The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-06-09
THE DAHY
SHORT STORY
A Desperate Play.
BY s 3. PEACH.

a desperate Lay.
BY g. 3. PEACH.
Copyright 1913 by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate.)
pSRED with her long journey and a
bit disguised with her errand,
Jean Oxford descended from the
1iney coach and found herself standing
on the platform Of a. gmall country
station. dimly lighted. gloomy with
What a. crazy way to be married."
she exclaimed to herself. II hope
mere is some one here to meet me.
Save for the old station agent who
was E1sy with his own cares, no one
was about; SO she sat down in the
smoky waiting room end thought over
thesnatuation.
Mr.. Curtis. Odd not>want, the mar
Tiagetto take place, neither did Ryder
Sabdns so sheN had been forced to
take the ride to the northern lake cot
tage where the marriage was to take
place--a secret affair,
The door. opened and a mans face
appeared. He looked at her, then
smiled.
we areewaiting- for. you. miss" he
jumping up thankful for the sight
OF a friendly face, she hurried out. Her
bag was taken, and In a moment She
WaSStn asmachine, headed away into
the darkness.
There was most one in the car save
herself and the driver, and she set
Red back with an airrof pleasure. The
roadSwas' a rough one. but the driver
waEshllful and they went along swift
H'through the ody-smeFhng dark
ness. Suddenly they swung down a
grade and before her was the long,
level brightness OF the northern lake.
A.yoice called from the lake.
The machine turned and stopped
Here We are, miss" the driver said.
"A swtft suspicion raced through her
mind. But am going to the WEIGH
cottage and understood we went di-
rect there by car" she said wondering
~.
I'VE can make it quicker by motor.
boat, miss" was the answer.
Her suspicion allayed, she went to
the shore and found a motorboat wait
ing, and in 1t another man. Her fear
returned but friendly greeting dis
armed her.
She was carefully handed to seat
and the boat started off with the mo-
tor humming softly.
AS they glided along, the dark shor.
es sliding by in even lines she heard
the faint far sound OF an automobile.
Il supposed this was an almost de-
serted country" she said to the man
across from her. but that sounds like
q car"
He started and listened, and at the
same time 1t seemed to her as If the
boat went ahead at faster pace.
well, there are a few cars around
here-not many. though the man an
swered. I'VE use more boats than
cars in this country. l can't imagine
who that Is"
Before them lay the stlvery expanse
OF the lake; ON the right the dark
masses of the woodland. Something
made her shiver-she did not know
what, but decided bravely that it must
be the dampness rising from the cold
lake.
The moon rose over the hills; its
light brought clearly into view the
men who were her companions. Both
were dressed in the rough garb of
the northern woodsmen or guide. She
began to be puzzled and worried.
Where are you taking me?" she
asked.
The man opposite her stirred.
Don't be worried, miss. We will take
care of you," he said quietly.
She thought she read, a hidden mean
inYtn his voice, even though he SEEM
edSto try.to conceal 1t.
VERY WELL" she answered quickly.
sBut swanttto know Just where we
ares going. Are you headed for the
Welcn cottage?',
Rretty uearsthere." - heeanswered.
eBut-
m want to 60 there-not pretty
near there!" she said sharply rising.
He caught her.arm with firm hano
and drew her back.
you keep quiet. I promise you no
harm will come to you," he said blunt
~.
} She sank back, her heart beginning
topound. Someth1ngtwas wrong be.
young q question.
she saw the boat change its direc-
s lion, starting across the lake, inentire-
II the wrong direction, IL her tudg-
meut was right. Not knowing what to
%. she sat quiet, growing, colder. each
moment with something that WAS not
tho coofness OF the mist about her.
She did not, know how many half
hours passed before she saw the CLEAN
O. light Swiftly the boat drew in
sapre.
.HereFweaare. vmiss:. - her, guardian
raid -
Swiftly and trembling she rose.
Aided by the men, she mounted the
dock, and stared about her. The whole
surroundings were strange to her, ey.
: en- the lights cleaning from hunting
cabin in the back woods did not seem
friendly.