Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1889-07-27

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 II was decided case between them.
but after few days looking on at what
he expected to be comedy Of love max.
ing, he was obliged to come to the con.
clusion that there was really nothing be.
tween them after all. Indeed, there
were moments when they almost seemed
to dislike each other. They scarcely
ever sought or stayed long In each
others society--they rather appeared to
avoid meeting, and the constraint upon
them when they did meet and talk to-
gether was more compatible with dislike
or even fear than the shyness 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 con-
stitutcd himself her protector, and that
she silently submitted to and even leaned
upon his guardianship.
All the new interests and excitements
in his lifo still left Jack Newenham
plenty Of time for his own affairs; and
thero were moments when he could
hardly force himself to stay another day
away from that lonely little girl in New
York, chained to tho bedside Of an exact
ing, unsympathizing invalid. He had
reason for staying on which. springing
out Of his love for her, was strong
enough to help him conquer his own de-
sres. He had written to tell her Of
Mr.. Thomas Cairnes' death. though he
had not informed her Of tho manner in
which he met IL. He only said that
Tom Cairnes was dead, and that she need
fear no moro for her brother. That
brother himself was the reason of his
staying on at tho "Red Unicorn" A
suspicion was forming in his own mind
which he wished to verify. Subtle as his
questions were, watchful as he was OF
every word and look, Jack Newenham
could gain no information from John
Smith concerning his past life. His
natural delicacy made It impossible to
try to force confidence; he could only
wait.
In the meantime the would be aveng-
ers Of the late Mr.. Thomas Cairnes were
not idle. The letter that had been found
on the day Of Jack Newenham's arrival,
in crevico OF the wall OF the cabin
honored by the presence OF Mr.. Cairnes
when at home, was now considered q
certain clew TO tho discovery OF the muir
derer. The letter was dated from Ven-
neville, and one Of the committeeman had
himself gone there to make inquiries, but
he had not yet returned nor sent any
message. The Hon. Jack Newenham
heard good deal about the affair. Partly
from hint given by Mr.. John Smith
and partly from his own feelings on tho
matter, he had given up all thought of
resenting tho committeemcn's inhospi-
table welcome, and he had also, as John
Smith had prophesied. considerably mod
flied his opinions on the rough mining
population. He had on several occasions
caught glimpses Of things beneath the
surface which Ind made him consider
ably ashamed Of his previously drawn
conclusions.
Acting upon oil these considerations,
he had made advances to the 1rishman
who had been tho chief sufferer in that
slight difference Of opinion, and who had
come out Of tho fray in much worse
condition than tho object Of his wrath.
The advance had been received with
such complete absence Of resentment or
even recollection OF that "trifiing affair
Of honor, sorri' that Ncwenham was
slightly surprised, and could not help
laughing. That laughter, in which the
Irishman heartily joined, dispelled all
lingering distrust from his heart, and
they wero now all on tho most friendly
terms. So very perfect was the under
standing that jack Newenham was in
vited to join tho committee sitting with
closed doors, and to inspect the important
letter itself. Mr.. John Smith was also
included In tho invitation, no having
gained tho public confidence by the de-
cided genius he had shown on one or two
critical occasions and tho business like
way in which he had helped to carry out
some sentences passed In defence OF law
and order.
Tho letter, with much solemnity. was
laid upon the rude table in the room set
apart for this affair Of justice until tho
time when II should culminate In moose
hanging from tho branch Of certain
tree. There was cool determination, a
quiet sternness In the dark. sunburnt
faces gathered round the table that gave
moral effect to the scene. Newenham
took up tho letter and read II calmly
through, though how ho did IL he could
not say. Perhaps the consciousness of
all those watchful, resolute eyes fixed
upon his face steadied him, although he
might well have shown some signs OF
discomposure, knowing the issues at
stake. Tho letter was from Redfern
Churchill, signed with his full name. 1t
was written under the pressure of fierce
rage and despair. by man who was evil
IDENTIFY maddencd by treachery and ruin.
The writer swore he would have his re-
venge, even II he had to hunt Mr..
Thomas Cairnes down TO the death. 1t
was dated about week before the mur-
der.
"Guess we're on the trail, stranger,
said one Of the men, as Ncwenham at
last laid tho letter upon the table.
eyes" he replied, his voice sounding
far off in his own ears.
He drew back from the circle Of stern
faced, resolute men, who would be that
brothers judges, and stood with his own
face in the shadow. John Smith, care
lessly advancing, took his place. He
lifted up the letter and read it quietly
through.
~ reckon this gentleman is euchred,"
said the man who had spoken to Newen-
ham. 1t was he who had found the let
ter, and he was feeling very triumphant
"You bet," said John Smith laconi-
cally, layin. the letter down upon tho
table.
Lets get out Of this" whispered New
enham to him under cover of the buzz
of general conversation which then be
gan.