The times., 1897-06-20
or the violin, for the inspection of the

for the violin, for the inspection of the
thief II
MY dear CoIin,'' exclaimed Kathleen,
greatly distressed and mortified at the
scene you must take me back to my
mother / insist
Just as soon as Mr.. ThoTndyke gives
definite answer TO my proposition,''
said Colin, fearlessly.
Thorndyke breathed hard His eyes
flashed with vengeful luster He tried to
speak, and could not Then, looking fur
lively about the room, and seeming u grow
smaller in the action, he took the Stradi-
varius from Kathleen, put it in an cid aud
shabby case and replacing the enptyorna-
mental cover in the secret chamber, shut
and locked the receptacle with elabora-
ton. 4
With supreme effort, he recovered his
usual manner.
You VIII give this TO my uncle, with
my compliments" he said lightly, put
ting the precious violin in Collins nandf
and retaining the scarabaeus. And YOU
might say for me, that although / know the
old boy is as mad as March hare, don't
like to thwart his dear old fancy / was
about, indeed, to inform him through my
lawyer, that a sum of money coming out Of
an old investment of his and my father's
has been divided, and his share placed to
bis credit in the - bank. A thousand a
year, only, but enough to keep him in COM
fort iii the Iunatic asylum, where l feel sure
he will bring up
Kathleen, although he had avoided and
ignored her in the matter, had not waited
for this ending. With crimson cheeks and
in great agitation, she had slipped ont to
rejoin her mother. a few moments later
she heard her host, standing before hI
guests, offer a graceful explanation that
the condition Of his Stradivarius would
prevent Miss Blair from tonight awakening
its hidden melodies.
Colin, clasping the recovered treasure like
the anchor Of hope, was in the lobby,
awaiting the ladies. when they presently
hurried out. On their drive home, he told
them in simple, but eloquent language,
the full history OF his old neighbor and the
stolen violin.
When he had finished Molly was cry
ing quietly. Kathleen's eyes flashed upon
him such approval as he had never seen in
them before. a
L could love you for what you've done
for that poor old man, CoIn,'' she cried,
with Irish impulse, and stopped, bIush-
ing. 'But can't understand why Thorn
dyke made such poor fight
1T was Coward Conscience, >" said
Colin. For If read him right, he would
cut off his right hand to avoid exposure
or fiasco before such people as were there
tonight
Il could love you rang Joyously in
Collins ears as he ran up his own steps
carrying the violin. When he reached
Thorndyke's room, late as it was, he could
not resist trying to get speech with his
friend. His light tap bringii., no answer,
he opened the door and went in. The
light over the transom showed him the old
man lying on his bed. Leaving the Stra-
divarius upon the table, Colin stole away.
Thenext daythe people Of the house found
the old instrument maker sitting in his
chair, happy smile upon his face, the
violin clasped in his arms He had been
dead some hours, and on his table lay q
penciied Will, beQueathing all that he was
possessed of, without reserve TO his be-
loved young friend, John Walter Mackin-
tosh.
Thus in due time, and TO the enormous
surprise of everybody concerned, Kathleen
came into possession not only Of her COW
eted StradiyaTius, but OF a husband with
an income small, but sufficient 10 enable
him To withdraw his wife from public ap-
pearance as a paid performer. Upon the
authority Of Mr.. Rupert Thorndyke, who
lives and flourishes like the green bay tree,
this is said 20 be a serious loss to the world
OF music, but Kathleen does not mind NAL
yolio still thinks the fail of Rupert ThorR-
dykeis to come
THE END.