Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1891-12-05
WHAT FRED SAW.

The day was n pleasant one. but I
could not enjoy it.
Long. weary months had been in
the darkened room. and still they kept
me there, allowing no breath OF the
puve, cool air to reach my feverish
head.
tried to open the window. but l
was not strong enough and fell back
In my chair, breathing the sitting air
which every moment became more
thought l could not endure 1t. yet
how could avoid itp There was only
one way without danger Of discovery.
A step into the hall. and those spiral
stairs would take me to the housetop-
10 the observatory.
Waiting until was sure the way
was clear. I stepped softly into the
hall, and ascending the stairs. though
with much difficulty. ] was soon enjoy
Ing the forbidden pleasure of breath
ing the free air untainted with the
fumes Of the nauseous drugs that had
been dealt out to me with IN unspar-
ing hand all through the long. cold
winter.
How exhilarating! wondered that
I had been housed so long. / looked
down upon the group Of young ladies
who were sporting on the lawn.
Jennie Magrair was there, the daugh-
ter of my host. the only woman ! ever
loved, but was nothing to her and l
should keep my secret well. for she
was the betrothed of Gerald Macburn.
How l envicd him, and perhaps
hated him little. for knew that he
had not won her love. She had pledged
her hand to save her old father from
poverty.
She had consented to the sacrifice
and Macburn was satisfied.
Turning away, l tried to Danish the
painful. hopeless thoughts that had
been awakened.
Adjusting the telescope. / took
survey of the farming and woodland
that stretched far away to the east for
many miles.
/ caught sight of two men whom ]
recognized as Gerald Macburn and
John Layton.
They were evidently in search of
game. The glass was small. yet
very superior instrument. and ! could
see them very plainly, Notwithstanding
the distance.
presume should have thought no
more about them had ! not known
that but q few months before they
were bitter enemies. wondered how
the reconciliation had been effected.
While puzzling my brain with these
thoughts had unconsciously moved
the glass to keep them within range.
saw them stop, and knew by their
motions that they were angry.
/ became interested. i could see
them so distinctly that ! found myself
listening to catch their words.
could see their lips move, and /
saw John Layton's clenched hands.
He was evidently much excited, but he
did not offer to strike, and II one can
Judge BY sight alone he was inclined
to avoid any alteration, while Mac
burn appeared to seek quarrel.
For full five minutes they stood
there gesticulating vehemently. They
were some distance apart. Layton all
the while endeavoring to widen the
space and Macburn following him up.
At last Layton, goaded beyond all
endurance. wheeled about and shook
his fist menacingly at his tormentor.
Macburn was so exasperated at this
that he raised his rifle and shot him.
saw the poor man fall out of sight
in the bushes. and saw Macburn calmly
reload his rifle and walk toward the
spot where his victim was lying.
Then staggered and fell to the
floor. and all was blank.
When / awoke to consciousness !
was in bed. Cloths we're all about my
head and in the dim lamplight saw
watcher sitting by my bedside. 1t
was my old chum, Harry Wilmot.
'.How is thisP" said ], when / real
lied the situation.
Thank God, you are coming around
again." said Harry, "but II has been q
hard case. Fred. You have been as
crazy as a loon for q whole week.
advise you not to try the observatory
again till you are strong enough to
crawl back"
At these words what had seen from |
the housetop flashed upon my mind.
but had my life depended upon 1t. / |
could not then have told that It was
not all a dream. To convince myself |
/ inquired for John Layton.
s.Hs ia-no one knows where" re-