Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1898-07-04

81 saw you struggling with that
with difficulty; your arms were
round him; you threw him to the
ground Then you came to me, you
said something to me, and I don't
remember what else-I must have
tainted
The man released her arm with
groan. He moved with slow steps to
the dead body.
''Eustace,' he said in tones of acute
agony, my friend forgive me. God
have mercy! I was mad-mad with
your words. You tried me so bit
terly-but I would give all that J
hold dear to listen to them from your
lips again, for then you would live.
Now" he rose slowly, still gazing
speak again-you are dead-and I
have killed you!" He drew back and
leaned against tree, then started
suddenly-"and they will trace this
back to me, and I shall be-be hanged
as a common murderer! A Darrell on
the scaffold! Oh, mother, forgive your
son!''
Alice stood in silence.
1t was night now; the room ha1
risen, and was shining down =
silver rays on the strange scene.
The girl forgot everything in the
flood of pity that came over her as
she watched the remorse Of the man.
The lateness of the hour, the fallen
basket, her mission, her aunt's anger
all were swept away as she let her
eyes rest on him standing with hands
clasped together, and white haggard
face.
His lips moved, and she could hear
him murmur from time-to time.
Murder! A Darrell hanged for
murder! Oh, that I could have died
before I brought this shame on your
head! mother! For me life henceforth
will be death, for there is blood on
my hands, but for you, mother, it is
different and there is no escape"
He glanced round in the agony of
his mind, and a sudden thought
seemed to come to him; he moved to
her so rapidly that Alice shrank
back.
do not shrink he muttered
passionately; but speak to me. Let
me know the worst at once. Were
YOU alone when-when-death came
to him, or-were there others with
your"
II was alone"
''You swear it?"
''I swear it," Alice said, meeting his
eyes bravely; Few people would come
this way by night" she added softly,
touched by the misery in his face.
''They fear the path too much.
''But you?"
81 was sent on message to the
housekeeper at the Castle"
''Ah Do they know you are COM
ing?"
Alice shook her head.
Il think not"
Roy Darrell stood immovable, his face
blanched with the burden of his sor-
row. Cold perspiration trickled down
his haggard cheeks. Watching him
thus, the memory of that other face
tainted came to Alice.
'You are not dark she said al
most invOluntarily.
He turned.
what do you mean?" he gasped
hurriedly
A ray of moonlight touched him,
glinting his warm brown hair and
golden moustache.
''You looked so dark before" the
girl said slowly; "and-yes, am sure
of it; there was blood on your cheek;
you have none now"
Roy grasped her hand.
God bless you!" he murmured
family. Whoever you are, you have
done me the greatest blessing a hui
man creature can do for another-you
have taken a load from my heart, a
weight of deadly pain from my head.
I was right; there was another, but
how did he come? Where is he now?
Tell me again." he cried, turning to
her swiftly, cit was not my face you
saw"
Alice looked at him steadfastly;
she Was growing ldluI duu Ill Will lie
horror of the scene, but she forced
herself to speak.
eft was not you,' she answered
with a shudder of remembrance; it
was a dark cruel face, with eyes that
looked like beasts, and blood on
his cheek. I can see him plainly
now
Roy released her hand, and covered
his face with his own.
what can do? He is gone, and
I must bear the penalty of this
| crime. They know we left the Cas-
tie together; they will find his body;
they will bring his murder home to
me, and she will swear me to DEATH"
Alice started, and pressed her small
cold fingers on her heart.
What will they do to me?" she
! whispered.
''To you, child? Nothing; but your
word will on against me- There IS