The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1891-12-31
CHAPTER NJ.
swHY CALL 1T MCRDER!r


He had led the way round an abut-
ment of the cliff, perhaps a score of feet
from the path: they came to halt in a
hollow, close under the cliff, in curious
niche, protected from inquisitive eyes
by great granite boulder perched on a
slight elevation opposite the cleft in the
cliff wall.
A mass of wild hOaeysuckle and ivy
mantied far up the rugged crag; glanc-
ing upward one saw that they stood di-
rectly beneath the southern bastion of
the tower.
Now, sir, demand an explanation of
yoir words" said SircOmbe, at white
heat
"Mr. Sircombe. owe you no explana-
ton of either motive or meaning; but, of
my own free will, will tell you that l
am one who knows the fact of your
treachery to Lady lnchcape in her hour
of need; and that hold the power in
my hands to have you driven from under
yonder roof in merited disgrace"
The director grew ashen pale, and re-
coiled in dismay.
"Then it is as feared, he muttered.
between his teeth. "She has made you
her confidant, and you believe her, of
COuISc. YOU may hoo Hiu ehd1 Lulu
Inchcape is equally credulous."
ooh, intend to cause you to con-
vince him." retorted Edgar, quietly:
syou shall repeat the conversation which
YOU overheard that night between the
lady and Co onel Accrington; and when
Lord Inchcape compares your testimony
with his wife's the truth shall prevail
"And what power do you imagine you
possess over me, to force me into this
act of self-destruction?" demanded Sir
combe, his hollow eyes fiaring
Il make no threats, replied Edgar,
scornful.y. Il shall give you a chance
to act like an honest man."
For long pause, neither spoke The
hush Of death brooded around them: no
leaf stirred nor bird sang: the heavens
hung low and gray.
John SircOmbe was looking this CAL
amity which had befallen him in the
face, and the longer he looked the more
appalled, he was
Lady Inchclpe had rebelled at last,
and had chosen champion who seemed
resolute to sue eed in righting her
wrongs And her vindicatiOn meant Sir
combe's ruin, for he had not only with
held the testimony which would have
saved her but he had skillfully kept
alive the smOldering fires OF Inchcapes
suspicion and jea OuSy ever Since-had.
in fact done his best to keep them es.
tranged.
At first he had done this through the
love of power and an important place;
but since Viva came to grow up under
his eyes into flower OF all mastering
lOvelineSS-ah, since then it had grown
death to be discovered and cast out in
disgrace!
And now this man had come, young,
care-free, pitiless in his inso!ent powers
of Ease nation, and he loved her.
-lou give me the chance to act like
an honest man," repeated Sircombe,
bitterly. "What, then, if / should pro-
pose to buy your honesty with mine?"
"Ah. you mean"
Yes, l mean Lady Ulva. If promise
to make reparation TO Lady Inchcape,
will you promise to leave Lady Viva for
ever?"
Il shall make no such compromise
with yOu," said Edgar, owly. Il love
the lady, and l believe l shall yet re-
ceive Lord lnchcape's permission to WOO
her..
"Ah, you say this to my face" cred
SircoEbe. fercely. and he made a gest-
ure so full of maddened fury that Edgar
took an involuntary step backward from
the distorted visage that bent toward |
him.
AS be did so the tangled vines parted
beneath his weight, dark aperture
yawned tehind him, and the next mo- |
ment he fell head!ong backward, clutch |
ing wildly at the vines, viii h broke in |
brittle handfuS and then closed over |
the aperture as before
Sircombe had uttered yell of warn
was silent-ani started for
ward to aid him-but he was TOO late.
lie gazed at the leefy screen with dazed
senses; he put oat his hand to tear it
apart. but paused in TIE very act. and
Tor long, long minute considered, with
fixed eye and hands Outstretched.
There was neither voice nor movement
within.
Nothing but the lowering heavens An
he motionless trees to be seen.
fro BE CONTINUED