Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1894-02-23
CHAPTER XIII.

WHAT HAD BEFALLEN TARASF
l would have sprung up and retained
Mere Lucas to learn the worst and end my
suspense, but fear unnerved me and MADE
me powerless to move or act
The carriage drew up before the door
heard Mere Lucas voice, and then Taras
spoke in reply. l could not catch his words.
but there was nothing in the tone Of his
voice to indicate that appalling change for
which had been prepared. What had the
men-Kavanagh' agents-done to him that
night when they called him to II" door,
Had they inflicted such injuries as to lie
prive him of reasoni That was the greatest
calamity could imagine
He was in the hall now Every word be
spoke was distinctly audible.
"Oh, there was plenty Of time" he said.
I'VE had nearly a quarter Of an hour to
wait before the train came In. The air Is
soft this morning Spring has come again.
mother. will 20 in the garden till lunch
time"
There was nothing in this to signify men,
tai arrangement; the only thing that struck
me was that he spoke with less decision
than of old, that there was an accent of de-
pendence in his tone. And observed that
the sound of his footstep was not the same
At one time should have distinguished 1t
from a thousand, now | should not have
known IL for his. It had been firm and
light and quick, now 1t was slow and heavy
and shufaing, like the step of old age Mere
Lucas went ont with him into the garden
at the back Of the house, passing 80 near
the room where sat that heard the rustic
Of her skirt. Did he need her support that
she accompanied him step by stepi What
had they done to himi Was he manned
for ifef
As their voices faded away, suspense be.
came intolerable stole cautiously out OF
the room and along the passage leading to
the garden at the back. Approaching the
door, perceived Mere Lucas coming alone
across the lawn toward me. She saw me
and raised her finger to bid me be silent;
then. stopping, she glanced back, raised her
two hands and let them fall in pity and
beckoned me to advance.
Invent as far as the door, and there on
the threshold stopped spellbound Taras
sat on garden seat on the opposite side OF
the lawn, his hands folded idly on his knee.
It was strange to see him, of old so nerv-
ously active, sitting motionless without q
book. q paper or sketchbook in his hand
with nothing to occupy his eager mind, but
1t was not that which made my heart stand
still His face was turned directly toward
me, and yet he took no notice Of me.
moved forward step, stretching out my
hands involuntarily. and still he sat un
moved and motionless. Then l knew what
had befallen him-what those hired villains
had done that night. He was blind: they
had destroyed his eyes.
My emotion was too deep and terrible for
tears. could only stand there clasping
my hands in an agony Of pity.
The tears were running down Mere Lu-
cas- cheeks as she came to my side and laid
her hand in sympathy upon my arm. She
would have led me away, but shook my
head. refusing to go.
HE will sit like that for hours" she
whispered. listening to the birds 1t all
he can do"
Silently crossed the lawn and dropped
upon my knees before him. awestricken
by his passive inconsistencies, his help
lessness and the calm, sad resignation in
his noble face. In that sweet presence no
bitter feeling could enter my heart. But
when left him my soul was stirred with
vindictive passion, and a great craving for
vengeance upon the remorseless villain who
udu WEcChcO Cuc llfc VI his lElcuu POSSESSED
NE. l vowed that Kavanagh should be
brought to account, that he should suffer
as he had made Taras suffer- ana that If
justice refused to punish him then my hand
should strike the blow.
This burning passion sharpened my wits,
whipped up my tagging energy ana re-
animated my courage. The necessity Of
secrecy was more evident to me now than it
had been hitherto.
you will not betray me to any one in the
world" said to Mere Lucas.
"lsit possible, my poor friend'" she asked
us it likely that should expose your mis-
fortunes when myself am chiefly to blame
for all that has befallen you? Besides, you
forget that still love you, my dear. Nay.
l will do anything in the world to help
you"
Gould | stay here" l asked eagerly.
seized with the unreasoning desire to live
again under the same roof with Taras aud
to watch him day by day. even If might
not speak to him.
ITO be sure. my dear" answered New