO" growled the man. but had
a boat at this wharf. the best boat
in the haven, and when l come down
this morning at five O'Clock she was
gone
"Gone!" cried Seton, dismounting
from MS morse IN MS excitement
What do you mean?'
Just what say, your honor re-
turned the man. She was tied right
there''-he pointed to one of the
spiles-"and when got up was the
first man down here at the wharf, she
was gone"
WAS there any message-any clew
any sign?"
"Naught but this" returned the sail
or, pulling out of his pocket a handful
of shining guineas.
Here was proof positive to Seton.
OWell, my friend, I don't see that
you have anything to complain of"
"How's that, sir?" queried the sailor.
Certainly the boat was hardly
worth more than five guineas."
Now, l want to know how far it is
from here to Portsmouth"
"A matter of between 80 and 40
leagues, dependin' on the wind" said
the man.
Would your boat be big enough to
make that distance?"
Lord love yer honor. she's big
enough to go to France"
but could woman handle her?"
II
"a child could do it."
WAS there any provision aboard?"
"A breaker of fresh water and may
hap some hard bread
Good" said Seton, treasured that
the fugitives we're not starving at any
rate. Now, l want to get to Ports
mouth, and l want to go by sea"
He judged that since Darlington
was probably headed in that direction,
by land. it would be best for him to
follow directly upon the course of
the fugitives which he had SO luckily
run down.
"That'll be easy enough. your hon
or" said the sailor. there's other
boats in the harbor.'
There's Will Hawkes. boat yonder.
VIII amt abroad to-day, bein' down
with e spell of fever"
Very good" said Seton. 60 and
see him, tell him that Sir Charles
Seton wants to charter his boat for
rAto Portsmouth. Are you free to
taD charge of herr"
THAT l am. master
set about 1t at once" said Seton,
while l arrange to leave my horse
at the tavern. By the way. what's
your name?"
"Wkibley, sir John whitley, at
yer hono-'s service"
whitley was as gccd as his prom
Use. A half an hour found Sir Charles