The Argosy — page 293: what you’re looking at

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

Lhe Key of the Church. 279 ** My darling |” Echo bore the words to us, softly though they were spoken. I played a crashing chord or two, after the manner of Richards. “You may not hear from me,” continued Fred. ‘I must not give any clue to where I am, and therefore cannot write—at least, not at present. Men accused of murder can be tetched home from any part of the world. Only trust me, Edna. Zrust me/ though it be for years.” No fear but she would. She put a small packet in his hand. You must take it, Frederick. It is my last half year’s salary—ten pounds—and I chance to have it by me: a loan, if you will; but take it you shall. It will be a little less miserable for me in knowing that you have a few pounds to help you away and to fall back upon.” ** But, Edna ” ‘I declare I will throw it away if you do not take it,” she returned, excitedly. ‘Do not be cruel to me, Frederick. If you knew how ut will lighten my doubts and fears, you would not hesitate.” ‘Be it so, Edna. It will help me onwards. Truth to say, I did not see how I should have got along, even to the coast, unless [ had begged on my way. It is a loan, Edna, and I will contrive to repay it as soon as may be.” So his boast of haviag money to taxe him to the coast had been allasham. Poor Fred! Tney began to take leave of one another, Edna sobbing bitterly. I plunged into the Hallelujah Chorus. Tod watched her safely across the churchyard. Then we locked the door again for the dressing-up, I playing a fugue between whiles. ‘The first operation was that of cutting his hair short, for which we had brought the Mater’s big scissors. No labourer would have Fred’s beautiful hair, or wear it so long. Toddid it well; not counting a few notches ; and left him none on his head. It was impossible to help laughing when we took a final look at him in the rays of the moon, Fred turning himself about to be inspected : his hair, clipped nearly to the roots, suggesting a suspicion that he had just come out of prison; his trousers, not reaching to the ankle, snowing off the heavy, patched, disreputable boots ; the smock-frock; and Mack’s spotted cotton neckerchief muffled round his chin! ‘Your own mother wouldn’t know you, Fred.” “What a figure I shall cut if I am dropped upon, and brought Back !” ‘Take heart, man!” cried Tod. ‘“ Resolve to get off, and you will get off.” ‘‘Yes, Fred! You have been Ac/fed hitherto, and I think you will be helped still.” ‘‘Thank you, Johnny. Thank you both. I wd take heart. And if I live ever to return, I hope I shall thank you better.” ecomniclooolkks _ (CO)