The Argosy, April 1912 — page 114: what you’re looking at

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

100 tionate glances when Border discreetly turned his head. He had wondered considerably about the attitude of the pair. But from all he ob- served there was no doubt of the girl’s devo- tion to her intended husband. Huntly was of the type difficult to read by means of outward actions. But the sher- iff decided that he really cared for his franceée. Once he heard Mildred remark: “'You’re the bravest man in the world, Ned.” What more could a woman say to prove her adoration? Still Huntly pleaded with her not to postpone the wedding. She remained ob- durate. At last he gave in. ““T guess it is selfish of me to insist, Mil- dred,” he said, “ but when a man has wait- ed so long, he is afraid that something might happen—’”’ “Why, what could possibly happen, Ned?” asked the girl. “TI don’t know. Who would ever have supposed that you would be kidnaped?” “That’s true,” said Mildred thought- fully. “But,” she added, with a bright smile, “I promise never to allow myself to be kidnaped again, Ned, for you shall stay right within call until I become Mrs. Ed- ward Huntly to-morrow. After that, I know no one will try to run away with me, for you won’t let him, will you?” she asked, with a teasing look. “Here we are,” exclaimed the sheriff, as he called a halt. ‘ There’s the other trail.” Assisting Mildred to dismount, the two men then made seats of tree-boughs covered with their coats. They had not long to wait. Soon the tramp of horses was borne to- ward them in the breeze. “There’s where we went wrong, boys,” called out a voice. The speaker then came into sight. “Well, Ill declare!” the _ shouted. “Here’s thé sheriff, and he’s got the girl, too.” Soon Border and his companions were surrounded by an interested group, who drank in eagerly the details regarding the rescue. Each man was only too glad to take his turn in offering his horse to one of the two women, so, proceeding slowly, the party finally arrived at the little town from which they had started a few hours before. THE ARGOSY. Mildred could hardly restrain herself at the thought of seeing her mother so soon again. It was with a beating heart she motioned her rescuers to wait while she entered alone. Mary came to the door, and after opening it cautiously, gave vent to a shriek of joy. “Miss Mildred! Miss Mildred!” she cried over and over again. The noise brought Mrs. Temple into the hall. Mildred rushed into her mother’s arms. * Mother!” she cried, as the happy tears fell. “My child!” exclaimed Mrs. Temple, sobbing from sheer relief. “Is it possible that you are home again?” “Yes. It’s quite true, mother. and sound.” “And that awful man?” asked Mrs. Temple, “Has gone somewhere. I don’t know where,” replied the girl. ‘He was not un- kind to me in his treatment—except, of course, in regard to carrying me away.” “Oh! That is something to be thankful for,’ said Mrs. Temple. “I imagined you murdered, thrown into the river, and all sorts of horrible things.” “Nothing of the sort, mother. I had a long, tiring ride up the mountain, but other than that and terrifying fears, am none the worse for my experience. ‘The only thing I can’t understand is why any one would want to kidnap poor little me.” “The sheriff says it was because the man in the mask wanted to get a ransom,” ex- claimed Mrs. Temple.’ “I was willing to pay the twenty thousand demanded—”’ “Twenty thousand!” repeated Mildred. “Did some one ask that for my return?” “Here is the note. I would have been only too glad to pay it.” “Why didn’t you?” | While they spoke, the sheriff, Huntly, and the others entered and stood a little way off, but within Hearing. “Ned thought it was the best thing for me to do, and I was on the point of placing the money .in the blasted tree at Silver Creek, as directed to do, but Sheriff Border here assured me that he would bring you home without the ransom.” “And I kept my word, didn’t I?” asked Border, coming forward. “You certainly did, Mr. Border,” replied Mrs. Temple. ‘ How can I ever thank you for all your kindness.” I’m safe comiclooolk. CO