The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-12-04
By Lilly Tinsley,
[CoPYR1GHr, 1892, BY T1L1orsos & Son.
OF Tinsgey's
Magazine,

to having Leo for his scapegoat, his death
by laying the last stone upon his guilt in
Neilie's mind. and st the same time remov-
ing him from the scene, was certainly TO be
desired.
The Illustration of this diabolical scheme
and Nellie's subsequent interview with Leo
had been no light blow to these hopes.
For some time, in his hiding place, be was
a prey to the most terrible fears and doubts
how to act.
But, as usual, his sang froid came TO his
AID, and as soon as Nellie had taken her de-
parturs be was ready to step into the room
and confront Leo.
Inc young man gave great start at MS
sudden appearance, but almost directly re-
covered bis self control.
Though his heart had lightened, despite
himself by his little loves visit, il sank once
more within him at thus early having 20
face one from whom he knew he had very
very little reason TO xpect help or sympathy.
ITO what, Mr.. Royal, do owe the honor
of this visit, and paid ia such a manneri
left orders for no one to be admitted"
IAN order which, like your last visitor, ;"
replied Royal, coolly, II chose TO disre-
gard"
''You have betrayed me, and now play
the spy upon me" burst out Leo, you
dare"
"Tbere ia no daring, Mr.. Forester, where
you and l are concerned" cut in the other
your room, and. finding you apparently
asleep and evidently in great need of rest,
l would not out OF charity wake you, 80 /
stepped out ON the balcony"
And there waited until I had all but
used the weapon you had put into nv
hand +" said Leo. hardly able at all to con-
troll himself, as he saw this circumstance in
| its true light
Should have been such q fool. even
had been aware Of your intentionl 1havs
no wish to answer the charge of murder l
might have incurred. l did bring the pis-
toI here but simply because in the present
state OF affairs have no wish TO have it
found in my possession. l was not aware
either that you were awake until Miss Hunt
ingford was in the room, and then l natur-
ally refrained from making her aware of
my presence here, as she has left her serv-
ant outside in the carriage"
Miss Huntingford cares for no caves.
dropper's opinion of her, replied Leo, with
slight touch of his tormentor's own sneer-
ing manner.
It may be wondered how either Royal or
Nellie had gained a clew to Leo's where
abouts
Sir Lawrence and the former had both
ascertained this by active personal search,
the former divining that Nellie had re-
pointed of her hsrshness 60 Leo, and, looking
upon her as the very best ambassador in the
present more dangerous state of affairs, had
conveyed the knowledge to her and seen her
of on her mission, while he set to do what
be couldEto put things entirely straight
Royal knew nothing OF his partners In
tentioD, and had meant to be drst upon the
field.
That he was not, however, be did not at
all lose heart. but set to his task Of subju-
eating Leo.
The young man. however, met hi. cool
ness with a defiance which became him
well.
''At any other time you should have paid
dearly for such an intrusion" he said,
haughtily. "As 1t is, order you to leave
my room at eDce."
II will 90, but not before have dis
charged the mission upon which came.
You had bester hear me. Forester, for your
own-for Miss Nellie's sake"
Speak out, then, and quickly; but leave
Miss Huntingford OUT of the question:" re-
turned Leo, controlling himself as best he
could.
"That, unfortunately. is just what can
| not do, " returned Royal.
"W hat do you means"
'That have come here to tell you the
truth"
1.-The TRUTH" asked Leo in great wonder.
Yes" went on Royal, speaking slowly
distinctly, as If very anxious that every
| word he uttered should be heard and under
| stood, 'the truth about the crime COM
mltted on the 10th of December-the crime
| of which you believe yourself guilty."
believe myself guilty." once more re-
peated Leo. Then with a sudden step for
ward, his face flushing hotly. his eyes
ablaze, imam, what are you sayingf"
THAT you are innocent of any such
crime"
Leo staggered as IL he had been struck.
Then ssizing Royals arm. chung to him des-
perately.
Innocent! am innocenti Say it again.
say 1t again; can't believe my senses. II
Isn't, it can't be true. An Ralph ROYAL I
have been harsh, hot-hesded with you. For
get all else but that my life my very soul,
hangs on your words. Don't torsure me-
don't torture me, for Gods sake"
There was nothing unmanly in this
frenzled appeal, nor yet in that almost
womanly clinging to Royal, for who can
cent" were to the soul, SO long and so sorely
tried by the burden which it now seemed
was all in a moment to be lifted.
Royal would doubtless have liked to have
played with his victim q little but for his
own sake dared not. So he answered
quietly enough:
LAS heaven shall be my witness, you are
innocent of this crime"
TRUE! truel" gasped Leo, rseling back,
For moment he stood like one who
would fail headlong to the ground, then
tottered feebly Co the window and fell upon
"Airl air. For PHYS sake give me air, I
am choking"
For a moment or so, indeed, his joy did
seem as if it would be too much for him.
His face became livid. his eyes seemed as
of they were burning Goals, dropping almost
from his head, bis whole body quivering
and writhing as in fiery agony.
But by degrees the paroxysm passed, and
though at first he could only lean against
the window frame, his eyes appraised to
heaven as if giving thus mute prayers OF
thankfulness, after a while power to speak
came back to him.
Innocent! innocentp he whispered to
himself, the tears quenching the light OF
pain in his eyes, and falling In clear rain
upon his scared and burning features, a diff
ferent tide to the hot stinging one which
Nellie had dried. 'Free once more! Free!'
And he stretched out his arms almost az
Nellie was wont to do-ns if to grasp back
at the happiness he had once deemed lost to
him forever. Free from the burden
Free to lift up my head once more in the
sunlight-and to heaven! Free to stand up
right once more before all the world; to
look unhinchingly into the eyes that look
into mine Free from the guilt Of murder
from the stain of bloodl Free to begin life
again. Ali God, thank thee. l thank
thee.n