The Irish standard., 1888-05-26
Norris was there also, by appointment, no,

| MOTIFS was there also, by appointment, no
at all expecting what was to come.
Gentlemen" said Lyman, steadily
though he was pale with pallor greater
than that left by his recent illness; IT have
confession to make which you are all three
entitled to hear. You, Mr.. Everleigh, and
you, Bergman, know part Of it-that fel
from my integrity and appropriated funds
that did not belong to me that were yours
Mr.. Everleigh, being almost the full amount
of Edson's defalcation, returned to me in
communication with Edison and knew when
to expect the package, as well as what il
contained wish only to state the facts
not to excuse my actions. 7 laid my plans
deliberately, as You must know, for it was
who robbed the express train of the pack
age which was addressed to myself
| "Yout' echoed the banker and his clerk,
| in a breath.
~ had been handy, as a boy, in the use OF
tools. 1t was very simple work, meeting
! the train q few hours out and cuttin g
through the floor, for the noise OF running
deadened any sounds I made. I treated
you rather roughly: I am afraid, Bergman
| but think it does not require my assur-
ance to convince you all that I was in no
manner Interested in the robbery which fol
lowed. All that desired and all I secured
was that one package which was being for
warded to me.''
"But, Lyman, why-why did you do such
a thing?"
because 1 was ambitious, Mr. Ever
leigh, / wanted to secure an interest in the
firm, to become a partner on terms which
would place me as nearly as possible equal
with you. I did not intend to use your
money for that purpose when purloined
IT, only meant to hold it back until the
inheritance Farraker had promised my SIS
ter and myself came into my hands; with
that, meant to come to your relief, to earn
your gratitude, 10 secure my own place.
Then should have turned over the trust,
but before that week was out came the news
that our fortune was a myth, our legacy
comparatively nothing"
elf you only meant to keep the package
back, why should you go to such a length
as to rob the express? / am afraid that
your story will not hold together, young
man," remarked the superintendent, Sc
verely.
"I expected you to ask that question. It
was because Ingot had possessed himself of
the secret Of my correspondence with Ed
son and was On the watch. 1t was to blind
HILL ZULU tlA1CW Qlu1 O1l tl0 tIGtCA tllItt COOA
that desperate step, and yetit did not avail my
purpose. He suspected me and found proof
for his suspicious. had lost trifle, @ piece
broken from awatch-charm which caught in
the machinery Of the truck; he found it
there, and used the power it gave him for
his own ends.
"This is all, think, that need tell. Pun
ish me as you will; you can not be too Sc
vere.H
Mr.. Everleigh was the picture Of distress
and sorrow.
+ Ell must have time to think over this, ~
he lnurmured. 81 can hardly realize it..
Mr.. Starr" to the superintendent, twill
you do me the favor to consult with me be-
! fore you take any steps in the matter so far
! as it concerns your company? Come with
| us, Norris Want your clear head to help me
| in this. / anl utterly upset and confused"
| He did not give another Word or look to
his offending partner, but went out of the
room, leaning on the arm Of Norris Berg
| man, while Lynan's eyes followed them
with a look in their depths which seemed to
! say that his punishment had already be-
gun.
sit is as it should be. lie is worthier
than IT, was the bitter admission of his
humbled spirit, yet it was hard to see him
self supplanted in his old friends confidence
SO soon.
The silent Enclosing Of the door at his
back did not reach his ear, but he turned
almost Immediately to see Althea standing
there, and one look into her face told him
that she had heard all which had passed.
It was the first time he had seen her since
in those dreams which had frightened the
later stage of his siokness--drea1ns which
he did not dare TO believe as reality.
a great surge Of shame and despair went
over him; he could not speak, could not
meet her eyes.
"Carol told me what you meant to do.
have been in there, I have heard it all. Tell
me what you did not tell my father for all
Ills questioning-why did you take your first
step aside from honor and truth? Why did
you so wish to stand equal with him, and to
make him your debtor in gratitude? There
must have been motive behind it all.n
The clear, low, even tones struck coldly
OF his ear; the proud, intent face held none
Of the plying softness Of which he had
dreamed. The courage which had sus-
| tanned him through his confession, bitter as
it had been, deserted him now.
II dare not tell you why,'' ne answered,
reluctantly and brokenly.
"Iinsist that you do. You owe it to your
self and to me that you make every thing
clear. I ask you again, why dld you take
that step2''
"Miss Everleigh, you will scorn and
despise me when say--because loved you.
Yet that is the truth. I was mad enough
to think that might win your gratitude,
and in time something more shock you,
do not? But the madness passed when
knew myself for what I was and am.
Though have been heart~sick with jea]-
ousy and longing, I declare to you that
there has not been one moment when
: : ia {Y| ";
mS,sz7 As2h1L}x3 VIVA