Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1914-05-20


talking about You haven't the slight
est idea Of the circumstances.
Now listen to mel must hurry.
have come here to release you. II
everything is all right mean, II you
can satisfy me that | am warranted in
freeing you--you can go. Otherwise
must leave you as you are; and II
don't want to do that"
And don't want you 10, believe
me-" breathed Tom, fervently. Are
you the girl who asked me my name
downstalrs?"
Yes"
Il want to hear your voice again.
But more than anything else, want to
see your face. If you're the same girl.
I'll agree TO anything-eyeu to remain
ing here, like this, TO die"
This rash declaration was ignored.
viii you tell me your name now?"
asked the girl
Tom Phinney." that young gentle
nan replied simply. Il shan't ask
yours--not just at present-but mean
to know II some day. | mean to have
you to myself some time. 80 that can
look at you to my hearts content |
know you are beautiful"
The response to this. whisper though
Il was. revealed fash OF spirit
Much good 1t would do to you to
ask II you don't remain quiet ! shall
leave you at once"
10 4, .,t.-
ly she could not complain of the in
tensity OF that which Immediately ell
sued. 1t remained so long unbroken
that the girls fortitude failed her.
"Well?" The tremulous whisper con
veyed distinct impression to Tom
she was afraid. Are you going to
stop talking 80 silly?"
But he did not speak. indeed. he was
once more holding his breath.
After another pause
Are you asleep?" the girl whispered
Have you-have you-fainted?"
Not a sound from Tom.
Presently he felt little hand touch
his breast. as lightly as feather, and
a warm glow flowed through him that
effectively banished the chill OF his
damp clothing Then the hand fiut-
tered to his face and, in the darkness.
rested a moment upon his mouth
Afterwards Tom stoutly asserted
that what he did was wholly inadvert-
ent. citing as valid corroboratlve evil
dence the fact that he had had no time
20 will the act: and at the same time
he contended that because the act was
inadvertent. II was sincere aI-- there-
fore to be eondoned.
Anyhow. he kissed the softest and
sweetest palm in all the world.
The immediate result, however.
nearly spilled disaster for this mid
night enterprise. The hand was with
drawn as II II had touched live coal.
and the girl rose to her feet. utterly
disregardful OF the noise she made ia
doing so.
Tom could hear her painting: in i'm
Rgination he could see her standing
white and rigid with terror. and he
was promptly contrite.
You are frightened ne said. alb.
jectly apologize
oh, | AMI ami" she moaned. III
you knew what this meant for me you
wouldn't be so foolish. All my life
long | have been afraid OF the dark
not just shivery afraid, but frightened
clear out of my wits. And you-you'
Tom caught a sob-"you make II sc
much worse. didn't know what hac
happened"
What do sou think of mel" h,
groaned
81 think you are a cheeky younl
man. must have been insane ever t.
have thought Of aiding you to es
cape"
Don't say that" he muttered IL
hoarse CONSERVATION Forgive me
please do. 1 shan't take back anythin;
I've said or done, but III promise I,
be goodto do exactly what you say.
There fell another pause Then
win you promise that" Whispers
the girl
Il have promised" Tom whispers
back.
On your word OF honor
ON my word of honr as GENT,
man"
lie heard a long sigh OF relief. en-
the girl cautiously resumed her To-
mer position at his side
Here is my plan" she said. AN
you must be obedient in every nttl
detail | shall have TO blindtold yo
again and lead you some distance fror
the house. Have you any idea wher
7 you are?"
, Not glimmer OF one"
And II you were out Of sight OF II
= house. you couldn't find your wa
back TO itF'
III you told me not to shouldn
p even try to lind t."
! Very well Now let me unite yot
hands"
, The task was not an easy one. I,
r the knots had been tightly tied al
were stin damp. But presently h
! hands were free. and the first unhaI
l pered movement of his arms wruE
from him a groan OF anguish.