The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-08-17

Browne brought up the rear with the two reserve carriers in hand. Browne, weak and suffering 5Som torture and exposure, struggled bra tely 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 centempti- ble, position. He, and he alone, was responsible for the sufferings 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 to her. He had forfeited the trust and confidence of the one loyal believer among them all. And now Lady Deppingham loathed him be cause his weakness had been greater -than hersi
 When he would have slain the four helpless islanders with his own hands Hollingsworth Chase had stayed his rage with the single, caustfc adjurar ton:
 "Keep out of this, Brownel You've been enough of 3 bounder without try ing that sort of thing" Tears were in Bobby Rrowne's eyes as mile after mile he bitndered 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 2 Chase said to the painting islanders, sand Pm going to reward you. Pm going to set you free, but not yet. Don't rejoice. First we shall tie you securely to four stout trees just of the road. Just as soon as we are inside l the walls I'll find some way to let your | friends know that you are here" He and Selim promptly marched the bewildered islanders into the woods. Bobby Browne, utterly exhausted, had thrown himself to the soft earth. Lady Deppingham was standing, swaying,
 but resolute, her gaze upon the distant friendly windows. After a long, tense moment of indecision she held out her bands, and Deppingham sprang for
 ward in time to catch her as she .swayed toward him. She was sobbing
 in his arms. Bobby Browne's heavy
 breathing ceased in that instant, and he closed his ears against the sound | that came to them.
 Deppingham gently inplored her to l 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 it hasn't. You do not love me now" He did not answer her at once, and
 she shivered fearfully in his arms.
 Then he kissed her brow gently.
 T do love you, Agnes" he said in | tensely. "I will answer for my own | love if you can answer for yours. Are
 you the same Agnes that you were
 my Agnesr'
 "wil you believe mer | "Yes.'
 sI am the same Agnes. I am your l Agnes I ami You do believe meT' He crushed her close to his breast and then patted her shoulder as a father might have touched an erring
 childa
 l At last she spoke: .t'It is not wholly
 his fault, George. I was to blame. | I led him on You understand?'
 Poor devi1!'' said he dryly. "It's a way you have, dear"
 The object of this gentle commisera- | ton was staring with gloomy eyes at
 the lights below. He was saying to 1 himself over and over again. eff can only smake Drusie understandr'
 Chase and Selim came down upon this little low toned picture. The for
 mer paused an instant and smiled joy
 ously in the darkness.
 Five men are near the gate" he
 whispered. 'sThey watch so closely | that no one may go to rescue those I who have disappeared. Friends are
 hidden inside the wall, ready to open
 the gate at a signal. They have wait
 ed with Neenah all night. And day | is near, sahib."
 ''We must attack at once," said l Chase. Quiet nowr'
 !, Five shadowy figures soon were dis | tinguished huddled close to the wall
 below the gate. The sense of sight
 had become keen during those trying
 hours in the darkness. The islanders were converS1ng in low
 tones, word or two now and then | reaching the ears of the others. Suddenly blinding, mysterious 1 light flashed upon the muttering group.
 As they fell back voice, low and
 firm, called out to them:
 Mot a sound or you diev' | Four unwavering rifles were bear | ing upon the surprised islanders. and | four very material men were advanc-
 ing from the ghostly darkness. An l electric lantern shot a ray of light I athwart the scene
 Drop your guns-quick! command
 ed Chase Don't make rowt' Paralyzed with fear and amazement, < the men oheyed.
 While the thEse white men kept them