Mexico Missouri message., 1908-08-27

| Oh, pshaw, Miss stella! Cid Ing
ram wouldn't do such n scurvy trick"
Alvin. you don't know. He has
tried TO make me marry him
Alvin reflected again. Suddenly his
face was illuminated. There's a way.
and It's sure--marTy met"
What? Alvin" She half rose.
angry that he could Jest at such a
moment. But, no. his face was seri.
Gus. Yet II was too absurd, impos.
slble!
Not really. OF course. but so far as
any one else knows. Elope with me to.
night"
His daring idea was suggestive OF an.
other. mo. Alvin. not even to save
Alfred Vincent could | do that. Sui.
eide Is cowardly. yet I'd rather kill
myself than seem TO be so ficklc, to
betray dear little Viola"
Miss Stella. don't speak OF suicide!
And Viola'd know how II was. OF
course. But there's other ways. II you
won't accept my offer" He smiled
boyishly in spite OF the tragic moment.
Yes. there's another way: shall
disappear Just drop out OF sight. And
you'll help ms. won't you? This very
night"
Yes. indeed This night is the
only time | could do IT, too. I'm to
work nights after this"
Can you get me away secretly. Al.
Win? Have you any plan?"
Yes, | can fix IL. know a man
he's n friend Of mine. and as close.
mouthed as a dumb one. I'll get his
team and start you on your way to
Sacramento, or to the Bay, as you
think best. Id say San Francisco: It's
bigger. you can hide safer there"
Yes. that will be better. But you.
Alvin"
"Oh. don't worry about me. I'll be
back here before daylight. and take
the train tomorrow. Every one knows
I'm to go to Sacramento"
Stella was silent
Got any money!"
Not much. My trip to Virginia took
most OF IT,"
We'll. don't fidset over that. I've
a couple Of hundred can lend you
I 40 "NAA NJ AeNs aAh Nau Aaht lOuI
time to pay. No matter II it's never.
And maybe Sally II. can think up a
better trick for you"
20. Alvin. you're so good! Thank"
She could not trust her voice, yet after
a struggle went on. I'm sure, Alvin,
we've thought OF the only way. But
we will tell What time must we
start?"
Not later than midnight You bet.
ter get everything fixed before ten.
and let the house get plumb dark an
hour or so before"
Very well. I'll have my letter writ.
ten In a half.hour. VIII you come for
It and mail It at once?"
He nodded.
And Alvin, will you stay here while
talk 1t all over with Sally b.? I
want no misunderstanding of what we
are TO do"
Alvin assented and she left him.
There was no hesitation now. A
strange calmness peryaded her With.
out hesitancy or revising she wrote
the words that were to separate her
from her past. that were to bind her
TO life of lonely hiding.
Not to save any mans life. or even
my own" she wrote. will / marry
Gideon Ingram. This much promise.
however. l will leave this place
and all who know me. will
hide so securely that Il will be
useless for any one To seek me.
And 1 will never meet Alfred Vim
cent, communicate with him. or re.
ceive communication from him until
Gideon Ingram himself gives permits.
sion"
She signed the letter directed and
sealed the envelope and went down.
stairs.
You pore little critter!" Sally b.
cried. flying to her with open arms as
she entered. AIS told me the hull
blamed layout! Blast that burned
Injun!" She felt Stella tremble in her
arms. Don't be afeard, honey! You've
got friends. Men Billll stand by ye.
You've struck the only thing to do,
reckon"
Stella stood erect and was silent.
The others watched her without speak
ing, waiting on her mood. At last she
faced them.
This step changes all my life.
Please tell Uncle Billy the-the best
thing you can think of. Mrs. Sally"
Stella said. the words coming slowly,
as II she were thinking out her plan
as she went. From this time shall
be Esther Anthony. Only you. Mrs.
Sally. shall know where am. or what
I'm doing. Uncle Billy and Alvin
you're 80 good, Alvin--they can know
OF me through you. VIII you keep my
secret, Sally Bernard. sacredly?"
It's thundeFin' noble, this thing
that yo're goin' 20 do. Stella; an I'll
promise. an keep my mouth shet o. X.
II you likewise promise to always let
me know where yo're a-hanging out.
Do your"