Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1917-12-06


HaG. Clinton pulled out his own
sword and cut his own throat, could
not have been more dumbfounded;
and for a single instant believe my
heart ceased beating, and all mental
activity ceased as well. Here was an
end to everything. There were no
brains required to comprehend that
Melton had recovered, in some way
broken from the closet, and in his des.
peration and anger come straight to
Clinton, where he expected to meet
his mother. II he were admitted, Ag.
mes and / might say farewell to the
world at once.
Sir Henry looked at me, and per.
haps 1t was fortunate that was too
stunned to move or show had heard;
but II was silent, Agnes was not. The
awful situation appeared to act as
stimulent on her, for hardly had she
heard the funky's words when she
burst out:
"oh, Sir Henry, do not admit him!
Please-please!"
"Gad's death!" exclaimed Clinton.
"This IL . fine state O. things! Not
admit himi Ii 1t . lovers quarrel,
thenf Is
May, Sir Henry" said Agnes. with
an imploring look that might have
cozened the devil himself, and laying
her hand on the knights arm.Nay, sir.
l have broken our troth. 1t 10 from
no quarrel. He Is unworthy to be call
ed man. He is prosecuting me; he
has followed me here. wish to be rid
of his annoyance. This is why l ask
for pass. implore your e1cellency
not to admit him"
Hal" exclaimed Clinton. 81 don't
wonder he raves over his loss! But he
shall not come Uncertainty not-cer-
tainly notl Does the old woman
does his mother agree?"
"Yes-yes. You may ask her. Sir
Henry"
"Nay-Tu take your word for it.
have a-er-cold. He shall not an.
noy you. I'll give you pass. Bless
my soul, will do what can for you!
Egad, Melton's fool to throw away
such a-such a-gem. Yes! A pass
through the lower lines! Yes-yes!"
He sat down at his desk and wrote
rapidly on the paper he pulled before
him. In the meantime the flunky,
having received no orders, remained
standing like wooden image. / sat
immovable, but / thought tragedy
was at hand until heard Clinton's last
words; then I knew there was still a
fighting chance for both the girl and
myself.
But Agnes was not yet satisfied, and
her wits penetrated deeper than mine.
Your excellency." she begged. bring
ing her lovely face close to the mans,
'he will see us as we pass out. Will
you hold him, Sir Henry? do not
wish scene. l ask you to protect
me-"
Protect you? Upon my soul and
body, I'll see to it," His eyes were
shining as he swung around to the
tlunky. AT present I'll have none Of
Lieutenant Melton. Take him up TO
the music room until am ready for
him. And you will be careful to say
nothing of what has passed here"
The fellow saluted and disappeared.
There - there, my dear young
lady!" said Clinton, catching Agness
hand and fondlng it, the veins swell
ing on his forehead. 81 think have
fixed your fool lover. The music.
room is in the rear; he may cool his
shins there until you are gone. will
keep him for an hour-if you say So"
Make It two, your eXcellency," said
Agnes, with an archness that might
have affected saint.
"Egad! I'll have Melton follow
his regiment! He shall not annoy
you!" He struck the bell on the ta.
BILE, the sound bringing in the flunky.
is the coast clear?"
1T is, your eXce!lency. But the
lieutenant protested, and"
Damn his protests!" said Clinton,
offering his hand TO escort Agnes TO
the door ! followed them out of the
room, thankful that was being ignor.
ed. In the street the governors char
lot stood at the curb. and near it was
hitched the horse on which Melton
had probably arrived. I climbed into
the vehicle. ....y
Back TO Cherry Hill, Peter" said
Agnes, sinking down at my side; and
now she was shaking as If palsied. II
had been tremendous strain. ! felt
that again ! owed her my life.
When we arrived at Cherry Hill she
did not dismiss the equipage. but af
ter helping me as II were q feeble
old woman. she said: You may re-
main. Peter. am going TO drive Mrs
Melton out to the manor.house this
afternoon" And she swept into the
house. Had been elsewhere would
have protested al remaining disguised
but knew 1 could throw off the wo
mans dress anywhere on the road
Neither of us took the black coachmaI
into consideration. t.
II NAV Mt first seem foolish that, un