The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1889-04-25

decidedly handsome yovna man; ana be had
his arm around her, while sho seemed
greatly agitated and in need Of such sup.
port. Sorely now did Jessie repent having
kept watch this night, for the young man
beside Grace Gardiner was George Fletcher;
and she had brought his father to see this
dreadful revelationl She dared not look at
the father, and tho father made no sign. No
need for sign or words. They could all sec
now why this degenerate son took no inter-
est In the capture of Ellwood. While Ell.
wood was free aud at work, this young
criminal could do his own guilty work uu-
suspected.
These recognftions had not occupied q
moment of time, and now there was a
further development The side door of the
dinin2-room had been placed slightly ajar.
and it was very cautiously pushed open. 1t
swung inward, and as it opened, Grace and
young Fletcher were behind it. A mans
head was thrust through the opening, and
then the man himself stepped into the room.
The dim light showed them that he was tall
and welcomed, and had the bearing of q
gentleman. in spite Of the business he was
in. His hair was white, and his face was
handsome. Yes; this was undoubtedly
Ellwood. So there were three confederates.
A Ellwood appeared in the room, Grace
stepped quickly forward and stood in front
of him, straight, fearless and silent. All at
once Jessie knew that this girl was not an
accompltce, but an accuser, and pang Of
remorse smote her heart. The man started
slightly, but seemed less surprised than
might have been exp3cted.
Il thought you would let me alone after
what gave you last night" he said, in q
low voice, pointing to her injured hand.
How can I let you alone! 1 have given
you two chances within the week to escape
without adding to your guilt; why did you
not take them, and go where you could be
an honest man2'
because, he replied, with a slight laugh,
II want to get something to be honest with.
Now. you know, Grace, Pm too fond Of you
to hurt you if can help it; but I've given
up two Jobs to please you, and I'm going to
finish this one."
'You will not finish it," said Grace, still
IN the same low tones, but, at the same
time, with terrible intensity. ''You know
how have watched over you and guarded
escape. I gave up my work, and sacrificed
the first real peace have known since
first learned what you were, that might
try to keep you from fresh crimes But I
told you last night that if you came here
to the house of my friends-I would send
you back to prison; and unless you leave
here this instant and promise never to re-
turn. III keep my word"
"You willV' said the man. putting his
hand behind him. I've had enough of this
Now--n
Before he could speak tho next word, or
withdraw his hand, blow from George
Fletcher's fist had sent Ellwood headlong to
the floor, and the young mans hand, on his
throat was holding him down. At the
same instant the elder Mr.. Fletcher, with
the bound OF an athlete, was beside the
PROSTATE burglar, cooked revolver in his
hand. Mrs. Malcolm and Jessie ran after
him, screaming, and Grace threw herself
upon her knees at Ellwood's side, and put
her arms about him.
20, father" she cried, "forgive ne! It
breaks my heart; but what could dol'
Don't distress yourself. my dear girl.
IN haze to be honest now, you KNOW" said
Ellwood, with grim laugh.
Mrs. Malcolm and Jessie were already on
their knees beside Grace, their arms around
her, their tears and kisses on her face, and
their words of love and repentance in her
cars. Mr.. Fletcher and George got the
three women upon their feet at last, and
the elder gentleman, taking Grace's hand in
his, said: my dear ladies, it is my special
pride that this brave girl is my friend, and
my still greater pride that she is to be my
sons wife. And 1 knoao that you are still
her friends"
No answer was needed, but Mrs. Malcolm
managed to exclaim with fearful emphasis
''Friendl She is my second daughter, and
my home is hers, always"
"Well, not exactly aluays, Mrs. Malcolm, -
said George Fletcher.
At this moment it was discovered that
Ellwood had utterly vanished. He was
never seen again by those who sought him.
j. c. Purdy, in Leslie's Illustrated.