Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1910-02-02
CHARLES GARVICE

49,
captor had given her credit for be-
ing, and she struggled so fiercely that
by the time he had carried her with
in arms length of the carriage she
had succeeded in uncovering her
mouth, and, raising her voice to it's
Before its echo had died away a
figure darted from out of the hedge
and dashing at her captor, hurled
him to the ground, Stella being drag
ged down with his fall.
Before the PROSTATE man could re-
gain his feet the stranger flung him
self upon his breast and held him
down to the ground
Stella, trembling in every limb, and
white as the snow, sprang to her
feet, and, leaning against the car
riage door, struggled with a
deathly faintness which rapidly threat
ened to overcome her.
A voice-the voice of the person
who had so OPPORTUNITY arrived to res
cue her-chased her swoon away.
AT the sound of the voice, Stella
sprang forward.
"sir Richard Wildfang!" she ex-
claimed.
Miss Newton!" was the astonished
retort. Can l believe my senses? How
came you in this ruffians power?"
AS she spoke he raised his hand and
struck the PROSTATE man with his fist
Stella passed both her hands upon
her aching brow and swayed like a
reed shaken in the wind
Don't ask me; l implore you
humbly, do not ask mel"
Sir Richard arose, still keeping his
hand upon the arm of the ruffian, now
captured in his turn and looked at
her with fine expression of mingled
pain and regret
Then he bowed silently and turned
to the man.
''At least we will unmask this
ruffian; you will permit me to do
that?"
Stella made a gesture of assent
with her hand.
Sir Richard struck the cap Off the
mans head and tore away the COM
forter which covered the lower parl
of his face and revealed the features
of Stephen Hargrave
Stella uttered cry of despair.
Sir Richard fell back, with look of
indignant horror.
stephen Hargrave." he said. "Mr
Louis Felton's servant"
Stella shrank closer to the carriage
and covered her face with her hands.
Both the men knew that she was
weeping,
Sir Richard grasped the man by the
arm and dragged him into the fui
moonlight
No. he exclaimed, his voice thick
with indignant rage, you shall not
escape your punishment, though this
lady, whom you have insulted, pleads
for you. answer me, you ruffian!"
And he shook him as he would have
done dog, Stephen Hargrave submit
ting indeed with a dogged moodiness.
Who is the instigator-the chief of
this outrage? You are only tool, |
feel assured. Speak, or I'll choke you.
ruffiani"
Stephen Hargrave hung his head
and glanced sideways at Stella.
Sir Richard was also looking that
way from the corner of his eyes.
Stephen Hargrave waited until he
saw that she was listening, with
strained intent, and fearful face, then
said suddenly:
''That will do, Sir Richard. You
don't want to choke me, and let my
betters go free. I'm only servant;
Tvs got my living to get, and don't
wish the young lady no harm. If I'm
ordered to do anything, and well paid
for doing it, amt 1 Obliged to do it,"
"Quick," said Sir Richard, sternly.
who ordered you to con NIT this
crime? What scoundrel could dare so
base thing? Quick, or I'll"
''Who should order me but my mas
ter-Mr. FELTON," sullenly retorted
Stephen.
Stella uttered faint, despairing
cry.
Sir Richard shook his man roughly.
That's false, it must be-" he said
in broken voice.
False, Why? What 'ud be the good
Of trying to deceive your" said Ste
phen. Besides, do l want Miss New
ton? Should I've got carriage to run
away with her in?"
True" muttered Sir Richard. But
cannot believe it-realize it,
Then he turned to Stella.
sCan you supply the clew? be-
lieve you-for your own safety and
honor-to answer me. Did Mr.. Eel
ton make the appointment-ask you
to meet him here?"
Stella inclined her head and COW
cred her face with her hands.
Sir Richard sighed