Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-08-02

fired in a room further down the cor
ridor. The sound fastened him, and
he at once pulled the trigger.
He fell in the chair beside him, his
hand pressed to his heart, hoping that
death would not be long delayed, for
the pain he was suffering was intense
He could feel the warm blood trick
ling over his hand, dyeing the bosom
OF his shirt vivid red.
His eyes fell upon his trembling
hand, which still clutched the pistol.
1t was not smoking and suddenly
there echoed in Wyndham's ear the
dull fall OF the hammer. He realized
that ne was not shot, that the pistol
had been unloaded.
The mirror, which be faced, 'unmer-
J cIfully reflected him. The color had
| ned from his face, his eyes were fixed
and distended, his lips We're twitLhing.
He gave some cOntemptuous commits
GRAFTON to the ahject figure. failing TO
realize Immediately that he was him
self
The weapon dropped from his nerve
less fingers and he buried his face in
his hands. He continued to sit in his
huddled position for some time, then,
after several fruitless attempts, got
to his feet. He CROPPED his way blind
ly to the cartridges, and when at last
he had the box in his hand, slowly re-
traced his steps to the pistol, which
lay upon the floor. He lowered his
hand for it, but he could not pick it
up; he lost control Of his fingers. He
drew himself erect, and wiped away
the cold perspiration which had
broken out on his brow.
Great Godp' he whispered. sharp
ly, what coward | ann
He carefully smoothed the anguish
from his face, and once again bent
for the revolver. This time he was
able to convey it to the table. He
endeavored to reload it, but could not.
Il shall rest for Il time,' he medi-
tated, dragging himself to a chair.
1T is true | told him an hour, but
there is no pressing hurry, and my
worst enemy would not wish to short
en- these extra moments"
His eyes wondered aimleSsly around
the room, but finally rested upo a
long envelope upon his desk. 1t was
directed to him in an unfamiliar hand.
In one corner was the name and ad-
dress of prominent firm of lawyers.
He had noticed it previously, but had
not opened it. Now, wishing to divert
his mind, he incredulOusly broke the
SEAL
1t was a lengthy communication,
but from his brief glance he cleaned
that, through the death of his mothers
only brother, he and his brother were
joint heirs to an enormous fortune.
He restored the letter to It's envelope;
the intelligence seemed an unneces-
sarily cruel taunt of fate. His riches
Of his poverty could not now concern
him.
And to think Of it all reverting
to Howard" he muttered. He will
rot know how to use it; he will be
more uncomfortable than pleased. He
becomes heir to ten times what would
originally have been his through one
mans perhdy, and because l am that
mans son, and because it is just
law that the sins of the father shall
be visited upon the children, [ must
suffer. There is one consolation, no
one knows, or ever can know, the
depth of our fathers baseneSs but our
selves"
1t suddenly flashed upon him that
the knowledge had now narrowed
down to himself. He turned the en-
velope over carressingly, repeating
softly:
mo one on earth knows but myself"
He seemed to derive a certain sat
isfaction from the words.
Were we right in SO Summarily
deciding that only through our death
could restitution be made?" he de-
manded. Howard would be more
content if left with his books and a
modest competency. The control Of
vast wealth would be nothing but a
burden to him. OF course, he could
not be given what is rightfully his
without creating suspicion, and that
must be avoided. But we can"
He went no further, for he was
again confronted by his brothers
death. He once more extended his
hand to the revolver, and all his
lately acquired repose vanished. His
face hardened, a look of subtle cum
ming crept about his lips.
perhaps it is as WELL" he urged.
He would never have been at peace,
for he had an exaggerated idea of
honor. If l determined to live" he
pursued, Il shall resolutely thrust
from ME the remembrance of what
we discovered There will be nobody,
nothing to remind me Of it, and even
to myself I shall appear as much a
man of honor as before we happened
upon those papers.
With logged firmneSs he replaced
the cartridges and revolver in their
compartment. No sign Of the conflict
which had ragged remained.
1t had grown late, and he carefully
dressed for dinner. Once or twice
his thoughts lowered over the motion
less form lying in his brothers room.
1t would be necessary for him to feign
surprise when the servants found the
body; but he impressed upon himself
| the fact that he must be cautious not
| to overact his role.
He had dressed without his Wallets
! help; but as he was about to leave the
room he heard him in the corridor.
He advanced toward the door, smiling