Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-06-03

ABOUT now you came Dy your money.
But things are different now. You
couldn't have made your fortune. Mercy
knows it's my interest to believe every
thing good of you! But my wife and I
would rather go back to what we were
before than profit by anything that isn't
fair and above board. Do you want to
say anything about it?'
"What have, l found" said Count
de Lisle. mo crime was involved
in my taking possession of it. 1t never
had legitimate owner. 1t never can
have one more legitimate than L
Some time after discovered it / met
the man who had called it his. told him
that had it, and how and when ! got
it. He acquiesced in my ownership,
and so far as he could made me his
heir. The time was gone by when it
could have been of use to him, and it
was his wish, for reasons that he
thought wise, that none of his descend
ants should learn of its existence. 1t had
caused only disaster SO far, he said; he
bade me, If it were possible, to do some
good with it. That is how the matter
stands, Bannick. tell it, not for my
sake, but for yours; for comprehend
your scruples, and wish you to feel at
ease in the enjoyment of what you
have. am glad, too, that you should
understand what could not explain at
6rst-that what have done for you was
simple act of gratitude. You did all
you could to save my life, and in
tend to give you reason to be glad that !
am alive"
"'Iis a strange story, count said
Tom grsvely.
ut is the truth, Bannick. Some day
perhaps will give you the names that
will confirm it, but not now; and you
are not the first to whom they must be
todd"
Il see, but you have told her nothing
at all as yet?
"No: that is difficult problem. If l
fail there, all is failure. am jealous
of myself, and she must be faithful by
being unfaithful. But let that pass. Are
you satisfied"
He held out his hand as he spoke. Tom
rose and stuck his own into it. 81 be-
lieve you are a true man, "ho said. "You
have bleached your hair and beard, and
you wear eyeglasses and title; but
there's nothing wrong with you inside.
] never thought there was; but I'm glad
to here it out of your own mouth. Now,
what are you going to dol?
ITO speak Of personal matters. There
are three principal ones: to settle my ac-
count with Mrs. Matchin, to get mar
ried, and to appear in New York in my
own proper person. They depend on one
another Until it is established beyond
possibility of question who the real mur-
derer of Harry Trent was it cannot be
known that Keppel Darke is alive, anc
until that can be revealed l cannot
marry. My present idea is to force the
woman to confess her own crime; the
rest will follow OF ITSELF"
"Is there no danger that she may find
some way to check your
mot while she has mo against her,"
said Garcia quietly.
Meanwhile" continued the count,
II shall hurry forward my cottage on
Long Island, and get the foundations OF
the school of art laid. Will you como
up tonight and go over the plans with
me?'
"All nghtl Are you wise," added
Tom in an undertone, as they rose, and
Garcia passed out in advance, Ito trust
that fellow as you do?"
''Some risks cannot be avoided, the
other replied. "But as long as he feels
do trust him I think he will hold on.
And don't fear him in any case"