Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1893-09-15
A MANS HONOR.

Wyndam leaned back in his chair, re-
Earding 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
hat his fingers were nervously tapping
the arms Of his chair, and hat his view
of the fire was gradually growing blurred
and indistinct.
The library table was thickly strewn
with papers, and Wyndam's brother
leaned heavily against it, gnawing his
discolored lips.
At length Wyndam broke the strained
silence. He arose from his seat and
placed his arm upon his brothers Shout
der, saying: 'Do you SEQ the biting jest
fortune played us in removing our father
before he could destroy these pleasing
Documents 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. "He
tried to teach us to the full the meaning
Of honor-perhaps with the idea hat we
would be able to do what lie 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 us" he
agreed slowly, land we can accomplish
it 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.
ut viii 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. -
He commenced to separate the papers
with his customary methodical preci-
sion. quickly bringing order out of tho
confusion which had reigned. He was
hindered rather than helped by his broth
er's assistance. He deposited in the fro
the confession which had laid bare be-
fore them unguessed infamy, and tho
two stood watching until the flames had
mercifully devoured the last bit Of paper
which could have avowed their dishonor.
Then Wyndam said: Il am now going
TO my OWL apartments. 1t will probably
take me an hour to arrange my own af-
fairs. At the expiration Of that time
shall end my life"
n shall do likewise" declared tbs
younger man, who had now regained the
mastery of himself. His voice rang
steady, but his face was like a death
mask in its stiffened, unnatural repose.
There had never been any strong Xix
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 holdno possible
charm for him, but it seemed sad that he
should be forced to leave it while he was
still possessed of the ex~altations peculiar
TO youth.
Wyndam closed the door of his own
den and set about the completion Of his
task. There was not one letter ovei
which he fingered before committing il
20 the flames, yet many Of them were
from the one woman he had ever loved
and to whom his marriage was imminent
He had always been able 60 keep hi
mind from the disagreeable, and he wa
determined that in this last act he would
still maintain his admirable composur,
and not try himself needlessly.
He refused absolutely TO allow hi
thoughts to dwell upon what was to hap
pen within the hour, and he noticed witt
a subdued throb Of self satisfaction hi
unfaltering nerve.
He debated with himself for some mo
ments over the advisability Of leaving
few last words to the woman who wa
to have been his wife, but ultimatell
dismissed the thought as sayoring Of tn
dramatic. In fact, he felt he could dc
rive no consolation from writing to her
as he could frame no possible excuse 70
his impending action.
He walked composedly TO the drawe
which contained his revolver, but pause,
before the mirror 70 push back from hi
brow tsc hair which had become dis
placed. IL lso nolIced thar his crava
was somewhat awry aud r%earranged it.
He was unconsciously ticking menta
note Of his condition. He had more thai
once before proved himself 70 be pos
sessed Of more than ordinary courag
and had felt assured no would NEE
death when It anne unfinchingly. Ye
as he unhesitatingly lcvcled tho weapol