Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1896-03-19

iss' WIN pompous air of regret, not far
removed from real dignity, IF. since GER
al. lacts nave come to my knowledye
ulsassoclate you in my mind entirely
from regiment that in every other case
nave had reason to respect as well ~
like" "ei' aS
nat those facts are I have learned
from Miss knox," was the quiet reply.
The Deputy Commissioner looked as
startled as he felt. A tete-a-tete with =
murderer in any case was unpleasant
but when, to add to this, the murderer
was aware of his companions suspicious
perhaps, too, that he was the only per-
son that held them-the position grew
positively dangerous.
1T is to question you as to those facts
am here" continued the Colonel.
1T is quite illegal-against all Ell
quette," stammered the Commissioner. in
return.
Granted. Still don't think you will
refuse to let me know what case you have
against me, and allow me to prove myself
innocent if | can"-with a half smile
But you cannot" was the violent re-
tort, the speaker losing his magisterial
demeanor in the evaporation he felt at
the audaclous composure of the other
WHO else had any motive for commit
ting such a crime? You were in love
with Miss Knox; she was first engaged to
the deceased, and afterward. when that
engagement was broken, she refused to
marry you while he lived. She COM
planned to you of the persecution to which
she was subjected by him, and almost I'M
mediately the persecution ceased; though
not-heaven forbid!-as she intended. All
this L have directly, or indirectly, learned,
and more still remains to be proved"
1.-The merest circumstantial evidence"
remarked the Colonel, gently impatient
''Not a case to bring into court, certainly;
and it falls to pieces at once before the
defense that l have brought Will yon
oblige me, Mr.. Knollys, by reading this::"
He handed over the paper containing
the statement that Valentine had drawn
out and Major Larron subsequently
signed.
A little nervously the Deputy Commits
sioner fixed his glasses to peruse it. An
uneasy doubt crept into his mind wheth-
er he had not been premature in his con-
illusions, or at least expressed them too
frankly. Then, when he had read it
through, his glasses fell, and he stared III
speechless, open-mouthed dismay before
him.
II can hardly credit that you ever really
believed me capable Of such an act"
The Deputy Commissioner looked the
picture of contrition and confusion.
"Forgive me, Colonel Prinsep. l can
not express my regret" he faltered out.
"Do not attempt it, please. Let it be
forgotten. l shall never revive the mat
ter, and you can atone for your mistake
by maintaining q similar silence
Then Colonel Prinsep repaired to the
Quartermaster's bungalow. He asked to
see Mr.. Knox himself, and was closeteG
with him for more than an hour. When
he came out, Jane was waiting in the
veranda.
''It is all right. I can see it in your
eyes!' she cried, coming eagerly toward
him.
what wise little girl it is! Yes, /
think the danger is over now. But there
is one thing you may not like. Your
father is sending in his papers, and will
go home at once. 1t was impossible that
he could remain in the regiment. You
see that, don't you?"
Jane nodded COMPREHENSIVE, but her
countenance fell. Even when they had
been going for a year she felt dread
foreboding that they might never meet
again; but now that this eternal separa-
ton was certain--did he feel not tinge
of regret?
She stole hurried upward glance. He
was looking grave, yet not absolutely
sad; as their eyes met he even gave
slow smile If he felt no sorrow in saying
farewell, she must not betray her own.
st is best so, suppose she observed.
cit was the only thing that could be
DONE" he insisted, gently. Then, after
slight pause, he added: II am spending
Christmas at the Molnets' with Mrs.
Dene. Have you any message I can
take?'
"None, thank YOU
The Colonel was looking down at her
steadily; and as he gazed, an expression
of restrained yearning came into his eyes
Yet he made no sign. Sweet as it would
have been to whisper words in her ear
that would have cleared away the sad
ness from the pretty, pathetic face, he
dared not risk anything by premature
reimbursement. Better far that she should
suffer something now for awhile than con-
denim them both to lifelong misery.
''Good-by. Jenny" he said. gently.
A bright flush suffused her face. She
raised her eyes shyly. and half laughed,
more in tenderness than mirth.
What frail barrier it was between
them, after all
CHAPTER NLV.
Christmas came and went. 10 Jane
the festivities seemed the drearlest that
had ever been They had several invita-
tions-for, whatever people might say or
think, they could not be less than civil
to them, seeing that both Mrs. Dene and
Miss Knonys retained their friendship
but these had been declined on the plea
of Mr.. Knox's illness. But the Quarter
master was more like himself since Re
had spoken with the Colonel.
And, during these d:smal days az
,,,,,,;,+,,,c Jana had fulfilled her promise.