Nevada County picayune., 1888-11-28
ET NEVADA COUNTY ARKANSAS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2S 1888

graceful act.
 But Walter Stewart anticipated them by rendering his resignation that night.
 II will remain until the search for the ring is over, Colonel Hardy" he said. "If it is not found, 1 will ask q strict Investigation, to establish my innocence. But every one suspects me-" he cried, throwing out his hands with despairing gesture, 'I am powerless to stem the prejudice against me. It will cling to me through all my wretchcd life. am branded, and every one can read the brand on my forehead.' He hurried out of the room, paying no attention to Colonel Hardy's call to him to stop.
 "'rhat boy is desperate. Colonel Hardy said to Mir. Fearing, who had witnessed the interview, his heart full of pity and sympathy for the unhap- py youth. Pm going to follow him, for he is half mad
 The night was not dark, and Col. Hardy had no trouble in following and watching the movements of the young man, who was walking rapidly toward the river. But he was taken by surprise, for without pause, Walter raised his clinched fist toward Heaven and sprang into the water. Throwing off his coat, Colonel Har- dv, an expert swimmer, threw him. self in the river, and as the young man rose, seized him by the collar, and in a few minutes they were both on the shore.
 But even when he was placed in a warm bed and every means used to resuscitate him. Walter did not re- cover consciousness. He had struck against floating log in making the fatal leap, and his injuries were se- we're enough to make the physicians look very grave. On the third day he opened his eyes, and they rested on the kind face of Mr. Fearing, who had constantly attended him from the hour he was laid on that bed.
 "Tm very ill.," he said, faintly.
 "Oh, you're better now" Mir. Fearing said, briskly. "You must not talk, nor ask questions.
 He lay few minutes silent, and then said, suddenly:
 II remember all ,'
 "Yes, of course You were lit- tie bit crazy about that confounded ring. But it's been found. That girl in twisting and hustling around, got it down the alligator's throat. Colonel Hardy found it, and he sent it to the owner with a note 1 guess she'll remember all the days of her life. All you've got to do is to get we'll"
 Walter, to Mir. Bearings surprise, showed no pleasure at this news. In fact. his next words were irrelevant.
 "I don't want my mother to know ; has any one told her 1 was ill!"
 No one had written yet. If he grew worse she was to be sent for.
 "No, no; she must never know If she comes, she will find out what made me commit that mad act. Poor mother! l was madman that night God will weigh all things, and l am not afraid"
 "You are getting well, my boy" Mir. Fearing cried. Your dark days are over forever"
 "Yes. l think so," with little faint smile. lover forever, but not here. You see, it's better so, sir. 1 know you wanted to be my friend, but even you couldn't have taken away the ban. It seems hard and strange, but shall be wiser before long"
 Forty-eight hours after that, and Walter Steward was wise with the wisdom of the freed soul that has Eternity in which to read the per picking problems of human life and human pain. He died very peace fully, like one who lays down a crushing burden, and sinks smiling ly to rest.