Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-05-16


out a warrant for my raising a gun
to him. -
Don't you worry about that" re-
turned Matt "He will have some
thing more important to bother about
pretty soon. Victor, I'm In an awful
ly tight place, and you will have to
help me out again"
''I'm always ready to do that, Marse'
Broughton; all l need is to be told
how, you know"
Victor, I'm going away"
Going away, Marse' Broughton?
Not going away for good?"
The darby extended his hands ap-
pealingly.
"I wouldn't do it. he added, as
though to child. whats the sense
OF doing that?" ...".
81 want you to have the tow-wagon
In front of the garage at half past
3 o'clock this morning-full up-gas,
oil and water. Wait till I come, and
then we'll go on to Fair Oaks-just
you and me, mind-no one else. At
the big gate we shall pick up young
lady and 20 on to marlborough,
where the young lady and l will be
married, and then take the first train
fol- New York"
Victor caught his breath.
ut amt Miss Marshall you mean"
"Yes,. it's Miss Marshall"
There was an inherent strain OF
good breeding in Daggancourt. He put
no inuuisitive questions; he did net try
to force Mats confidence; he waited,
hoping to receive it, and then, detect
ing Mats reluctance, fastened to
MA 20 him at his ease
$50, that's how it isl he exclaimed
genially. well, well, I'm sure do
congratulate you, and I'm just tickled
to death, Marse' Broughton, just
tickled to death! Half past three
Tclock, you say"
"Oh, Victor. what good chap you
are; I can never thank you enough;
yes, half past three-and, of course,
not a whisper to anybody"
"You leave it to me, sir
'"And for Gods sake, don't over
Sleep
1T wouldn't be me if I did, if there's
any slip up it won't be my fault; I'll
be there all right
Good night, then; I'll be getting
along back"
"Have you told any one there-at
Mrs. Sattane's?"
mot SOIL"
Daggancourt's pleasure at this an
swer was undisguised.
"They amt fit to be trusted ne
said, his face wrinking with satisfac-
ton. my, won't they stare tomor-
row."
Excuse my hurrying, Victor; I'm
dead beat .
Good night, Marse' Broughton, l
know you must be- .. 4
Good night" ..
At half past three they met like con-
spirators in the darkness. Matt was
carrying his suit case, into which ne
had crammed the better part Of his
belongings, though he had been forced
to leave his frock coat and evening
clothes, together with a great deal
more that he was less able to spare.
But it was not moment for considera
lions of wardrobe; what were few
shirts and q swallow-tail to young
Lochinvar?
He was very nervous, fdgety Loch-
invar, as he encircled his steed, other
wise the most disreputable looking OF
automobiles, and planted a kick on
each of the tires. But they were
standing up like Trojans, and Victor,
moreover, had dashed couple of spare
castings to the rear as we'll as prov1d-
ing himself with some brand new
tubes. Yes, Victor had a jack; yes,
Victor had borrowed better pump
from the big Pierce; yes, tire irons,
plugs, extra Jugs and wet cells-Victor
vouched for them all. Nothing remain
ed except to put match to the head
lights and turn her over.
She caught the spark at the first
turn, and away they went, traverslng
the silent streets, and rumbl1ng over
the bridges at a lively pace. once
beyond the town Victor let her nave
her head, and made the wind whistle
past their ears as he laid her to 1t like
a racer. Fences, woods and the wind
ing road danced before the concen-
trated glare of the ref1ectors; on either
side rose the night, walling them IN as
though they were plunging through
deep defile; the engine hummed with
it's rhythm of steel. Then the gates
of Fair Oaks suddenly darted up; were
caught and lost again as the brakes
ground sullenly and the car shivered
to q stop.
There was a sound of voices; OF feet
running; of muffled explanations in
the dark. A slight figure murmured
pantingly: "Oh, Matt, is it your and
chung to him. Another, with Swiss
incisiveness and Juggling heavy port
manteau with both hands, wanted to
know where it was 10 go. and falling
an answer tumbled 1t into the tonneau.
Matt followed, assisting Chris, and
lifted her in with his strong arms. Not
word was said; the door snapped
shut: Victor, peering behind, turned
and threw on his clutch. In an instant
they were speeding through the deep
Gef1le again, engulfed in the night.
Mats recollection Of his elopment
was both strangely blurred and
strangely vivid. He was tired to ex-
haustion, and so was Chris; nothing
could keep them long awake, not even
the ecstasy of being together. Yet
that dawn was the most imperishable
memory of his life as he looked down
at her, nestled beside him, with the
heavy lashes fringing her cheeks. She
opened her sleepy eyes and nestled