Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-04-18

| The hail-lamp had been left dimly burn
ing, as usual, and by its light they could see
that as yet there was nobody in the hall.
Peering past the angle at the foot of the
stairs, they saw that the side passage also
was empty. With great care Mr.. Fletcher
opened the main door of the dining-room,
intending to enter there, set the side door
of the room ajar, and through the narrow
opening watch for the entrance of the bur-
glar into the passage. Then, by means of a
bell-wire which ran through pretty nearly
every room in the house, he would arouse
the men-servants, and, as was hoped, trap
| the intruder.
As the door moved on its hinges, Jessie
seized her companions arm in alarmed
amazement. A dim light was burning in
the dining-room, where there should be
utter darkness. Another look showed that
the room was already occupied. Two per-
sons were standing together, close by the
side door; one of them was a woman, and
that woman was Grace Gardiner. So, she
! had expected the visit of her accomplice,
and had already admitted him. 1t was a
blessed thing that Mrs. Malcolm was spared
this sight, thought Mrs. Malcolm's daughter.
| As the thought took form Mrs. Malcolm
stole silently up beside the watchers. She
had heard their footsteps pass her door, and
had fearlessly followed them. When she
saw Grace, she clasped her hands and raised
her eyes in manner pitiful to see.
But that was no gray-haired old man
| standing beside Miss Gardiner. 1t was a
decidedly handsome young man; and he had
his arm around her, while she 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 revelation She dared not look at
the father, and the father made no sign. No
need for sign or words. They could all see
now why this degenerate son took no inter-
est in the capture of Ellwood. While ELL
wood was free and at work, this young
criminal could do his own guilty work IN
suspected.
These recognitions had not occupied q
moment of time, and now there was a
further development The side door of the
dining-room had been placed slightly aiar.
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
gentleman, in spite of the business he was
in. His hair was white, and his face was
handsome. Yes; this was undoub tedly
Ellwood. So there were three confederates.
AS 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
accomplice, but an accuser, and a pang of
remorse smote her heart. The man started
slightly, but seemed less surprised than
might have been expected.
Il thought you would let me alone after
what gave you last night" he said, in
low voice, pointing to her injured hand.
How can l let you alonel / have given
you two chances within the week to escape
without adding to your guilt; why did you
not take them, and 60 where you could be
an honest manF'
Because, he replied, with slight laugh,
81 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 Pm 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 l have watched over you and guarded
you from arrest ever since you made your
escape. gave up my work, and sacrificed
the first real peace have known since 1
first learned what you were, that l might
try to keep you from fresh crimes. But
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, Tll keep my word"
''You will." said the man, putting his
hand behind him. I've had enough of this
Now
Before he could speak the 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, a 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.
80, father" she cried, "forgive me! 1t
breaks my heart; but what could do2"
Don't distress yourself, my dear girl.
I'H 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
ears. 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 / k,io1 that you are still
her friends"
No answer was needed, but Mrs. Malcolm
managed to exciaim with fearful emphasis:
Friend! She is my second daughter, and
my home is hers, always"
swell, not exactly alloys, Mrs. Malcolm"
said George Fletcher.
At this moment it was discovered that