Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1896-08-15
from which he could hear every word O

agreed between GQeu tuaU Slm euouiu
make his way to Deadwood and tele-
graph to his father to come Gil.
While they were discussing the stu
alton in frightened whispers the stars
began to pale and the crests Of the
mountains to the west took on the hue
of fire opals. Bearded figures rose from
the ground in every direction and began
to yawn and stretch themselves. The
horses and mules, resting with lowered
hips beside the river, began to prick up
their ears and resume their grazing
The fires were renewed, and those whose
duty it was to cook set about getting
the morning meal Henry Kyle went
down to the river to wash his face apd
hands He bent over a mirrorlike ex-
panse under the shade Of q bush, and
he was Mortified at the expression of his
own face. 1t was so aged, ghastly and
haggard. He had not slept much, and
it seemed to him that he could never
sleep again. His mother was ever in his
mind, or when he was not thinking OF
her he was troubled about the prisoners,
and he cursed himself for the part he
had taken in their capture. Having
bathed, he returned to the campfire,
and though it was out Of his way ne
passed near the tree under which Alice
and Clara were sitting. The former did
not raise her white face There was no
need to do So He could see the unutter-
able anguish of its expression, and
again he mentally cursed himself. He
loved Alice Blanchard with all the
fervor and blindness Of his impulsive
nature, and he imagined that when she
was wholly under his protection he
could win her. But he had learned his
mistake. He looked at Clara in an in
definite way, as one preoccupied stares
into space He saw the slender, girlish
figure and the sad, wondering eyes, and
he staggered back and woke up to
realization Ct the situation He could
have sworn for the moment that his sis
ter Nora was before him. Like one
fascinated and moving against a weak
ening will, he went over and with un-
covered head stood before the sisters
Still Alice never looked up. She could
not have been aware of his presence
The terrible grief in her brave, pure
heart controlled every thought Of her
brain. The introverted look could take
no cognizance Of the external world
She did not return his bow, made no
sign to indicate that she was aware of
his presence, but she was thrilled when
he fell Oh his knees and said with q
choking voice:
For Gods sake, let me- speak to
you'll
Speak" replied Clara "We are
helpless to prevent you.
II do not blame you for hating me, "
he stammered and rising stood with de-
jected head IL, and I alcne, am to
blame for the misfortune that has be-
fallen you. In my heart, which is not yet
wholly dead to the early teachings Of a
we'll beloved mother, realize my Owl
degradation. and I come to offer you my
aid. "
Your aid! You offer your aidp' said
Alice in low, sad tones that pierced him
like knife thrusts.
THAT is what 1 said, and I will die
before break my word. "
"Your wordl" In this there was an
other thrust.
II do not blame you for doubling it.
I have done everything to make myself
and my promises despicable in your
eyes. But try me and trust me. Let me
know how can help you"
Truly, you must be anxious.
II am"
"Then you must be blind if you can
not see what we want" she said, avert
Ing her face and waving her hand as Il
she would Dismiss him.
"You are right, Miss Blanchard, !"
said Henry, slowly taking II backward
step. IT ought not to have asked that
question I should have done s&mething
to beget confidence before making an
offer of my services. Your father
He was about to add "is gene, " but
Alice interrupted him and in way
that ;artled him as he had never been
startled in his life.
"Do you dare to speak Of the man you
have so vilely betrayed? Do you come to
wiring our hearts with fresh agony and
taunt US with our helplessness''-
II cannot blame you, cannot blame
you," said Kyle in choking voice.
"Still will I obey the better impulse OF
my heart.
He turned as if in obedience to her
imperative gesture and walked slowly