Hopkinsville Kentuckian., 1890-02-25

deoiaediy handsome young man; and he had
his arm around hor, while she seemed
greatly agitated ind In neod OF such sup
port Sorely now did Jessie repent having
kept watch this night for the young man
beside Grace Gardner was George Fletcher;
and she had brought his father 10 see this
dreadful revelation She dared not look at
the father, and tho father made no sign No
need for sign or words. They could all 500
now why this degenerate son took no inter-
est In the capture Of Ellwood. While ELL
wood was free and ut work, this young
criminal could do his own guilty work un.
suspected.
These recognitions had not occupied a
moment of time, and now there was
further development The side door OF tho
dlning-room had been placed slightly aiar
and 1t was very cautiously plshed open. II
swung inward, and us 1t opened, Grace and
young Fletcher were behind It, A mans
head wns thrust through the opening, and
then the man himself stepped into the room.
The dim light showed them that he was tail
and well-formed, ani had tho belring Of
gentleman, ia spite OF the business he was
In. His hair was white, and his face was
handsome. Yos; this was undoubtedly
Ellwood. SO there were three confsderates.
As Ellwood appeared in the room, Grace
stepped quickly forward aud stood In FRI Mt
OF him, straight, fearless and silent. All at
once Jessie knew that this girl was not an
accomplice but an acoasor, and pang of
remorsc 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 a
low voice, pointing 10 her injured hand.
How can let you nlonei l have given
you two chances within tho week to escape
without adding 10 your guilt; why did you
not take them, aud 80 whcro you could be
an honest manh
because, ho replied, with a slight laugh,
81 want TO get something TO be honest with
Now, you know, Grace, Pm too fond of you
to hurt you II can help it; but I've given
up two Jobs TO please you, and I'm going TO
finish this one"
You will not finish It," said Grace, still
in the same low tones, but, at tho same
time, with terrible intensity. "You know
how have watched over you and guarded
you from arrest ever since you made your
escape. gave up my work, and sa riliced
the first real peace have known since
first learned what You were, that | might
try to keep you from fresh crimes. But
told you last night that II you came here
TO tho house OF my friends-I would send
you back to prison. and unless you leave
here this instant and promise never to ro-
turn. I'll keep my worl."
"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 fiat had sent Ellwo5d headlong 10
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 athleta, was beside the
PROSTATE burglar, q 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.
10, father" sho cried, "forgive mel 1t
breaks my heart; but what coull dol'
Don't distress yourself. my dear girl.
IN hare to be honest now, you know" said
Ellwood with grim laugh.
Mrs. Malcolm and Je sic were already on
their knees beside Grace, the arms around
her, their tears and kisses on her face and |
their words OF love aud repentance In her |
ears. Mr. Fletcher and George got the |
three women upon their feet at last, and |
the elder g 'ntlem' n, taking Grace's hand in |
his, said; "My dsar ladies', It is my special |
pride that this brave girl is my friend, and
ny still greater pride that sie is to be my
sons wife. AID kHJw that you are siill
ier iriends.n
No answer was needed, but Mrs. Malcolm
TO excaim with fearful emphasis;
Friend She l. nv second daughter and
my home Is hers, always"
"Well, not exactly dicdIs, Mrs. Ma'c)lm,"
said George Fletcher.
At this nom NJ 1t was discovered that |
Ellwood had utterly vanished. lie was
never seen again by those who sought him.
j. G. Furdy, in Leslie's Illustrated.