Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1908-04-30

Ten minutes of two, Ten minutes
past-ffreen.
A light step came down the stair.
and Stella few into the hall.
Uncle Billy" she called softly ana
drew him into the parIor. She put her
letter in his hand, told him of Gideon.
ofeatniessly describing Alfreds dan
ger, though concealing its cause. She
did not dream that Uncle Billy guessed
it well
He promised to mount guard over
Alfred, though he seofed at her fear.
and declared that Gideon, son of the
night, was doubtless alone somewhere
fighting out his anger.
oh Uncle Billy, you're such a dear
good father to NE" she cried in.pesu-
oasly; and, needless, did not see tas
light die in his eyes, rocked not of 4
missed heartbeat
HIS back was toward the lamp. his
lace doWDcasti yet when he lifted il
again, he was calm, his voice steady.
though Stella caught a vibrant sad
s
Honey, there's something I've been
wishing to speak to you about for a
month o Sundays, but I couldn't raise
the pluck" He stopped, and Stella
so oFerwrought, grew suddenly an
pFehensive, though she did not speak.
fo' Uncle BIIly's stake in Nam
mons mighty small; but such as it is,
It Is decided to you, child I haven't
any Kin Of my own, that is, none that's
as mean to me as you are, honey. I
fixed the papehs in Auburn yestehday."
For an instant Stella did not com-
prehend- She looked questioninRiv
into his face and he smiled back at
her, waiting for her to speak Then +
broke suddenly-a viii! All a YOUNG
hearts dread Of death came into her
eyes Uncle Billy dead. And she
prohtine by it? 1t could not be. He
surely would live long years still. She
could not spare him:
The pfecipient sorrov, the generous
deed, broke down Steua's defenses.
and tears flowed uncontrolled while
she haltingiy told her gratitude. Uncle
Billy had barely dried her eyes when
Sally BIS step sounded in the hall.
I'm in heah, Sally B." he called
and all ready" Before she could turn
back from the stairs and enter he
drew Stella to him and kissed her.
Don't forget my luck posy, honey" he
whispered, as Sally B. opened tho
door. And in that instant Stela's eyes
we're opened
Ten minutes later the coaches.
Uncle Blly's leading, lined I'D beside
the rhronged sidewalk. Some passen-
gers stood near the second coach.
Only a privileged few coming on the
train would go with Uncle Billy
Stella, a rose in her hand. stood
with others near the stage Office
door. rs Mr.. Ingram going with
Uncle Billy or in the other eoach.~
she asked the clerk, as he returned to
his post from some eTrand.
Ingram He left town hours ago.
Took Balls best horse, Mig Told Ball
II he broke the nag's wind he'd pay
any figure Ball"
Stella did not wait to hear him
through Book NE for Virginia
City" she cried In Uncle BiIIys
coach"
You can't" he began
A whistle shrilled through the dark
ness.
Yes, yes, III make him let mel"
she panied and was gone.
4 deep rumble shook the town Tha
Governor Stanford raced into the
station Firing figures caught I'D mail
and treasure and ran with them to the
waiting coach Passengers, their linen
busters floating back On the night
breeze, hurried after, gulpins Sally
BIS scalding coffee on the run and
snatehing her neatly packed hot
lunches. --s-xs.s.-s,-
Stella fastening her cloak and car
rELns a small valise in the other hand
came flying out Of the hotel door. She
pressed her seant golden horde into
the booking clerks hand as shs
passed Give the change to MIS-.
sally, she said through set teeth. and
ran around In the street to the oppo-
ste side Of the stage Please help me-
up. sir" she called softly to the pas
senger On the box. I've booked, and
I'm TO have the seat next you"
The man moved, intending to step
down and help her up; but the
nosIeTs cried: All ready
No no! There isn't time. sre1Is
called frantiealIE: as she heard Uncle
Billy answer the lostlers- Reach
ne your hand." she Implored, her foot
On the forward hub.
The passenger obeyed, and she -
seated, the luck rose safe befxee,
her teeth, when Uncle Billy sprans. nm,
crying Let EN- go." His face was fun
OF disappointment in spite OF the ioyial
replies he flung back to the torrent Of
good wishes from the bFsrandes. As
he swiftly gathered the lines he eauxbt
night OF Stella.
Good Lord. You CANT 90, honey!.
/ must You'll