The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1886-01-20

and l mean to keep it now he's dead"
William Jones handed back the picture, and
seemed relieved, indeed, when it was out Of
his hands.
sDead" he muttered, not meeting MATHS
eyes, but looking right out to sea "Who
told you he were deadF'
Matt did not reply, but gazed at William
90 long and 20 signiicantlythatthe goodman,
conscious Of her scrutiny, turned and plunged
into tho darkness Of his dwelling.
An hour later = loud voice called him forth.
10 went to the door, and there was Monk, Of
Monkshurst. 1t was the first time they had
ma since they parted on the night Of the
murder. Monk was dressed in q dark sum-
mer suit, and looked unusually spick and
span.
where's tho girlr' he cried, after whis-
pered colloquy of some minutes. MATT,
where are you"
In answer to tho call Matt appeared at the
she trembled violently, and vent very pale.
"Come here, Matt, he said, with an insin-
uating smile. "Seei I've brought some
thing for you-something pretty for o to
wear"
As he spoke he drew from his waistcoat
pocket a small gold ring, set with turquoise
stones. But Matt still trembled, and shrank
away
II don't want It'll shan't wear it,r she
cried.
Nonsense, MattIr said Monk. "Why, it's
= ring ht for q lady. Come, let mo put it on
your finger"
So great seemed her agitation, so deep her
dread Of him, that she could not stir; so that
when he approached, laughing, and caught
her round the waist, he slipped tho ring on
her finger before she could resist. But it only
remained there q moment With Z quick,
sharp CRY, she tore herself free, and, taking
the ring of, threw 1t right away from her
upon the sand. Then, with a wild gesture OF
fear md loathfng, size rushed into the cottage.
William Jones walked over and picked up
tho ring, while Monk stood Sowing darkly
after the fugitive.
'sWhat the devil ais the girl" cried the
latter, with a fierce oath, pocketing thu pres
ent.
81 dunno. Shes never been the same
since-since the painter chap went missing.
I'm afeerd he turned the gals heed"
"Heu turn no moro heads" muttered
Monk under his breath; he added aloud and
With decision, ''There must be an ID to this
She must be married to me at once"
"Do you mean it, masteri When you
spoke on it fust / thought you was joking"
sIhen you were a fool for your pains.
She's old enough, and bold enough, and viz
enish enough; but III tame her. tell you
there must be no moro delay. My minds
made up, and I'll wait no longer"
Sinking their voices they continued to talk
together for some time. Now, hiatt was
crouching close to the threshold, and had
heard every word OF the above conversation,
and much that followed it. When Monk
walked away and disappeared, leaving VII
liam Jones ruminant ut tho broken gate, she
suddenly r~eappeared-
CuriouGly enough I'll her excitement had
departed. instead Of weeping or protesting,
she looked 1t william Jones-and lAughsd.
Monk had lefthis horse At the coastguard
station Remounting b rods rapidly away
through the sandhills in the direction Of the
lake. Al h approached The spot Of the old
encampnaent he saw that the caravan bad
gona.
He rode a thoughtfully I'LL hs gained the
highway, when he put his horse into rapid
trot Just before be gained the gate and
aveuus near to which he had frst encountered
Brink1ey, he saw the caravan before him on
the dusty road.
BE hesftated for = momsnt, then hurried
rapidly forward, and, arriving Gloss to the
vehicle, Mw the Irishman's head looking
round ct him from the drivers ssAt. he
beckoned, and Tim pulled up.
"Has your master rcturnedf I am In
formed that he has bean missing for some
days"
Tim shook his head very dolefully.
mo, sor sorra sight have / seen Of him for
three days and three nights. I'm going back
wild the haste and the house to tell his friends
the bad news. Maybe it's making fun Of mshe
Is, and III find him somewheres on tho road"
81 hope you will" said Monk, sympar
thetically. ~ think-hum-it is quite pos
sibie Le has, As you suggest, wandered home
ward. Good day to you"
So saying Monk turned OF by fhs gate
which they had just reached, and rode away
up the avenue.
Tim looked after him till he disappeared.
Then the same curious change cana over him
which had como over Matt after she had
been listening to the colloquy between Monk