Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1909-05-29


am afraid we are going to have
rain" he returned, In vexed voice. 81
do not mind the moon being absent; the
da riSness is In our favor. But what am
l to do with You, Allie, II we have
wet night? You will catch your death Of
cold"
Nonsense replied Alison stoutly. But
nevertheless she felt an inward twinge of
discomfort. Neither of them had thought
OF the weather How weird and eerie ev-
crything looked in the obscure light. the
Dark towing path and the sluggish canal
tns tall factories, and beyond them the
dim woodpiles and sheds stretching away
into the distance. The very barge that
came floating toward them out Of the
darkness seemed to hold dark, grisly
shapes upon it.
In few minutes Roger was helping
her to scramble on shore. They were now
at the extreme end Of the timber yard
and had some way TO walk.
Long before they had reached their
destination the heavy patter of rain drops
warned them 10 make haste but in the
uncertain light, and with so rough a path.
their speed was greatly retarded.
Here we are at last" whispered
Roger; follow me closely, Allie" And
she obeyed, holding his coat to give her
courage. pitchy blaclSness was round
them; Rogers cropping only led them still
further into the darkness Alison ex-
perienced sense OF suffocation until a
ray OF murky light showed her where she
was-at the further entrance of one of
the wood piles, with the Office windows
within few yards Of them.
Alison breathed more freely when she
recognized her position. The interlaced
planks formed an nrched chamber, where
they could move with comfort and be shell
tered from the rain. Roger spread the
plaid near the entrance, and babe his sis
ter make herself as comfortable as cir
cumstances permitted, while he went n
little way to reconnoiter.
Il hope | have not brought you on n
wild goose chase" he said when he re-
turned Timothy Is eating his supper.
we shall have to be careful when he goes
with his rounds. Hush What is that?'
as slight sound was plainly audible.
Don't move, | implore you, Allie I" And
Roger cautiously raised himself on his
hands and knees and crept few PAGES
nearer to the entrance, but in moment
he returned and babe Alison to move
further into the darkness.
1T Is Ferguson; l heard his voice. -
he whispered. Come a little further
Timothy has his lantern, and he might
turn it on us; and now not a word II
you can help it. Are you frightened
dear?'
No" returned Alison, a little un-
steadily, but at that moment she was Ger.
tainly wishing herself and Roger safely
at home. Rogers caution was not in
vain; sudden flare of light penetrated
the entrance Of the wood pile they could
see two men but at the moment the Ian.
tern was lowered and Timothy's face was
turned to his companion.
"A wet night. MASTER" he said, in q
grumbling voice. I'm just go on my beat
and then back to the shed again.
IAN right Timothy" returned the man
ager, briskly. Il must just hunt for tn,
paper | told you about Possibly I MAY
be a quarter OF an hour in the Office
but will call out to you when / an
ready for you to let me out of the yard.
"Ay, ay, will let you out, sure enough
Master Ferguson, if so be as you strik,
upon the little window in the she'd" Ant
the old man moved on slowly.
Don't move. Allie; I'll be back in {
moment" whispered Roger in her ear.
And Alison remained where she was
feeling the dampness all around her, an
unpleasant moisture beginning to trickl
down her neck The rain was pourin,
In torrents outside its very violenc,
| promised short duration. Presently Roge,
crept back to her.
ut Is just as | said" he began, hur
riedly. 'He is unlocking the safe: h
has duplicate key-I was sure Of It
There is not a moment to lose. l dar,
not trust Timothy I must 90 for m,
father. Allie, may leave you here7 Yot
are perfectly safe-no one would harm
you. But one of us must watch Fergus
son: which shall It bei" ..ta.4
you must go, Roger" she exclaimed
you will go more quickly, and will know
how to avoid Timothy
very well, keep up your courage. Al
| lie, and do not lose sight of the villain,
he returned. 81 will bring father bacl
in no time. Wait where you nre unit
! Timothy has passed again."
| Alison's reply was inaudible, but he
mute assent testified obedience. Tha
moment she was literally beyond speech
the horrid darkness seemed to swallow he
up again; a nervous oppression made be
heart beat with distressing quickness. I
was quite a relief when Timothy passe,
again; the familiar figure in the heav,
watchnan's coat gave her a comfortin,
sense % human support
She stole cautiously across the opei
path, and In another moment she va
standing outside the Office window Their
were two windows for this one wa
necessarily darkened by the woodpile, bu
over tho other the blind had been lowere,
to shut out prying glances. Alison sup
posed, as Roger had, that he had locke,
himself In to carry on his unhallowe,
work. The dark background Of piled-ul
planks quite overshadowed the white girl
ish face peering In at the uncurtaine,
window.
She was frightened at her own daring
| hut abs raunamharad that aha was Ro~.r'