Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1912-10-31

behalf. Taking her hand, therefore,
he spoke with simplicity and
truth that impaired to his manner
a natural grace that one bred in
courts might have envied. What
was more, with delicacy that few
in courts would deem necessary
under the circumstances, be did
not in his language. so much i'm
Il pute 10 concern on his own ac-
count this movement OF Mar
1 gery's, as to that she felt for her
4 brother and sister; though in his
Utmost heart throbbing hope
prevailed that he had his share in
it.
'Do not be troubled on account
Of Gershom and his wife, pretty
Margery," said the bee-hunter,
which, as l perceive, is the main
reason why you have come here !;
and as for myself, be certain that
shall not forget who have
left behind, and how much her
safety depends on my prudence.r
Margery was pleased, though a
good deal confused. II was new to
her to hear illusions of this sort,
but nature supplied the feeling to
appreciate them.
is it not risking too much,
Bourdon?" she said. sAre you sure
of being able to find the crossing
in the marsh, in night so very
dark? l do not know but looking
SO long at the bright light in the
cabin. may blind me, bat it does
seem as if | never saw a darker
nightw
'The darkness increases, for the
starlight is gone; but | can see
where | go, and so long as can
do this Come with me to the
losing my way. / do not ike to
expose you to danger, but.
'Never mind me, Bourdon; set
me to do anything in which you
think l can be OF user exclaimed
the girl eagerly.
"Well then, Margery, yon may
do this: Come with me to the
large tree in the centre of the
marsh, and | will set YOU on
duty that may possibly save my
life. | VIII tell you my meaning
when there"
. Margery followed with light,
impatient step; and as neither
stopped to speak or to look
around, the two soon stood be-
meath the tree in quest on. 1t was
large elm that completely over
Swallowed a considerable extent
of firm ground. Here full and I
tolerably near view could be had I
of the hut, which was still il 1
Illuminated by the blazing fire
within. For a minute both stood
silently gazing at the TRANCE
scene; then lie Bourbon explain
ed TO his companion the manner
in which She might assist him.
Once at the elm, il was not so
diff cult to find the way across
the marsh as il was to reach that
spot, coming from the chiente. AS
there were several elms scattered
about in the centre of the marsh.
the bee-hunter was fearful that
ne might not reach the right tree;
IN which case he would be COM
PEELED to retrace his steps, and
that at the imminent hazard of be-
ng captured. He carried habituaIlv
a small dark lantern, and had
thought of SO disposing OF it in
The lower branches OF this very
elm as to form focus of it.
out hesitated about doing that
which might prove guide TO
MS enemies as well as to himself.
4 Margery would take charge of
mis- lantern, he could hope to
cap its advantages without in ;
,urrlng the hazard Of having
ight suspended in the tree for
my length of time. Margery
understood the lessons she re-
.eived, and promised to obey all S
he injunctions by which they were !
accompanied. s
Now, God bless you, Margery," !
dlcl III. hob ,,,t,,. q ,4... -
as brought me and your brothers
amiiy together in troublesome
ines; should | get back safe
rom this adventure, | shall look
pom it as duty to do all | can
. help Gershom place his wife
nd sister beyond the reach of :
ann"
GOOD bless you, Bourdonw half