The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1883-12-27

There was distance of three miles
between them and the great house, az
my habitat;on. But there was one
thing, ono thing only, to he done-to
convey the old man to his home. lie,
Robert Mcclure, against whom those
gates had been closed mns. thrt,s, him.
self upon them with unexpected things
oil calamity. AMI could the cd man
DO left lying here a,oao? Alone, help
lcss, unconscious, in the hit 4 cold
while Mcclure traycrsca tint distance
and returned with aid?
II only lie could manage SO the
might never know who had brought
Rowland Claiming home. But ,nppos-
ing the old man ,licl without speaking?
It would have M ugls look. NJ. there
was hut one way. Let them put tn
meanest construction upon it; let them
think what they might; h would MT
shirk his duty.
He must gather his enemy NJ III his
arms, like child, helpless child, and
carry him slowly On to the great house
Wonder.
The snow cracked beneath his feet:
it vas still growing colder He smiled
grimly. wondering what they would say.
II must be midnight now: Int the
dancing and music would still he in
progress. A. lie toilca onward hc felt
cnriously indifferent to their possible
opinion. Let them ca,il rs they might.
He was doing his duty --tarlily it was
true, hut his duty.
There were lights in the drawing
room. warm lights shining Though
heavy curtains. The res' was like Il
dream, his staggering npoa TIE side
porch and knocking heavily
Presently some one pcerea forth half
snspiciously,
Il have brought MIR, Charming home.
was all he remembered SAYING. till he
knew himself standing alone with Miss
Claiming and striving to tell her about
it. Il vas 1T the hotel" hc said. "and
learned they had given him skitti>h
horse that myself had driven earlier
IN the evening. feared mn accident
and followed on foot. ! found him ut
the railroad crossing II took good
while to carry him mp
"You carried him up from the cross
ing! Three miles," said Miss Chan.
ming sharply. "Why are yon standing :
Yon are exhausted! Sit down ut once. !"
She turned and filled him glass OF
wine. DR.. keene was attending to
Cowlana Claiming in an upper cham
Der. All merriment was hushed and
set aside. Mcclure sank into chair
and looked about him dazcdlv. He
was in the long dining-room. where he
had often been before. And this was
Christmas eve,
Miss Claiming came back with the
wine, and stood regarding him with 4
curious expression.
He lifted his hand, the warmth al
room caused ii to pain terribly. He
saw her note the action.
1T is burn, he said, family, a lit
tie painful
a burn"
"les- crossed on the railroad
bridge and stray engine over,
took me, had to drop through til,
trestles and hold hy my hands.
He told it carelessls, half apologet.
callv, and as he ceased a sharp cry rang
through the room.
I Clarice was standing in the doorway
with terror in her lovely eyes. Sh,
came swiftly forward.
"iou did that. To save him. Victor
told me. Victor knew, but l never
did. how you were wronged.n
Her cries were half-hysterical, an,
Miss Charming interposed,
"Clarice, my dear, go and see about
room for Robert. and ask Victor wha
to do for the burn.
She had called him Robert,
Clarice wheeled like flash IN,
went ont. She must have felt now tina
her aun, would he Just.
"How did you come to he in Cat,lings
Miss Claiming asked after moment
Il had come on business" h. an
swered quietly. Il was telegraphed I,
come.'
All? And Rowland WAS Your enc
my? You consider that he l,fraade,
you?"
Il have always known it," sai,
Robert, unhesitatmgly.
And vet YOU brought him home,
she mused aloud. viii YOU toll III
why you took the trouble to think i
his safe,y?"
Robert waited moment. then M,
swered, with softened vo:ce, Il though
Of calice.'
"You thought OF Clariers You 10y
Clarice?"
Il love Clarice.' he repeated. Wit
infinite tenderness.
1t is very plainly to he seen," ~:
the lady. iryly. We will discuss
tomorrow. Goodnight Aud sh
swept from the room.
Clarice came back t. him and l.
him to his chamber, hut ! e had grow
faint and could scarcely SIC her iac.
DIR. k.ene came in and dressed til
wound. and Robert fell asleep and slel
heavily.