Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1894-05-17

The man had spared his life when he
might have taken 1t, 1t was true; but
then there would have been so much
more risk than advantage in numbering
him. Was it not at least possible that
this apparent magnanimity was only q
blind to conceal some fresh plot?
However, he put these suspicious
away from him when he was out OF
doors in the fresh air and the sunshine,
and gave himself up to the JOY and tri-
umph of success. Come what might,
no one should rob him of Laura now,
he thought as he paced up and down
the beach; and presently he saw Laura
herself emerged from the hotel and adj
vanced toward him. He was at once
struck by the brightness of her face
and the elasticity of her gait. She
came up, holding out both Of her hands,
and the first words she said were, Il
am free!'
Have you seen SoIratkin?" asked
Everard, quickly.
II saw him last night you know. I
told him what l promised you that I
would tell him, and he argued with me
for a long time. / thought he seemed
less sure of himself than usual; but he
said nothing about releasing me 1t
was not anything that he said-only l
woke very early this morning-about
half-past five-and all of a sudden l
knew-But you will think that is all
nonsense.
NO" answered Everard; "go on
"Well. / knew that l was free, that
is all. 1 feel as l used to feel in the
days long ago, before 1 saw him. Some
how, l don't think he will ever get hold
Of me again"
Il don't think he will" said Eyerard.
And then he gave a brief account Of
what had taken place between him and
Souratkil 81 the previous night.
1t is to be feared that the lovers did
not trouble their heads very much
about that unfortunate man, and the
despair to which he had asserted him
self to be a prey. Everard and Laura
roamed about the whole morning, re-
joicing in the present, making plans for
the future, and well pleased to forget
h painful past. But when, after hav-
ing considerably overstayed the lun-
cheon hour, they re-entered the hotel
together, the waiter, who had for some
time been eagerly watching in the door
way for their return, beckoned Everard
aside and said, in an excited whisper.
oil, dic you d"dlc IudI lldl lNOOSu-
ian gent is no mOre?"
Good God!" exclaimed Everard; do
you NEAR that he has put an end to
himself?"
"Ah, there, It's. sir. Whether it were
cramps or whether it We're sooicide
who can tell? But my br Dther-in-law he
says this is just what he feared; for
them premises must be entered upon;
and no thnnOht &c Won sir. holm a
friend of the deceased, might like TO 20
along of him, and p'raps just take q
look inside first. SO as TO see
But how did it happen? How did he
meet with his DEATH" interrupted Ey-
erard.
ooh, he's drowned, sir. Between five
and six o'clock in the mornin' it was.
Some fishermen va cruiSiu' along past
his place and they see him come down
TO the beach and undreSS hiSSelf for to
bathe. He swims out some distance,
and then all of a sudden he throws up
his arms and down he goes. They're
all ready to swear as he never rose
a~gain-which is a curious thing"
Have they found the bCdy?"
mo, sir, they ave not; but It's bound
to come ashore afore long, they tell
me. I'm afraid this will be a sad
shock to the young lady, sir"
The sea gave up his body in due time,
and the %coroner's jury returned a vCr-
dict in accordance with the evidence.
Some few people who knew him, and
who were in possession of evidence
which was not before the jury, may
have arrived at a different verdict; but
If so, they kept it to themselves. Mrs.
Patterson, to whom death does not by
any imply a severance Of the
ties which bind the living, was long
harassed by fears lest her former tor
mentor should return in spirit and
work some dire mischief to her niece
or herself; but as he has never done
this, she concludes-correctly, let us
hope-that he is now at peace.
THE END.