The Runaways: A New and Original Story. Gould Nat

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      "I can't do anything for you, old girl," he said. "But you can oblige me very much by staving off the great event until the clock has struck twelve. After that the sooner you are over your trouble the better."

      Another half hour passed, and still found Eli wakeful and on guard.

      A slight noise outside aroused him, and he listened attentively. "It sounded like a man walking, perhaps Joe has come back. I know he is as anxious as I am about her," muttered Eli.

      A knock on the door made him start, and he said —

      "Who's there?"

      No answer. It was mysterious at this hour of the night.

      He asked the question again, and the reply was another rap.

      Picking up his stick, he cautiously opened the door and peered out. He saw a man, muffled up; standing a yard or two away. Something about the figure seemed familiar to him, and a peculiar sensation passed through his body, making his pulses tingle with anticipation.

      "Who are you, and what are you doing here?" he asked.

      "Have you forgotten me, Eli?"

      The studmaster started back, exclaiming —

      "My God, it's Mr. Ulick!"

      "Yes, it's me, none other; may I come in?"

      For answer Eli dropped his stick, took him by both hands, and dragged him into the box.

      Ulick Maynard unbuttoned his coat and unwound the scarf around his neck. He was a tall, handsome man, with a clear, open countenance. It was the face of a man to be trusted, if ever there was one.

      "I am glad to see you, but it's a strange time to come," said Eli. "Are you going up to the house?"

      "No," was the emphatic reply. "I shall never go back to Hazelwell until my father asks my pardon for the insult he put upon me."

      "You don't know how he has suffered since you left," said Eli. "He sat up all night on Tuesday. You know what date it was?"

      "Yes; I left home on that night two years ago."

      "And Mrs. Courtly came over from the Manor and stayed with him," said Eli.

      "Irene," he said softly.

      "Yes, and she told me the Squire would be a young man again if you came back."

      "Do they still believe I wronged your daughter?"

      Eli made no reply, he thought it better to keep silent, for he would not tell a lie or deceive him.

      "I see," said Ulick, bitterly. "I am still the black sheep, a disgrace to the name. And you, what do you think?"

      "No need to ask me, Mr. Ulick. You know what I think. I never believed you guilty, and I never will, no, not even if Janet accused you, because she would be forced to it by the man who led her astray," said Eli.

      Ulick took his hand and shook it heartily.

      "Thank you, Eli," he said. "I give you my solemn word I did not wrong Janet. We may have flirted a trifle, as a man will do with a pretty girl, but I never injured her by word or deed. Is she at home still?"

      Eli looked at him curiously. He evidently had no idea Janet left her home the same night he went away from Hazelwell.

      "My girl has been away from me for two years."

      It was Ulick's turn to look surprised.

      "You thought it better to send her away, no doubt?"

      "I did not send her away."

      "She left her home, ran away from you?"

      "That's what happened."

      "When did she go?"

      "The same night you did."

      "Good heavens! No wonder my father still believes me guilty. No doubt he thinks I went with her," said Ulick.

      "He came to my house in a towering passion the morning after she left, and when he found out she had gone he was very bitter against you both. He said words he ought not to have said, but I am sure he repented them afterwards."

      "Have you heard anything of her?"

      "No," replied Eli. "Not a line from her."

      "I wonder who took her away? I'd give a good deal to find out," said Ulick.

      "And so would I. She must be in London, I think; it is a good place to hide in," said Eli.

      "So I find. A man can bury himself in London without much fear of recognition."

      "Have you been in London since you left Hazelwell?" asked Eli.

      "Most of the time. I very seldom came across anyone I know. You see, I have money of my own, independent of my father, so it enables me to live comfortably."

      "And what has brought you down here?" asked Eli.

      "Curiosity, a desire to see the old place, call it what you will. I wanted to have a chat with you, and hear how my father was going on," said Ulick.

      "You had better go and see him. I am sure he has suffered enough by your absence."

      "And do you not think I have suffered? And it makes it none the easier to bear because it is unjust. Have you ever suspected any one?"

      "You mean about Janet?"

      "Yes."

      "I would rather not say. I have no proof, and if I am right it would cause even more trouble than the suspicion about you did."

      "Then you have some idea who the man is?"

      "I have, but we will not talk of that. If everything comes to light, well and good, but I am not going to be the one to cause more unhappiness."

      "You ought to tell me. I have a right to know."

      "Granted, but you must forgive me if I decline to say anything. This much I may tell you, that if what I suspect is true it will bring shame and disgrace upon someone who is very dear to you," said Eli.

      Ulick was astonished, and wondered if Eli really had any grounds for suspicion. He would think the matter over on his return to London; it might possibly afford him some clue. If he found out the real culprit he would be able to judge what was best to be done. It was no use questioning Eli further.

      "Old Honeysuckle looks in rather a bad way," he said, changing the subject, for which Eli was very thankful.

      Eli explained the situation to him, and Ulick, looking at his watch, said —

      "It only wants half an hour to midnight; we have been talking a long time. I'll stay with you and see it through. There is no danger of the Squire suddenly coming down?"

      "Not at this hour, I am glad to say. He thinks there is no cause for anxiety. But will you not come into the house? Mrs. Marley has gone to bed, and we shall not be disturbed," СКАЧАТЬ