Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1908-04-17

PEELED the latter to vow that she would
leave the castle.
CHAPTER V.-Preparing to flee, LADY
Darlington and her chum Deborah. an
American girl, met Lord Strathgate at
two a. m, he agreeing to see them safely
away.
! CHAPTER vi.
= Lady Ellen Takes Flight
Now, will you tell me your plans 7"
began Strathgate a. the three descend.
Cd to the mall.
Presently, presently" whispered
Ellen. We must get out of sight and
sound Of the house"
Where shall We co."
The arbor IL the nearest and safest
place Of concealment." ..... .
strathgate led the way rapidly along
the wall Of the terrace and in a few
moments the three fugitives gained
the shelter Of the arbor where they
could talk without risk Of being over.
heard. ".- ~.
What ne1t?" 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.
I'VE must have horses and a We
hicle OF some kind" she said.
Would not post chaise do%
There are three of US, my lord"
answered Ellen.
Does Mistress Deborah 20 with
you them" said Strathgats, much sur.
prised.
Certainly. Do you think l would
dN?"
i see," returned the earl, who was
very much annoyed and put out by
tne infection Of this third party in
what he had fondly hoped would be a
tete-a-tete flight
Tnere was no help for it, however.
he trusted to fortune to assist him
70 dispose OF Mistress Deborah later.
Where shall we get this carriage? ?"
In the stables, Of course"
But = the coachman and the
grOoms?"
IT happens" said Ellen, that some
o. them are away for the night. l be.
s'lieve there are not more than three
stable boys at home and the coach.
man. The boys are devoted to me.
The coachman will have to be DER
shaded"
&. And how will you persuade him."
Queried Strathgate. Bride him."
That would hardly be possible" re-
turned Ellen. 81 shall hope that
tAese"-she touched the pistols At
her belt-"may influence him"
Would you kill him."
That would scarcely be necessary
Win your assistance we will bind and
gag him. They are bound to discover
our hight anyway, and all We can do
u 70 prevent their giving any alarm
unu they are sought for in the morn.
Ing which will give us a fair start /"
i see" returned Strathgate, but
would you not better let me undertake
this part Of the adventure! It's
scarcely woman's work"
Yes, yes" urged Deborah. Let
him 60 alone"
Not at ALL" returned Ellen, for.
Ct II you please that am woman f"
That were impossible" murmured
etrathsate gently.
"for can use these weapons per.
haps as we'll as q man." went on nv
lady calmly.
How about the hounds?" uueried
etrathgate.
> Their kennels are far removed
from the stables and | do not think
'tney will give us trouble. Now. II We
are to get away tonight, we must
hasten. My lord. are you armedr
AS yourself" returned Stratbgate
drawing aside his cloak and showing
sword and pistols.
.. This way then" said Ellen. lead.
ing as If hers were the right uuoues.
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 his bed.
Let me do the talking" said
strathgate. He won't recognize you
Il. You stay back here in the dark,
ness" ?
Very we'll" assented Ellen as the
ear stepped over to the bed and
-"--e'1 shook The coachman Who
: . si1 nc ITTF Htt II