Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1896-04-01

1t was then about O'clock in the after
noon. On consulting a newspaper they
learned that one of the United States and
Brazil Mail Steamship company's vessels
sailed on the following day, Wednesday,
at 2 o'clock. This vessel stopped at St
Thomas, where, if they saw fit, they
might disembark and take passage to
Havana, and thence to Vera Cruz and
Mexico, thus throwing possible pursuers
off the scent. This seemed to be the best
route open to them; and, as there was no
time to be lost, Martin left at once for
Broad street to secure their passage.
Percy was left alone to mediate on his
position.
Martins rooms were in a bachelor
apartment house, not far from the juno
ton of Fifth avenue and Broadway.
The roar of the, streets was audible as a
continuous sound; and to Percy, sitting
in an easy chair before the fire, and
wearied with the emotions and vicissi-
tudes Of the day, it had the soporific in
fluence of the wind among pines, or the
noise of surf on shore. The sun had
set, and the room became dusky. Percy's
eyes closed, and he WAS just on the point
of falling asleep.
The sharp sound of the electric bell
aroused him. Had Martin returned al
ready? He must have left his pass key,
to be obliged to ring. Still partly asleep,
Percy arose and went to the door and
opened it. A lady stood on the TIRES
hold, and as the door swung back she
stepped quickly inside.
Percy recoiled a pace or two with a
disagreeable sensation. He thought that
the visitor was Mrs. Tunstall But the
next moment, she spoke, and the voice
was that Of his sister. Il am so glad you
are here" she said breathlessly Il
feared should miss you. -
Are you alone? How did you come
here" returned he He closed the door
and led her into the sitting room.
Judge Ketelle told US that you were
staying with Mr.. Martin. Is he"-she
glanced about the room and hesitated.
He has gone out, said Percy. Did
you come to see him?"
Il came to see you, Percy. can under
stand why you kept away from us, but
wanted to tell you that | am your sister
I love you and believe in you, and what
ever happens you can trust me. Let me
do something for you!' She spoke with
great emotion, though in controlled
voice, and he could perceive that tremor
passed through her now and then as she
stood before him.
a feeling OF strong brotherly tender
Il do
man; he put his arms round Pauline and
kissed her. Il couldn't do that if l
wasn't innocent, my dear" he said
''Of course know you are Innocent"
she exclaimed Indignantly. ''What made
that woman accuse you? She knows it
is false. Why is she your enemy"
Percy hesitated appearances were
against me, he muttered.
"What are appearances to any one
who knows YOU" broke out Pauline, i'm
patiently She must have hated you
Why did she hate you? Women do not
hate unless has she ever loved
you, Percy?" she demanded with a
changed voice.
''She-why, she's married woman
he returned, uneasily.
There was pause. Yes, | under
stand now!'' continued the girl, with
sad laugh. oh, my poor brother!'
She caught her breath and sobbed once
or twice. Il am SO sorry it is that she
said, TREMENDOUSLY.
Il have been fool, but nothing worse
than that" said the young man. There
is no actual sin on my conscience, Pau
line 1t is no thanks to me, but it is the
truth 1t is all over now, and thank
heaven it is over!''
Il thank heaven, too, Percy; for
whatever you had done l should support
you and defend you; and if you were
wicked l should be wicked, too l am
your sister'-it seemed to give her salts
faction to repeat this-''we are the same
flesh and blood if we do not stand by
each other who else will? But what
shall you do, Percy? You cannot tell
that in court"
He took quick resolution. Il shall
never appear in court" he said.
Has the case been put aside?" she ex-
claimed eagerly
'"No; am going away. l am going
w I'LL 4i4Cl1 Ia. LIZ lbs SoOlIS W IOhS OuI
passages to the West Indies by to-mor-
row steamer.
"Well, perhaps it is best" she re-
turned, with composure that surprised
him. Your bail has to be paid, has it
not? | will do that have money"
MARTIN has done it already. He will
pay everything. | shall leave no debts,
thanks to him. thank you just the
same, my darling sister.
"He is a good friend-he is a good
man" she said thoughtfully. Il can af-
ford to let him do it, for know he does
it willingly. So you are going away to-
getherr She gave a long sigh. "Well,
I will take care of mother"
"Poor mother!' said Percy, great
wave of grief and remorse coming over
him. TEL her the best you can of me,
Pauline.
Il can manage her-don't fear! 1t
will come right at last, know. will
go now, brother" She threw her arms
around him. BE good" she said; do
Al I1oe+ Won CON Oh Percy pprovl" |