Tensas gazette., 1915-08-13

uduButcI Oy HiS Sue, Wulic JOuuSOu
chafed and fumed impOtently within
the castle.
At last he sent for Mr.. Jones and
announced his decision to sell the
place. The agent listened blandly.
Il can't say I'm greatly surprised.
Mr.. Johnson" he said. 1T was not
wise business investment However.
/ think i can get you purchaser at a
little less than the original price. Mr..
Ballantyne has been sounding me"
MY neighbour"
Yes. sir II you have decided.
will let him know. and you may come
to terms about it."
Johnson heard rumors about Bal
lantyne. He had been reported en-
gagged to Lady Elinor. but the match
had been broken of a little while be-
fore, johnson did not know the cause.
But Ballantyne resolved to buy, and
an immense burden was lifted from
Johnson's heart.
He did not like Ballantyne. The
man was a boor. surly squireen Of
type johnson had believed long ex-
tinct. At their meeting he was more
disdainful than Lord Clavering. and
rude to the point Of insolence. John,
son swallowed his pride. He only
wanted to sell and to get out of the
country.
1t was on the afternoon Of the day
when he had talked with Ballantyne
that he was strolling down the lane
leading from the village across the
moors. Suddenly he heard the sound
of a galloping horse. A moment later
he saw Lady Elinor come flying to-
ward him on horseback The animal
was evidently running away, and the
girl was in momentary danger of fall
ing.
AS he stood there he heard Ballan-
tyne's dog-cart come up behind him
swiftly. Ballantyne saw the approach
ing horse and leaped to the ground.
He sprang in front of it, whirling his
arms like fails, but made no effort to
stop 1t.
1t was Johnson who. at the last in
stant, clutched at the rein. He had a
vision Of the rearing steed. he felt
himself being dragged along the
ground, and then a weight seemed to
descend upon his breast and he lost
consciousness.
When he opened his eyes he was
in the gatekeeper's lodge. The room
was darkened. A woman sat beside
him. Johnson looked into the face Of
Lady Elinor
How long have been here?" he
muttered, trying to rise.
She restrained him with her cool
hand on his forehead. Three days.
she whispered. "Mr. johnson, 1t was
to save me that you risked your life
when he-he-"
Johnson saw her eyes fill with tears
as she turned away. He slept from
weariness. 1t was not until the next
day that old Lord Clavering came in
to thank him in broken words for saw
ing his daughters life.
You have repaid us too WE'LL" he
said. Il shall never forget what We
owe you. And now. Mr. Johnson. We
are going to make amends by-going
away"
Going away! johnson suddenly
burst into wild laughter.
Why" he said. Il have arranged
to sell the castle"
They stared at him in dismay. mo.
you must stay" said Lord Clavering.
Time will bring things in your favor.
You are a young man and did not un-
derstand. And l was uncharitable in
my pride"
Johnson said nothing, but later he
questioned Lady Elinor She had been
with him throughout his illness, and
the thought Of losing her forever was
intolerable to him.
do you know who the purchaser is
to be-" he asked.
She shook her head. and he told
her.
II thought" he explained humbly,
"that-that you cared for him, and
that 1t was l who stood in the way.
l was an interloper, Lady ElinOr, and
! was running three lives: yours, your
fathers. and his"
She shook her head dumbly.
Forgive me, but don't you care for
him." he asked.
II did," she answered gravely "Un-
til the other day, when you took his
place in the road and saved nv life
understood then his worth; and I
learned afterward that it was he who
was trying to drive you from the
castle. Mr.. Johnson, we want you to
stay-my father and l."
Johnson thought. "On one condi.
tion," he answered
What is it?" asked the girl, letting
her eyes fall. But Johnson saw from
the blush that mantled her cheek that
she had guessed.