Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1898-03-24
CHAPTER XXI.
a Dere,iction of Duty.

On the morning of the same day
Frank Lester was sitting on n side
OF his hearthstone and Hurrell on the
other. Hurrell not unfrequently came
10 see him, nominally to report what he.
was doing to find Ursula, but really
for the kind motive of affording him a
little companionship. He could guess
how intolerable the young man must
at times feel the loneliness of his life.
And, indeed, Frank would long ago
have quilted England, IL 1t had not
been for the mystery that encircled
Ursula's fate. He could not go abroad
until he knew what had become of her;
aud as time went on. it seemed less
and less likely that he would ever
know.
The two men had dined together in
simple fashion. They had been talking
over various devices for finding Ursu-
Ia. They were all worthless, and Hur-
rell knew it even as he suggested them,
but he could not bear to tell Lester
that nothing could be done.
AS they were talking, a ring was
heard at the door; and the next r,o-
ment a voice was heard In the passage.
Lester turned pale. 1t was an unusual
thing for visitors TO come for his land
lady. and certainly he wanted 20 n
His door opened. and a powerful
young man, with the upright bearing
of a man who has been drilled, walked
into the room.
George Royston.' called out Frank,
rising and holding out his hand. "This
is an old playmate of mine." he con-
tinued. turning to Hurrell-"I may say
the oldest friend l have in the world.
Afarxy an ht,rdfu most houa Gnnrna unA n
But what Is the matter. George? Is
anything wrongT
AYE, there's something wrong, Mas
ter Frank" said the other, heavlng a
sigh.
...What is it? Can't you sreak. manT'
Master Frank, did you we hear
that / was in the policey"
Good h~eayens!"
He sank into a chair trembling In
every limb.
Have they sent you here to arrest
me, Georgey' he gasped out.
The young inspector nodded.
"~They chose me because | knew you
by sight, sir. l would have begged of,
and I daresay they would have con
scented to send another man, seeing
that l was, as yoI might say, one of
the sources servants. Blu then 1
thought maybe a stranger might not
have shown you the consideration
might have made it harder for you"
THANK you, George"
IL can't think how you came to do 1t.
sir" said the young man, simply, as IL
speaking to himself.
Frank told him, and the young in
spector's face frightened as he listen
ed. When Frank had finished. Roys-
ton brought his fist down on the table
with a bang that sounded through the
house.
II told them SOL" he said. az told
them there was some stupid mistake.
a child might see how il was! That
old Joyce wasn't much account, any
how he added, as an afterthought.
"IIl pack up a few things. If that is
allowed" said Frank, rising.
Certainly, sir. But I'm afraid it's
my duty not to let you out of my
sight the officer ADDED, with a blush.
"I1I give you nay promise not to try
TO escape, If tDat will satisfy you"
said Lester.
"Your word will do" said George,
simply, returning to his chair.
Another ring had sounded as they
had been speaking, and before Frank
could leave the room the servant EN-
tered and handed him O letter.
A cry-a wild, passionate cry-burst