New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-06-08
CHAPTER III. The White Rabbit

TT was second or two before he could find any words
L at all Then, "You!' he said unsteady. is it
really you? Here"
see in the dark; but he heard her draw another long
uneven breath.
Then he got himself together "Are you alone" he
asked. and in trouble? Has anything happened;'
"-I'm alone she said; "but only frightened
HAS anyone he began, and once more his grip
frightened on the heavy stick.
"No" she interrupted, there's been nobody. It's
all nv own fault. But-but won't you please take me
away
But lust then his hand met hers. It was cold and
rather tremulous. But somehow, the way II caught
hold OF his seeking protection and then relaxed having
found it. sent flame OF something surging all over him,
something he had never felt before.
I'm glad you're real she said. And with that the
hand was withdrawn.
You've been frightened pretty badly, I CUES. he
commented not very steadily; but he dldn ask her
then what it was that had frightened her. You'd
better let me take your arm he went on Wen be
out Of here in no time.
Her arm slipped into his quickly and confidently
enough but when he started to lead her out Of the
darkness Of the grove into the lighted glade beyond She
hung back And now he felt her trembling.
She walked pace or two, then stopped. I don't
believe can do it," she said. Cant we go home some
other way
could see could account any way Tor the girl panic
lust the peaceful highway cleaning IN the moonlight
and the gray old church and the ChurChyard Ta. and
the bit Of grccnsward between it and the road The
obvious terror lay the other way, in the shadow black
ness Of the grove Of giant horse chestnut trees But the
same instinct that had slenced his curiosity before kept
him now from beraying any surprise or asking any
questions.
~Of course we can he said "There must be another
way to the village though may be rather roundabout
But you won't mind the walk, will YOU.
NO she said, with little gasp OF rehti:
So they turned and walked back through the grove
together. Eventually they found lane he though, he
remembered leading off to the right; and after two OF
three miles Of steady going, up and down hill and by
many unchartei courses they found themselves at last
at the head Of the old bridge.
THERE'S still the better part OF a mile to 60, he
reminded her. Don't you want to rest here ior a
few minutes;"
It was almost the first thing that had been said Zee
tween them all the way. She had been waiting Tor I'm
10 begin while he had trudgcd along' queery content
with the silence and her presence there beside hl,
and the feeling that every moment that went by was
tightening some sort OF BOND between thei''-
that tomorrow whatever It might bring, would be p."-
nm not tired. She said AT least there's no reason
why should be. I'm very strong, and 1t hash Z been
a long walk really.
B,t for an that She seated herself rather Imply Ire
thought on low stone rail that guarded the Apr .l
10 the bridge He sat down beside her, and with good
deal Of deberation loaded and lighted his pipe
Once more she smiled the aromatic smoke win tg-
you're very good to me-, She said after the silence
had spun itself ont a little longer. Then She SMILE.
And YOU must think I'm perfect idiot
For being frightened? Not me. I've been s.ei
too many times myself.
But that was when there was something real P. be
afraid Of
"Oh, no. he said 1T isn't the really dangerous
things that brighten people. You've no time he
frightened when a mans pulled a gun on YOU d.. len
someone from a deaf and dumb asylum gets in .-. II
Your mo,or,ar.
That's true" she said But what dii a .,
particularly silly | went ont and tried 90 fright.
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