Catoctin clarion., 1897-04-29

covery We're infinitesimal, and he per-
ceived that he had something on his
mind. Dupont had previously made up
his mind that he would find out what
Solange's mystery was, and he awaited
developments.
One evening, after long silence, So
lange spoke:
"How far are we from Panama. Fra,i-
cois?'
"Still two days at least, if the wind is
fair, mon brave"
''Sacre!-I shall never last it out!"
"Never lose heart! You will be all
right in a day or two,"
II shall be at the bottom of the ocean.
All, know it! l have tried my best,
but it is no use. The emperor will curse
me for a scoundrel!'
"The emperor!" repeated Dupont, look
ing up.
Ibid l say the emperor! Bahl my
mind wanders."
"Listen to me, Maurice" said Dupont,
bending over. "Your mind is not wan
dering, but there is weight upon it. l
have seen it all along, it has retarded
your recovery. Come! am your friend,
am not? If We're as you are would
confide in you. don't know what wor-
ries you; but, if did, might be able to
help you. And if can you don't doubt
that will-eh2 Come, free your soul,
my lad, and your body will be all the
better for it,"
"If were sure that Imust die"-mut-
tered Solange, hesitating.
"You are sick man; but have told
you the only chance for recovery" said
Dupont, Struggling his shoulders. zone
believes in Providence, suppose? Well,
is it not Providence that has sent your
best friend to your side at such mo-
ment2'
The dying man fixed his eyes upon the
speaker. Francois" he said, "if tell
you this secret will you swear to be
faithful to the trust? Will you carry it
out as if you were myself This is no
child's play, be sure of that! You are a
good fellow-you are my friend; but if
you We're my brother or my father it
would not be too much.'
make yourself easy on that score,
Liol CItI, ItGuIHeNl Iilc }uNeutuIcl, lay
ing his hand on the others shoulder. II
don't want to drag out Of you anything
You prefer to keep to yourself, and it is
only in your own interest that | speak
But as to trusting me-what shall say?
have lived as can--I don't deny it;
but after all, am an honest man, and l
would rs soon think of betraying you as
nf c1 Nd
ashore. Voilar
"If you keep your word, Francois, you
will be fortunate the rest of your life"
said Solange; "but," he added, half
raising himself on one elbow, 'if you
do betray me, may you die az am dy-
ing, and with no one to love you; and
.ntil you die my ghost shall haunt you
day and night and make your life hor-
rur!"
"Bahl bah! there is no need of this
said Dupont, with laugh. II have
said that you may trust me, and can
say no more. Now, do as best pleases
you"
"Bend over here faltered the other
huskily, land let me whisper in your
ear"
Solange died just after midnight. Du-
pont, after securing all the papers that
he could find in the stateroom, prepared
the body for burial, and with the assist
ance of the captain heaved it overheard.
May your sleep be peaceful, old COM
rade," he muttercd, rs he leaned over
the bulwarks and marked the phospho-
resent glimmer as the corpse sank into
the depths of the sea. "Trlly you had
heavy load to carry on this earth. You
were not equal to it; and Providence,
who favors the strong, transferred it to
me. Well, l shall know what to do
with it, ghost or no ghost! Farewell"
The Santa Lucia reached her port two
days later. A tall, red haired man, who
announced himself to the authorities as
one Solange, a peddler of wax fruits,
came ashore, and with a carpet bag
and small box Immediately left for
Aspinwall.