Dyke Darrel the Railroad Detective | Page 8

over the dock; a splash followed, and the Professor stood alone. He peered into the muddy water to note the fact that it flowed on calmly as before.
Then Ruggles picked up his hat and wig, and readjusted them on his head.
"My soul! that was a narrow escape."
At this moment another form was seen approaching, and the Professor, deeming it prudent to move away, was soon striding from the spot, his tall form disappearing in the shadows before the third person reached the edge of the dock.
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On the day following the events last narrated, a man ran up the steps at the Darrel cottage in Woodburg, and rang the bell.
Nell answered, and met the gentlemanly Mr. Elliston. She led the way at once to a room opening from the hall, where preparations had been made for a lunch.
"Where is Dyke?" questioned the gentleman the moment he was seated.
"I haven't seen him since he left for Chicago to look into the express robbery," returned Nell. "Haven't you met him?"
"No. Strange he did not write if he meant to be gone long," remarked Elliston. "You were about to dine, I see."
"Yes; will you keep me company?"
"With pleasure."
"I thought Dyke would be with me ere this," proceeded Nell, as they discussed the edibles. "When he goes for a long stay she usually drops me a line."
After the lunch, Mr. Elliston left his chair and crossed the room to glance from the window, at the same time plucking at his short beard in an apparently nervous manner.
Nell was on the point of removing the ware from the table, when Mr. Elliston turned suddenly, and resumed his seat at the table.
"Sit down, Nell, I wish a word with you."
The girl sank once more into a chair, wondering what was coming.
Laying both hands on her shoulders, Harper Elliston looked her in the eyes and said:
"You must have guessed the object of my visit to-day, Nellie Darrel."
She blushed under his gaze, and looked away nervously.
"N--oo, I can't say that I do. I suppose you came to see my brother."
"Not so. It is you I wished to see, Nell. Why have I come here so often? I know you must have guessed before this. I love you, dear girl, and want you to be mine--"
He could say no more then, for Nell Darrel started sharply to her feet, pressing her hands to her burning face.
"No, no, not that." she murmured. "I never suspected that, Mr. Elliston."
"But listen to me, Nell," he pleaded, reaching up and attempting to draw her hands aside. "I can give you a handsome home in New York. If you will be my wife, I will return there at once."
She tore herself from his hands, and her confusion vanished, a feeling of indignation taking its place.
"Mr. Elliston, I tell you I do not love you, and never can. I was never more surprised in my life than now. You are old enough to be my father, sir."
He came to his feet also, and leaned with his hands clinching the top of a chair. There was a frown on his brow and a glitter in his black eyes unpleasant to see.
"Must I call you coquette?" he said, in an undertone of concentrated feeling. "You certainly have encouraged me."
"Never, sir," was the indignant response.
"Then our paths must lie apart hereafter, I suppose, Miss Darrel?"
"That is as you shall determine," she answered. "As my brother's friend, I have tolerated you, and can do so in the future."
"Ah! It was only TOLERATION then. I did not think this of you, Nell Darrel. Do you know that many of the wealthiest, most beautiful maidens of Gotham would jump at the offer you have just spurned so lightly?"
"I will not deny it."
"I could have long ago taken a partner to share my life in my elegant home on Fifth avenue, but do you know the reason of my not doing so? I can tell you. I had not seen a girl to my taste. Until I came West I believed I should never marry. From the moment of meeting you, however, I changed my mind. To see was to love, and--"
"Please cease, Mr. Elliston," pleaded Nell Darrel, putting out her hand deprecatingly. "This is a most painful subject to me."
"Very well."
With a sigh he crossed the floor and stood by the window once more. He seemed struggling to keep down his emotions. At that moment the detective's sister pitied the man, and felt really sorry that she had unintentionally been the means of making him miserable.
"Mr. Elliston, please do not feel so badly. I respect you, and hope we may ever be friends."
She approached him and held out her hand. He turned and regarded her with a queer glow in his eyes.
"I accept your proffer of continued friendship," he said with a