Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1892-05-05
--~~--~
CHAPTER VII.
MYSTERY.

the first wintry storm Of the season, but
the ovar-freighted clouds lowered low
until dawn, and field, forest and farm
lay clothed in a robe of spotless white
when day broke.
There was not a tremor in the form of
Farmer John as he came down to the
Breakfast table, not the culver OF
muscle was visible in his sturdy face.
He was even cheerful, and he spoke
to the hands and to Ralph Prescott as if
nothing in the world had happened to
disturb the serenity of the home circle,
as if the vacant chair at his side did not
exist.
If the iron had pierced his soul he had
cauterized the jagged wound with the
pride, stubbornness and endurance that
would have made Of him an excellent
martyr in the days when they burned
men at the stake.
He gave his orders calmly. When he
apportioned Ruth's customary work to
the dairymaid there was not the token
of q tremor in his voice.
Anxious faced Ralph Prescott ap-
preached him as he hustled to the door
in his great coat.
Mr.. Elliott" he said timidly, L want
to speak to yOu-"
hUOuU llIttU Slil! uCAIttLdOu A1AA-ooo,
turning sharply.
About Ruth-yes. You know"
stop! I forbid you ever to mention
her name under this roof again. She is
as dead to me as if she were buried
fathoms deep in the sea. I'm sorry for
you, my boy, but you and [ must try
and work some comfort out OF the mud
die lying thief and disobedient
daughter have left us in"
Ralph Prescott looked glum and then
crafty. Affairs were bad, decidedly so.
He had lost Ruth. A far moro sordid
thought oppressed his mind just now,
however. Would he lose old Godfrey
Forsythe's money as we'll?
He wandered about restlessly that
day, over the farm, through the village.
There was no trace Of Ruth. The storm
might have swallowed her up, for all the
clue the most persistent inquiry brought
as to her whereabouts.
She's gone with him, nuttered Pres
colt, sourly "They were married, sure
enough and legally enough. for the
minister says so. Paul Dalton has won
the prize, but if I can win the
money"
He reflected over that phase Of the
case for many hourse. Old Godfrey, as
he understood it, had left his fortune
equally divided between himself and
Ruth. That of course had the tacit con-
dition attached that they would eventu-
ally wed one another.
Now, as soon as the old recluse I'M
derstood the new complications in
affairs, he might make an entirely dir
ferent disposition of his wealth.
He was whimsical and crotchety.
Getting older, he disliked to be dis
turbed.
Since he talked to me about that
money lost at gambling, that some busy
body told him about, he hasn't been so
bland to me-" soliloquized the anxious
Prescott Il half believe, if he did not
think was to marry Ruth, he'd change
the will, and cut me of without a shil-
ling. | only wish he'd die while the
will stands in my favor! Had l better
60 and see him? | Will. | must look
sharp, or I'll find myself in pretty bad
position. My revenge! Bah! Matters
are far worse for me than before [ tried
to down that miscreant Of a Dalton.
I've lost everything, and he has gained
everything he was after-the girl.
Ralph Preston did go to the home Of
the recluse. He found Godfrey propped
up in bed, and looking like man at his
last gasp.
He greeted his visitor GROSSLY, and
with searching glance that Prescott
did not like.
You don't seem to be feeling as we'll
as usual, Uncle Godfrey" suggested
Ralph.
mol" snapped the recluse. DO you
think anyone is worrying very much
about me?'
"Why-"
ooh. know you all. Waiting for my
shoes after I'm dead"
you get better?"
I've got help"
WHAT you've got"
"A nurse. What are you staring at?
Am begrudged that little outlay, in my
old age?"
Ralph Prescott was silent, none the
less amazed. For ten years the recluse
had tabooed all kinds Of help.
The schemer caught sight of femin-
inc form in the next room, her somber
black dress, colored spectacles, and
close fitting cap making her resemble a
woman of fifty.
He found that he could neither cajole
nor entertain his crusty host, and he
took his leave.
L don't like the looks of things" he
muttered.
He liked it less that evening. A chum
at he tavern informed him that old
Geoffrey had sent that afternoon for his
lawyer, and that later a doctor had been
hastily summoned.
I'm going to have talk with old
Elliott tonight" unused Prescott I'm
going to know if I'm to expect a fortune
or nothing. I've been abused and de-
luded all around, and I'm going to get
something out of the wreck in some
way.
There was an alarm at Maple Leaf
Farm. however. before he reached home.
\ messenger had come from old
Godfrey in hot haste.
-rhA inra lid 1.-nS DIVING he cnid And