The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1896-05-26


Sydney's marriage with the lovely and
accomplished Frances O'Mara.
And now, as he sat at his work,
Tony was again building castles in the
air, which his brother was to inhabit
Sydney married, and a partner in
the bank, would then become a men,
Der of parliament Soon after that he
would be knighted-Tony did not
know exactly what for but there was
no doubt that Sydney would be knight
ed; next, Sydney would become lord.
or an earl, Tony was not quite certain
which; but one or the other of these
dignitieS his brother would certainly
attain to, and on the same easy terms
by which he had been made a baronet.
And, perhaps, when Sydney had be-
come great lord, he would do some
thing for his brother; but Tony would
not care whether he did or not, so
long as Sydney was not ashamed of
him, and did not entirely diSown him.
But there was no danger of that; for
nobody half as good as Sydney had
ever lived: and it was impossible thai
he should ever cease to love the broth
er who would be ready, at any mo-
ment, to lay down life for him.
And just as his thoughts had
reached to that point, the door of his
little workshop was dashed open, and
Sydney was before him.
On beholding his brother, Tony had
started from his seat, instantly to
sink back on to it; for he had seen that
Sydney'S face was white almost as
that of a spectre, and haggard as if
with years of suffering
Tony had known that his brother
was about to return to London, and
felt certain that not many hours after
his arrival his arrival there would
elapse without visit from him.
The brothers gazed on each other,
and for several moments neither
spoke; and Tony, too, had turned very
pale.
His brothers love for Frances
O'AIeara, however hopeless he might
deem it, could not have wrought that
terrible change in Sydney which Tony
now beheId
Well convinced of that was Sydney's
brother, ana lie could only wonder
what terrible thing had happened; for
his tongue clave to the roof of his
mouth, and he could not speak word
1t was Sydney who first spoke.
"A.y, look at me, bfother-look at
me!' he said. 81 am dishonored
man.
THAT is impossible, Sydneyv' now,
at last, spoke Tony-and loudly and
confidently, too.
AS connectedly as he could did Sgd
ney relate to his brother the history of
his losses at the card table, cursing
the paltry pride which had led him to
play.
But Tony did not blame him for
that; his brother was not to be looked
down upon by such fellows as those
amongst whom chance had thrown
him, and had dore right, at any cost,
TO maintain his dignity.
And the cost had, indeed, been fear
full, Sydney said; and then told all
that we already know respecting the
money with which he had been en-
trusted.
And they have accused you of hav-
ing stolen?" Tony said, whisperingly
commencing, and soon becoming total
ly inaudihIe
Eyes, brother, yes. Go to them,
question them, and they will answer,
Sydney Drummond is a theft"
Tony shuddered from head to foot.
'And who could blame themY' Syd-
ney cried, despairingly. EVERY cir
cUmStance accuSeS-every circum-
stance condemns me-"
Tears rushed into Tony's eyes, and
he extended his hand toward his
brother.
But Sydney would not then accept
his brothers hand; and, thrusting it
aside, he wildly exclaimed: mo! go
leave me! What matters it that you
believe me-that you know me innno-
cent. if others"
''What matters itv' interrupted To-
ny. Are you gone mad? What mat
tiers it when honor is at stake-not
ours alone, but also that of our poor,
dear father?''
Sydney hung his head and groaned
aloud
''You are older than I am, Sydney;
and have always looked up to you,
and loved you, as in every way better,
far" Tony continued his voice broken
with emotion; "but | have a right to
question you closely now" And he
placed his hands on Sydney's shout
ders, and, holding him fast, looked
straight into his eyes.
Sydney, dear brother faltered To-
ny, 'some day we shall die, both of
us, and then we shall see father again.
Do you remember, Sydney, what he
said to us on his death-bed-they were
his last words, you know"
And the tears were trickling down
poor Tony's cheeks; while Sydney's
eyes were dry and haggard, and look
ing into vacancy with a stony gaze.
Dear boys said poor father, I
can leave you nothing, save the exam
pie of my honorable life. Follow it,
good lads; never be guilty of an action
for which you would have cause to
blush, and when your last hour shall