The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1915-06-18
CHAPTER XVII.


iHo CuTtdfU Itvtco.
1t was dark when Mr.. Black came
into Shelby. and darker still when he
rang the bell Of Judge O%strander's
house. But 1t was not late, and his
agitation had but few minutes in
which to grow. before the gate swung
wide and he felt her hand in his,
She was expecting him. There was
no necessity for preliminaries, and he
could ask at once for the judge and
whether he was strong enough to e
disappointment.
Deborah's answer was d~isconcerting.
I've not seen him. He admits no
body. When | enter the library. he re
treats to his bedroom. ! have not
even been allowed t hand him his
letters. | put them on his tray when I
carry In his meals"
Il am afraid he never win hear
from Oliver. The boy gave US the
slip in the most remarkable ann
will tell you when we get inside"
When she had heard him through.
she looked about the room they were
in. with a lingering. distracted gaze
he hardly understood till he saw 1t
fall with an indescribable aspect Of
sorrow upon a picture which had late
ly been found and rehung upon the
wall. 1t was a portrait of divers
mother.
"a am disappointed" she murmured
in bitter reflection to herself. Il did
not expect Oliver to clear himself. but
| did expect him 10 face his accusers
II only for his fathers sake. What am
| 10 say now to the judge?"
/ Nothing tonight. In the morning
We will talk the whole subject over.
| must first explain myself to An
drews. and, If possible, learn his in
tentions; then | shall know better
what to advise"
Did the officer YOU met on your
return from Tempest lodge follow you
to Shelby"
Il have not seen him"
THAT is bad. He followed Oliver"
1T was to be expected"
"Oliver is in Canada?-
Undoubtedly"
Which means"
Delay. then e%xtradition. It's that
fellow Flanagan who has brought
this upon us. The wretch knows
something which forbids us to hope"
Alas, yes" And a silence followed,
during which such entire stiffness
rested upon the house that a similar
thought rose in both minds. Could 1t
be that under this same roof, and only
separated from them by a partition.
there brooded another human being
helplessly awaiting a message which
would never come. and listening. but
how vainly. for the step and voice for
which he hungered, though they were
the prelude to further shame and the
signal for coming punishment.
So strong was this thought in both
their minds. hat the shadow deep,
ened upon both faces, as though a
presence had passed between them
and when Mr.. Black rose. as he very
soon did, it was with an evident dread
of leaving her alone with this thought
D They were lingering yet in the hall
o the good nigh altering on their lips
I when suddenly their eyes flashed to
a gether in mutual question, and Deb
orah bent her ear toward the street.
An automobile was slowing up
stopping-stopping before the gates
Deborah turned and looked at MI
Black. Then the bell rang. Neve
I. had it sounded so shrill and penetrat
ing. Never had 1t rung quite such
= summons through this desolate house
Recoiling, she made a motion of en-
treaty.
; Go" she whispered. Open,
cannot"
I Quickly he obeyed. She ..eard hir
a pass out and down the walk, an
"a through the first gate. Then Their
j came a silence. followed by the opel
ing OF the second gate. Then. a SCUM
! like smothered greetings, followed b
'e quickly advancing steps and a voic
she knew:
)" How is my father? Is he well?
~ cannot enter till | know"
" 1t was Oliver!-come from some d.
- tant station. or from some other lin
which he had believed unwatche
Tumultuous as her thoughts we're. ST
dared not indulge in them for a m
ment. or give way to gratitude or ar
=, other emotion. There were words
be sald-words which must be utters
10 on the instant and with as much II
- periousness as his own.
ny Throwing the door wide. she callt
nv down the steps:
Yes. he is well. Come in, MIR. @
l." %trander, and you, too, Mr.. Blac
Id Instructions have been given me
sc the judge. which | must deliver
once. He expects you, Oliver" s.
y. went on, as the two men stepped
I'D He babe me say to you immediate
nd upon your entrance that much as
of would like to be IN hand to greet yC
he cannot see you tonight. For
he night at least, and up to a certain no
I'd tomorrow, you are to keep your on