The Neihart herald. [volume] (Neihart, Mont.) 1890-1901, 1893-06-10

again summoned to the door, where
she found a man in soiled clothes,
with which his dirty face and I'M
kempt hair were in keeping.
Does Robert Desmond live herel"
he asked abruptly.
He does" replied Victoria.
"Well, give him this and don't
forget it, for it's important" and the
rough visitor quickly disappeared
down the rickety stairs.
Victoria's curiosity was aroused.
Wonderingly she unfolded the soiled
scrap of paper and read these words,
Tonight at IL o'clock" Laying the
note beside the letter, she quietly re-
sumed her work without disturbing
Robert, who still slept soundly.
Her suspicious of his associates
were confirmed. What repulsive
companions he must have if the man
who brought the note was one of
them Toward evening Robertawoke.
He found in his pockets a few cents,
which he gave to Victoria to buy
food with. After they had broken
their fast she alluded to the note.
which Robert said he had read.
When she ventured to speak Of the
letter from London, he said: II shall
not open it. have enough trouble
and annoyance now and do not in
tend to be further harassed by read
ing a sermon" That night he went
away earlier than usual.
Victoria, again left alone, reflected
still o on his mysterious occupa-
ton. She longed to follow him, but
could not leave her child, and even
if she could what good would come
OF playing the spys Sooner or later
the truth must come out. She both
desired and dreaded its disclosure.
The fear that it would bring dis
grace and sorrow increased.
She took up the letter from the
earl and looked at the envelope with
some curiosity. Why not open it,
No! Robert had broken all family
ties for her; there could be no good
news or loving message in the letter
for either OF them, or for their child.
She replaced it on the table without
breaking the seal.
Victoria retired early that night,
for prolonged anxiety and hard, un.
} accustomed work had completely ex
hausted her. She awoke at day
l break to find that her husband had
/ not returned. Terrible fears crowd
ed Oh her mind, and a deeper drea(
oppressed her when, at 10 o'clock, hi
entered the room, his hand band
aged, his clothes torn and spattere(
with mud, and a look of despair OF
his once handsome face. He did no
greet Victoria Or the child, but sanl
ON the cot and closed his eyes
Though tortured with anxiety Vic
e toria asked no questions, feeling i
would only distress him. After sleep
Q ing heavily for an hour, Rober
n opened his eyes and said: Victoria
o do not admit any II who ma,
T come to inquire for me. am no
going out tonight, and | must slee.
} undisturbed. Do not be anxious o.
n my account, nor save any food TO
1t me, but bandage my hand, and l wi.
1t try to sleep again."
D. At noon as she went to make he
q few purchases at the store she hear
l. reports of a daring burglary that ha
been committed the night before
One of the robbers had been kille
l. and another wounded in the arm
s. The police had the clew, but had nc
arrested all who we're concerned j
the crime. She bought a newspapt
le and began reading the details on he
s. way home. Fear and anxiety almo'
le overwhelmed her.
as Robert was still sleeping when 81
as entered their lodgings. The poll,
had not yet arrested him, but no
y long would it be before their hon
lie might be invaded by officers of tt
lave Seating herself by the wi
dow, she continued to read the d
tails of the burglary, her eyes su
IN fused with tears, her heart beatir
painfully, her head in a whirl. TT
is words seemed to dance up and dow
Ia the page as she read that one of tt
I'D robbers had been wounded in Il
1t left arm. 1t was Roberts left ar
st that was bandaged. A description
eft the criminal followed, in which Vi
he toria was sure she recognized her hi
lie band. The police were said to be
be the trail, and it was predicted til
to within "a hours all the burgla
would be in custody.
ID, A knock at the door made the pc
woman tremble SO violently that s
Re. could not respond; she pressed b
'ot hand to her heart: aer limbs almG
'p. refused to support her. The knoe
at ing was repeated. Nerving hers
SIX to the effort and opening the doc
ad she encountered a middle aged m
of gentlemanly appearance. Victor
t a felt sure he was a detective.
SIS Mr.. Desmond at homer"
IN, asked.
zee He is not" answered Victoria.
nv "Can you tell me when or wher
1rs will find himl"
IN II cannot" replied the wi
a Twill you not leave your MESA
he with meg"
I'll. Il regret" said the visitor poll
~, that l cannot do so. My bu
icy ness is of a private nature. I "
oo11 oooir