Arizona republican., 1898-12-18
Number Six s
 Sister.
BY BERNARD BIGSBY.
Continued From Yesterday)
"But Kate is not yVanda!!n

There was 8 world of meaning in his words, and the girls eyes filled with tears she could not rcpress.
 Ut seems but the other day. he con- tinued, frctfully, that good old Bladon brought me to Glastonbury. The physi- elan had said that change of scene would do me good-fancy change of scene for a blind man, Wanda-and cared not where I went, for all places were the same to me. But the smell of the pines was pleasant, and I felt the presence of the river. Little did think that thcre was in store for me such a year of happiness as I have enjoyed. What d lucky day it was for me when Harry Evesham found me blundering along in my poor, helpless way right in front of runaway horse and took me to his home. Then how generously Mrs. Evesham received me into her family circle, and - met gou, Wcnda!''
 ''Ycs, yes!'' the girl said, hurriedly: but he could not sec the quivering of her lip nor the deep crimson of her blush. ''Alone as you were in the world, it must have been a pleasant eX- pericncc for you"
 ''-Ah, you may well say so. I never knew how sweet one till now. But let us not waste words, Wanda, for this may be the last chance may enjoy for months of speaking with you alone. You and are similarly situated-waifs and strays in the world"
 Then he added with sad smile: F'You have given me the priceless blessing of sisters love-alas, with my affection, dare not ask for nore.'
 eic 1ov-o I Crixr0 x-r111 f1.oa1x-
 Then her face lit up with a smile as she said: You promised to tell mo about yourself, George. Now, be a good boy and gratify my curiosity"
 ''Wcll, sister minc," he said. ''I will give you my autobiography. I cannot say in the orthodox manner of story tellcrs that was born of poor but re- spectablc parents, for I am afraid mine were unromantically well to do. The carly past is yelled in much obscurity I have 8 dim recollection of happy homo across the seas s- of a time when I could sec all the beautiful things on carth-of a long illness which left me in total darl5ncss-of a frantic father hur- rying me away from the place of my birth-cf long years of restless travel and-that is all, Wanda xaa
 'But, your father?
 ''Ah, he was the dearest, kindest man who ever brcathcd the breath of life.''
 Did he never speak to you of your childhood?"
 Never - on the contrary he forbade any allGsion to it. For years he hur- ried me from place to place with rest less pcrsistency, always accompanied by old William Bladon, who seemed to be more trusted friend than servant to him.
 ''What object could he have in lead ing such nomad lifc?'
 That is more than I can tell you. As got older I fancicd he was flying from some terrible trouble - he seemed in such constant dread of recognition or pursuit."
 ''How strange!"
 "Was it not? Well, the climax came at last. Just . year ago we reached Chi cago from the far vest I was tired with travel, and my dear father was anxious about my health, for no woman could have been tcndcrer in her solici- tude than he was of me. One day we were walking down State state, he, in gaycr mood than usual, describing to nc tho stores and the sights. Suddenly felt his grasp tighten on my arm and a thrill of emotion shake his frame-you see we blind are very sensitive, Wanda then, q groan escaped his lips, knew he was suffering from some great shock. Father, what is it?' I said | Then I heard woman's voice quite ! close to us. So, we meet at last, Ar thur Arundel, it cried in clear, music al tone, which nevertheless had ring of anger in it, but which my quick per ccption recognized as the voice of cultured woman. The next instant my poor father fell prone on tho pavement; ! a crowd gathered; and he was carried to the hotel where he died in less than 1 an hour.'
 ''Without recovering consciousness?'' Wanda asked, her eyes moist with tears of sympathy.
 Not quite go bad as that He man. aged to say q few words to me before he died. My son, he said, I am go- ing whcro the wicked cease from troub- ling; but you will be left to be a | shaft for their evil machinations. I | even put you on your guard | against them. Trust implicitly in Bla- don. It lies in my power to give you great wealth and high station, but the risk of acquisition would be ruinous to your peace of mind, and bequcath you sufficient for all your needs-a hun dred thousand dollars is deposited to your credit in the First national bank to New York Then he rclapsed into q state of coma, only rcviving for mo- mont to whisper in my ear: If ever you meet Wanda, tell her that her se- crct lies buried with me. It may allay her bitterness
 ''Ngsnda!" the girl cried. ''How strange! Why, I am Wanda
 But not the Wanda he meant. His Wanda fancy was! some, cruel enemy, perhaps the very woman whose pres encc caused his death. Oh, if my poor father could only @have# seen my Wan lan'
 Do you think he would have loved