Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1889-07-28
CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.
Perhaps that silent walk in search of
Miss Snaresbrook had formed subtle bond
OF sympathy between the two young men;
at any rate from that night John Smith
did not try to avoid Jack Newenham.
Another incident drew them even closer
tOgether-st least it considerably affected
the young Eaglishman, who was begin
ming to feel something stronger than mere
interested curiosity in this new acquaint-
ance Ofhis.
Jack felt certain that, though John
Smith mingled freely among them, living
their life as completely "a though he had
been accustomed to it all his days, he was
yet as really out of place among the in-
habitants of DsAdman's Flat and Its out
lyiog miners camps as Miss Suaresbrook
herself. He WAS indeed deeply interested
in thsm both, bscsuse be was considerably
puzzled. Any prejudics he formed against
the glrl before knowing her had long since
vanished, and he now thought as highly
Of her as did any man Or woman IN Dead
mans Flat. He could not understand the
state Of affairs between herself and john
Smith. He had first felt certain that 1t
Was 3 decided case between them; but af-
ter d few days looking AT what he expect
ed to be a comedy of love making, he was
obliged to come to the conclusion that
there was really nothing between them az
ter all. Indeed, thsre were moments
when they seemed to dislike each other.
They scarcely ever sought or stayed long
in each others society-tney rather ap-
peared TO avoid meeting, and the con-
straint upon them when they
did meet and talk together
was more compatible with dislike
or even fear than the sbyness Of love not
brave enough TO declare itself; and yet, in
spite of all, there was no doubt that john
Smith had in some way constituted him
self her protector, and that she silently
submitted to and even leaned upon his
guardianship.
All the new interests and eXeitements IN
his life still left Jack Nswenham plenty
of time for his own affairs; aud there were
moments when he could hardly force him
self 20 stay another day away from that
lonely little girl in New York, chained to
the bedside of an exacting, unsympathlz-
ing invalid. He had reason for
staying on which, springing out OF
bis love for her, was strong
enough TO help him conquer his own de-
sires. He had written TO tell her Of Mr..
Thomss Cairnes' death, though ne had
not informed her of the manner in which
he met it. He only said that Tom Cairnes
was dead, and that she need fear no
more for her brother. That brother him
self was the reason of his staying on at the
RED Unicorn" A suspicion was forming
in his own mind which he wished to YER
ify. Subtle as lis questions we're, watch
ful as he was Of every word and lock,
Jack Newenham could gaia no informa'
tioa from John Smith concerning his past
life. His natural delicscy made it impos-
sible to try to force confidence; he Gould
only wait.
In the meantime the would-be avengers
of the late Mr. Themes Oairnes were not
idle. The letter that had been found on
the day of Jack Newenham's arrival, in a
crevice of the wall Of the cabin h0nored by
the presence of Mr.. Cairnes when at home,
was now considered g certain clue 20 the
discovery Of the murderer. This letter was
dared from Vennsville, and one of the COM
mittesmen had himself gone there to make
inquiries, but had cot yet returned DOR sent
any message The Hon. jack Newenham
heard a good deal about the affair. Partly
from q hint given by Mr.. John Saith
and PARTY from his own feelings on the
matter, be- had given up al thO7ght of re-
ssnting the commijteemen's inhOspitable
welcome, and he had also, as John Smith
had prophesied, considerably modified his
opinions on the rough mining population.
He had en- several occasions caught
glimpses of things benesth the surface
which bad made him considerably ashamed
of his previously drawn conclusions.
Acting upon all these considerations, he
had made advances to the Irishman VINO
had been the chief sufferer in that slight
difference of opinion and who had come
cat of the fray IN much worse condition
than the object of his wrath. TIE advance
had been received with such complete alb
sance of resentment or even recollection OF
that "trifing affair of honor, sOrrW that
Newenhsm WAS slightly sur
prised, and could not help laugh
ing. That laughter in which toe
AEiouudu uSal'4J JviH0u uls PoAAOu OIL
lingering distrust from his heart, and they
were now all on the most friendly terms
So very perfect was the understanding that
Jack Newenham was invited to join the
committee sitting with closed doors, and
to inspect the important letter itself. Mr..
John Smith vas also included ia the invi-
tatiOn, he having gained the public conf
dence by the decided genius be hsd shown
on one or two critical occasions, aud the
business-like way ia which he had helped
to carry ont some sentences passed in de-
fence of law and order.
The letter, with much solemniiy, was
laid upon the rude table in tbs room set
apart for this affair Of justice until the
time when il should culminate in q moose
banging from the branch of certain tree
There was cool determination, quiet
sternness in the dark, sunburnt faces
gathered around the table that gave moral
effect to the scene. Newenhsm took up