Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-07-07

the dead body.
"Eustace," he said in tones of acute
agony, my friend-forglve me. God
have mercy! l was mad-mad with
your words. You tried me so bit
terly-but | 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
at the dead man, you will never
speak again-you are dead-and |
have killed you!" He drew back and
leaned against tree, then started
suddenly-"and they will trace this
back to me, and | 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 moon had
risen, and was shining down In
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 l 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, 1t is
different, and there is no escape"
He glanced round In the agony of
his mind, and 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 hen-when-death came
to him, or-were there others with
your"
II was alone"
You swear it,"
81 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 your"
Il was sent on a message to the
housekeeper at the Castle"
"Ah! Do they know you are COM
ing?"
Alice shook her head.
Il think not"
blanched with the burden of his sor-
row. Cold perspration trickled down
his haggard cheeks. Watching him
thus, the memory of that other face
| that had been before her just as she
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 1t; 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 load from my heart, a
! weight of deadly pain from my head.
was right; there was another hut
how did he come? Where Is he now +?
Tell me again." he cried, turning to
her swiftly, 1T was not my face you
saw.
I Alice looked at him steadfastly;
she was growing faint aud i'll with the
horror OF the scene, but she forced
herself to speak.
1T was not YOU" she answered
with shudder OF remembrance. it
was a dark cruel face. with eyes that
looked like beasts, and blood on
his cheek. can see him plainly
now.
Roy released her hand and covered
his face with his own.
What can | do? He Is gone, and
| 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 homo 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
ITO you, child? Nothing; but your
word will go against me. There IS
| nothing to save me- shall de
dsgraced. dishonored mani"
"Die!" cried the girl "Oh no, no.
| You must not. They will not do
! this; I will not speak.
! To be continued.
hA