The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1892-06-09

tering steps stumbled across the room
to the bedside Of the unhappy man.
Speak out, man." he hoarsely cried
"Whnt have you TO Say about Sir Harry
Grahame2r
It was q sickentnR sight-one, q
ghost of his former self, 30 weak that
he could with difflculty stand. even
though his thin hands nervously
clutched the side Of the couch-the
other, exhausted TO the very verge Of
dcoth, yet startled from prostration by
the unexpected appeal
"Who are you9" gasped the re-
cuubent figure.
'Oue who seeks Sir Harry Grahame.
Oh, speak quickly, or it may be too
late. What have you done with him?"
But though the white lips moved, no
sound came from them, and, Arthur
Dunbar, feeling that his strength w1s
spent, reelcd bnck to his couch, on
which he fell. quivering with the re-
sction of an effort which had nearly
cost him his life.
Presently his little nurse and the dog
returned, the former filed with re-
morse at having left her charge for the
brief time that II took her and her four
footed friend TO indulge in scamper
through the wood in the moonlight.
Thus week passed. Every day the
American gained strength and ut last
wns in q condition to assist the girl in
her ministrations of mercy, tending the
dying man with q solicitudc instigated
by the burning desire TO secure his
secret as much as by human sympathy
for his Affections But their efforts
seemed futile. His was life in death.
The heart beat feebly, the breath
fingered ON his lips occasionally the
eyes opened and the lips parted Us
though he were about TO speak, but be-
yond this he gave no signs of anima-
ton. From the girl Arthur could learn
nothing. She made him understand by
gestures that she was TO wait on him
hand and foot with the docllity Of q
slave and that when he was we'll
enough she would conduct him to q
place of safety-at least so he under
stood her.
One mystery to Arthur was where
the food came from that his active nurse
always had in preparation. and still
greater surprise was how quickly he
regaincd his strength when once the
fever had left him. for each morning he
arose with renewed energy, which
promised soon to restore him to his
pristine vigor. But he argued with
himself if he recovered too quickly he
would be called upon to leave the spot
before he had secured the sick mans
confession. This would never do, so he
feigned weakness and allowed his gen.
tic attendant TO minister to his wants.
His patience met with its reward at
last.
One night the sick man raised himself
on his bed. MS he bod done once before,
and in weak voice begged Dunbar 70
come to him. In q minute Arthur was
by his side, supporting the trembling
frame on his arm and bending his head
over him.
"Have you strength enough 70 tell me
your story?" he said, gently.
"Yes," came the faint reply. my
brain Is strangely clear and my tongue
is loosened."
''Then tell me al you can. for II b SD
10 SEQ you die with this unconfessed
guilt upon your soul"
Then. listen. All. how clearly can
think now. how easy TALKING seems 70
me. have heard that the last hour Of
mans life who is dying Of swamp
fever is always like this-a sudden and
mysterious strength. and then"
he shuddered
''lf these moments are 90 precious, do
not waste them, Arthur urged.
II will not First. promise mo that
you will do your best TO repair the mis-
chief ] have wrought even at your own
personal danger"
''Does Il refer TO the rescue OF Sir
Barry Grahsme?" Arthur asked
''It does" ttS Nkk
Then ! most solemnly promise you
that will do all man can to carry
out your wishes" .s-gtl
"Ah, sir, you have taken load of
my mind. Now hear my story. MY
name is Aaron Gore. was born on
Sir Harry's estate, played with him
when boy, served him as q man, and
traitorously sold him 10 his enemies,
when he had none near him bus my.
seH in whom to put his trust"
Beads OF agony stood on the mans
brow, as he uttered these words.
"You see, SIR" he continued. ~ ali
came about OF the doings Of Capt
Frank Archer"
''Frank Archer! Who Is hep
Sometimes think he Is only . man
like the rest Of US, but at other times !
believe he II a devil In human. shape.
for surely no aend could have wrought
moro mischief than he has done. He
has been at the bottom OF all my
misery. II be were TO show himself in
this room do not know that dare tell
you what has happened"
'Well. els not here and should not
harm you II he were. Speak out, man.
Arthur said, impatiently.
Eyes, | must be quick" the man
groaned. II feel already weaker,
then, evidently nerving himself for the
afpnr< M AD~<h 1t