The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1899-07-21
CHI APTER MI.

| ford rose briskly, and, turning to his
younger daughter said. with Il smile:
Now, Nab! Dick, you are to come,
too, l believe.'-and he led the way to the
library, which was empty. Now then,
what is it, my dear? Sit down in that
comfortable chair, and tell me as briefly
as you can, for perceive that it is some
thing which annoys or pains you"
Nlth a sinking heart Nab began to
speak, but Dick stopped her.
Let me explain. Nab; you can listen.
Father, the fact of the matter is this-and
circumstances compelled lis to own the
truth to Uncle John-a night or two after
you started for Frankfort, Nab went
down to the boat house to bring in box
of flies belonging to my uncle. 1t was late
past ten o'clock-and when Mabel heard
voices i'll the boat house she was alarmed,
and crouched out of sight Oh, father,
need l go on: She saw you there with
man who spoke to you, calling you by an
other name, addressing you as 'Eilton.'
Why was it, father? For you We're in dis
gulse; and you crept away as if fearing
lest any one should see you. Is there any
disgrace connected with our family? That
is what Mabel wishes to know; for, if SO.
she would die rather than marry Neville
Wynmore, much as she loves him. That
is what we want you to explain father
Perhaps what happened took place long
ago, and you had nothing to do with it.
Let US help you-trust to us, tell us the
truth, and, if it is anything which had
better not come before the world, you shall
see we can be silent. But don't hide it
from us, for Mabel cannot allow her en-
gagement to be announced until she is
assured that she may accept Neville Wyn-
- 1,,, .;tI,n
spoken of this to Caroline, so you see YOU
may have confidence in u.s. father
Mr.. Charlford had been silent all this
time, regarding Dick as if with the utmost
amazement; now he exclaimed, in a tone
Of dazed wonder:
My dear children, forgive my bewilder
ment. Really it is excusable in the cir
cumstances. What have you two been
running your heads against? | was near
Frankfort at the time you name; I know
no stranger who would dare to speak to
me in the way you mention, nor have |
any reason for acting in the extraordinary
fashion you describe. The likeness to my
self which struck YOU in this stranger ex-
lists either in your own imagination,
heightened as it was by fear, or there is
another possible explanation of it, These
men We're probably bent on no good object,
They were prowling about your uncle's
premises-that is pretty clear. Well. they
wished to do so with security, and one of
them personated me. They may have
been lurking about to steal the young
pheasants or the poultry, and they hoped
doubtless to walk about unQuestioned by
the gamekecpcrs through one of them be-
ing got up to look like myself That is the
only explanation Of the affair that can
o;1 7
one as you yourselves can be. But even
YOU admit that this man was addressed by
the other as 'Fiton. or some such name;
that shows that his companion used the
fellows real name, not dreaming that any
one was within hearing"
But, father" cried Mabel, breaking 81
lcnce, Il heard you speak? Could | mis-
take your voice: And, besides, l over
heard that other man address you as
'Charlford' also. And then you asked if
he was not mad to use that name. and he
laughed-laughcd horribly. Then you
came out of the boat house and skunk
away
Father, you have not heard aI.' said
Dick, coming forward. Mabel found
box, which on opening was found to be
full of lctters-apparently in your hand
wrt!ng-written years and wears ago, ali
signed 'ElltOn, all written from abroad;
and allusion to us, each by name is made
in one of them. The dates of our birth.
the date of my mothers marriage, and
her Christian names are written in detail,
with a line underneath to the effect that
there must be no mistake What does
it mean"
You make me gasp for breath, Dicll."'
said Mr.. Charford, as if overcome by
amaZement. May | see the letters?
assure you l know nothing about them.
The man Filton does, no doubt: but then
he and l are two widely different persons.
However, perhaps you will favor me with
sight of the documents"
Certainly, father! l wish you to exam
inc them,' returned Dick gravcly.
Il feel confident the resemblance to my
handwriting has no more foundation than
my identity with the man Filton," said