Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1898-01-28
By HOWARD N. YOST.
CHAPTER XI.-CoST1NUED.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CHAPTER XI.-CoNTINUED.
Being satisfied in my own mind that
the difference between Mr.. Morley and
Jackson had arisen over business at
fairs, l sought to lead Florence away
from q subject which seemed to cause
her distress. .....
"And what can you tell me about the
station agent at Sidington?" asked.
"Oh. Nelson! how puzzled am over
what you have told me! You say he
tried to shoot you?'
Yes; but do not agitate yourself
over that. He did not hit me, you
know" answered.
you?" she exclaimed.
THAT is as much q mystery to me as
to you. Who is the fellow, anyhow?
Where did he come from? His real
name, I understand, is Skinner"
"Yes, that is his real namc," was
Florence's answer.
why. what reason could he have had
for telling me his name was Hunter?
| Tell me what you know about him, my
DEAR" I demanded, for thought she
really appeared somewhat reluctant to
give me the desired information.
Florence. who is hep"
HE is q detective" she answered.
"A detective! He! What is he do
ing about hcre?'' I asked, in astonish-
ment.
Promise me you will not breathe a
word," Florence said, earnestly, hold
ing up her forefinger in emphasis.
II promise solemnly.''
"And promise you will not think me
o very foolish girl?''
Never"
well. then. after the bank robbery
ed to read all the papers to ascer-
cain if the robbers had been discovered.
The time went by, and you. poor boy,
were still under the cruel suspicion.
Why, Nelson, nearly all of your old
friends believe you had Il hand in the
affair."
"Oh, know that" answered,
gloomily. "And was foolish to give
up the trust and love and confidence of
the only true friend seemed to have
ut that time" kissing the faithful girls
forehead.
Indeed you were foolish. and cruel,
too" Florence murmured. "Six months
went by. and you went to Europe.
Nothing was discovered regarding the
robbery; and, what was worse, moth
Ing seemed to be done in the matter.
Every one seemed to have forgotten all
about it. except that you were the
guilty one; that was not forgotten.
Oh. Nelson. felt SO sorry for you! /
knew how honorable you were. and
how heavy your heart must have been.
SO made up my mind to do something
myself
"You!"
Yes. 1t was foolish. I know but
could not rest until determined to
try and clear YOU
For few moments my heart was too
full for speech. "And what did you
do"' 1 asked. gently.
II did not want father to know. so
lasked Mr.. jackson to send the best de-
]ective he knew of to me. Mr.. Jackson
seemed very kindly disposed toward
l.
ana asked me no questions about my
Intentions
so you hired detective to trace the
robbers?'
Yes"
And that fellow Skinncr-is he the
one"'
Yes. I suppose it was foolish
fn II ~ n
come of it. although Mr.. Skinner keeps
telling me he is on the right track now,
and will soon have them"
Foolish, was it? Oh my darling!'
exclaimed. as 1 caught her hands in
nine and gazcd down into the sweet
race. could say no more then. choked
as was 10y my emotion. The noble,
.rue-hearted girl! Impclled by her love
!or me and her absolute faith III my
integrity, undertaking alone to estab-
nsh my Innocence, while all the world
remained Indifferent! saw the noble
ness. the willingness to make sacrifice
ior her love. back of it all, and tears
.ame into my eyes and a great thank
iuiness into MY heart. What 4 for
'unate fellow was, after all, to be per-
mltted to inspire such devotion!
But if Skinner is in your employ and
therefore working in my interest, why
snoald he cndcavor to shoot mc?" L
finally remarked.
Oh. Nelson, / don't know. Icannot
understand it." she replied. as deeply
aerplexcd 10 was