The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-02-03

1nats why I'm sure that he'll take
my word at the trial as against that OF
Won Blitz" said Chase.
"You-you don't mean to say. MI.
Chase. that You are going into the
town. cried Lady Agnes. wide eyed.
Certainly. Lady Deppingham They
are expecting the"
Don't be foolhardy, Chase. They
will kill you like ii rutr exclaimed
Deppingham.
"Oh, no. they won't" said the other
confidently. They've given their prom
ise through Rasula. Whatever else
they may be. they hold n pA,mise sa
cred. They know III come. Ii don't
they'll know that | nm coward You
wouldn't have them think am COW
ard, would you. Lady Deppingham?'
The next morning he coolly set forth
for the gates, scarcely thinking enough
of the adventure to warrant the mat
ter Of fact goodbys that he bestowed
upon those who were congregated to
see him off, His heart was sore as he
STROBE rapidly down the drive. &c
nevra had not come down to say fare
well.
"By heaven" he muttered, strangely
vexed with her, II fancy she means it.
She's bent on showing me my place
But she might have come down and
wished me good luck. That was little
enough for her to do. All. we'll" he
sighed, putting 1t away from him.
As he turned into the tree lined ave-
nue. near the gate slender young wo
man in a green and white gown arose
from a seat in the shade and stepped
a pace forward, opening her parasol
quite leisurely as he quickened his
steps. Her eyes cleaned brightly. and
she was breathing as one who has run
swiftly.
"You are determined to go down
there among those menw she demand
ed, the smile suddenly giving way to
a look Of disapproval. She ignored his
hand.
Certainly" he said after the mo.
ment Of bewilderment. "Why not?
II thought you had made up your
mind to let me go without IA word
for good luck" She found great diff
Guilty in meeting the wistful look in his
eyes. "You are good to come down
here to say goodby. We're almost
strangers again."
II did not come down to say goodby.
she said, her lips trembling ever so
slightly.
II don't understand" he said.
II am going with you into the town.
as q Witness" she said, and her face
went pale at the thought Of It.
"Genevra." he cried, "you-you would
do thatT"
"Why not, Mr.. Chaser" She tried to
speak calmly. but she was trembling
After all. she was q slender, helpless
girl-not an amazon! II saw and
heard everything. They won't believe
you unsupported. They won't harm
me. II swear to them that what you
say is true they
Her hand was on his arm now, trem-
bling, eager, yet charged with fear at
the prospect ahead Of her. He clasped
the little hand In his and quickly lifted
1t to his lips.
"I'm happy .againr' he cried. Its
all right with me now" She withdrew
her hand ON the instant
"No. moi 1t isn't that" she said. her
eyes narrowing. Don't misinterpret
my coming here to say that will 60
It isn't because-no. 1t isn't thatr'
II was unhappy because you had for
saken me-" he said gently. you are
bravs-you are wonderful But can't
take you down there. l know what
viii happen II they and him guilty
Goodby, dear one. I'll come back
surely I'll come back Thank you for
sending me away happy"
wont you let me 60 with your she
asked after a long, penetrating look
into bis eyes.
II would not take you among them
for all the world. You forget Neither
of us would come back"
lN0ltucI VI uSS BUG B0lO olOWly.
II wouldn't come back without you. .
he said quietly, earnestly. She under
stood. "Goodbyl Don't worry about
ne. am In no danger"
"Goodby," she said, the princess
once more. IL shall pray for you with
all my soul" She gave him her hand.
II was cold and lifeless. He pressed II
warmly and went quickly away. leav.
Ing her standing there In the still
shade Of the satinwoods. looking after
him with eyes that grew wider and
wider with the tears that welled up
from behind
Hours went by-=slow. tortuous hours
In which the souls of those who
watched and waited for his return
were tried to the utmost.
Once there came to the ears Of the
watchers on the mountain side the
sound Of distant shouts. later the brief
rattle Of irearms. The blood Of every
ons turned cold with apprehension.
Z. -