The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1899-11-10
CHAPTER III.


There were only two words on the
paper which Stanton saw. 1t was cov-
cred with writing, but he saw only two
words-the name of the claimant
Richard Raymond. He didn't know
where he was going, but realized, at
last, that he was again in his office;
though by this time the great building
was almost deserted and the cold De-
cember twilight was growing into
night.
The very impotency of his rage made
it more intense and bitter, and the
last developement added fuel in the
obvious fact that it was not even love
for the woman which had tempted the
man, but a plot, from the beginning,
a plot to secure the property; plot
which had been carried out. Robert
Stanton had silently, helplessly walked
out of his own library and his house
at the command of Richard Raymond,
peacefully surrendering all to him.
He thought of the revenge he had
been planning.
"He is prompt" Stanton muttered.
MY possession does not expire until
midnight. HIM. What of it?"
A little later he repeated; 'Ten
years ago tonight" and the spirit
which came with the thought softened
the hard lines on his face for an in
stant.
"If were to marry before midnight
he'd lose it now"
For a moment he walked more rap
idly, then stopped short.
ASK a woman to marry me within
six hours, to save fortune? 1 think
not.
''If l had only few hours more l
might do something, but now"
He stopped again, this time before
the window, and stood looking out over
the flickering and flashing lights. He
didn't see them, though. He was think
ing of his uncle, for the hard lines left
his face again.
repeated, and, suddenly turning from
the window, left the gas burning and
the door unlocked and hurried away.
DIR. Morton looked up anXiously as
Stanton entered his office little later.
His face was deathly pale. Without
noticing the physicians extended hand,
he asked:
"Do you recall my uncle's death?"
There was but one construction
which physician could place upon
such combination of incidents, and
he replied, In q soothing tone,
"Certainly, Mr., Stanton, certainly;
Be seated, sir. 1t was trouble which
IL unmanageable only in advancing
years. 1t was"
"Do you remember the night and
all the incidents?" Stanton interrupt
ed.
"Why, yes, yes. 1t was the night of
certainly"
"And the moment of his death?"
Stanton asked, hurriedly.
81 don't know-let me see. There was
the stroke of apopleXy, and later the
heart failure"
'"The storm" Stanton began,
"Was only an incident Mr., Stanton.
Matters had simply reached crisis
and waited an excuse. Had the heart
tAOuDiC DCCu tdhCIl III illllC-
"You are sure that the death was not
from the apoplexy?"
Positively. In spite of thousands of
reports to the contrary, it is law that
never has been and never will be yior
lated that man cannot die of simple
apoplexy in less than As hours after
the shock"
'"Tben the immediate cause of his
death was"
ing else, 1t was simply the crash of
those falling walls, Up to that mo-
mept he was improving, 1t made even
our strong hearts stop for an instant
Have you noticed anything in your
self making you fear inherited tenden-
cies?"
Nothing whatever. You must ex-
cuse me. l am in haste" Stanton re-
piled.
Your face was very pale when you
came in. Now it is painfully flushed.
You should keep an eye on fhe aetion
of your heart, and"
Il will bear it in mind" Stanton re-
piled as he left the office.
He stopped next at Mr., Borden's, but
the clergyman was away, and there was
no time to lose. fIe hurried on to Judge
Russell's.
Hello, Stanto>s," the forgiving old
man exclaimed. Its years since you've
honored us with a social call. Come out
in the sitting-room. The wife's there
by an open fire."
Not tonight, judge" Stanton said,
with something almost sigh. I'm out
of hours, but must consult you pro-