Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1893-06-15
A MANS HONOR.


Wyndam leaned back In his chair, re-
garding the saltant flames Of the CRATE
fire with hostile eyes. He believed him.
self to be particularly calm-his heart
was beating at its normal, placid pace,
\ his mind was clear. He was unaware
that his fingers were nervously tapping
the arms of his chair, and that his view
Of the fire wac gradually growing blurred
and indistinct.
The library table was thickly strewn
with papers, and Wyndam's brother
leaned heavily against it. gnawing his
discolored lirs.
At length Wyndam broke the strained
silence. He arose from his seat and
placed his arm upon his brothers shoul-
der, saying: do you see the biting Jest
fortune played us in removing our father
before he could destroy these pleasing
documents2 For have no doubt he fully
intended to destroy them"
The younger man impatiently chafed
under his brothers words. He threw back
his head as if to shake himself free from
the thoughts which pursued him.
II am not sorry he had not time to de-
stroy them" he returned laboredly. 'eHe
tried to teach us to the full the meaning
Of honor-perhaps 9TH the idea that we
would be able to do what he was not
strong enough to accomplish. 1t only
remains with us to make restitution"
Wyndam looked at him in astonish-
ment and cold admiration of his manner
of receiving the blow.
"That is all that is left for u.s." he
agreed slowly, ''and we can accomplish
1t only by our death; otherwise the
world would know of our dishonor. For
tunately Howard is the next in success
sion and will come into his own with
out need of disclosing to him our shame. !"
The younger man was unable to re-
strain the FAINT look of protest which
momentarily flashed into his heavy eyes.
Then the blank hopelessness again en-
veloped his features as he echoed, "Only
our death can right the wrong"
He recognized that the case required
that drastic measure. He wished no re-
peal from it, for every breath he now
drew was poisoned. But the thought Of
death, which only an hour ago had
seemed so far distant, came upon him
with something of a shock.
1T will be well for us to make our exit
as speedily as possible" !" Wyndam pur-
sued. There will be the usual wonder
ment at our hasty deed, but at least
there will be no suspicion of the truth. I"
He commenced to separate the papers
with his customary methodical preci-
sion. quickly bringing order out of the
confusion which had reigned. He was
hindered rather than helped by his broth
er's assistance. He deposited in the fire
the confession which had laid bare be-
fore them unguessed infamy, and the
two stood watching until the flames had
mercifully devoured the last bit of paper
which could have avowed their dishonor.
Then Wyndam said: 81 am now going
to my own apartments. It will probably
take me an hour to arrange my own af-
fairs. At the expiration of that time /
shall end my life."
Il shall do likewise" declared the
younger man, who had now regained the
mastery of himself. His voice rang
steady, but his face was like death
mask in its stiffened, unnatural repose.
There had never been any strong ik-
ing between them, but as Wyndam shook
his brothers hand upon separating from
him at the turn of the corridor he was
stirred by a momentary thrill of pity.
He knew his brother well enough to re-
alize that life could now hold no possible
charm for him, but it seemed sad that he
should be forced to leave it while he was
still possessed of the exaltations peculiar
to youth.
Wyndam closed the door of his own
den and set about the completion Of his
task. There was not one letter over
which he fingered before committing it |
to the flames. yet many of them were
from the ore woman he had ever loved |
and to whom his marriage was imminent. |
He had always been able to keep his |
mind from the disagreeable, and he was |
determined that in this last act he would |
still maintain his admirable composure
and not try himself needlessly.
He refused absolutely to allow his
thoughts 10 dwell upon what was to hap
pen within the hour, and he noticed with |
a subdued throb Of self satisfaction his
unfaltering nerve.
He debated with himself for some mo-
ments over the advisability Of leaving a
few last words to the woman who was
to have been his wife, but ultimately
dismissed the thought as savoring Of the
dramatic. In fact, he felt he could de-
rive no consolation from writing to her,
as he could frame no possible excuse for
his impending action.
He walked composedly to the drawer
which contained his revolver, but paused Il
before the mirror to push back from his
brow the hair which had become dis
placed. He also noticed that his cravat /,
was somewhat awry and rearrangedNit.
He was unconsciously taking mental
note Of his condition. He had more than
once before proved himself to be pos
sessed OF more than ordinary courage
and had felt assured he would meet
death when it came unfinchingly. Yet I,
IS he unhesitatingly levsled the weapon !
at his heart he congratulated himself
upon his GOODNESS. +
As no was about to pull the trigger he
heard indistinctly the mufied report of
the pistol which had been fred iy i ror,,,