Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-07-15
CHAPTER XVIII

His face was very pale, his lips
were tightly compressed, and there
was Nat peculiar look Of decision and
resolution which Stella had often re-
fmarked
True It struck her a.. ominous--a
chill, cold and awesome. ran through
,her-but she stood and confronted
him with face that. though as pale
las his own. showed no sign Of fear;
lher eyes met his own with a naughty,
questioning gaze.
Mr.. Adelstoae." she said, in low,
clear, indignant tones, what does this
aean?"
Before he could make any reply,
Frank stepped between them, and with
icrlmson face and flashing eyes con-
lfronted him.
Eyes! what does this mean, Mr..
lAdeistone?" be echoed why have
you brought US here-entrapped us?"
Jasper Adelstone just glai esi at
him, then looked at Stella--paie. beau
tiful and irdignsnt
Il fear have Offended you" he said,
al u iOHg NA1dt foAANg las y 70 AASN
with concentrated watchful intentness
on her face.
"onended! echoed Stella. with
mingled surprise and anger. There
is no question of onense, Mr.. Adel-
stone Ths--this that you have done
is an INSULT
And her face flushed holly.
he shook his head gragely, ana
his hands clasped themselves behind
his back, where they pecked at each
other in his effort to remain calm AMI
sell -possessed under her anger and
scorn.
1T is not an insult; It was not in
tended as an insult, Stella"
My name Is Etheridge Mr.. Adei-
stone" stella broke in, calmly and
proudly BE good enough to address
me By my title of courtesy and sur
name"
Il beg your pardon, he said, in SLOW
tones Miss Etheiidge, | am aware
that do no. Arehp. TO deny that il
is through N, order that YOU are
here"
we know all that interrupted
Frank. hereby. We dol't wish for
any verbi2se nom you; We only want,
my cousin and [. direct answer TO
our question, Why have you done
this" When you have answered. It,
We will leave you as quickly - pos
sible. Ii you don't choose to answer,
, We will leave you without. In fact,
Stella and he turned with a glance
OF contempt and angry scorn at the
tall mouonless figure with the pale
face and compressed lips-"ln fac,
Stella, / don't think We much care TO
know We had better 80, think, and
leave it to someone else TO demand aa
explanation and reparation.
Jasper did not look at him, took no
notice whatever OF the boyish seorn
and Indignation; be had borne Stella's;
the boys could not touch him after
hers.
Il am ready to afford you an explain
alton. he said to Stella, with an EN-
phasis on the you
Stella was silent, her eyes turned
away from him. as if the very
thought OF him were distasteful to her.
GO on, we are wating!" exclaimed
Frank. with all a boys directness.
Il said that would afford you,
Miss Etheridge. sad Jasper. Il
think il would be better II you were 10
hear me alone.
What" shouted Frank, drawing
Stella's arm through his.
: Alone" repeated Jasper, 1T would
be better for you--for ali Of us" he
repeated. with a significance in his
voice that sank TO Stella's heart.
Il woat hear of it, exclaimed
i Frank II am here to protect her.
: would not leave her alone with you
moment You are quite capable OF
> numbering ner!
: Then. or the st time, Jasper
noticed tbs. ooy's presence.
, "Are you afraid that shall do you
t harm?7 he said with a cold smile.
= He knew Stella.
3 The cold sheer stung her,
+ Il am not afraid of those despise,
/ she said. holly Go, Frank. Yod
D will come when | call YOU"
Il shall not move he responded
/ earnestly. This man-this Jasper
. Adelstone-h already shown himself
capable of on Illegal. criminal act
1 for it Is Illegal and criminal to ktinap
! anyone, and he hes kidnapped us.
shall not leave you, You know" and
!. he turned his eyes reproaehfully on
!. Stella. Il am responsible for you
0 Stelias IA { flushed. then went pale
y Il know, she said, IN low voice
!, and she prs ssed his arm, "But--hut-
think It Ia better that should listen
. % him You see''--and her voics
a dropped stiA lower and grew tremI
Ilous. so that Jasper Adelstone could
t. not hear tt--"you see that we are in
: his power we are his prisoners al
Il most; and 40 VIII not let as so till
e have heard hlm Il will be more pru
dent 10 yield. Think. Frank, who j;
o waiting all this time
e Frank started, and appeared sud
4 dcnly convinced.
Very wei, he whispered Cal
d. fsa shA trrfqAarr VIM yyau4 uR AMI