The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1909-03-05
CHAPTER XIII.
A 6ootstsp Outside,

- 0ooksS0P 0btoiuc.
He crept YEARLY across the last field
that bordered the reetory garden.
The mile and half OF which he had
spoken to Freddy Thornton had
heightened itself into a good three
miles before Jack Lathom saw the
familiar outline Of the square. stone
built house: not daring to trust him
self TO the roads. where he might run
into the arms OF the police. he had
been compelled TO take a circuitous
route across fields heavy and sodden
he was at his journeys end his feet
and limbs were aching.
Perhaps 1t had been q FOOLS errand
to come to this house where his
friendship with the occupants was we'll
known: the police. securing the coun-
try for the fugitive, might conceiva-
bly, look for him thsre--but that was
q risk this hunted man had to take.
He must see Hilda tonight.
He made his way cautiously through
the hedge. and crapt silently between
the low lockwood borders that edged
the paths Of the old-fashioned garden
at the back OF the rectory. There was
Z light In an upper room-Olive Van
stones room-and he could see glow
Of warmth from the window OF the
drawing room. II only Hllda was
there, and alone!
Stephen did not often sit there;
probably he would be in his study on
the other side of the house. II only
Hilda was there! To see her. to touch
her hand again. to hear her voice
this hunted man felt that at all haz-
ards he must see and speak to her
before his flight. 1t was quite dark
In the garden: the moon had not yet
risen; no stars-only the faint light
where, far away to the north of Feils-
garth. the turmoil of upleaping flame
from the great furnaces that. day or
night, never cooled WAS reflected on
the dark sky: silent too-not a leaf
or branch stirring. Jack Lathom crept
up to the window.
A picture for a hunted man who
that morning had been In a prison cell
to take in greedily-the quaint. rest
full. old-fashioned room that he knew
and loved. lit only by the cosy fire.
light that glowsd red on wall and
wainscoat. and In the Are light the
~ .VcI "a
to carry away In his memory for long
after that night!
As he stood there. with his eyes sud
denly misty. Jack Lathom forgot his
WEAKNESS. forgot his danger. He
stared hungrily into the room. past
the great bowl of flowers on the table
to the figure Of the girl. II was only
week since he had seen flowers or
beautiful woman. but as he locked
back II seemed an eternity.
She was sitting looking into the
fire. as IL deep In thought; by its light
he could see how pale she WARSAW
the trouble In the beautiful face. He
tapped on the window.
She turned with q start-stood star.
ing at the window with bewildered,
Manifestations look as though at
first she could not believe her eyes,
her breath coming quick and fast.
Then, with a CLEAN OF wild Joy. that
was yet almost incredulous. breaking
in her face. she crossed the room
| quichiy ami dung open the casemented
window.
Jack"
Yes. 1t Is I. sweetheart" he whis-
pered: REALLY /. Why. you look as
though you couldn't believe it, I've
escaped. and I had TO come and see
YOU before ! got out OF the neighbor.
hood. IL all safe il | come ine"
Jack. And the police are pursuing
you.
| He nodded.
He drew himself up ON to the win.
dow sill and dropped lightly into the
room. Quickly he pulled tho curtains
closely across the window. Hilaa, stood
motionlsss for . moment. watching
him. with fear dawning In her eyes.
Then she ran quickly to the door and
locked It.
"sSssAAsart I had to GENE: /