The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-05-24
xcopyrlrht, 1908. by the National Pres.

Icopyright 1908. by the National Press
Agency.) !,
Hist! Who Is thaty'--a mans voice,
quick and low; then out OF the dark
ness giided dark-robed female figure.
and the man caught 1t to his heart and
held 1t close, with broken words and
kisses pressed on soft, yielding lips
Above them lowered the great red
cliffs OF Aberayon, against which, at
high tide, the sea dashed itself In
foamine fury: but now the tide was
out. and the waves were sobbing and
moaning on the beach. with presage OF
coming storm. The wind was In the
southwest. driving a scud OF black
clouds before 1t; but lovers take little
heed OF sky or sea. and Derek Falconer
and May birmingham were no exception
to the rule. H.
Il daren't stay long" Che girl said
presently. when she could speak. They
NAV miss me- Oh! Derek, what shall l
do? Father declares that my engages
ment to Walter Comerford shall be
announced at the ball next week; and
II. after that, remain obstinate. he
will TAX. me abroad, and we shall be
parted--you and HE will break my
spirit, he says
Falconer drew a long. deep breath.
and stood silent, pressing the slight.
trembling form closer to him. An old
story, this. Linton birmingham. owner
OF birmingham Tower. on the wild coast
OF Cornwall, was resolved to sacrifice
his only child to Walter Comerford-
wealthy and great man In the county.
whose money would assist the some
what dccayed fortunes of the Curing
hams; but Cupid in the shape OF hand
some Derek Falconer, interfered with
Mr.. Euringhams plans. Falconer was
not rieh. neither was he very poor
man; but he seemed a pauper COM
pared with Walter Comerford: 30 he
was forbidden the house. and May was
ordered TO give him UP. How she
obeyed that command was apparent to-
night, when she stole out OF the house.
down the rocky cliff path--whtch had
no terrors for her accustomed feet
and met her lover in the darkness.
under the shadow OF the tall cliffs.
BY and by Falconer spoke. slowly:
They mustn't take you from me. May
1t isn't that don't trust you. dear
but you're only a girl. and once you're
beyond my reach No! we must
find some way out OF this crux. sweet.
heart"
"what way?" she said, clinging t.
him.
May, Darlington know there arr
smugglers on this coast?"
IT have heard there are" she an
.swered. wonderinsly. "But-what ha'
that to do
with our trouble? A great deal
maybe-it you put yourself in my
hands"
of"
He laughed and kissed her. IT have
Knocked about all over the world M
said. and am something of buc,
cancer. Id sooner take fence thar
ride round by the gate. The bold
daring way out OF difficulty is al
ways the easiest TO me: Will you trus
me utterly?"
"Derek. you know I trust you."
very we'll. then. dear ono; do as
tell you, and ask no questions. TIL
bali is next Thursday. contrIve-
somewhere about 10 o'clock-to stea
out OF the ballroom-get on darl
gown and cloak. and come out L
me here by the cliff path. I'll manag,
the rest"
"Dereki'
"Will you do 1t. May"-straining he
clo'er--"for love OF me-for dread o
the parting' You trust me, DEAR"
oh, Derek! Yes-yes. But won't yo;
tell me-"
Nothing. II fail-but shall no
fail--iet all the blame be mine. an.
you know nothing. You promise t
Gomez,
yes, Derek; promise" She wa
trembling. but the sweet, arm lib
showed no signs OF weakness. IT mus
run back now" she added. "or the.
VIII miss me-
They don't suspect I am In thes
parts? You are not watched?" Fail
coner asked.
No; butsif were long absent,
might arouse suspicion. I dare no
come again before Thursday"
Best not. Good night. sweetheart.
5 he kissed her lingeringly, then let he
go. and the girl sped back to the Towe
and was soon safe In her own cham
hef.
81 think said Mr.. Birmingham t
Walter comerford. the following even
ing over the 0Walnuts and the win,
"that May is growing more reasonabl.
Absurd to think that girl barrel
twenty will break her heart for
man."
"Falconer is very handsome mar
isn't he?t's asked Mr.. comerford, him
self fairly good-looking, In a heav
style.
'Yes; and a devil-may-eare, romanti
sort OF fellow--just the one to TAX
girls fancy. but not to make a; goo
husband said Mr.. birmingham. Ma
Will settle down all right. once she
marrieL,"
ooh, .yes!""s returned comerford. smil