La Junta tribune., 1898-10-29
CHAPTER X


crow had been done. He still lay un-
conscious. CHASTITY cut, hastily band
aged in amateur fashion by Evan
across his head: but with what other
injuries. internal or external. they did
not know.
The doctor who had been wired for
had telegraphed that he was on his
way to Crag Castle: but he could not
be there for an hour yet.
Monteith.
do not mind me: shall be all
right" said Elspeth hastily. Il sup
pose''-she paused with sudden shud-
der-''nothing can be done for herr
Monteith shook his head There was
a strange expression on his face.
Nothing" he said. You must
promise me on no account to go into
the room. Miss Troll. 1t can do no
good to the dead. and may harm you.
You will promise?'
Yes" said Elspeth. Then suddenly
a strange, inarticulate sound that WAS
almost a cry broke from her, and she
covered her face. 1T is too awful!
too herrible!" she cried. going ike
that into Gods presence-unprepared
--unconfessed! And few hours ago
she was sitting here, the incarnation
OF life and brightness. Oh, God. can
not bear to think Of It. God-God
have mercy upon herr"
Amen" said Monteith hoarsely. He
suddenly caught her hand. "Elspeth,
whatever may be in your mind. what
ever you suspect or fear. try to bury II
out of sight and forget. as l shall. We
shall keep our own dark doubts Sc
cret forever from the whole world,
shall we not?"
For ever" Elspeth whispered, and
her lip suddenly quivered. You are
generous"
II must go now" said Monteith. And
50 they parted-Elspeth to return to
her lonely watch, Monteith to hurry
to Abbot's Head.
The horror was still dark and heavy
upon him that he had felt as he drew
from under her battered machine very
gently the terribly mutilated figure Oh
the woman who had tried to compass
!. hts own death. There was no doubt
I'm his mind as to that. It was she
who had tampered with his machine.
counting on its going to pieces very
probably at the unguarded portion OF
the cliff-path.
She had mistaken Magnus Halcrow
for him-a natural mistake, for they
resembled each other at a distance
and had made that last desperate at
tempt to rid herself of him. probably
counting on his springing to the ciin
side OF the path. in ignorance OF the
Broken barricade. How strangely,
awfully. like the judgment of just
God 1t seemed, Monteith was soon at
Abbot's Head. AS he strobe up the
garden-path Day emerged from the
doorway and met him.
4, Her face suddenly flashed white as
she recognized him.: then she bowed,
and, after moments hesitation, Of
fered her hand.
You have come to say good-by? l
heard that you we're leaving tomor-
row."
II was" answered Monteith. slowly:
''but 1t is not that that has brought
me here now ! am sorry to be the
bearer of bad news. Miss Halcrow--
She interrupted him little breath
lessly:
Something has happened--Mag-
nus?'
You will be brave" said Monteith
gently; "and, please God. it may not
he so bad as we fear" Then, briefly
and as gently as possible. he told her
all.
She listened in silence, her face
growing paler and paler. until 1t was
drained of every drop Of blood. When
he paused she said. In a voice out Of
which all the music had gone:
II may go to him.
~ have come for you" said Mon
teith. "The carriage is waiting be-
low"
81 shall go and get ready" said
$Day, in a low voice.
She turned to re-enter the house. but
as she did go, the whole earth seemed
to heaye beneath her feet. and she
would have fallen had Monteith not
caught her in his arms. For a mo-
ment he held her there. her white face
resting against his breast; then Day
struggled from his clasp.
LET me go. Mr.. Monteith."
Day" exclaimed Evan hoarsely, 'it
seems almost proclamation to speak OF
such things now; but. my darling. my
only true love, l cannot let you go
without asking you to forgive me. and
10 say you will still trust me. Give me
the satisfaction OF taking care OF you
In this terrible time. and Of knowing
-ou trust my care. Day, you once said
ycu loved me-" She looked at him
strangely out Of those sorrow-flled.
ssea-blue eyes Of hers.
You cay Miss Stuart is dead. and
ycu can Say that to me now" she said.
r'ricst In whisper.
"She is dead" he answered gravely.
q. Day. must not speak unkindly OF the