Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1897-01-07
A MANS HONOR.

wv Nuulu AGilueI UuCh LII Ills CLlillI.
regarding the saltant flames of the
grate-fire with hostile eyes. He be-
lieved himself to be particularly calm
his heart was beating ut its normal,
placid pace, his mind was clear. He
was unaware that his fingers were
nervously tapping the arms of his chair,
and that his view of the fire was grad
ually growing blurred and indistinct.
The library table was thicllly strewn
with papers, and Wyndam's brother
leaned heavily against it, gnawing his
discolored lips.
At length Wyndam broke the strained
silence. He arose from his seat and
placed his arm upon his brothers Shout
der, saying: DO you see the biting
jest fortune played us in removing
our father before he could destroy
these pleasing documents? For have
no doubt he fully intended to destroy
Them"
The younger man impatiently chafed
under his brothers words. He threw
back his head as if to shake him
self free from the thoughts which pur-
sued him.
II am not sorry he had not time
to destroy them,' he returned, labored-
ly; The tried to teach us to the full
the meaning Of honor-perhaps with
the idea that we would be able to do
what he was not strong enough to &C
complish. 1t only remains with us to
make restitution
Wyndam looked at him in astonish-
ment and cold admiration of his man.
ner of receiving the blow.
THAT is all that is left for u.s." he
agreed, slowly; land we can accomplish
it only by our death; otherwise the
world would know of our dishonor
Fortunately, Howard is the next in
succession, ard will come into his own
without need of disclosing to him our
shame
The younger man was unable to re-
strain the faint look Of protest which
momentarily flashed into his heavy
eyes Then the blank hopelessness
again enveloped his features, as he
echoed: Only our death can right the
wrong
He recognized that the case required
that drastic measure-he wished no re-
peal from it, for every breath he now
drew was poisoned; but the thought OF
death, which only an hour ago had
seemed so far distant, came upon him
with something OF a shock.
1T will be we'll for us to make OUR
exit as speedily as possible" Wyndam
pursued; there will be the usual Won
derment at our hasty deed; but, at
least, there will be no suspicion OF the
TRUTH
He commenced to separate the papers
with his usual customary methodical
precision, quickly bringing order out Of
the confusion which had reigned. He
was hindered rather than helped by his
brothers assistance. He deposited in
the fire the confession which had laid
bare before them unguesscd infamy,
and the two stood watching until the
flames had mercifully devoured the last
bit of paper which could have ayOWed
their dishonor.
Then Wyndam said: IT am going to
my own apartments. 1t will probably
take me an hour to arrange my own
affairs. At the expiration Of that time,
shall end my life"
II shall do likewise" declared the
Younger man, who had now regained
the mastery of himself. His voice rang
steady. but his face was like Il death
mask in its stiffened, unnatural repose.
There had never been any strong
liking between them, but as Wyndam
shook his hand upon separating from
him ut the turn of the corridor, he was
stirred by Il momentary thrill Of pity.
He knew his brother well enough to re-
alize that life could now hold no posi-
BILE charm for him, but it seemed sad
that he should be forced to leave it
while he was still possessed of the ex-
altations peculiar to youth.
Wyndam closed the door of his own
den, and set about the completion of
his task. There was not one letter over
which he fingered before committing
it to the flames, yet many of them
were from the one woman he had ever
loved, and to whom his marriage was
imminent He had always been able
to keep his mind from the disagreeable,
and he was determined that in this last
act he would still maintain his admira-
bic composure and not try himself
needlcssly.
He refused absolutely to allow his
thoughts to dwell upon what was to
happen within the hour. and he noticed,
with a subdued throb of self-sati FAC
ton. his unfaltering nerve.
He debated with himself for some
moments over the ACCESSIBILITY Of lcav-
ing Il rev LlSt words to the WCman VINO
was to have been his wife, but ulti-
mately dismissed the thought as SAVIOR
ing of the dramatic. In fact. he felt
he could derive no consolation from
writing to her. as he could frame no
possible excuse for his impending
action.
He walked composedly to the drawer
which contained his revolver. but paus-
ed before the mirror to push back from
his brow the hair which had become
displaced. He also noticed that his
cravat was somewhat awry, and rear
ranged it.
note Of his condition. He had more
than once before proved himself to be
possessed Of more than ordinary cour-
age. and felt assured he would meet
death. when it came. unflinchingly. Yet
as he unhesitatingly levcled the weapon
Mt his heart, he congratulated himself
upon his GOODNESS
AS he was about to pull the trigger,
he heard. indistinctly, the muttled re-
port Of the pistol which had been fired
In II room further down the corridor.
The sound fastened him, and he ut once
pulled the trigger.
He fell into the chair beside him. his
hand pressed to his heart, hoping that
a. Il Il.