The Red Cloud chief., 1889-05-24


"Don't put yourself out, DOCTOR" said the
Captain, with an assumption of GOODNESS he
did not feel. Il care nothing for this yarn
of yours, and can not wait to hear it."
He came to his feet.
'-Sit down." ordered Lura, emphasizing
the order by covering him with her cooked
revolver. He sank back into his chair with
amuttered imprecation against the "tiger
cat"
..lt was in California about two years
ago that my first scene opens," proceeded
the doctor. 1.-TWO men among the gold
hills of that State became bosom friends
Lawrence Brandon and Karl Vandible.
They first met IN San Francisco and went
to the mountains together. Kari Vandible
was an eccentric man past the meridian Of
life. one who had seen better days, he as
serted, and Brandon believed him. In time
Vandible made a confidant of his young
friend. Brandon, and told him q strange
story Of the past.
ssKarl had been the black sheep in the
family of four boys. Two were dead, and
Karl, the youngest, had drlfted to Cali
fernia in search of adventure even at the
age of fifty-six. He assured Brandon
that it was not really necessary for him to
light hand to hand with the world, since
ne had q brother who was a millionaire in
one OF the States beyond the Mississippi.
That brotner,' sand Karl, always sympa-
thized with me, and defended me against
the assaults of others. was proud. how
ever, and wouldn't accept his bounty. l
haven't seen Morgan for ten years, but I
know he mus: be a very old man now
0Then Karl Vandible took from his
pocket a letter which had lately come from
his aged brother beyond the mountains. l
will read a part of it."
The noncha,ant expression on the Cap
tain's face changed to nervous agitation
as DIR. Cotton drew forth q wrinkled en-
yelope, stained and frayed at the edges
from apparent rough usage.
"This is nothing to me" growled the Cap
tain, again attempting to rise.
.Sit down."
Again Starbright looked into the muzzle
Of Lura's revolver and subsidized without
more words.
Opening the letter, DR.. Cotton proceeded:
".Come home. Karl. / I'm intending to
pass the remainder of my days at Lone
Hollow. the old stone house where You once
staid for q day and liked the hunting so well.
You shall one day own the place and every
thing that l have. In fact, l have made q
will in your favor, leaving everything to
Won with the one condition that you allow
INV granddaughter. Grace PenrOy, an an
nuity of twenty thousand q year after she
comes of age. / make the stipulation be-
cause l love the girl, and she has been most
dutiful and kind 10 me. You are twenty
wears NV Junior, and will have ample time
to enjoy my wealth after l am gone Come.
Karl, / am becoming feeble; feeling my
wears and infirmities more and more every
day, and 1 wish to ENJOY your company a
little while before l pass to the other shore.
II YOU receive this l am sure You will not
refuse to grant the prayer of your last OF
kim
THAT is the substance OF the letter read
20 Lawrence Brandon by Karl Nandibie,"
said DIR. Cotton, land it was that letter that
influenced Brandon to commit an awful
crime"
..Wh hat is this TO me.' demanded Captain
S,arbright, CURLY. Il can not remain ="
Bu, YOU must renain,'' declared Lura,
with seeming malicious satisfaction. And
ie did.
The reading of that letter set evil
thoughts at work in the brain OF Lawrence
Brandon" proceeded the doctor. H
suddenly conceived the idea Of winning the
Vandible million for himself. Karl ex-
pressed a determination to return to the
States, and Brandon expressed adesire to
accompany him The two set out from the
mining camp together; but one OF them
reached Sacramento-Lawrence Brandon.
In the night time he stole up behind his
cont sAion, dealt him a murderous blow
from behind. and then, after making sure
of his death, he hurled the body into q
gulch and FASTENED on his way. will be
brief for time is speeding. Brandon came
to the States and finally ensconced himself
1t Lone Hollow. He told OF his friendship