The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1917-03-31

at his master as if to say that this was
the quarry sought for.
"Hm!" reflected Bruce. "Gyp isn't
usually wrong. What is that?"
It was the sound as of futile hands
beating on the inside of the door. Then
there were angry, half-sobbed words.
"They have locked the door; they
have me shut into a prison! The vi
persw
There was a tree six feet away from
the fence. Bruce acted on a speedy
impulse. He pulled himself up into it.
Now he could look over the wall. He
uttered low but distinct:
"H'mw
Instantly at this there backed away
from the inner wall a maiden with a
wondering face. 1t was the girl Of the
vision. Ali he was sure Of that! Only
more bewitching and captivating than
ever. She seemed embarrassed. Then
her eyes frightened. She glanced
quickly back at the gloomy old man.
sion in the midst Of the extensive
grounds, as If in fear. Then she said
rapidly:
81 know you. I peeped in at your
door one day; you were asleep. Let
me tell you-they have shut me In,
even from my one delight, stroll in
the woods-ah! they are coming. Get
down, quick, but be my friend. Be
just where you are at twilight, please,
please, and tell me your name"
SIT is Bruce Schuyler"
She glided along a Powered path as
Bruce saw two men coming down an
other one. He got to the ground and
from the vicinity of the grounds, pom
dering, wondering, infused with the
mystery of a strange situation, but II
was to return as directed at dusk. He
got close to the gate. He ventured to
rap upon it. A low, glad cry came
from beyond it.
'Listen fast, dear Mr.. Bruce Schuy.
ler," spoke silvery, fiuttering voice
"I am being closely watched. I will
throw you an envelope. Read what is
inside Of it and act upon what I tell
you. Then come here tomorrow boldly
and claim me-"
"Claim you" said Bruce, wondering
ly and longingly.
eyes, as my guardian. The note will
explain-go quickly, they are coming
this way"
When Bruce Schuyler got to his
cabin and inspected the contents Of the
envelope he was electrified It con
tanned a document signed by "Ada
Randolph" It witnessed that al
eighteen, according to the will Of hel
father, she could select succeeding
guardian for three years.
"Record this" the instruction ran
'for my uncle and his wicked lawyer
are scheming to have me reappoin'
them"
That was all, but it was enough fol
the keen-witted Bruce. The next day
he entered the front gate Of the man
sion grounds. The two men he hat
seen the day before approached ant
halted him.
"Who are you and what do yo'
want?" demanded the older Of TIT
| twain.
81 am the legally appointed guardian
of Miss Ada Randolph" replied Bruce
concisely, "and I have come to take he
away. The document covering my ap
pointment has just been recorded"
"And I warn you, gentlemen, tina
you make me no further trouble, or thi
gentleman will know how to protec
my rights"
It was Ada who spoke as she steppe'
into view. from clump Of bushe
dressed for a departure, her suitcas
in her clasp. The dumfounded rogue
stood baffled.
'They moved me out to this drear
house to mold me to their WILL" ez
planned Ada to Bruce as they left tn
place. 81 must get to my friends il
the CITY,"
'T will deliver you to them In safety,
CALAMITY observed Bruce.
The act of chivalry spoiled yaca
ton, but he made up for it the mex
season by a longer one-he and hi
wife, his companion on the latter haI
py occasion.