Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1909-05-27

iIG dhh ldNh VI NOlioNACHNS NA
lied that brave but somewhat unsettled
period.
He consumed a good dinner but did not
linger over it as usual, and returned to
his room to plan his campaign.
Elizabeth was spending the same eyen'
ing with Aileen; they talked till late over
the fire. Aileen was full OF loving sym
pathy in Elizabeth s happiness; they talk
ed over plans and lovers, as girls will
Aileen was but twenty-one, and there was
not much difference, for Elizabeth had
had always a strong character and she
had read and studied much, and observed
also as much Of life as q sheltered girl
could.
At eleven the bell rang; AiIeen went to-
the door, and u telegram was put in her
hands. She noted that it bore the namc'
of the place where Gerald was confined.
"Come on 1890 train at once; wait
lOT uULuluS- Iii POI Idut
GERALD SoULE."
go heavenl what has happened9 I.
must gol Not paid for9 Oh, Of course;
Gerald probably has no money she
thought in her haste. She got her purse
and paid the messenger. Then she went
to Elizabeth.
"I must go to Gerald at once, on the
twelve thirty train, can you go with me,
Elizabeth We will come back on the
first train in the morning-at any rate,
you can. Mother is too i'll to go. III
leave a note here on the mantcl, if they
inquire for you. Never mind hats, gloves,
or wraps; I have them all, and you know
we are of the same size. We can get a.
car; it is only eleven"
Elizabeth did not quite approve, butt
she hesitated because she wanted to see
her lover before she went; but she reflect
ed that her mother knew she was to re-
main over night with Aileen, and there
would be no anxiety about her at home,
and the family knew that there was a
train from the penal city at eight, which
would bring her home at breakfast-t1me,
so her c~lear-headed caution was satisfied,
and no one would be anxious; SO she join
ed Aileen in fastening to get ready.
"I shall not need much money for such
a short journey; L have about twelve dol
lars in my purse; 1 must get SEINE more
tomorrow
III have five with me-" said Elizabeth
"I forgot to leave my purse at heme
when / came over"
Aileen hastily scrubbed a note on the
back Of the telegram and PLACED it in a.
conspicuous place on the mantel.
"Mother will notice the telegram, but
ordinary paper might not attract her at
%tention. Come, let us go"
AS they left the house a strong, cold
wind was blowing, and a strong drausht'
came in at the door as they went out
and circled and eddied through the hall
and the open portiere, and caught the tel.
egram lying loosely IN the mantel. 1t
waited it gently into the crate, where y
was consumed and the ashes danced nef-
rily up the chimney, and not a trace was
left Of Aileen and Elizabeth.
It was one Of those perverse t%rifles, q
small and utterly valueless incident in it,
self, but one Of those fatal accidents
that at times changes the course OF the
mightiest events.
As Elizabeth and Aileen walked alone
at night in the street they felt nervous;
they were not accustomed to being with
out men with them at thatihour. They had
not considered this point while getting
ready.
81 wish we had got Stanley or Dudley
to go with u.s." said Elizabeth.
III wish we had, but really there is no
time; by waiting to rouse one Of them
and the time it would take them to get
dressed we would lose the train said
Aileen.
eyes, that is true, oh, here is a car
riage; 1 wonder if it is engaged Herel1
Elizabeth called. The driver stopped.
"We wish to make the twelve thirty
train on the Y. q; can you make itf'
eyes, mum; guess so-not too much
time, though. I can catch it at the lower
station; that will be best, I think, II ITO
all the same to you.'
eyes; it will do just as.well. Now hur-
ry.n They were by this time in the ear
rage, and the man slammed the door,
sprang on the box and started at a RAPID
pace.
uWhat luck,n exclaimed Elizabeth,
ito catch this hack! How do you sup
pose it came to just where we wanted
it, said Aileen.
"somcbody driven home from the thea
ter, probably, and the hack was return
ing"
uOh, Of counsel What aAlogical mind
YOU have. Elizabeth ! wish I had your
intellect. / have never known you 70
make a false conclusion yet"
But. nevertheless. the conclusionywas en-
Continued noxt week.