Cruel As The Grave

"Now, however, having undertaken the painful duty, I must discharge it

faithfully," added the officer.

"Yes, Mr. Purley, but gently and considerately, I know. You will inflict

as little of unmerited mortification as may be consistent with your

duty."

"Heaven knows I will."

"Then I have a plan to propose, and a favor to ask of you."

"If I can gratify you with safety to the custody of my charge, I will do

so; but here we are at the hotel now, and you had better wait until we

get into a private sitting-room. The people of the place need not know

that we are officers in charge of an accused party; but may be left to

suppose that we are ordinary travellers."

"Oh, I thank you for that!" exclaimed Mr. Berners, warmly.

They entered the hotel, a second-class house in a cross street, where

the elder officer asked for a private sitting-room, to which they were

immediately shown.

As soon as the four were seated, Mr. Berners turned to the elder officer

and broached his plan.

"You spoke of taking the night coach for Staunton. Now, if another

conveyance could be found--a private conveyance that would be more

comfortable for all parties, and would also be entirely under your own

control--would you not be willing that we should travel by it?"

"Oh! if you are able and willing to furnish a private conveyance for the

journey, and place it as you say at my own exclusive orders, I shall be

happy to take the lady down that way, rather than expose her in a public

stage coach."

"Thanks. I have a wagon and horses here at livery. They can be put to

use at a few minutes' notice. So, if you prefer, you can start at once

upon this journey, and make some twenty-five or thirty miles before

night."

"Let us see the team first, and then we shall be able to judge," said

the officer.

And after a few minutes' conversation it was arranged that Sybil should

be left in charge of the second officer, and that Mr. Purley should go

with Mr. Berners to the livery stable to look at the horses and wagon.

These two went out together, and Purley took the precaution to lock the

door and put the key in his pocket.

"Why have you done that?" inquired Lyon, reproachfully.

"Because women are irrational and impulsive. I have always found them

so! She might suddenly cut and run; and although it wouldn't be a bit

of use, you know, because she would be sure to be retaken in an hour or

less time; yet, you see, it would cause a fuss, and be very unpleasant

to me and you and her and everybody."

"I see," said Mr. Berners, with a sigh, acknowledging the truth of the

position.