The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-07-10

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that fate would be too much for him.
Dupont meanwhile faithfully tended
him; the lank, red haired adventurer dis
played all the tact and cleverness of a
woman. He always spoke cheerfully to
the sick man, and his genius for telling
amusing stories seemed to grow with the
demands upon it. Nevertheless, Dupont
knew that the chances of his friends re-
SS-cry were iiaffnitesimal, and he per-
ceived that he had something on his
mind. Dupont had previously made up
his mind that he would find out what
Solange's mystery was, and he awaited
developments.
One evening, after long silence, So
lange spoke:
'How far are we from Panama, Fran
cois:'
"Still two days at least, if the wind is
fair, mon brave"
"Sacre!-I shall never last it QUIT"
"Never lose heart! You will be all
right in day or two"
81 shall be at the bottom of the ocean.
All, | know it! | have tried my best,
but it is no use. The emperor will curse
me for u scoundrel!'
1.-The emperor repeated Dupont, look
ing up.
Ibid l say the emperor! Bahl my
mind wanders."
Listen to me, Maurice" said Dupont,
bending over. Your mind is not wan
dering, but there is weight upon it. !
have seen it all along, it has retarded
your recovery. Come! am your friend,
am l not? If l were as you are would
confide in you. don't know what wor-
ries you; but, if l did, might be able to
help you. And if can you don't doubt
that will-eh? Come, free your soul,
my lad, and your body will be all the
better for it."
"If l were sure that Imust die"-mut.
tered Solange, hesitating.
"You are sick man; but have told
you the only chance for recovery" said
Dupont, Struggling his shoulders. lone
believes in Providence, suppose? Well
is it not Providence that has sent your
best friend to your side at such mo.
ment?''
The dying man fixed his eyes upon the
speaker. Francois" he said, ''if | tell
you this secret will you swear to be
faithful to the trust? Will you carry il
out as if you were myself? This is nc
child's play, be sure of that! You are a
good fellow-you are my friend; but il
you We're my brother or my father il
would not be too much"
make yourself easy on that score
mon cher" returned the adventurer, lay.
ing his hand on the others shoulder. 81
don't want to drag out of you anything
you prefer to keep to yourself, and it is
only in your own interest that | speak
But as to trusting me-what shall say!
have lived as | cam don't deny it
but after all, l am an honest man, and
would as soon think of betraying YOU as
of scuttling this ship and swimming
ashore. Voila!"
IF you keep your word, Francois, yor
will be fortunate the rest Of your life,
said Solange; "but," he added, hall
raising himself on one elbow, ''if yor
do betray me, may you die as l am dy
ing, and with no one to love you; anG
until you die my ghost shall haunt yor
day and night and make your life hor
ror!'
Bah! bah! there is no need of this,
said Dupont, with a laugh. II have
said that you may trust me, and ca,
say no more. Now, do as best please:
YOU"
Bend over here" faltered the Other
huskily, land let me whisper in youi
ear"
=
Solange died Just after midnight. Du
pont, after securing all the papers that
he could find in the stateroom, prepared
the body for burial, and with the assist
ance of the captain heaved it overheard
May your sleep be peaceful, old com
rade," he muttered, as he leaned ovel
the bulwarks and marked the phospho
resent glimner as the corpse sank into
the depths Of the sea. Truly you haG
heavy load to carry on this earth. Yor
were not equal to it; and Providence
WHO ldEOIS Tie stIoIlS, IidLSleIIcu IL u
me. Well, l shall know what to dc
with it, ghost or no ghost! Farewell.
The Santa Lucia reached her port two
days later. A tall, red haired man, who
announced himself to the authorities a.
one Solange, a peddler of wax fruits
came ashore, and with carpet bag
and a small box Immediately left fol
Aspinwall.