The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1910-10-28
CHAPTER III.
The Warninn


So quickly that Obadiah Price might
not have counted ten before II had
come and gone the significance of his
new situation flashed upon Captain
Plum as he stood under the kings
window. His plans had changed since
leaving ship but now he realized that
they had become hopelessly involved.
He had intended that Obadiah should
| show him where Strang was to be
found. and that later. when ostensibly
returning to his vessel. he would visit
the prophet in his home Whatever
the interview brought forth he would
still be In a position to deliver the
councillors package. Even an hours
5ombardment of St James would not
interfere with the fulfilment Of his
| oath. But those few minutes at the
kings window had been fatal to the
scheme he had built The girl had
seen him. She had not betrayed his
presence. She had called to him with
her eyes-he would have staked his
life on that. What did it all mean!
He turned to Obadiah. The old man
was grimacing and twisting his
hands nervously He seemed half
afraid. cringing, as If fearing a blow.
The sight of him set Nathaniers blood
afire. His white face seemed to verify
the terrible thought that had leaped
Into his brain. Suddenly he heard q
| faint cry-a woman's voice-and in an
instant he was back at the window.
The girl had risen to her feet and
ct H.,
eyes met his own. he saw In them a
flashing warning. and he obeyed II as
IL she had spoken to him. AS he
| dropped silently back to the ground
the councillor came close to his side.
That's enough for tonight. Nat"
he whispered.
He made as II to slip away but Ma
thaniel detained him with an emphat-
lie hand.
Not yet, dad, I'd like to have q
| word with-this-"
with Strang's wife," chuckled oba-
diah. "Ho. no. no. Nat. you're a ras-
calf" The old mans face was mapped
with wrinkles. his eyes glowed with
joyous appreciation. you shall. Nat.
yon shall! You love a pretty face.
Ell? You shall meet Mrs. Strang. Nat,
and you shall make love to her II you
wish. l swear that. too. But not to-
night, Nat-not tonight"
He stood pace away and rubbed
his hands.
| There will be no chance tonight.
Nat-but tomorrow night. or the next
| o. promise you shall meet her. and
make love to her. Nat! Ho. II Strang
knew. II Strang only knew!"
| There was something so fieudishly
| gloating in the councillors attitude. in
his face, in the hot glow of his eyes.
that for moment Nathaniels invol-
untary liking for the little old man
before him turned to adherence. The
passion. the triumph of the man. con-
WINGED him. where words had faNed.
The girl was Strang's wife. His last
doubt was dispelled. And because she
was Strang's wife Obadiah hated the
Mormon prophet. The councillor had
| spoken with fateful assurance-that
he should meet her. that he should
make love to her. II was an assur-
ance that made him shudder. AS he
followed in silence up out of the
gloom of the town he stroye. but In
vain. to find whether sin had lurked
in the sweet face that had appealed
to him in its misery-whether there
had been a fash OF something besides
terror. besides prayerful entreaty, in
the lovely eyes that had met his own.
Obadiah spoke no word to break In
on his thoughts. Now and then the
old mans insane chucklings fioated
softly to Nathaniel's ears. and when
at last they came to the cabin in the
forest he broke into a low laugh that
echoed weirdly In the great black
room which they entered. He lighted
another candle and approached lad
der which led through trap In the
ceiling. Without a word he mounted
this ladder. and Nathaniel followed
him. finding himself moment later in
a small low room furnished with q
bed. The councillor placed his candle
on a table close beside It and rubbed
his hands until 1t seemed they must
burn.
ITO BE CONrINUED)