The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1909-08-06
CHAPTER xxxIv.
The Time to Speak.

There was nothing to keep her
further in Lendal. Hilda's step was
listless, and there was q dull, weary
look In her eyes as she made her way
back to the station to wait for the
next train back to Felisgarth that
afternoon.
1t was after six O'Clock when she
reached Wildfell. Al the rectory she
found Mr.. Grale. the orsai,ist in the
study with her brothe,--a,her to her
surprise; Of late Mr.. Crate seemed to
have absented himself b.u the rec
tory. The girl sat In TIE crswing-
room. listening to the faint h,zm of
voices that reached her, conscious Of
q growing impotence for the blind
man to go. that Stephen might be
free to listen to what she had to tell
him.
The room seemed full Of memories
Of her lover. It was In this room that
she had been sitting when he had
made his way there on the night Of
their last meeting. risking his newly
snatched liberty for q glimpse Of her.
Why had Jacks manner been SO utter
ly changed today? He was = hunted
man. Of course. and in disguise; Hilda
understood the necessity for prudence
but the road had been almost de-
serted; and at least he might have
whispered one word. But only his
companion had spoken.
Neither this gentleman nor I have
anything to say to you, or any wish
to prolong this interview"
And his silence had tacitly endorsed
the others words!
The insolent tones in which the re-
bun had been delivered were in Hill.
da's ears now. as the sound OF .
knock on the hall door drew her out OF
the aching perplexity Of her thoughts;
then. . minute later. when Martha had
opened the door. she heard the same
voice asking for her now-Miss
Strangways' voice.
us Miss Ruthen at home? 1 wish
to see her most urgently"
Hilda had started to her feet. with
her heart beating faster in the sudden
excitement. She felt herself trem-
bling. Why had Miss Strangways
come? She opened the door; Margar-
ct Strangways had walked into the
hall. and through the open outer door
behind her. Just before Martha closed
II, Hilda saw the red and white motor
car just within the rectory gates. and
the muffled-up figure of a man in IL
that she knew with q swift upleaping
Of her heart was Jack Lathom.
"A lady to see you, MISS" the old
servant said.
Hilda's lips moved. put at first they
could not frame any words. Miss
Strangways came forward with q smile
and as Martha disappeared into the
kitchen. said in low voice. speaking
hurriedly:
Miss Ruthen, I have brought Mr..
Lathom to you: he was anxious to ex-
plain, what you could not have under.
stood. why I had to treat you SO un.
tremendously; why had to enjoin
him not to betray by hint that he
knew you this afternoon. It was nee
essary for all our sakes. There was
no time to explain. and hesitation
might have been fatal; I had to cut
the knot in that one way. with police
spies watching"
Then you mean"
A fash of comprehension had sud.
denly dawnsd In. Hilda's mind.
1.-The cyclist, the man breaking
stones near the gates-they were
watching all our movements. I was
In dread lest they should suspect that
my companion was not what he seem.
ed. ls 1t safe for him to come here?"
But Hilda could not speak. She
burst into an uncomfortable At. OF
sobbing In the revulsion Of feeling that
had swept over her.
How can thank your" she fal
tered, brokenly.
Margaret Strangways touched the
girls hand gently.
you must try to contro. yourself"
she whispered. Il. will bring Mr..
Lathom in. II II is safe. No. don't
come; one cannot be too cautious in
playing ones part. Is 1t safe? Who
is In that oom?"-hearing the sound
of voices.
Only my brother and a man who Is
blind"
But the blind have quick hearing.
will bring him to you In that room
you have just come FROM" said Miss
Strangways. in a low voice.
To BE Continued.