Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1892-06-30
CHAPTER XXI

1t was a suspensetul silence which
had fallen upon the thrilling scene of
the drama in the room where Marion
had been imprisoned, and where Paxton
had surprised StanmOre, who now con-
fronted him weapon IN hand.
All present breathlessly awaited a
renewal of the action which was tran
silently suspended.
The policemen who accompanied the
detective would have rushed upon Stan
more en- masse had the former given
them a word OF command. But no such
order was given. On the contrary, he
gave his auxiliaries signal to fall back.
Marlon's dllated eyes We're riveted
upon the detectives face, and the ter
ror-stricken expression OF her counten-
ance told of the fear that was in her
heart.
The hunted girls brain was frenzied
with fright; but even In her terror her
beauty was SO grand and imperious that
all who beheld her new We're impressed.
Paxton was the first to speak.
Suddenly extending his hand to Stan
more in a friendly way, he said:
I know all. The chief Of police has
intrusted me with your secrets, and I
honor you for your devotion to the
woman you love. Your error was in not
confiding all your secrets to me-"
Stanmore returned his revolver to his
| pocket, and grasping the detectives
hand with a friendly pressure, he an
swered:
4 was waiting for the day Of my vim
dicatiOn. In my judgment, the time had
! not come for such revelation. But
tell me, did the chief tell you who I
really ann"
Yes; you are Donald Wayburn.
I Marion OBkburn's afianced husband, d"
/ answered Paxton.
Donald Oh, why did not suspect
the truth. My heart was drawn to you
/ from the first" said Marion, and she
reeled as though about to faint, but
| Stanmore folded her in his arms.
AT last, my darling, after all these
years of separation we are reunited, he
murmured.
But only to part Judith Kredge has
denounced me. Oh, Donald, I am ac-
/ cused of murder" answered Marion, in
But it is a base lie. We will prove
it SO" Stanmore reioined encourag-
Miss Oakburn." said Paxton in a
kindly, gentle tone, I am as ever your
true friend, but justice in this case,
united with duty gives no choice. The
truth Of the mystery OF your fate must
be discovered, or an innocent man may
yet lose his life. I allude to Stuart
Harland, who will surely be again
| brought 10 trial, If 1t is not proven that
he Is innocent. I must do my duty,
painful though it is. You must now ex-
plain your mysterious conduct, or I must
place you under arrest.
Marion trembled as she chung to Stan
more-as we shall continue to designate
/ him, but she did not answer.
! do not despair; you shall be saved.
1 am wealthy now and will expend all
my fortune If necessary, to establish
your innocence Stanmore whispered
in Marion's ear.
Mr.. StanmOre, trust you will not
/ judge my motive uniustly; I only seek
to do what is right, sSid Paxton.
! AS he spoke he took forward step.
At this critical moment a man forced
his way into the room through the group
of policemen, at PaxtOn's back about
the door.
The new arrival was Stuart Harland
He had succeeded in liberating him
self from his prison in the cellar, and
from without the door which he was
passing stealthily, unaware Of the pres
enee OF the police, he had heard all that
had Just been said
He cOmprehended Marion's peril,
and he felt thrill Of joy in the thought
that 1t might be given him TO save her
Hold" Stuart cried, I was the one
TO first confirm Judith Kredge's accusa-
ton OF Marion Oakburn, but now de-
| clare that know she Is Innocent
DO you mean that? Explainl' cried
Paxton In amazement.
Stuart then in a few words explained
how he had been captured and imPris-
oned, and in conclusion he repeated Ma
rion's soliloquy which he had overheard,
and the opening words of her prayer.
she would not call upon her Creator
to bear witness to a lie. The last shadow
OF doubt is banlshed from my mind
now. She is innocent, and it would be
cruel to subject her to the ignOminy o.
arrest, even as a measure Of compel
} ling her to speak. said Paxton. and ht
: added:
while shadow OF doubt WAS In m!