The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1890-01-24
ERICA'S SACRIFICE.
"A QUESTION OF
forgiveness or Dishonor.

""Good Lord! missy won't want to see
him; and who's that young chap with
But Arnold Murray had not the slight
est intention of running against Erica
or Philip-indeed, he did not know that
they were OF the ground. and it was a
sudden exclamation from his COM
panion-a fair, handsome lad, with
something of Philip St. John's cast of
features, but little of his haSghty reso-
STOP;
ing around for a cause for Walter st.
Johns exclamation and sudden flush,
and succeeding pallor. Have you seen
Q ghost, MANI"
HMy brother is wei there Walter
said, turning away, half ashamed of the |
plea, more than ashamed that he should |
have need to offer it. Had he ever be-
sare feared to meet the brother that
loved him?
his teeth, and looked over to the spot
What made him come here? If that
young fool meets him the game'sa all up.
ThereIl be a deuce of a row all round"
-.nl go and see him." said Walter,
suddenly, his fair face flushing crimson.
~ hate to be ashamed to meet my w
brother, as if l were a criminal"
Arnold laid a OBTAINING hand on the
young mans hand, just as lie was about
to start impulsively forward.
"What are you going to say to him?"
he said. He'll wonder how you got
An,.o a,l -, I, toll hin, 1-r,1',o pnt u
heavy bet on F%cnton, Of course, and he
will be charmed, and think what a
frank, above-board young fellow his
Hold your tongue. Murray, for
Heavens sake!'' cried Walter, writing
inwardly under the taunt. Come away
out Of this internal crowd, and let me
talk"
"All right" said Arnold, linking his
arm through that of his companion. ~
think that's an excellent plan of YOURS,
for Philip st. Johns eyes are every
And he breathed freely when he had
got Walter away from tile neighbor-
hood Of his brother.
Talk away. young 'un." said Murray,
lighting up a cigar, when out of the
immediate vicinity of so many ears.
"You're not getting frightened, and
going to cave IMP"
II wish to Heaven l had never been
fool enough to come here, or to listen to
you at all,n said Walter, ~energetically.
II hate to shrink from seeing Philip. I
hate to think that 1 daren't meet his
eyes fearlessly.'
pooh, pooh,n said Arnold, with
good-humored indulgence; "now you're
talking like the good boy of the play.
y1b- - <1>n rror1I cln,,JI uN,, fop,. IN III,
this, that, or the other? Why be afraid
of a brother, just because yon have had
the sense for once in your life to use
your W wits and assert your freedom?
Why, one would think you were in the
Ieading-strings STILL
'Haye done with that chaff," said
Walter, impatIently, but nevertheless
flushing again with anger. II wish I'd
never listened to you"
"You won't say that, my boy, when
Fenton leads, and you can pay those lit
tie debts of yours without this immacu-
late brother of yours said Murray,
laughing. "Never mind, don't apollo
giZe. Come on and see the start, and
have some champagne; that'l put pluck
into you again"
Walter stopped irresolute, and glanced
back.
II think I'll go back" he said.
Arnold turned on his heel with an *
clamation Of contempt.
go, then, and make a penitent con
fession, and promise never to sin again
he said, with a laugh and sheer that
crushed the lads half-formed resolve
reasoning. 'Tell him of those Other
debts you said nothing about; youns
fellows will be young, yVu know: and
of course, he won't be disappointed il
YOU
Walter turned and strobe forwards
setting his teeth, muttering an oath un
der his moustache, and Arnold Murra,
smiled quietly to himself. There wa,
no need to say any more, he knew hi
man well enough, and went on talking
of the probable winner and the rae
with admirable tact.
And then, just as they came up to tn
course again, the bell rang, and like
flash the horses went away, and
GREATNESS excitement ran through tn
throng.
= Saw noneirs SUSPENSE % the
f1ew past the eager gazers, past n
grand stand, past the spot where Erlts
Watching with quick-drawn breath an,
parted lips, sat still by her husband
side.
keep your horse well in" he sale
ldylllH LIS ldllu VII lGl tCll anu IlSll
smiling. 'sShe is nearly as excited a
you are. Why, Erica, l never though
you could care so much for a race
The girl started and gave him a fleet
aExcitedln she said, putting up he
hand to her brow. II ANIL Whic
horse is leading, Philip?7
mot the favoriie,o said st. JOIN
with a slight laugh. "Favorites neve
do. Have you bet on him, Erica?'
She scarcely needed the question
led-the others had been left far benin
few PAGES in advance. And just the
q shout went up that seemed to ren
the air, and drowned the coarser e.
pressions of disappointment that fe
from some.
(which is it, Philip? What are the
saying2" Erica said, almost sick wit
%foreb0ding.
She was deathly pale now, and u
hand that held the reins trembled. FL
the moment she had lost power to COZ
troll the sinking of her whole being.
Philip glanced at her, and a shat
came over his face, and for one bri
second his lips settled into an almo
stern gravity, He could not have foun
o cause for he was only just console,
of the dread thrill that shot through Ii
inmost heart. But he spoke to her in
low voice, some touch Of severity in h
soft tones:
erica, you are too excited. 1t is n
like you. / will go and see which is u
winning horse if you wish it.n
His words, his tone, recalled her vii
sharp stab of pain to herself, to Il
apprehension, the dread Of what
might think.
She Strengthened herself in the sadd
and was calm at once, outwardly-wi
what terrible effort perhaps she on
knew, and was thankful for the she
reprieve from observation while Phil
rode off q few PAGES, and in a few mi
utes came back to her side.
prince Rupert is first he sal
Fritz second. and Fcnton a'bad thir'
if you know what that MEANS"
"Poor Fenton!' Erica forced hers,
to smile and try and seem bright'
"And Major Deering was so contide
he was to win"
major behring's losses won't II
him." st. John answered, laughingly
But come, Erica, we had better ii
into fbo tovrp ~