The Argosy, Vol. XXIV No. 2 — page 75: what you’re looking at

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

THE TRACK OF MIDNIGHT. 267 were within a day’s journey of the elder Farrell’s homestead, situated on what was then the outlying settlement around Sydney, Wilton rode on ahead to convey the news, and Mary was strangely excited. A new life was opening before her, and the next day she would see what for years she had longed to realize. There was a warm and hearty welcome given to Wilton when he rode up to the trim and confortable cottage in which the parents of his friend lived, and the hospitable couple became more delighted when he told them of the party who were following him. Mrs. Farrell bustled around immedi- ately he mentioned that Mary and he were going to get married. “ Ride back and show them the way, while we get things fixed up,”’ Farrell exclaimed, and Wilton retraced his steps, meeting the other three a mile or so from the house. ‘They all increased their speed and cantered up to the cottage. Hearing them, Mr. and Mrs. Farrell came from the interior to welcome them. Wilton was at the time helping Mary off her horse, so that _ she had her back towards the cottage when the couple came out. ‘‘ And so this is the ’? old Farrell began gaily. Then as Mary turned round and he saw her face he stood still with wide open eyes and a startled look, staring at her. ‘This is Mary,’’ Wilton said, before he noticed the amazement of Farrell. “Kate! Come here, Kate !’’ the old man said quickly, reaching out a hand towards his wife, but still keeping his eyes on Mary. ‘‘ Who’s that?”’ he exclaimed, pointing with his other hand at Mary. Mrs. Farrell looked and screamed, and, running up to Mary, threw her arms around her and held her closely as she exclaimed, ‘‘ My own dear mis- tress! My poor dear mistress! Oh, thank God, I’ve seen her again !”” Mary looked from one to the other and then at Wilton. ‘‘ What is it?’ she asked tremulously. Farrell seized Wilton by the hand and wrung it heartily as he slapped him on the back and shouted, ‘‘ Well done, my lad, I’m proud of you.”’ ‘But what does it mean?’’ Wilton asked. ‘‘ Mean? Why, Lord love you, she’s the dead image of her mother, and it knocked me cold when I saw her.’’ ‘“My mother ?’’? Mary exclaimed. ‘‘ Did you know her ?’’ she said to Mrs. Farrell, who was still hugging and kissing her. ; “Know her? Why, you poor darling, of course I know her, and so shall you as soon as Jim can ride over and fetch her.’’ ‘* But she is ’? Mary began. ‘Here, Jim, take one of the horses and quit sharp. This ain’t no time to wait,’ the motherly woman cried, turning to her husband. ‘‘Tll take charge of my dear young mistress till they come, and Wilton will look after the rest.’’ She led Mary into the cottage, with Narliat their heels, while Farrell jumped on Johnson’s horse, and shouting, ‘‘ I shan’t be long, boys,” galloped down the road. - Wilton and Johnson looked at each other. ‘““ What does it mean ?’’ the former exclaimed. CONIC OOKS.e@ 5}