Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-08-05
was coming round as soon as possible.

was coming round as Soon as possible.
II couldn't wait. dear" she said. II
simply should have gone mad. ! knew
you could explain. She shuddered.
"Where is it?-your uncle. mean
He nodded towards the room across
the hall.
"ln there. The undertakers have it
10 charge"
She drew more closely to him.
"This is certainly proof OF my love,
Alfred" she said. smiling family.
"Ihere never lived a soul with agreater
horror of such things than have, and
vet ! came. No, | could not wait. You
know how papa is. He never had much
faith in you anyway, and this morning
when he heard the news down town he
came right home to see me. On, he
acted shamefully! hate to think that
he is my father. ] could not tell you
all he said"
Her voice had sunk INTO whisper,
and she hid her pretty face on his shoul'
der to keep him from seeing the tears
in her eyes.
"Nhat did he say?" asked WILDLY.
"Oh. he says they think you did it.
lie says there is undoubted evidence
against you"
WILDLY was silent for moment,
drawing his breath rapidly. and look
ing more careworn than ever He raised
her face with trembling hand and
looked into her eyes.
'Pshaw. Didn't he know that the
coroner's jury gave verdict that
that uncle met his death at the hands OF
some person unknown"
"Yes, but he said you were going to
be tried for the crime, and that it was
the general opinion you'd be found
guilty. lie said your movements were
watched by the police, and that you
could not escape. ! stood up for you,
and we had some hot words. lie for.
babe me to receive you at home. and
so stole away and came here. Nothing
on earth would make me think you
could do snch Il thing, and | know you
will establish your innocence"
WILDLY made no reply. lie was
thinking, with a heavy heart, Of the
dream-lke impression he had recalled
of being up in the night, and OF the
blood-stain on his hand. 10 avoid the
girls searching eyes, he turned and led
her to sofa.
"What is the matter?" she asked, taxi
ing his hand in both of hers when they
were seated, and anxiously stroking it
"You seem absent-minded. You are
not like yourself
Il am awfully done up, Annette" he
answered. you don't know what
have gone through. ! am acting on the
advice of Col. Warrenton. He is sure
that he can pull me out of this, though
even he says | am in danger unless
unless the real criminal can be traced
ln danger? Does he think that:
Oh Alfred, can't bear it! 1t was al.
ready hard enough as it was, with
papa's objection to you on account OF
your lack Of means, and now-to think
that you-you! must be tried for your
life, that you must be suspected Of
Oh, can't bear It'll" And the girl burst
into tears.
WILDLY tried to soothe her with
caresses and tender words, but the hor.
ror Of his situation bore down OH him
with such force that he found himself
utterly helpless to console her.
You'd better not stay, darling" he
said, presently. "They are going to
bring the coffin into this room, and you
must not be here. Poor little girl, To
think that ! would bring such trouble
on you"
Miss Delmar rose and wiped her eyes
81 was a goose to break down that
way" she said, forcing a smile. u
came to try to comfort you with an
assurance Of my faith in you, and I've
acted like schoolgirl. You will write
to me. or send Col. Warrenton to see me,
as soon as you know anything definite,
won't you?"
Certainly" he replied. "Don'tworry.
1t will all come out right. You shall
hear from me every day. | will send
the colonel round this evening"
WILDLY stood at the window and
watched her graceful figure pass
through the gate and cross the street.
I'm sure | did right in not telling
her about that afterthought of mine"
he reflected. ut would only worry her,
nnd--and perhaps it means nothing
after all. And yet My God. it will
drive me mad Could | have done il!
Will it all come back to me some day"
He sank on the sofa, covered his face
with his hands, and groaned aloud.