Phil Rushington's Search, or, The Unknown Rider of the Ring — page 18: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

4 Ses. i gg bs 16 me? If TI tell you all, will you assist me to find the letter I am looking for?” “You are looking for a letter, then ‘s “Ves and my life's happiness, and the hap- piness of another, as well, depends upon my finding it. Please say you will help me " She caught one of Rush’s hands in both her own, and clung to it convulsively. “You must tell me everything, first,” said he, gently, “and then I will let you know whether or not I can help you in your search, All the men are in the ring now, and this would be a ood time for you to return to the and into your other dressing-room get clothes. After you do that, come outside. I will be waiting tor you.” She gave one long, appealing look into his face, and then hurried away. Phil wondered why he had not divined her sex before, since it seemed so plain to him now. Just as Fran- ces disappeared, Curly came in. “How did you leave the latest additions to our menagerie, Curly?” asked Rush. “Quiet as kittens, Mr. Rushington,” re- The came and took my place.” turned the groom. boss-canvasman As Curly led the horse ridden by Frances into a stall, Phil went out and waited for the girl to join him. She soon came, again clad in her boy’s clothes: and flushing crimson as she met the young showman’s gaze, “Come this way,” said Phil. He led her to the place where the band- chariot had been left after the parade.” This was as retired a spot as could he found. they seated themselves in the s and hade on a prop- erty trunk belonging to the musicians, “Will you tell me how you knew that my naine was Frances Ardsley?” asked the girl with a shy look at Rush. | “It was partly a guess, on my part. [ knew a little and made a j a ump at the rest. Just now it is not essential for me to explain Will you please tell me who Mr. Levering is?” Bae | ‘> . “y . : / PFN tt oe , , : — yy. — + 4 ~ a Ow Cae Y. a ae ot nf ak ieee ~< X fe - > sepa tt" ee ee x as : " °, r. - ee Fo dt aed de ; 7 —_—" aay - . : an”. : , 42 a wt AG KS te arta ar . , D. 4 ’ iu * ie, “ ies ~~ sat * < —, 2 9% * PP”? am.” r 4 ; -. - Pa ee A . ja/it 5 - * he es The girl drew a quick breath, en : “And you know about him, too!” she ex- claimed. “Not so much as I would like to know, Miss Ardsley.” “He is my—my lover, Mr. Rushington.” “Ah!” murmured Phil. ley—Major Ardsley. Who is he? “He is my uncle and guardian, although I blush to bear his name. He is a villain, Mr. Rushington. When my father died, he left a fortune to me, and gave both myself and my legacy into the care of his brother. Major Ardsley was false to his trust, and is seeking to wreck my life—and my lover’s as well.” “Will you tell me how, Miss Ardsley? That is, if it is necessary for me to know. in order to understand about that letter you are looking for.” “I will tell you, because I want your help, and because you saved my life and have earned the right to know. According to my father’s will, my money was to be turned over to me when I became of age, or upon my marriage if I married before then. ering and I were engaged, but upon the very day set for our wedding he was arrested and taken to jail,” It was very trying for Frances to lay bare her heart, and Phil saw how great the strug- gle was, and dropped one of his hands en- couragingly upon hers. “On what charge was Mr. Levering ar- rested?” he asked. “Robbery! Think of it, Mr. Rushington ! There never was a greater outrage perpe- trated. My uncle was knocked down and robbed a few miles out of Edwardsville, and he claimed that “it was Mr. Levering who committed the deed. But it was false. The Whole thing was planned by a man named Lovejoy, whom my uncle knew, and who is one of your employees. I know that much from certain remarks made by my uncle, and which | chanced to overhear.” “And Mr. Ards- Mr. Lev- aie . . a ae ~ . ’ pz ¥ ta — a 5 % ; * 2. 4 is6.7 P ey 4 y os ,* mi g + - é —. en», “4, - ye. « be eS , * Pa » Ameri > a = by in a a ; 5 ¢ 4 4 oe ; a a Dog —— > hh - . . -_ a wees ~~ * . 2 7 * I i IN CEN © tg » 57