The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1909-07-30

on them almost as soon 81 Hflda saw
It: the eyes of the girl driving had
fallen on the stranger speaking to
the servant just outside the gates.
and simultaneously her companion
In the car had started forward as IL
in sudden surprise with muttered
exclamation. Quickly Miss Strang-
ways whispered to him in a low voice.
AS the car passed through the gate
with increasing speed into the road.
where the man sitting by his heap Of
stones paused in his work to look up
at the occupants of the motor. the old
servant cried to his mistress as she
went past.
As IL reluctantly Miss strangways
slowed down as the car curved into
the roadway; and Hilda, eager and
impatient, ran up to It. Possibly II
was the sudden appearance Of the
motor car that caused a cyclist who
was riding past the gates at that
moment to swerve sharply: then an
exclamation of disgust broke from
him. and he jumped OF and began to
examine his tire.
That's one Of your COMPOUNDED
flints have to thank for this," he
shouted in irate tones to the stone
breaker. who regarded him placidly.
in no way ruffled.
You are Miss Strangways?" said
Hilda. MY name is Miss Ruthen.
and have come today from Wildfell
to see you on an urgent matter. II you
can give me a few minutes private
conversation"
Miss strangways looked at her
coolly.
Il am afraid I can't this afternoon"
she said. with a careless Indifference
that was almost rude.
But Hilda was no longer looking at
her. As she had made her request
she had glanced. almost for the firss
time, at Miss Strangways' companion
In the car. As II under stress OF
some emotion. the man had made a
movement forward towards hes, and.
as the girl looked more closely. q
startled exclamation rose to her lips.
Jack" The startled cry broke
from her.
hand on her companions arm as II to
restrain him. She turned and instant,
ly whispered something to him that
Hilda could not hear: then she gave
| a careless laugh as she turned to
Hilda again.
please stand aside and let us pass
Really. Miss-Miss Ruthen. neither
this gentlemen nor have anything to
say to you. or any wish to prolong
this interview. You are OBTAINING
u.s."
At the cool. amazing speech Hilda
fell back without a word as before a
blow, white. and with a swift pain
succeeding the almost incredulous
look that had flashed into her eyes.
Miss Strangways, with utter uncon
Germ on her face, jerked the lever;
the car shot forward down the road
past the cyclist who was standing
examining the tire Of his machine. to
wards the High Street. there to cause
a buzz of excited comment among
whitesleeved tradesmen standing al
their shop doors, at the sight of the
muffled-up figure by Miss Strangways
side; and the news that spread
through Lendal that Mr.. Strangway:
had been seen out driving after his
long seclusion was being telegraphet
within ten minutes to half dozen I'm
portant betting centers, with the I'm
mediate result of shortening the odd.
against Pride O. Life for the forth
coming big race.
For several minutes after the ca
had disappeared from sight Hildi
stood white and motionless by tn,
gates of the Grange, almost dazed II
that first wincing moment Of Devil
dered pain. with the insolent mockinl
laugh still ringing In her ears.
For in Miss Strangways' compan
ion. skilfullly disguised though he wa
to look like an old man. Hilda ha,
recognized her lover. and deliberatel.
, Jack Lathom had ignored her rs vi
terly as though she had been
I stranger.
: The cyclist must have found tina
J his machine had sustained very litti
) damage after all: for the instant tn
car had left Hilda he mounted hi
: bicycle and rode In the direction tn
: car had taken.
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