Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 119: what you’re looking at

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

110 THRICE WEDDED. footed and ragged, behind one of the large fluted pillars which supported the porch, and every little while he caught him peeping out upon him with curious eyes. He bore this scrutiny as long as he cared to, and then walked up to him, saying, somewhat crossly: ‘What are you prowling about here for, you youngster? Anything wanted?” The little fellow tore off his tattered cap, and catching hold of the shock of yellow, tangled hair that hung down over his forehead, gave it a vigorous pull. He then thrust his hand deep into his trousers pocket, pulled ont a soiled and crumpled piece of paper, which he put hastily into Mr. Ellerton’s hand, and with a low ‘‘Mum/’s the word, sir,” he darted like a flash from his sight. Somewhat amused at this singular proceeding, while at the same time he was unconsciously impressed by the ur- chin’s mysterious manner, he glanced around to see if any one had observed the event before he opened the note. There was no one about, and he unfolded it and read the | contents. | } It was written in a round, manly hand, which Mr. Eller- ton thought had a familiar look; but where or when he had seen that same handwriting before, he could not remember. It had been carefully and neatly folded, but the boy had probably soiled and rumpled it through carelessness. It contained the following words: ‘‘RoBERT ELLERTON:— “Be on your guard to-day. Do not go beyond the reach of help with- out the means of self-defense, for danger lurks in your path! ‘A FRIEND.” _ Mr. Ellerton curled his lips in a scornful smile, as if he _ did not fully credit the writer’s story. Nevertfeless he turned and went within the hotel, back up into his room, and slipped a couple of loaded pistols into his breast-pocket. | When he appeared below again the groom stood waiting - with his horse. He mounted, and, putting his spurs to the animal, gal- loped swiftly away in the direction of the cliffs which we have before mentioned, and in the recesses of which our hapless hero was imprisoned. Mr. Ellerton thought if he could gain the summit of these cliffs he should have a splendid view of the surround- - ing country. | , <S Eomicboo co nh