Putnam patriot., 1909-11-26

happening about him. his two friends
 were swiftly disarming the grovelins natives. Seilm's knife severed the cords that bound Bobby Rrowne's hands He was staring blankly. diz. zily before him
 Ten minutes later Chase was sd. dressing himself to the four islanders who. bound and gagged. were tied by their own sashes to trees some dis tance from the roadside. I've just thought of little service You fellows can perform for me in re- turn for what I've done for you. All the time you're doing 1t. however. there will he pistols quite close to your backs. Lady Deppingham is much too weak to take the five mile walk we've get te do in the next two hours-or less You are to have the honor of carrying her four miles and a half. and you will have to get along the best you can with the gags in your mouths. Two Of you form basket with your hands. I'll show you how"
 With Seiim in the lead the little pro. ttsSSitA ta9h Cl SN nGt V, through the black jungle. bent on reaching the gate if possible before the night lifted. Chase and Bobby Browne brought up the rear with the two reserve carriers In hand. Browne. weak and suffering from torture and exposure. struggled hravely along. de temined not to retard their progress by single moment of indecision-
 In his heart Browne was now raging against the fate that had placed him In this humiliating. almost contempti- bic. position. He. and be alone. was responsible for the suferings that Lady Agnes had endured. It was as gall and wormwood to him that other men had been ordained to save her from the misery that he had created He could almost have welcomed death for himself and her rather than to have been saved by George Depping ham.
 His wife. He could never be the same 10 her He had forfeited the trust and confidence of the one loyal believer among them all. And now Lady Deppingham ioathed him be- cause his weakness had been greater than hers,
 When he would have slain the four helpless islanders with his own hands Hollingsworth Chase had stayed his rage with the single. caustic adjura- ton:
 keep out of this. Browne! You've been enough of bounder without try ing that sort of thing.
 Tears were in Bobby Browne's eyes as mile after mile he blundered along his heart bleeding itself dry through the wound those words had made.
 It was still pitch dark when they came to the ridge above the park. Through the trees the lights in the cha teau could be seen Lady Agnes opened her eyes and cried out in tremulous joy
 You've labored we'll and faithfully" Chase said to the panting islanders, and I'm going to reward you. I'm going to set you free, but not yet Don't rejoice. First we. shall tie you securely to four stout trees just off the road. Just as soon as we are inside the walls I'll find some way to let your friends know that you are here"
 He and Selim promptly marched the tbewildered islanders into the woods. Bobby Browne. utterly exhausted. had thrown himself to the soft earth. Lady Deppingbam was standing. swaying hut resolute. her gaze upon the dista ni friendly windows. After long. tense moment of indeeisiop she held out hei hands. and Depriugham sprang for ward In time to catch her as she swayed toward him. She was sobbing fp his arms Bobby Browne's heavy breathing ceased fin that instant. and he closed his ears against the sound that came to them
 Deppingham gently impiored her 10 sit down with him and rest. At last she said:
 I've made you unhappy I've been so foolish. It has not been fun. either. my husband God knows II hasn't. You dc not love ne new.
 He did not answer her al once. and she shfrersSi fearfully in his arms. Then he kissed her brow gently
 -I do love you Agnes" he said in ,eosely. ~i will answer for my own love if ysu can answer for yours. Are YOU the same Agnes that you were my AgnesT
 .wilI you believe ueYs
 "Yes"
 ~ am the same Agnes ! am your Agnes am. You do believe tDeT
 He crushed her close to his breast and then patfed her shoulder ss c father might have touched an errins child
 AT last she spoke: Tt Is not wholly his fault. George. was 10 blame I led him on. You understandF
 Poor devIl-' said he dryiy- @ifs way you have. dear.
 The object of this gentle co'nmfsers- tion was staring with gloomy eyes at the lights below. He was saying 10 h,,as.ls over and over again. If can only make Drusie understandf
 chase and sesIm came down upon .bfs u,tle low toned picture The Tor uer paused an instant and smiled loy- ously in the darkness
 .rive men gre near the gate, ne xhisuer~d. ..They watch so closely that no one may 20 10 rescue those whs have disappeared Friends are hidden inside the wan ready to open rho gate st signal They. have wal sd wssh Nernah all night And a49 ls near. saisih"
 .-Ve must attack sf once 4a0 lshase. .-sluiet Eow