Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-06-05

IllGg 10 10 WITH lCS loss.
Hollingsworth made this remark
with an assurance that brought {
smile to the doctors face, and set Ton,
to thinking.
"He is none too good for it," re
sponded the former" but can see nc
evidence of his hand in this. We had
discovered the loss before he made his
appearance"
Il shall go down to oakdale," said
Tom with sudden resolution. Il sup.
pose you will return to-day, doctor?"
"les, by the 5:10 train. Will that
suit vou?"
"Excellently. Til run up to the
house, get my grip, and meet you at the
depot
Several hours later, the two men
alighted from the train at a lonely
country station.
Night had fallen, and a few stars
were visible in the somewhat overcast
Sky.
We'll have storm before morning."
said the doctor, shut in the meantime
we may enjoy this delightful breeze.
Rather contrast to New York, isn't it?
How man can stand that everlasting
din is beyond my comprehension"
"This is certainly relief" laughed
Tom. "but your Katy-dids give us quite
melancholy concert, Think"
During the ride to the house, the
doctor said but little, and Tom fell into
train of reflections, not altogether
unpleasant, as was evidenced by the
half smile, which frequently drove all
graver expressions from his face.
Here so soon!" he cried in some sur
prise, as they pulled up before. an old
fashioned house sitting some distance
from the road. II wonder where nv
valise has got to? l can't see a wink
in this darkness. Look out for that
step, doctor. All, light at last"
The opening Of the front door called
forth this last observation. The next
second girlish face peered out into the
shadows, and Tom found himself hold
ing soft little hand, and gazing into
pair of misty blue eyes.
Il am so glad DR.. Edwards brought
you, said Bessie in somewhat falter-
ing voice. "You loved him and"
She turned away with trembling lips.
Come, come" cried the doctor with
CHEEKY authority. Don't let the sight
Of an old friend unnerve you, my dear
l have brought him down in the hope
that three heads may be better than
two, in this emergency. He should
thank heaven for breath of country
air. l know do. You here, Willis?
The devil!"
"Beg pardon" observed the new
conner, handsome, though somewhat
effeminate-looking man, Il disclaim all
relationship. Who is our friend here?
Pray, present me, Miss REYNOLDS. Never
had the honor, am sure"
The tone, more than the words, sent
an angry flush to Toms brow, and it
was with difficulty he managed to an
swer coolly.
Il will present myself, sir. am Mr..
Barton of the law firm OF Hollingsworth
& Barton. I drew up the late MIR.
Horizons will, and an here to see what
has become of it."
"Ah, indeed. Thanks for the infor-
nation. 1 am happy to meet you, Mr..
Barton, Of the law firm of Hollings-
worth & Barton.
Il am sure you are hungry. Won't
you come in and have some SUPERB"
interposed Bessie, as Toms countenance
showed unmistakable signs of angry
passion. "He isn't worth your notice"
she added in lower key, Il despise
him."
This assurance seemed to console
Tom immensely, and without so mach
as glance at Willis, he followed Bes-
sic and the doctor to the dining room
where supper was being prepared for
the travellers.
'Confound it," muttered Willis, with
a savage glance at their retreating
figures, what in the devil brought
him here. I believe she likes the
fellow. He'll not have finger in
my pie, with all his airs. No danger
OF the will being found, I'll warrant.
Meantime, my proud lady, it behooves
you to be q trifle more humble"
While Willis was thus communing
with himself, the travellers were dis
posing Of their supper, and discussing
the probable whereabouts OF the all-im-
portant paper, the loss OF which would
make Bessie penniless.
After his late encounter with Willis,
Ion was more than ever determined to
succeed where the others had failed.
He questioned Bessie closely without,
however, eliciting any new or practical
information. She could only repeat what
she had told DR.. Edwards.
She knew that her father had made
will in her favor. Ho had told her as
much. She also knew that the docu-
ment was in his possession. She had
thought little about it,. supposing, of
course, that it was in the safe with his
other important papers. Search on the
day after the funeral had not revealed
it, and for the first time serious doubt
of its existence began to fill the minds
of those most interested.
When Bessie had first been told of
this. she offered no comment. Grief
for the loss of one dear to her so alb.
sorbed her faculties that she felt wholly
incapable of any other emotion. But
with the advent of the obnoxious Willis,
reaction set in. He inspired her with
a dislike, none the less real because
seemingly unreasonable. Els assiduous
politeness could not hide his insinuating
manner, nor the masterful airs which no