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A DARING GAME.I;
( Copyright, A DARING GAME. I; By HARRIET LEWIS." Author of "The Secret of His History," "The k, Old Life's Shadows," "Sundered Hearts," I)arkwood, &c., CHAPTER XXXIX. NETA. STILL DBKAOT. The aoundt of active and hostile pursuit, froving every insfcant louder as the pursuer* seared Ke\vkt> temporary halting-place, startled the young '-gbira into renewed flight. She started up 1: k!) a wearied bird from its nest, and fiel onward through tangled shrubbery and erer outercpping,.boutoem, tripping now and then over some loose rock, which, at the touch .t her light tNt, went rumbling down the ideep mountain tile with a crash that rang in ber oars, frightening her to yet greater speed. She sped through thickets of the dwarfed "Mountain pines Mod firs, and over open and sterile patches of ground, where there were no tress nor friendly rocks to screjen her fiving figure, and the driullng Scotch mist fell around lier lik > a dueiy Toil, and the skies were gloomy above l.tr.and tlo air was keen with wintry chill. And still were Sortie to her ears, sometimes louder, somctirGfainter, the sounds of the barking of dogs ared the shouts of men. These sound. quickencd Neva a flagging steps, but i}¡ !XI" leI not oairan her pursuers. They were an her track, and sooner or later, unless she sonld outwit the.-a, or hide from them, they most recapture her. Her wild eyes searched the mountain side as the hurried on. There was no hole in the racks into which she might crecp and lie con- scaled until her enemies should have passed. The trees were too low and scraggy to offer her shelter among their few and scantily !oliaged branches. Her way was difficult and tortuous, and with a sudden change of purpose iHeva turned Mid" from her-eontse of skirting ihe mountain, and- plunged downward toward the mountain's baeft UI shall come 4iawn upon the side nearly opposite the loch, she thought. "At any rate, 1 have passed beyond the plateau." In the rourse-of ten minutes more, she struck jto a rude waggon track, which Neva conjec- tured led from the Wilderness to some farm- louse or hamlet upon the opposite side of the nountsin. She followed the cifeuitous, steep, and slowly descending- track, looking, as she tan, like some wild spirit of the mist. The sounds of pursu faded out of hearing, and again she sat down to rest, her limbs giving way beneath her. Her tongue was parched and swollen, and her blood surged through her frame still with that one gigantic throbbing and her feet ached with an utter weariness, ret she got up presently and staggered on, with fearing backward glauaea over her shoulders, and her eyes staring wildly from out the wet whiteness of her young face. "I can't keep on much longer," she murmured aloud. "I feel very strange and ill. Perhaps I shall die here—and alone. Oh, is there no help for me? No answer came to that piteous crv save the wailing of the winds among the pine boughs sad the dashing of the sleet-like rain in her fJoCe. She moved mora and more slowly. Her garments seemed strangely heavy to her, and her feet grew more and more like leaden clogg weighing her down to earth. A terrible despair on her. With a .00 prayer on her intuess like that of death upon her, leant against a low tree, clinging to it prevent herself from falling. As ber he* 5 auk forward wearily mpon ner breast, her losing eyes caught a felimps j through the tr es of an object at a little distance that lent to her for the moment an unreal strength and vigour, and she gave a great cry of joy, as hope surged back into bel jonng famting heart. Th-i object was only-a small cabin built of cooble&turies, a mere shepherd's but, perhaps, or, as Taa far more likely, it bad been built Long ago for, the ocoasionai use of belated sportsmen whoduins a its,? at the Wilderness found themselves lost upon the mountain. It Had a strong roef and a capacious chimney, Sut it exhibited no sign of habitation. Neva did ^t observe this fact, and pressed onward to the door of the cabin, which she opened without preliminary knocking. There was no one inwtht: cabin! Neva s heart sank as she made this discovery. (There was no «one here to whom she could appeal for protection. She hesitated whether t to^go on or to remain here, but her physical exhaustion decided the question. It was absolutely neewsary that ahe.bould rest, and she entered "-bumble dwelling and closed the door. The cabiacontained but a single room, with two closets attached, and but a single window. This was prodded with an inside shutter. There v.-as also a stout wooden bar and iron rests for its support, as a means of securing the door. Neva barred the door and shuttered the window, and then sank down in a confused heap upon the floor, listening with sharpened hearing for some sound of pursuit. Brr ahe heard none. Evidently her diver- gence from W first course had thrown her fflWIT ?r tr^' wild 3°y and gratitude JtUed faer sou But when its first flush was OWK, » chill like that of death again seized Bfwn her. Her teeth chattered, and strange r.beun-atic pains shot through her frania. She iftodk, too, M with an ague. The room was bare of furniture, but the g|*»t blackened hearth, with 9 few half-burnt ■t.cVa nnnn «♦ testifi-d tW CCUl6 person h.d lately spent, the night in the cabin. The door of Qn<t *>. We clbeets was open, and Neva could Se th,-tt there were faggots of wood stored within. She rots feebly, and brought out an sawful of wood, ,pijingit on the hearth. She stirred the ashes, in the hope of finding a living coal; and finding none, went back to the closet. Here, to her great joy, she found a tin box half-filled with matches hanging against the In three minutes more she had a glorious Rro on the hearth, crackling and blazing and flaming cheerily, and the girl's heart leaped up at tbeBsight of those dancing flames. She sank down upon the hearth, her hands held out to the genial blaze, her pale wiia facc .ookiuj; strangely weird- and lovely in the red glow, and the steaiA rising from her wet. garments like a thick mist. A delicious sense of rest pervaded her frame, and the rheumatic pain* disappeared before the penetrating heat of the great fire. But a terrible aense of weakness remained. Her prison fare 9f bread and water and her lack of exercise, during her dreary days of confinement at the Wilderness^had told seriously upon her strength, She began to fear that she could go no further, and a great hunger began to assail her, seeming like a vulture tearing at her vitals. Impelled by a vague hope that there might be food in the dwelling, she went to the seconci sulall eioset. It was filled with empty shelves. In one corner an old torn basket had been carelessly thrown. Neva examined the basket, and discovered in it a small black bottle, with a few drops of HighjUwd whiskey in it, but there was no food. Bhe drank the whiskey, aad crouched- down again upon the hearth, weary and worn, and a little later a merciful stupor euwrapped her lenaes-the stupor of a deathlike sleep, such as utter exhaustion sopietimes produces. It seemed to her that she had slept but a minute, but really she had slept for hours, when she was awakened by a load beating upon the cabm door. She started up. broad awake- *id stood in an attitude of flight, her head bent towards the door. "I sav she's in here. she heard a voice orying loudly—a voioe which she recognised with a thrill of terror as the voice of Craven Black' "We've scoured the mountain on this side, and have not found her. She must have taken refuge in this unused cabin. Miss Wynde! MiaeNevaf" .1 Neva was still as death. She scareely dared lo breathe. Again Craven Black beat furiously upon the in the. door! "he shouted- 1' Hero, one ot you saTiofs, Bring trior %01 OT WOOQ vonder, and we'll see who has barred this door on the inside. The log of wood Quick Neva stared aroond her with wild, frightened Them we& ma outlet from the cabin save through, the doo^ or window, and these were side by side, and both commanded by her enemies. With a terrible despair she crouched agqin 8D the hearth, her head still bent towards the floor. MW< H make a battering-ram of the log,- said Craven Black. "So Now the four of u. will break the door in a second. Guard tht door, roen, while I go in. v Keep out those sheep dogs. They act H ke. wolvesi. Now I There was a combined assault upon the door. It trembled and creaked, and one of the iron rests in the wall, unable to resist the pressure brought to bear upon it, gave way, bursting from its socket. The wooden bar dropped to the floor, and the door was burst open so violently and so suddenly that Craven Black came flying into the room like some projectile hurled from a mortar. He gave. a yell of triumph at sight of the slender crouching figure on the hearth. "Here she is, boys » he cried. "We've found ber! Poof creature She is still in the delirium of the fever, as I told you. How wild she looks I The sailors stood without the door, half- careless, half-pitying. Craven Black had told them that his wife's step-daughter was ill, and had fled from the Wilderness in the delirium of fever, and they saw nothing in Neva's appearance to contradict the statement. For the young girl sprang to her feet, and retreated from Craven Black with both hands upraised, the palms turned outward, and her wild face full of horror and loathing. Her eyes were unnaturally bright, and her cheeks and lips were tinted with vivid carmine. Even Craven Black was alarmed at her appearance, and was calmed into instant gentleness. "My poor Neva!he cried. "I am come to take you home." "1 will not go!" cried the girl, her red- brown eyes flashing. "0 God, am I utterly forsaken and abandoned to my enemies ? "You bear her ?" exclaimed Black. "Poor thing! she needs her step-mother's tender care and[ nursing. We brought her up to the Wilderness, hoping that the change would cure her propensity to these paroxysms. Come, Neva. Your stepmother is very anxious about you, and the whole household is alarmed." "Let me die here," said Neva, her sweet young voice rising to a wail. "Oh, men, have you no pity for me ? Can you not see that Craven Black is my enemy? Will you not protect me, and set me free ? In the name of mercy-" Hear her 1 said the sailor who had acted as captain of the yacht, speaking in an audible whisper. < As mad as a March har.and so young, too I Clearly there was no help to be expected from the sailors. Neva retreated to the further corner, as a helpless mouse retreats to a corner of the trap, and Craven Black followed her. There was a brf struggle, and Neva was again a captive. We must take turns in carrying her home," said Craven Black, pinioning Neva's arm. to er sides.; It'll be ough job up the steep mountain path, but we an do it." (I It's no great task," said one of the seamen. bhe eanit weigh much. She's fell away since she came ito Scotland, and she can't be heavier nor a child of ten." Craven Black caught up the girl's light figure, and bore her from the cabin, the men following. He strode up the ateep bill, holding Neva fiercely to his breut, and now and then he looked down upon her still white face with an expression singularly tnad. up of love and hatred. Yes, although he had married Ladv Wynde from motives of interest, and because, as he had said to himself, a half-loaf of bread was better than none at all, his old love for Neva W;%s not dead in his guilty breast. It was a strange passion, growing hot and cold by torn* now verging towards Latred, and now reviving to its olden strength. As he gathered the girl in his arms, and went up the hill with her at long, fierce strides, he said to himself that there wao no crime at which he would pause, no obstacle which he would not sweep from his path, it the heiress of Hawkhurst would only promise to marry him on the attainment of his freedom. U NeTa I n he whispered. The young girl raised her eyes to his with such a look of loathing and detestation that his love for her changed suddenly again to hatred. He knew in that moment that the guilty scheme he had just conceived was only a vain fancy, and that Neva could never be induced under any circumstances to marry him. "I'm tired, captain," he said abruptly. "You can carry her." The captain took the helpless burden and went on, Black keeping at his side. In this manner, taking turns in carrying the young captive, the party returned to the Wilder- now. The mist was still falling when they came upon the plateau, but Mrs. Black stood out upoa the lawn, her head bare, her morning robe saturated with wet. and her face worn and haggard with anxiety. There WJ8 great dark circles under her hard black eyes, and her mouth was compressed, and there were deep lines about it that added ten years to her apparent age. What she had suffered that day from fear of exposure through her injurail step- daughter her face declared, but .h.. hid known less of remorse than of an; v'nension and terror. Behind Oct»rii, upon the porch, and com- fortably wrapped in a waterproof cloak, stood airs. Artress. Both had thus been watching nearly all the day for the return of the pursuers, and it was now three 'clock of the Wternoon, and the dusk was rapidly falling. "They've come! They've come!" cried Octavia Black hysterically. "Thev are alone— no! they have got, the girl! We are safe—safe I She casne running to meet her husband, wka was now in advance of his men. Craven Black briefly informed his wife how and where he had found Neva, and at the porch he took the cap- his o-Tra arm,, dismissing the three men to the yacht. He carried Neva to her own room, where Celeste was busy at the moment. and he unloosed the cord confining the- girl: arms, setting her free. There was a wood fire blazing on the dearth. J>eva, paying no heed to her enemies, crouched down before it. "Leave her to herself," said Craven Black. ♦'Celeste, you may remain to undress your young lady." "I will undress myself," interposed Neva, ia a low, weary voice. I want to be alone." "Celeste had better undress Octavia," ex- claimed Mrs. Artress abruptly. Octav» has acted like some cowardly, frightened child all day, Craven. She has stood oil the lawn bare- headed, in the mist, until she is wet to the- skin, and has a fearful cold. She is nearly 11!- i I will have hot drinks prepared immediately, j said Craven Black. Octavia, you must take: ba-h. Celeste, bring a hot bath to Miss Wynde. He led the way from the room, the ethers following. Celeste looked Neva's door, putting the key in her pocket. Octavia went to her own room, coughing dismally. Do you hear that ? demanded Mrs. Artress, stopping Craven Black in the hall. "Exercise has prevented any serious harm to Miss Wynde from to-day's exposure but Octavia has taken a fearful cold. You'd better nurse her care- fully. In your desire to get ten thousand a vear more, don't throw.away the four thousand you already have. Remember, if Octavia should die, you and I would be beggars! 44 What an infernal croaker you are I laid Black angrily. "It isn't necessary to twit me with my poverty! As to Octavia, if 8h. foolish enough to stand out in a chilling mist out of sheer cowardice, let her cure herself! I am cold and hungry, and I intend to take care of myself." He proceeded to do so, ministering to his own wants with assiduity. The .Frenchwoman brought in a hot bath to Neva, and a bowl of steaming hot whiskey punch, then hastening away to attend upon her mistress. Neya took her bath, changed her wet garments for dry onea, drank her punch, and wft& £ Jto bed. A free, poropirst on was induced, And the hlver tliat liad thfoatened liar subotled. her pulse beat evenly, and her brain grew cool. She went to sleep, and did not awaken until late in the evening. When she opened her eyes. Mb. Artresa was standing at her bedside, feeling her pulse. How do you feel ? demanded the woman, her ashen eyes surveying the girl insolently. "I am quite well—only tired." Only tired 1 echoed Mrs. Artress. Only tired-after all the trouble you've made us to- day Octavia is downright ill. You won't get another opportunity to repeat your proceedings of this morning, my fine young lady Celeste is with me, and hereafter we two shall call upon you together. Octavia was foolish to come in here alone, but she did not know you so well this morning as she does now. We have brought you up a hot supper, by Craven's orders, but in the morning you go back to the bread and water diet, if y&u choose to remain obstinate." Celeste was standing at the foot of the bed, and now wheeled forward a small table, on which were lighted candles and a large tray of food. This done, Mrs. Artress and the French- woman went out together, locking the door behind them. Neva sat up in bed, leaning against her pillows, and looked hungrily at the tray. There was a pot of steaming coffee, a plate of buttered hot scones, a dish filled with daintily broiled birds on toast,-a dish of baked fish, and a basket filled with oranges, apples and grapes. Neva thought she Lad never beheld a meal so tempting in her life, and surely she had never been so famished. Craven Black bad feared the result of her day's exposure on the bleak mountain to the chilling mist upon her weak- ened frame, and had sent her strengthening food more from policy than pity. It Was not to his interest that she should die. Neva ate her dinner, or supper, as it might more properly be termed, and concealed the remnants of fowl in her trunk. It was well she did so, for the next morning Celeste brought to her only a meagre supply of bread and water. The remains of the vrildfowl and of the whiskey punch, however, were produced by the young girl when alone, and gave her the sus- tenance she needed. L Her limbs were somewhat stiff upon the day after her adventure on the mountain, but this stiffness wore off gradually, leaving her 43 well as ever. Her diet continued meagre in the extreme. no change being afforded her from bread and water. Mr". Artress and Celeste came to her once a day with food, Craven Black remaining in the ante-room during their visit, as a guard against another possible attempt at escape on the part of the young captive. A week passed in this manner, before Octavia clack came again to Neva's room. But what a change in her that week had wrought' She had grown thin, and her features were worn to sharpness. A red flush burnt fitfully on her cheeks, and her hard black eyes were strangely glittering. She had lost many of the graces that had distinguished her, and looked what whe "-as-a bold, unscrupulous, unprincipled Ionian. Nqva could not particularise in what zier charms of person and manner had lain, bnt tholle charms were now gone. She looked ten years older than her age, and coughed like a consumptive. What have you to say to-day, Neva ?" asked Octavia, in tt hoarse voice. "Nothing," said Neva calmly. "You have put us to terrible trouble; you have given me a horrible cold and cough; and yet you sit here as obstinate as if you were a princess and we were your subjects. Will nothing subdue your proud spirit ? Will nothing bend your haughty will ? Do you like bread and water and close confinement so well that you prefer them to a marriage with a handsome young man who adores you f L "I prefer them to perjuring myself, madam, said Neva bravely. "I prefer a brief imprisonment to a lifetime of sorrow and re- pining. "A brief imprisonment!" repeated Octavia. It won t be so brief as you think. We are going to £.;ü: here all winter, if necessary, to subdue you. We have entered on a path from I which there is no turning back. The winters, I am told, are fearful in these wild highlands. We snail soon be shut in with snows and awful winds. Your lover can never trace you here, and if be could be would not be able to reach the Wilderness in the dead of winter. We shall have a dismal winter-you especially. What do you say, LXeva and her tone grew anxiou& "Will you Yield "Never! said Neva quietly. "I am no child to be frightened by cold, and I am not so fond of the pleasures of the table as to seU my soul for them. I will live here till I die of old age before I will yield!" Octavia Black'* face darkened with an awfal shadow. She dreaded the terrible Highland winter; and a strange, terror, for which she could not account, held possession of her soul night and day. But, as- she had said, she had entered on a path from which there was no turning back. Neva mint yield sooner ox later, she said to herself, even if compelled to vield through physical weakness. 6, Very well, then," said Mrs. Black, rising. We will make preparations to spend the winter here. Craven wl- go 10 inverness in I the yacht .n uay this week, and purchase stores for our use during the cold season. We need blankets, and food of every description. If yon should decide to go to Inverness with him, as the promised bride of T?nfu? Biicu you have only to let me Vr.r/„ before he sails?" locked the door, giving the key to Celeste, who waited i. the- outer room. CHAPTER XL. MORK TKOUBLK THB HIUBCAKim. Upon the afternoon of the same day on which occurred the int ,view between Octavia Blaok and young Neva Wynde,. as detailed at the conclusion of the preceding chapter, Lally Bird, attended by Alm. Peters, arrived at Inver- ness, having come from London by easy stages. It was a week after Neva's wild flight among the mountains of Ross-shire, but a fine, thick rain, like that through which Neva had so fruitlessly wandered, was falling like a dusky pall. The sky was dark and frowning, the air was chill and heavy, and the streets were dismal with the rain. There was no carriage in waiting to convey the travellers to their destination, and they entered a cab and were conveyed to the Cale- donian Hotel, where they passed t})e night. The next morning the mist was still falling thickly, in a dreary, drizzling, listless fashion, as if it never intended to leave off. Lally looked out of her sitting-room window into the gtoomy street., and said 0 't was a foolish idea to come to Scotland, and so far north too, at this season. i, ]"' wanted to come." M™ p T the tfe9t thin« W0 couId do," said in r ?n were 3uat"p™ng to death m that great London house,,Miss Lally." »ar. "R We remained there 1 might have seen Rufus agani, perhaps" wid the girl regretfully. -How shocked he seemed at be- holding me 1 He star? d at me as at a ghost. 1 suppose he has long ago ceased to love me. He loves another now. And v«t Mrs. Peters for the sake of the dear old da>3 S» I was all the world to him, he might have followed me to the carriage-he might have traced us home. n "I told him that you were a poor governess, miss," said Peters, who had not informed her Sting mistress oi Rufus Black's visit to ount Street, having conceived a cordial dislike, to Lally's young husband. 11 1" raps the young gentleman had to go back te his heiress that be is engaged to marry ? Surely, Miss Lally, you wouldn't take him, back—and he engaged to another lady ? Lally's brown cheek flushed, and a sudden light, leaped to her black eyes. "Don't ask me, Peters," she said softly. "He was not so much to blame as you think. His father forced him to give me-up. He's only a boy, Peters, and this is his birthday. He is twenty-one to-day. How he used to talk of his birtnday, quite as if he were a lord, and expected to come into ft property upon this day. He was weak and cowardly, but you could soa how he bad suffered, Peters. He will •eyrr this^ beautiful and grand young lady, a
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Herbert, RA.. and others, for One Goiaaa Bee lire'v packed and carriage pnul ARGENTINE AND URUGUiTXH A REPUBLICS—MESSRS. LUCKE &- CO, J2 Lim' Street. London, E.C., and Buenos Aries, UNDERTAKE ALI CLASSES Ot FINANCIAL, LEGAL, and COMMERCIAJ QUESTIONS ciiTir.et tPu. wi'ij. the River I'late. Trade Marks protected and Patentg applied for. Advice. &o ..CL J'-r M;)T'1ft ri£' HOUSE OF CONMOITS-The Safety Matakes io tarred to in the House on June 30th, wkich axe harmleM tA tho«e"engaged in their manufacture, and which mA bi retailed at lid. per dozen, are made by British Labcox at Vu Glorv" XMolt 'Wnrtnt Gionaestm. MM ROYAL NAVY. Wanted, 33n«ine-room Artificer", Boys, Toutka. Blaek smiths. Armourers, Carpent«fR, Coopers, Shipwrights, Ntokera Gi>od pay, free rations and quarters, per.Rions far life, allownnci towards onttit, aiiQ other advantages. For prevlcm. •experience necea.sary.—J-ir farther ^articutai-i appiy per (tonally or by letter to Coast Guard Ship, Holyhead* Dril Ship Eagle, Tiverpoolj any Coast Guard SUvtion; Marine Re cruiting Officers at Liverpool. Wigan. Blackburn. Macchaa ter, Warrington, Barrow; or Admiralty Iieeriubins Spring Gardfiis. T/.ndon. Also vav^smci -s in Iloval MarSea c»ndidaaj'jOy i'<ume Kecruit-im? Oltioi^s named mo CURE SMOKY CHIMNEYS & LIGHT JL OB REVIVE FIRES, tr>- CIiESSWELL'3 Patent ASBESTOS COiFEW or Fireproof Fireplace Blind & Biower. Never fails. Illustrated Lists Free. Wellington Mills, Bradford. BILLIARD AND BAGATELLE TABLES. -D A LARGE STOCK of NEW and SECOND-HAJIIJ TABLES always on hand. WKITE FOR PEIC. LISTS, m G. RDWAJLDS KIKasXAITOJtpAg,JOOyBOK. M JS. Washina at Homd SVnth. Q»mft>ssM^t»c<t»iteiljjftay<| use Bradrords Familymacftm| wUsh b *1m a Int-clin 'Wbucssb & H/MtA i Write for Bradford's last OatAloml# I ccut-i-.iii'.f teatiiMnT of handt*d« of Dwiis f VH I il joa bay a B*j4>roAC> ftaHnU) I jou will wultEBl; add y<mr own tettlmotnr. | JkoniM BraSwiA High Holbon^UUhl SVnth. Q»mtf>ssM^t»c<t»iteiljjftay<| tmot. GIVEN AWAY COMPAB! BRAND TEA introduced tatMs •op^t!furc^r^«VaCMv'i:iWV eveTy. :'b of the 2;. qoaUtr* • „ i suitaofe for ^-paring cn watch chain or neetiao^ ioa t5, ,!a.maPe free,—TEE COMPASS TEA COMPANY, 136, renehurch Street, London, E.O. WOODT WOOD I WOOD I tr COBBSTT8, Virginia Road. London, E, MAHOGANY, WALNUT, PINE, &c., &o. PRICE lists FREE ON APPLICATION^. nHB^E Incorporated THAMES' NAtTTICXL TRAINING COLLEGK. II.M.S. M'orc^i-r, off Greeo- hithe, Kent, educates Boys for OfHcers In the Merahsat Service. Term3, 60 guineas, including uniform. — Apply W. M. BPlii.rvAST, lloq. Becretary, V-i^ Aiark Lane, LptjOOlf. A GREAT MEDICAL TRIUMPH. N17 N KIRNS PHOSPHO-LJCTIHE. SUPERSEDES 00j) LIVER OIL* Iffjlllfij M((!^ANTIANEMIC R INVIGORATING I RECUPERATIVE! Fcr Children, Adults, and the Aged. FortUles the System and Regnlatea Appctite- ^cT^^ints.FI^; ilfgt1*- 8cf^r" FROM AIL CHEJKISTS AND STORES at 2/9 PER BOIL. ynWft PNOKPJEIO procurable send remittance to c 1M. 155, 116 & 157. FLEET STRggT, LONDON. '> L;v<- '¡;a $I' ""f$ SbQtlO- iJil;¡ Will IE GIVEN mm Voy.9110 Presents* before Christn#ABOP Also £ 100 Irs. Free Mone-y prlzes. AS FOLLOWS; COrveetly, or if nioiv than one, 1st Prize, £ 50, *>-lbc" Pvtze £ 25. T" "Z tl- —"»■ W Prtto, JE15. T° '■* "»• ith Pcj7Q To Cowpt-titor only one the Puzzle *>!Z6, £ (U thou ef[u:viiy ;anon« them. a, ,'alt w.Kin,i Barinft; purchased the entire stock of a large Christinas Card piicen for we nave (let nl. a this cwt of jti-oOui-iion, ax well as several other important lota at ridieuw tV-roUj{h U.e HhupK«-*l.t:«., .uul are making up Y,SLR. I'< 'ir rmsT TIME, to deal direct with the Pubiie sws<>rt<t t'firiftuuw farU*. inuji^er (sold in the on!imiry wv for at least 3s. (fi-rviun i outage, Is. exini). Wj(|; each of lor 2» ,.ost yrw u, miy in the United eV<?ry purchaser a, most interestinjL', ii:str,ictfw>. the^e h;y way of advertwewu-ni, \\n whall prese*^ 3a., an^ in demand .for winter f-nd at>-n (.'hriutraas present-. 'J'h»« article is given a*;a* ainoii^t the ewnpetitors who can lasiteottl lr> uulivli.u to thin, the above £ 100 Kree Caah Priaes foilowutC nuxe,> letters will s{)ell, \ij, 'iw. -uw. TAPiocs, tmkikk, RRHltU, tttaJ I ith to qualify them to receive oae of the ah,»v« rhristmas presents, Thamily editions Competitor* nave t- jjend m your solutions, ami enclose Postal Order for 2s for our ana far the Free 6u.h Vny* «r> ^ped ad-Uen^. enrel.^ for sending your prise money at tW close Movi.te; 1-a of Chnrtmas Cards v • Christinas llesent, will be seat upon receipt of your order, bat the '"M* lie P;ic^t't f -lays after tne Uose of t.ie Competition which will positively be on 'f: V\ (va.'P:-dvlse<1 **>sena 1,1 tl»e»r orders without delay AddressFINE ART .i'Ion Road. Ho.-i- — BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. A Parj Maiufaotatt well known for upwards of 50 rears. When ordering Baking Powder insist on having Borwiek's. 5 GOLD MEDALS. EG i'm RWICKS POWDER, ai Puddiags, Gingerbread, &C, 2093.d
A DARING GAME.I;
oaroncv & uaugnrer, ana ne It go To and his bride will worship him; while I She paused, sighing heavily. "While yon marry some great man, and go to Court also, Miss Lallv," said Peters. The girl shook her head sorrowfully. "He wrote that I am not his wife, she said, "but if I am not his wife, I shall never be the wife of anyone else. I thought I was truly his wife, Peters, and I loved him as such, and a woman cannot unlove where she has loved with her whole soul. I shall consider myself in my own heart as the wife of Rufus so "long as I live. His grand young biide cannot love him as I love him—my poor wronged boy! He would have been true to me always if his father had let him alone." Before Mrs. Peters could reply there was a knock on the door, and Toppen, Lally's London footman, entered, his hat in his hand. "The Heather Hills carriage waits, Miss Wroat," be announced respectfully. The horses have been baited, and are fresh for the journey. We left the Hills yesterday, but broke down on the way, and did not get into Inverness until the evening, when we came to this hotel and found your name registered, and that you had retired for the night. The carriage has been put in repair, and we can leave at any hour it may please you." "We will go now," said Lally, "Have the. luggage taken down, Toppen. We will follow." She rang for the hotel bill, and paid Ü. The was carried" down, and Lallv put on ber wrappings and bonnet and veil. Mrs. Peters also hastily attired herself, and:-they descended to the waiting vehicle. The Heather Hills carriage proved to be an old-fashioned, cumbrous coach, painted green, and with wheels heavy enough for a luggage cart. It had a stout roof, upon which the luggage was piled. Lally was assisted into the coach, Mrs. Peters entered after her, the win- dows were drawn up nearly to the top the footman mounted beside the coachman who cracked his whip, and away the equipage went run 'li"'7 n an,! training i t*My herself smiglj, jn « ? \-P't U,« wmd'.iF 0 0Ut 1Dto fche streets as tl'ev f ui' ?' erti a^so rolled herself up com- fortably, and was silent. The estate of Heather Hills was situated on the coast, between Fort George and Nairn- much nearer to Nairn, in fwt, than to Inver- ness—but the drive was pleasant in good weather, and the late Mrs tfroat had alwavs proceeded by carriage from Inverness, a good and sufficient reason why her successor should do go. The house at Heather Hills was old and picturesque, with a lofty twrer that commsrdcd a fine view of Moray Frith- It was of mixed styles.of architecture, and was homelike, while it "as imposing. The estate took its name from a low range of hills covered with heather, which formed a portion of its boundaries; but these hills were at a considerable distance from the house, which stood upon a tall and naked cliff, overlooking the Frith. In summer the house was fanned with the salt. sea-breezes, soaking it a delightful retreat. Seen, however, through a Scotoh mist upon a day in late October, under a frowning sky, and with the dreariness of comiug winter already apparent in the grounds, it was not so delightful. It looked cold, wind-swept, and deserted to Lally, as she lowered her window act! took a survey of her domain. Around the house was a wide and fine lawn dotted with trees. There wee* Sower-gardens, and the V.-ial appanages to a fine country seat; but lxUy s regards wese fixed upon the mansion, which, wrapped in grey misi, seemed to its new owner one of the grandest as well as one of the Boveliest houses she had ever seen. The carriage passed up the loag winding drive and halted in the wide porch. Toppen spr&ng nimbly down from the box,, threw off his macintosh, asd opened H, A 06r. assisting '.im occupants to alight. Then he flung open the hons» door and led the way up the steps into the great hai], while the carriage went round to the si&bles. In the wide hall the steward and bis wife were waiting to welcome the sew owner of Heather Hilfov The former was a hale, sandy-haired Scotsman, with a plain, honest face. Tha latter was a broad-faced, motherly Scotswolliam who fell in love with the young mistress of the house at first sight. "Ilia Wrest," said Peters. "th.- are Mr. and Mrs. Lang, the steward and His wife." Lally acknowledged the introduction with a I g*« co,urbesy won the Scotsman's heart. ta. order» miM>" he Mid trcrn^ln-rmJ • a cook and housemaid in vour r,J 411 XJew has been put b*I Koor, miss, and your sitting-room TfeIl7ufurai,hed> Mrs. Peters unvthinff (.» k!6 IjOBse is not tor your liking, anything can be changed as you wish." t to your room, miss," mid Mrs. Lang, noticing Lally'. pallor and evident weariness. "Dinner will he on the, table in an hour," 4 k?!?7 ^™kr..f0lloWed tlie "Award's wife to the PP. » Mid to a. large octagon cnamber, ne« Iv fitted up with a erimson carpU, crimson covered chairs, and a cottaco niano A wood fire burnt on the hearth, and an easy-chair in a white slip cover was drawn up before it. "How cosy and Pleusnt I exclaimed Lally. "All is warmth and brightness in here, but can look from my windows upox the wild sea, whtte with fury. See the sails J I shall never tire of thio charming room and charming prospect." "Your bedroom adjoins this room, Miss Wroat," said Mrs. Lang, wall pleased with Lally's praise. "Mrs. Peters's room is next beyond, and opens into yours." "Do you live in the house, Mrs. Lang ? asked Lally. "No, miss. We live at the cottage half a mile back, which you passed jast before turn- ing into the grounds. We have lived there twenty years. No other spot in the world saema so like home to us. if we had to leave it now," and Mrs. Lang's voice trerabied, "I think my old man would just fret himself to death." "You won't "have to leave it," said Lally cheerfully. I do not intend that mv aunt s old friends or faithful servants shall suffer through me. I desire Mr. Lang to continue his stewardship so long as he lives and I live. { I do uot know anything about the revenue of this little estate; Mr. Harris forgot to mention it, perhaps but 1 am sure it cannot be in better hands than those in which my aunt placed it." Mrs. Lang looked relieved and gratified. "The estate has yielded some three hundred a year to Mrs. Wroat, after all salaries were paid," she explained. It is not as profitaale as most places of its size, but it has served as a grand country seat in its day, and the grounds are very extensive and beautiful. The house and outbuildings are in perfect repair; there is a pair of carriage horses, besides the farm animals; and there are a fine lot of sheep and cattle of the best breeds, and they can be nmdeja source of _greater reyenue if -you are __iII- wiilllig lo go 0 .¡¡b (JL:. L1.( "VÁ aVVA. "We will see to ull that," said Lall). beginniag to feel an interest in her new pos- session. "I should like to Wk with Mr. Lang about it some day when he has leisure. I wish you and Mr. Lang would remain to dinner with us." The steward's wife accepted the invitation with delight, and went down to acquaint bar husband with his prospects for the future. Lally made her toilet, with Mrs. Peters's assistance. "I can see my future," said Lally, with the first gleam of brightness Mrs. Peters had seen in her black eyes and on her gipsy face since Mrs, Wroat's death. "I daresay I shall in time go to town and the house in Mount Street for three months in the year and I shall live here at Heather Hills, and rear prize pigs and prize sheep and prize Highland cattle, and look out of the windows at ths sails and so the years will pass and I shall grow grey. And- oil, I'll get up a charity school of some sort and teach it myself-; and the children, instead of being disfigured with bag-like blotises and horrid starched caps, shall all wear the prettiest pink and blue dresses, according to tl eir com- plexions, and the prettiest white ruffled aprons and when I die they *hall stand in two rows around my grave, and maybe somebody will say that I was a mother in Israel.' It was not a very bright picture of the future of one so young and pretty as ialiv, itlith fortune and all good gifts. She seemed intended for a home fairy, to cheer and uphold and strengthen a kindly, loving husband, to gather little clul- j dren of her own to her breast; and good Mrs. Peters could not help praying that such might be Lally's destiny. When the young mistress of Heather Hi'is had changed her black bombazine travelling dress for a black lustreless silk trimmed heavily with crape, and provided with white crape ruflle8 at the throat, and had put on her jet jewellery, she was ready for dinner. Her black hair had been gathered into braids, and was ornamented with a black bow, and she looked as she was, gentle, refined, intelligent, weighted with sorrow too heavy for her to bear, yet meek and patient as some young martyr. "We will go down now to our guests, Peters," she said. "-How soon will you be ready ? Mrs. Peters's face flushed. "Miss Lallv," she said hesitatingly, "it is Dot suitable I should dine- with you. I am only your maid, you know. Mrs. Wroat had me always dine with her, because otherwise she must have dined alone, and she liked compasy. Mr. Lang is the younger son of a tscottish laird, and he might be affronted to dine with me." "But 1 insist," said Lally. "No, no, iviing Lally. When you are alono I'll dine with you for company," said Mrs. Peter* stoutly, but I assure yon I would rather [ eat by myself when there's company. I won't have anyone say that my young mistress doesn't know what is suit; ^ie to her station. If I could, I'd set you up on a pedestal above everybody else; indeed I would, Miss Lally. I would like to be housekeeper here, and man- age the- servants, but I can't tfiœ with you when there's company." j "You shall do as you please, Peters,. said Xially, "Ton are my friend as we £ i as my maid —my only friend, Peters. If yeu don't like to dine with company, you shall dine where you please- There, give me a kiss,. Peters, and I'll go down." Peters gave the desired kiss, with- many ad- ditional ones, and wiped her eyes- as Lally went out, sma imuttered: She is just the bonniest, sweetest young lady that ever Iwed t If that young gentleman comes up here to we her, he'll go away with a flea in his ter-out if be don't! Lally went down to her guests aadl talk* with them until the dinner bell riae Mr Lang offered her his arm with quite the^ir of a man of fas-bion, giving his wife 'Liia- other at and the three went in to dinner dining-room was long and low, -ith two great wooa ™ capacious hearths, and a seven-windowed oriel overhanging the sea. It was bright with ruddy colours and lino china and gleaming silver, and the dinner upon the oval table was in keeping with the room. It was a feast fft for a princess, and 1:i been ordered by Mrs. Liang, with a view to pre- senting to the heiress of Heather Hills as many varieties of bira £ and game and fish off her estate as could be obtained. After dinner, Lally had-a long business con- venation witfe Mr. Lang, ana repeated the T)roiui" she had already given the steward's wife. She appt>»«,t: another interview with the steward for the following aav, zml "bcut dusk the visitors took then leave." Lally spent the evening in playing upon her piano, in singing, and in thought. The next morning she walked ^veu to the steward s rottage, and made a brief viai^ Th" day waa dark and gloomy, but it did not rain, In the afterntrfm the steward came up to the great house to see Lally, and he remained until nearly dinner. At five o clock Lallv and Mrs. Peters dined together in the dining-room over- looking the «ea, a dozen candles lighted and sending their bright gleams out over the troubled waters. "You look better to-night, Miss Lally," said the fbithful attendant. "Yau tyill find new interests up in this region, and you will find that you have something to live for yet." Lally smiled sadly, but did not answer. They still lingered in the dining-room, Lally standing in the great oriel windew and looking out upon, the sea, which was being furiously be by the winds, when Mrs. Peters beard a carriage come up the drive sad halt in the carriage porch. The good woman's face turned P^e- ? glanced at her young mistress, but Lallv nea no sound save the tumult of the winds ana waves. "It's a wild night," said the young; £ »«■ J- don't see a sail in the Frith. The boats have all made for harbour." At that moment a double knock was upon the front door, and Mrs. Peters heard the housemaid going to the door. Bat Lally's face was pressed against the cold glass, and she did not Iwar the summons for admittance. j "The wind is rising," the g^l said with a sfeuddsr. I see » steamer coming in. bhe U make port just in time. I should not like to be on the sea to-night." Un. Peters beard the front door open. With a nervous glance at her young mis- tress, she stole out into the hall. The front door was open, and a gust, of wind was sweeping through the hall like a hurricane. Ppon the threshold a man wearing a greatcoat and broad-brimmed artist's hat, a man with a slender figure and eager face, was standing, talking with the housemaid. Mra. Peters recognised the unweloome guest as Bufus Black. "I want to see Mrs. Peters," he was Wylng earnestly—"Miss Wroat'• companion, I nave come up expressly from London to see her. I cannot go back to Inverness without seeing lir- e Peters. She is my wife." wildlde^'thl'f 'v, i1!Ud ■L'l° ?,0i,semaici. witn a The relief 1™*°' T* a Uinatic" Black's mistakl V *}°W8 °W natur»% Rr.fas at. Jt. 8tAka had arisen will not wonder trembling, P £ rsisted Rufus, his voice wishes to see her- 1 etors a gentleman At that moment Mr« Pofo™ • riblo, resolved to protect her .P'™ ter" from one she deemed unworthv n/?"ng mi3trsss o;,t. int? placing iier arms akimbo, and assuming her most warlike aspect, exclaimed ° "Well, sir! arid what may you want, of m« sir 1 1 am Mrs. Peters (To be continued.)