The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1913-02-27

1T is too late" whispered Prue
then threw herself into Robins arms
in a kind of desperation that was halt
rapture. H will betray you, but they
must take me, too; 1 will not be sep
arated from you"
He Will not come here for me-
said Robin, cool and practical in the
presence of danger. 1T will be best
for me to go at once, before he has
time to call assistance. I can surely
beat off half a dozen of his lackeys
singlehanded. If 1 give him time to
set a posse of constables In wait for
me, l may have more trouble with
them. Farewell, heart of gold. I will
send a safe messenger to you oon Oh
1 must see you again very soon. I have
so much to say to YOU
Yet, wait, said Prue, OBTAINING
him. Let me think. I would not risk
your life unnecessarily. Stay here and
l VIII return instantly"
She was back ina few minutes, &C
by a gorgeous vision Of rich
tlShments Htly set off a stately figure
that had once been slenderer and a
charming face hat showed few of the
raVages of time and indeed had more
than replaced the graces OF youth by
the archness and gaiety time had but
enhanced.
Barbara, this is my friend, Cap
tain de Cliffe." said Prue. I'VE met
in the north country. Permit me to
present him to you"
Lady Barbara's evident astontsh-
nent did not affect the ceremonious-
ness OF her deep curtsey, to which
Robin, not less surprised by Prue's
n1aneuver, responded with a gravely
respectful salute.
"Methinks I have heard of your
meeting with this gentleman-on
~BlackInoor," said Barbara, with twink
ling eyes. II, myself, claim a dis
tant kinship with the De Cliffes; what
branch do you belong to, captain?"
Il am an unworthy twig of the Sc
Nor branch replied Robin.
All, that accounts for your strong
esemblance to the late earl" said
barbara, seating herself near the win
COW and SO compelling him to face the
light. While she cody scrutinized him.
and II The present earl were a hand
some fellow, you would be like enough
Tor brothers AS it is"
AS 1t is. he hates me like a brother"
SAID Robin negligently, "and in that
be denied" W. 70
Dear Barbarba," cried Prue, '1et me
MAKE a confession to you. Captain
de Cline is also known as Robin Free
mantle, the highwayman."
And when l told you so t'other day
you pretended to be surprised" cried
barbara reproachfully. Little did T
ever expect that my Prue would so
deceive me-" %
Twas not to deceive you. dear Bar
nara. but a roomful of curious COS
SIPS. all ready to fall upon poor little
me anu tear my secret to shreds Scoid
me as much as you will. some other
time. dearest Bah. but help us now,
cried Barbara. turning her
eyes from one to the other
with sudden enlightenment. .Ahan
she smiled knowingly. and Prue. blush
n faltering, found no word 70
sNpiait away her unvoiced suspicion
= am glad. at any rate" she wenr
On rather dryly. TO find Sir Geofrey's
out OF joint. But if you want
neip, why did you not ask Beachcombe.
VINO seems all too willing to return to
our 1eet. and who has already. If T
am not once rescued tbis
from Newgate?"
B~aroara, he wishes nothing so much
as 70 get him back there. Scarce an
9 ne roposed to me to decov
GIN mere that he might seize him and
him of valuable papers. No doubt
ne would kill him If he resisted ar
throw him into prison. So now. dear
Barnara, help me to devise some way
getting him away from here unob-
served" 0
That is not difficult" Barbara as-
sured her. My new chair is amniv
|arge for two. If Captain de Clifre viii
give me his arn, we will walk ont Of
ms house together and he can escort
me home"
But Bah, If that wretch is on the
watch, he may attack you. Rememhar
ne has seen Rob-Captatn de Cliffe'
mere n II you had seer his face MS
| did, when he looked in at the door
IN, Q may be sure that even you
would not be safe at his hands. If
Of his hatred"
Il have a better plan," said Bar
para, laughing m~ischievously, land one
nat promises more diversion. You are
all, captain" she looked him over
WITH an approving eye, "a proper man.
faith! Do you think you could he
-auslea 70 take p place Of one of
men. chosen to match in size. I am
fastidious in such matters. Three
ire new to my service, but the fourth
8 a faithful lad, who can be trusted
% hold his tongue. In his livery YOU
,an defy my Lord Beachcombe and
their noses"
Tn1s proposition was quite to Prue's
Taste and Robin, who was too anx-
GUS to get away without causing her
any serious trouble, to care much in
what guise he Jared forth, gratefully
~ OdlllcS way QGSDaCChad
20 a Lady Barbara's ma Thomas Ia
whom she conveyed her commands in
he fewest possible words, and the
Two ladies withdrew while he ex-
change Of costume was erected and
he stoltd Thomas, too well accustomed
20 his mistress whims to raise the
east question. resigned his crimson
and gold laced hat, his silk o
Ings and buckled shoes, and even his
powdered bob-wig. to the new chair
man. 80:
BY this time Prue's usual afternoon
was assembling In far Greater
numbers than the little house could
EASILY accommodate, and the rustic Of
orocades and the ripple 8of gay
voices flied the air. Outside The
library Barbara hesitated. II think T
Will not go back to your visitors, Prue.
tongue Is apt to slip out Of M
control and ! might say something
compromising" she said. Then, seeing
he door open into the empty dining
n her.
Us it serious, child?" she demanded.
With q hand IN each shoulder and
Prue's eyes vainly attempting to meet
Ter searching gaze unfinchingly. "Is
Z possible that the heart that has re-
sisted 10l and skilled assault can have
n tn fhoEsSfbp6 ara dn1l,,o,,