Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1888-10-25
The Mystery Of a Hanson Cab
By FERGUS w. HUME. Z
CHAPTER xxi

"What on earth were you asking that CIR
aboutF be said abruptly, taking bis hat of
and tossing IL and his gloves on the floor.
Madge flushed crimson for a moment, and
then taking Brians two strong hands in heI
own, looked steadily into his frowning face
"Why don't you trust mel" she asked in q
quiet tone
"But it is not necessary that should" be
answered moodily. 1.-The secret that Ro-
sanna Moore told me on her deathbed Is
nothing that would benofit you to know"
ais It about mep she persisted
sit is, and 1t is not" he answered epigram-
matically.
~ suppose that means that it is about a
third person and concerns me-" she said
calmly, releasing his hands
"Well, yes" impatiently striking his boot
with his riding whip. "But 1t Is nothing that
can harm you as long as you do not know it,
but God help you should any one tell it to
you, for it would enhtter your life"
"My life being so very sweet now" an
swered Madge, with a light sneer you are
trying to put out a fire by pouring oil on it,
and what you say only makes nle more de-
termined to lean what 1t is"
q Madge, implore you not to persist in
this foolish curiosity. | tell you candidly
that did learn something from Rosanna
Moore, and it concerns you, but only indi
rectly through third person But it would
do no good to reveal it, and would ruin
both our lives"
She did not answer, but looked straight be-
fore her into the glowing sunshine.
Brian fell Oh his knees beside her, and
stretched out his hands with an entreating
gesture
"Oh, my darling" he cried, sadly, cannot
you trust met The love which has stood such
a test as yours cannot fail like this Let me
bear the misery of knowing it aTone without
blighting your young life with the knowl-
edge Of it would tell you if ! could, but,
God help me- cannot-l cannot" and he
buried his face in his hands
Madge closed her mouth firmly, and
touched his conlely head with her cool,
white fingers There was q struggle going
on in her breast between her feminine
curiosity and her love for the man at her
feet-the latter conquered, and she bowed
her head over his
"Brian," she whispered softly, "let it be as
you wish | will never again try to learn this
secret, since you do not desire it"
He arose to his feet, and caught her in his
strong arms, with glad smile.
''My dearestI" he said, kissing her passion
ately, and then for a few moments neither of
them spoke 1--WE will begin new life" he
said, at length. I'VE will put the sad past
away from US, and only think of it as a
dream"
"But the secret will still fret you," she
murmured.
ut will wear away with time and with
change of scene" he answered sadly.
''Change of sceneI" she repeated in a
startled tone Are you going awayF'
"Yes; have sold my station, and will
leave Australia forever during the next three
months"
"And where are you goingp asked the girl,
rather bewildered.
Anywhere" he said, "a little bitterly. II
am going to follow the example of CaiH, and
be wanderer ON the face of the earth"
= ""AloneG"
"That Is what | have come to see you
about" said Brian, looking steadily at her.
81 have come to ask you if you will marry
me at once, and we will leave Australia TO-
gether."
She hesitated
II know it is asking great DEAL" he said,
hurrietily, ITO leave your friends, your po-
sition. and"-with hesitation-''your father;
but think of my life without you-think how
lonely shall be wandering round the world
by myself; but you will not desert me now
have SO much need of you-you will come
with me and be my good angel in the future
as you have been in the pastfn
She put her hand on his arm, and looking
at him with her clear, gray eyes. said
"YesI"
''Thank God for that" said Brian, rever-
entity. and there was again silence.
Then they sat down and talked about their
plans, and bHit castles in the air, after the
fashion of lovers
81 wonder what papa will sayT observed
Madge, idly twisting her engagement ring
round and round.
Brian frowned, and a dark look passed over
his face.
II suppose must speak to him about itT'
he said at length, reluctantly.
"Yes, of coursel" she replied, lightly. ut
is merely formality; still, one that must be
observed"
"And where is Mr.. FrettlbyF' asked Fitz-
gerald, rising.
''ln the billiard room," she answered, as
she followed his example "No" she con
tinuc'l, us she saw her father step on to the
vern.nla Here ne Is
BRIAN nad not seen Mark Frettlby for some
time, and was astonished at the change
which had taken place in his appearance
Formerly, he had been as straight as an ar
row. with a stern, fresh colored face: but
now he had slight stoop, and bis face looked
old and withered. His thick black hair was
streaked here and there with white, and the
only thing unchanged about him were his
eyes, which were as keen and bright as ever
Remembering how old his own face looked,
and how altered Madge was, now seeing her
father, he wondered il this sudden change
was traceable to the same source namely,
the murder of Oliver Whyte Mr. Frettlby's
face looked sad and thoughtful as be came
along; but, catching sight,of his daughter,
smile of affection broke over it.
my dear Fitzgerald, he said, holding out
his hand; "this is indeed a surpris6i When
did you come overg'
About half an hour ago." replied Brian,
relue dhtly taking the extended hand of tho
millionaire Il came to see Madge, and have
a talk with you"
"Ahl that's right" said the other, putting
his arm round his daughters waist $50
that's what has brought the roses to your
face, young ladym he went ON, pinching her
cheek playfully "You will stay to dinner,
of course, Fitzgeraldr
THANK you, mol" answered Brian, hastily.
my dress"--
''Nonsense," interrupted. Frettlby, hospit-
ablyS 1--WE are not in Melbourne, and,l am
sure Madge will excuse your dress. You
must stay"
"Yes, do" said Madge, In n beseeching