The Holly chieftain., 1898-03-04

II have had an awful time OF it, he
said. drawing her into his arms. ~
suppose show il. But why did you
come here? Why didn't you wait.
was coming round as soon Us possible. =
II couldn't wait. dear" she said. Il
simply should have gone mad. knew
ycu could eApluin." She shuddered.
Where is it?-your uncle. mean"
He nodded towards rhc room ncross
the hall.
I'm there. The undertakcrs- have II
Ia charge"
She drew more closely TO him.
This is certainly proof Of ms love.
Alfred she xid. smiling family.
There never lived a soul with "a greater
horror of such things than have. and
vet came. No, could not watt You
know how i,apa is. He never had m uch
faith in you anyway. and this morning
when he heard the news down town be
came right home to see me. oh. he
ac,cd shnmcfulIy. hate to think that
I've is any father. J could not tell sou
all he said.'
IIer voice had sunk INTO whisper,
and she hid her pretty face onhis shoni-
der 70 keep him from seeing the tears
in her eyes.
''Wilnt did he say ~ asked WILDLY.
"Oh. he says they think you did it.
lie says there ia undoubted evidence
against you"
Wildly was silent for moment.
drawing his breath rapidly. and look
ing more cureworn than ever. He raised
her face with n trembling hand and
looked into her eyes.
-pshaw. Didn't he know that the
ccroncr's jury gave verdict that
that uncle met his death at the hands OF
some person iinknown?"
Yes, but he said you were going To
be tried for the crime. and that it was
the general opinion you'd be found
guilty. He said your movements were
watched by the police. and that you
could not escape. l stood up for you.
and we had some hot words. He for
badc me to receive you at home. and
so stole away and came here. Nothing
on earth would make me think you
could do such u thing, and know you
will establish your innocence
WILDLY made no reply. He wns
thinking, with heavy heart. OF the
dream-like impression be had recalled
of being up in the night. and of the
blood-stain on his hand. To avoid the
girls searching eyes. he turned and led
her to sofa.
What is the matter?" she asked. taxi
ing his hand in both of hers when they
were seated. and anxiously stroking 1t.
"You seem absent-minded. You are
not like yourself
II am awfully done up. Annette. he
answered. "You don't know what /
have gone through. Lam mncting on the
advice Of Col. Warrcnton. He is sure
that he can pull me out Of this, though
even he says ] am in danger unless
unless the real criminal can be traced .
In danger? Does he think that
oh. Alfred. !. can't bear it! 1t was al
ready hard enough us it was. with
papa's objection to you on account of
your lack of means. and now-to think
that you--you! must be tried for your
life. that you must be suspected Of
Oh. can't bear III" And the girl burst
into tears.
WILDLY tried to soothe her with
curessea and tender words, but the hor-
ror of his situation bore down on him
with such force that he found himself
utterly helpless to console her.
You'd better not stay. darling" he
said. presently. "They arc going to
hr;nrx Al. .,oftr :ns<x &h;. ,r.>..
must not Ike here. Poor little girl! To
think that would bring such trouble
on you!"
Miss Delmnr rose and wiped her eyes.
II was n. goose to break down that
way" she said, forcing smile. II
came to try to comfort you with nm
assurance Of my faith in you. and I've
acted like schoolgirl. You will write
TO me. or send Col. Warrenton to see me.
as soon ns you know anything definite,
won't you?" <
Certainly" he replied. "Don'tworry.
1t will all come out right. You shall
bear from me every day. will send
the colonel round this evening"
WILDLY stood at the window and
watched her graceful figure pass
through the gate and Cross the street.
"f'm sure I did right in not telling
her about that nftcrthought Of nine"
he reflected. "It would only worry her,
and--nnd perhaps II means nothing
after NIL. And yet My Godl IL will
drive me mad! Could I have done II /!
Win It nil come back to me some day %
he. sank on the sofa. covered his face
with his hands. and groaned aloud.