The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1889-10-11
Noble! noblep murmured Dick.

Noble! nobleP murmured Dick.
Then his eyes closed again, and he
drifted off into Il refreshing slumbcr.
Two years later had brought great
changes into Richard Oldacrc's life.
He had served his time in the army,
aud had received his discharge. Upon
his broad breast hung the Victoria
Cross. placed there by the Queens
OWL hand for an actof special bravery.
His wedding day was set, and prcpar-
ations had been made to emigrate to
America Immediately after tho festivi-
ties connected with that happy event.
Allan had claimed the right to give Il
handsome dover to the bride of his
foster-mothcr's son., and with the sun
which Dick had husbandcl from his
pay while in the army it was to make
a 'capital to set him up in business.
Nellie's father had objected strongly
at first; but he was y man without
means, and really glad t. have her OF
his hands, so hc yielded with much
ostentatious reluctance to what he con-
realize the import of his mothers
words.
~ had been married but a few
weeks" she went on when your
father vas summoned away on urgent
business; but he left me with sufficient
to make me comfortable in circum-
stances, although pledged to keep the
fact OF our union secret until he should
return. / have never heard one word
from him since that morning when he
held me in his arms, and pressed his
farewell kiss upon my lips. You re-
npnhpp how Inntr HIN nrnSpnt hnl,Ipr.
of the property remained in unccr-
tainty, thinking his brothers absence
to be Il temporary one. But ut last all
hopes of his being alive vanished, they
had proof that he was drowned, and
then. Dick. you sec how unhappy l
must have been. But I was weak, also.
l dared not present my claim. But
you are strong and determined. You
can fi,-ht for Your rights. if you like,
and win the day, too. What will you
do. my sonpn
81 cannot tell" her son said slowly.
81 must have time to think. ! snail
know my mind Tomorrow
A struggle had already commenced
in his grateful heart. he had already
won the love of Nellie, while Allan
had been the loser of his hearts dear
est wish. Now, should he, the peas
a~nt-cducatcd, whom his friend had
nIrsed back to life so tcnderlv-
should lie also take from him his posi-
tionp
The tcmpter whispered: Nellie will
then be a grand lady. You can deck
her with silks and gems"
That was a bcwitching prospect in
deed. But gratitude won.
"Mothcr," ho said. ""Isllall not claim
my rights. Bring nc 'the marriage
certificate and I will burn it. Allan
has been educated to his high posi-
ton, and it would hurt him to displacc
him from it. l am used to mine, and
Nellie loves nc just as we'll rs though
I were in ~ loftier place in the world.
We will go to America, and there
every honest man is n noble. | will
win fortune, and we will be happy"
But, Dick, l cannot obey you in
IL thing; in all else it shall be as you
say, for you are sensible, and arc old
enough to Judge. But l will not burn
the certificate. l should then have
nothing 10 prove to myself that my
marriage to my darling was not o
dream. Oh, no! l will not burn it,
but no one shall be the wiser about it.
l will lock tho box it is in, and throw
away the key"
Thus the matter was settled.
Richard Oldacrc and Nellie were
married, aud, with their mother, sailed
for the New World.
Little thought Allan Fairford, rs he
stood upon the deck bidding them
goodbye, that among the luggage
contained in one of Mrs. Oldacrc's
strong chests was a document which
would have made him the poor man,
and Dick tho rich and titled heir to tie
estate he deemed his own.
Which gave to the other the greater
gift. Which man was tho more gen.
erousp