Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-04-30
CHAPTER mil
NhN lLhCNnNCtNA.


Alec. Of course, knew nothing as got
of how his Indian had Jared, or
whether, indeed. he had found the adj
dress upon the letter, hut Il smile
played about his lips and he began un.
consciously To whistle ~ the posaihll-
ity occurred to him. Respect fov the
man whom he suspected OF having
made away with his letters was simply
impossible; strong fellow feeling TO.
ward Loo because of her unprnCiplcd
parent was present With him now,
Indeed, what had MS own experience
Of father been? For space his
brow Cloudod IA again the remcm-
bruncc Of what he had overheard came
over him what constituencies men
there were IN thI4 world, he reflected,
Il say. Alec, said John Myers look
Ing In on them where they sat ut sup
per, 'auppose YOU put on your best bib
and tucker before coming in TO be In
troduced enough TO lot him see that
we nint quite forgotten the habits of
civilization, an
AN right said Alec, with n nod
and smile. Il guess III sport u
paper collar for his benefit"
The chief withdrew. but presently
Alcc's face heightened comicaIly.
Say Pierre. ! don't believe now
come TO remember no haven't IA
blessed one left lent three or four
to the boys
"Ah. win you Elf Won collaire Pierre
answered, gracitnsly, aud this strait
being relieved, Alec fixed up and pre-
aentcd himself in the apartment where
sat the chief and his guest before
glowing stove.
The back of the stranger was to
Alec as he entered the room. Mr..
Myers. sitting opposite. rose and said;
Mr., Marin, this IL our Alec Mr. Marin
same as Yourself.
The stranger rose aud, turning to-
ward him, Alec beheld the laird of
BIrKa'
For Il moment All the blood In hIs
body seemed 10 rush into his face, tho
next II was pale as ashes It took hlm
some time TO master himself to recover
from the shock OF surprise but he did
it grandly.
IT seems to me | have met Mr..
Marin before" he said, drawing himself
mp with indignant hautcur and ignor-
ing the lalrd's pronered hand.
The laird turned appealingly TO Mr..
Myers. who had been partially enlIght-
ened as TO what had brought him here
and taking the hint the CHIEF disap-
pcarcd through an opposite door leav-
ing father and son alone.
Shut the door and come in; | have
something to aay to you" said the
laird, mildly.
Alec turned not 10 shut the door,
but to depart, choking with indigna-
ton when u sudden fear Bmoto him.
His mother, Had the laird OF Birka,
stricken, come here TO tell
him Of the death the death Of his
What else could have
brought the man here?
The thought of 1t quclled his pride,
his anger; he was already outside the
now he turned back again,
humble and prepared to hear the
worst. with but a sorry grace he shut
the door and sat down and looked at
the laird with chill defiance. Not even
this the worst that could happen to
him, would make him less than man
before the eyes OF the man whom the
law forbade him to call father"
You must be surprised to see me
began the laird, when Alec
spoke sharply:
\ am prepared to hear what you
nave come TO say
The laird came over and seated him
.elf near him; but Alec turned his
read In the other direction.
Alec, my son" said the laird. in q
altering voice. will you not shake
lands with your own father?"
Alec faced about with flaming eyes.
To Be Continued.