Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1895-06-27
CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.
MYSTERY.
Tho snow fell deep that night. 1t was
tho first wintry storm OF the season, but
the ov8r-freighted clouds lowered low
until dawn, and field. forest and farm
lay clothed In robe of spotless white
when day broke.
There was not a tremOr In the form OF
Farmer John as he came down to the
breakfast table, not the culver of a
muscle was visible in his sturdy face.
He was even cheerful, and he spoke
to the hands and to Ralph Prescott as if
nothing in the world had happened to
disturb the serenity of the home circle
as il the vacant chair at his side did not
exist.
If the iron had pierced his soul he had
canterized the Jagged wound with the
pride, stubbOrnness and endurance that
would have made OF him an excellent
martyr in the days when they burned
men at the stake.
He gave his orders calmly. When he
apportioned Ruth's customary work to
the dairymaid there was not the token
Of trelnor in his voice.
Anxious-faced Ralph Prescott ap-
preached him as he hustled to the door
In his great coat
Mr.. Elliott, he said timidly, Il want
to speak to you-"
About that girl?" demanded Elliott.
turning sharply.
About Ruth--yes. You know"
stop! forbid you ever to mention
her name under this roof again. She is
as dead to me as il she were buried
fathoms deep In the sea. I'm sorry for
you, my boy. but you and / must try
and work some comfort out of the mud
die q lying thief and q disobedient
daughter have left us in"
Ralph Prescott looked glum and then
crafty. Affairs were bad, decidedly so.
He had lost Ruth. A far more sordid
thought oppressed his mind just now,
however. Would he lose old Godfrey
FOrsythe's money as we'll?
He wandered about rostlessly that
day, over the farm. through the village.
There was no trace Of Ruth. The storm
might have swallowed her up, for all the
clue the most persistent inquiry brought
- to her whereabouts.
She's gone with him, muttered Pres
colt, sourly. They were married, sure
enough and legally enough. for the
minister says so. Paul Dalton has won
the prize. but II can win the
money"
He reflected over that phase of the
case for many hourse. Old Godfrey. as
he understood It, had left his fortune
equally divided between himself and
Ruth. That OF course had the tacit con-
dition attached that they would eventu-
ally we'd one another.
~ n S1s,nn
derstood the new complications in
ferent disposition OF his wealth.
He was whimsical and crotchety.
Getting older, he disliked to be dis
turbed.
Since he talked to me about that
money lost at gambling. that some busy
body told him about. he hasn't been so
bland to me. soliloquized the anxious
Prescott. Il half believe, il he did not
think was to marry Ruth, he'd change
the will, and cut me of without shil-
ling. only wish he'd die while the
will stands In my favor! Had better
go and see him? I will. must look
sharp. or I'll find myself in pretty bad
position My revenge! Bah! Matters
are Tar worse for me than before tried
to down that miscreant Of Dalton.
I've lost everything. and he has gained
everything he was after-the girl.
Ralph Preston did go to the home OF
the recluse. He found Godfrey propped
up In bed, and looking like man at his
last gasp.
He greeted his visitor GROSSLY, and
with searching glance that Prescott
did not like.
-You don't seem to be- feeling as well
as usual. Uncle Godfrey" suggested
Ralph.
MOI snapped the recluse. DO you
think anyone is worrying very much
about me-?
Why
oh, know you all. Waiting for my
shoes after I'm dead"
Hadn't better stay and help you till
you get better2'
I've got help.
What! you've got"
A nurse. What are you staring at?
Am ! begrudged that little outlay. in my
Ralph Prescott was silent. none the
less amazed. For ten years the recluse
had tabooed ell kinds Of help.
The schemer caught sight Of femin-
Inc form in the next room, her somber
black dress, colored spectacles, and
close-fitting cap making her resemble a
woman Of fifty.
He found that he could neither cajole
nor entertain his crusty host, and he
took his leave.
Il don't like the looks Of things,' he
muttered.
He liked it less that evening. A chum
at the tavern informed him that old
Geoffrey had sent that afternoon for bis
lawyer, and that later doctor had been
hastily summoned.
I'm going to have a talk with old
Elliott tonight" unused Prescott. 4I'm
going to know IL I'm to expect q fortune
or nothing. I've been abused and de.
iluded all around, and I'm going to get
something out Of the wreck in some
way.
There was IN alarm at Maple Leai
Farm, however, before he reached home.
I A messenger had come from old
iG0onr0y IN hot haste.
The invalid was dying. he said. And
when Farmer John reached the lonely