Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1912-11-07
CHAPTER VII.

SAO SAsSe Il
CHAPTER VII.
A WEDDING-RING FOR A KISS.
Robin had been alone half an haur
or so. when the door was again opened.
and another visitor announced.
Here, highwayman," cried the jail
err, /" a lady wants to see you now.
You knights of the road are always in
favor with the women"
II know no women" said Robin
roughly. Certainly none that would
come here to see me-"
We'll, shall this one come in?" de-
manded the jailer. "Ill warrant she's
young n pretty, and a real lady.
too! She came in a chair
"Oh. let her in, let her in. Pray
don't keep a real lady waiting In the
some begging petition, or, perhaps, the
request of some frolicsome damsel for
a lock of his hair for her album, or q
bequest of the rope that hanged him.
for luck! BE seated, madam" he
added, as a slender figure. wrapped IN
timidly into the cell. What service
can l render you?"
Can 1 nave a few words alone with
you?" murmured the visitor. The
TALLER. who had been hanging round,
curious to see and hear. withdrew,
with a laugh and a coarse jest. and
locked the door after him..
The lady threw off her veil. reveal
ing the homely features and sparkling
eyes of Margaret Moffat.
You know me not she said. Yet
we have met before, Robin Free
MANTLE"
II can not believe" replied Robin
gallantly. that, once seen, you could
ever be forgotten by me-"
We'll, possibly you did not see me;
i ono far mora ut rQ cfivo onprNCSod all
your attention, and tits from her I
come. to ask as favor from you that
which many of the highest in the land
have offered in vain."
you puzzle me greatly" said Robin.
What favor can any lady desire Of a
mar US good as dead?"
"Why-that's just where it is-an'
you were not condemned to die, you
could ..M. do 5 nothing for my lady"
I'm tell that presently; but first. be-
thing truly. Are you married?"
Married? No, the saints be praised!
but how can that concern your lady?
Does she wish to marry me, per
chance?" cried Robin ironically.
That is just what she does wish"
said Margaret. as demurely as though
she had really been h waiting maid
she feigned to be. And for a token.
oAAS al " NhAS. <AAko SAO
down before him the wallet he had
flung into Prue's lap on Bleakmoor.
He took 1T up, recognizing 1t with a
whirling brain. The whole scene
den iIlumination-the gathering dark
ness n h falling rain-the old
chariot, with it's steaming horses and
frightened servants-and by the light
of hts lantern, the lovely face of a
girl. with her hood thrown back and a
l IN OvA NJ RI ORR o,yr1o a ~o{ppct Tho vo{01Nv
w~h!teness Of her neck. He saw the
round, bare arms and tappering hands
extended, to show that she had no
jewels about her. the roguish smile dis
closing the little even teeth and spark
ling in the depths Of the starry eyes,
and for a moment his lips once more
brushed her scarlet mouth, and the
perfume of her breath again clouded
his brain.
Margaret watched him with amuse-
of the varying emotions. over which
amazement predominated.
Does hat surprise you?" shc in
, CURED mockingly. Sure. tits no un-
common thing for a man to pay for a
kfss with a wedding ring!"
There must be some other reason"
he said. more to himself than in reply
to her. That kiss e nothing to
her."
Did it mean anything to your
AAOA GU, OCSIIlHIIl6 u 1eCl interested,
} I me?" His face was suddenly
Iirradiated. You. who bask in the light
Of thai Incompatible %loveliness all the
time. can never understand what it
means to the man who sees It for the
first time-and not only sees, but
touches!-touches with his unworthy
I lips that cheek of ~down-those lips!
All! how many times since 1 felt the
I thrill Of that kiss, and wondered If she
} could recall 1t without horror"
We'll. horror can scarcely b the
sentiment you inspired, since she wish
! es to marry you" simpered Peggie.
The mist of passion suddenly cleared
from his eyes and he bent on her 81,
! lead and penetrating a glance. tha,
her eyes fell, and she waited crvous
> Tor his next words to give the cue to
his thoughts.
"Ha! She wishes to marry me ?" he
{ said slowly. us 1t an honest wish of
I. her own: or is 1t a trap set by some
"oh! indeed, it is entirely her own
4 ideal!" cried Margaret eagerly; mot a
4 soul has any suspicion Of It but her
self and me, and II you refuse. you
VIII not eve know her name, and the
secret will be buried in your grave"
= Then give me q reason" he said
; apparently relieved by her unmistak-
able honesty. "0ive me the real rea.
. son. for I see this 10 Something more
. than Q mere flne ladys caprice"
CONTINUED Next Week.