New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-10-26
SUNDAY MAGAZINE FOX OClObtk To- 1913

could discern the shapes OF purSuerS. Once thinking
she had heard sound behind her, she caught Mark.
hams arm and they stopped breathless and listened
but they heard nothing in the rushing blackness but
the complaint of an OWL and the crash Of a dead limb
at a distance TO their right. drop Of rain fell an
Markhams hand. Their prospect was not pleasant
Markham struck a match under his coat and looked ~
his watch It was one O'Clock. They had been WALKING
for four hours. He tried to focus his ewes upon the
blackneSs This path must lead somewhere shed
even would serve them it raned harder The brief
glimpse he had of Hernia face showed it pale and dar
eyed with look he had discovered in it before
not of fear: for fear he had begun believe was foreign
to her The light had cut them off for moment from,
the rest of the world rather had made more definite
the little world of their own; but Hermias eyes still
peered over her shoulder disended and alert She was
on the defensive ready for headong flight like naiad
startled.
aTm sorry. Hernia. You're dead tired-aren't vou2r
eyes. II ana little" she said quietly
"We've Travelled almost far enough. We must have
come mile at least into this forest. 1t seems limit
less
He peered about taking few steps forward along
the path which wdened here The trees were far
Their apart and larger patch Of the windy sky vs
ble Hernia followed, guiding the donkey. They
emerged into glade their road now well defined, and
made out against the trees beyond a rectangular bulk
of gray Markham went forward more briskly his
spirits rising. Providence kind to them. house
house in France he had discovered, meant hospitality
tonight at least meant shelter from the rain which
now battered crisply upon the dry leaves Of forgotten
autumn.
\ small affair it was, keepers a oresters lodge
Of one story only with small shed stable at the side
There were no lights; but that reasonable enough
French country folk made pretense Of entertaining
visitors at such early hours of the morning. As they
approached the building the matter Of its occupanoy
seemed open 10 question; for the closed windows stared
banllv at the leaden sky. An eloquent shutter hung
helpessy from its hinges and weeds ranged riotousy
about the front door, near which wooden bench lay
overturned.
While Hernia waited under a tree Markham walked
slowly round the house. returning presently with The
information that its confirmed the impression Of
desertion But to make the matter certain he walked
to the door and vigorously changed the knocker ol-
low echoes: but no other sound. He knocked again.
To his surprise the door yielded to the touch OF his
shoulder and creably opened.
WELL 60 in, I think he laughed. And, leaving
w the patient donkey for the moment to her tate
he led the way indoors \ match illuminated the hall.
way for moment, showing the ladderlike stair to
trapdoor above, and then suffering family in the
musty air went out Since matches were scarce, he
deftlv made torch of paper from his pocket with
better success. brief glance into the at their
left showed signs Of recent occupancy His quick survey
marked an oil lamp in the corner, which proved To- he
in working order so he lit it with the end Of his expiring
taper.
The room was handsomely pancIei in white. There
was couch in the corner a rug on the floor and several
easy chairs were drawn sociaby toward the chimney
breast Along one wall was gunrack, and in the center
Of the room table with litter Of magazines, box OF
cigars, decanter Of wine, and some glasses.
Their appraisal concluded, they faced each other
blankly. Then Markham laughed.
Il wonder what's the punishment for poaching IN
France" he said gaily.
Hernia dropped YEARLY upon the couch. I'm sure
don't know-or care in the least she sighed. "I'l
80 to prison willingly in the morning if they'll only let
me sleep now. I'm tired. didn't know | could ever