The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1897-10-01
Dead silence for a moment. solemn

Dead silence for a moment, solemn
and impressive indeed, for Close TUNED
helpiessly to the supporters On his
right, unable to face such ma jestv OF
confidence and conviction, urable 10
say the words that could sound only
hike insult intensified. TWAS i'aru.elce
whose sense of duty rose superior TO
exalted sentiment.
Madam" he began, stepping for
ward, these papers are full warrant
for my action. 1 know two men to be
secreted here. 1, too, saw one at that
window, and the law must take its
course"
Stop she cried. Il have said chat
was my daughters room. One of your
party, at least, has the appearance of
a gentleman. Lieut.. Lambert, is it
possible that you-that any graduate
of West Point-can stand here and per-
NIT such outrage as this? Would you
allow your sisters room to be searched
for--oh, my God! nothing we have lad
to bear was comparable to this. rive
you my word of honor no such man is,
or has been"
But she got no further. Out from the
dark hallway, with bounding step, tall
slender and athletic. sprang young
fellow with the warning cry: Mother!
not another word.''
She strove to check him as he pushed
his impetuous way past her. With
wall of anguish unspeakable she threw
aside her cane and seized him by tie
arm. Down went the candle sputter-
70
my boy, what have you done?" she
moaned, and bowed her gray head upon
the broad young shoulder.
And then, with just touch OF the
melodramatic in his bearing, the youth
folded his arms and stood erect before
the astonished group of officials.
81 reckon, gentlemen, I'm the man
you want"
Close looked at him in bewilderment,
then turned to Parmelee, whose face,
| whether through fear or excitement.
was twitching nervously, and who
stood staring blankly at the stranger.
From the hallway came creeping hur-
riedly forth a girlish form, misery in
the streaming eyes and disheveled hair.
| and Katherine Walton threw herself
upon her brothers arm, sobbing con-
vulsively. Hush, Kate" he whispered,
| in almost stern reproach. Hush, child.
| Go back to your ROOM" and though
now he EMBODIED his mother in the en-
brace of his left arm, he strove to free
| the right. But Katherine would not go.
And still, though here apparently was
the sought-for prisoner, no man stepped
| 20 TO oil !, nd
the nocturnal visitors looked blankly at
one another. at the stricken group upon
the threshold. and were silent. Then
with sudden gesture, as though he
could no longer bear the strain, the
young man broke loose from Kath-
crimes clinging arms, and, gently un-
clasping his mothers hands, once again
addressed himself to Close:
It say, sub, I reckon you've come
for me. I'm ready to go with you at
once"
And then, with wonder and relief in
their faces, with sudden check to sobs
and tears, mother and sister lifted ur
their heads and stared at the embar
raised officer. Lambert gave vent to an
audible gasp of delight, for Close, turn
ing slowly upon the silent and aston
ished deputy, and with a world of sup
pressed wrath in his deep tones, growled
forth:
you've got no warrant for this gen
tleman. l never saw him before in my
life, and never heard of him as being
mixed up in any trouble. This is young
Mr.. Walton, isn't it?" he suddenly in
quired of the stranger. over whose pale
face a look of bewilderment was creep
ing. and who for moment seemed un
able to reply. 1t was Mime. Waltor
who. with quivcring, ashen lips ant
with hope. fear, yearning, anguish il
her eyes, found voice to say:
This is my youngest son, sub
Floyd Walton.
"You say" she continued tremulouS
IL, ''you have no warrant. no cause
for his arrest. Then in Gods name go
and leave us in peace. l am not well;
and on my word of honor, no Other
man is hidden
Mother! Hush!"
\ door hastily opened within-th'
door leading to the room to the lief
of the entrance. the room at whose
window Close and Parmalec could swear
they saw the dim figure of man peer
ing forth as they entered the gate. y
heavy football resounded through TIL;
hall. a light strcamed forth from the
open room, and a woman's wailing
shuddering cry followed the tall power
full form that came striGing 20 the
front. With a look of horror in he1
eyes. Mrs. Walton staggered. would
have fallen, but for the clasping arm
of her son, upon whose breast she now
leaned, painting for breath and glarin:
at the newcomer, to whose side now
sprang Esther. her long black hail
streaming down the white wrapper il
which her tall figure was enveloped-Es
Their, who strove to drag the stranger
back from before her mothers eyes.
You here? You?' was Mrs. Wal
toms gaspiEg cry. And in-tha1
| roome"
-Mother," walled the elder daughter
throwing herself upon her knees be
fore the fa;nting form-"mother, lis
ten. Oh. make her hear me, Floyd,
Mother. am Walton's wife"
But the words fell on senseless ears
The lady of Walton hall slipped swoon
ing, till they caught and bore her with
in the open doorway.
WELL" said Close, a moment later
what do you want done with your
| MANIPULATION ScroppS2 Ones enough