Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-08-17

thought me of the kilograms, and my
imagination wilted.
AS my eyes still rested upon the
sfnewy hands with their strong spat-
ulate fingers, Burlington addressed me
by name. His voice was much stronger,
and the information clear, indicating an
unclouded brain.
"Are we alone?" he asked, not NOV
ing his head
"Yes," sud 1; but don t talk"
II must" he replied, impatiently.
i've focused all my strength for that
very purpose. want to see Mrs. Ger
ard tomorrow"
He was certainly mad, decided, and
must be humored.
Yes, yes" murmured, soothingly,
"of course you shall see Mrs. Gerard"
II don't know what the devil you
mean by of COURSE" he said, irritably.
There are serious difficulties in the
way. She was once my wife, the very
light of my eyes. And she left me
me-" l noted the accent of pridc-"for
that slave of Plutus, Mark Gerard. l
let her go, d-n her, without word.
But she is not anxious to see me again,
I'll warrant"
! was too astonished to reply.
II may have to employ you," he con-
tinued, calmly, 'as go-between. Mark
Gerard is welcome to my wife, but the
girl is mine, and want her.
Nancy" gasped.
us that her name?", said he. eyes,
she's mine. claim the girl"
He spoke so calmly, so sanely, that 1
forgot my duty as nurse, and spoke out
impulsively:
you claim that girl, knowing the
reason which drove her mother from
your house?"
do you know the reason, Livings-
ton?"
81 do"
"Then, in the name of God, share that
knowledge with me. Heavens! how my
head reels!"
l tried in vain to calm him, but he
demanded imperatively an answer to
his appeal.
why did she leave me?" he repeated.
81 made her good husband. 1 dare
say was jealous Of other men-Gerard
in particular-but that was proof of
love. I worked like slave for that
woman-worked till my health broke
down. and then, just when needed her
most, she deserted me. The girl was
born months after that, and supposed
she was the child of Gerard. To-day
this morning. opened my eyes and
saw my face stamped upon hers. She
is a Burlington all over. I swear it.
How dared that woman rob me of my
child? I've lain here, Livingston
all this day, eating what they gave me
submitting to that awful rubbing, pray.
ing, ay, praying for strength to recover
and claim my child"
And Perllins?" whispered.
His eyes met mine with the inquiring
glance of Il puzzled child.
'Perkins?' he muttered. Ferdinand
Perkins? The Greek murdered him
l know it. Don't let that man come
near me. Hes my enemy, 1 tell you
my bitter enemy! But what has Per.
kins to do with me? Are you crazy ?
Curse that dog! My head is splitting"
The bloodhound was baying furious
ly. but suddenly ceased A skunk, prob
ably, sllirting the barn, had provoked
his resentment.
Not daring to pursue the subject fur
Their. l bathed Burlington's head, but to
no purpose. The pain waxed fercer
and sercer, till the man positively quiv-
cred hapeatb INV toucb The do,+,,
foreseeing such contingency. had sent
composing draught, with instructions
l hastily administered full dose, and
watched it take effect. Burlington, be-
meath the influence of the drug, closed
his eyes, and within five minutes was
peacefully asleep. Presumed my place
by his side. and tried to muster my ram
pant thoughts. Aeolus wrestling with
his turbulent winds had q lighter task.
Outside the moon and stars were OBJ
scured by fog, which had rolled in from
the ocean, thick and dank with the
spume of the sea, blotting from my view
the shimmering waters, and banishing
the grateful breeze. One might scarce
ly believe that one short hour ago the
prospect had been clear-that with the
morning sun these clouds, so clammily
oppressive. would be once more swept
away.
Suddenly my ear caught the sound of
footstep. and I sprang from my chair
with mnttered exclamation. Some
one was in the next room!
AT that moment the lamp was cxtin-
guished, and | found myself in bewil-
dering darkness.
ITO he continuedl