Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1899-05-25
CHAPTER TX.

An ocean steamer was nearing port.
The winter voyage had been long and
tempestuous. The passengers had
been principally confined below decks,
either In cabin or state-rooms.
With II exception, they had ex-
tended to each other the cordial hand
of good fellowship, each recognizing
their mutual dependence for the Will
ing away OF the slow and somewhat
ANXIOUS hours. This sole exception
was a wiman young, high
bred and very beautiful-presnmably
a widow from her dress; her name
appearing on the ship register as Ma
dame Florence. She was very pale,
and her eyes had in them ut times "A
strange gieam, which nearly betoken-
&c madness. But her manner was
quiet to a singular degree, and no ex-
element ever marked her oatward
mien.
1t was night, and many days later.
when the train bearing her entered
the beautiful city of New Orleans.
Ere she slept she SEM Tor the land
lord OF her hotel to come. when a
ford, kindly-faced man quickly obey.
Cd the summons, bowling low before
the lovely and imperious woman who
was his guest.
Madame Florence finds her rooms
agreeable, l trust" he began, accord
ing TO her telegram
"Yes, the rooms will do" she inter-
rupted. II sen for you to acquire. II
possible. some information regarding
a gentleman and lady who came TO
New Orleans nearly a year ago. I
must find them, and thought it pos
sible they might have been your
guests. Can you recall the names-
Mr.. and Mrs. Dalrympleg"
The landlord looked grave, as he an
swered, somewhat sadly.
II only became proprietor here six
months ago. The old proprietor fell
a victim TO yellow fever last summer.
You know II is our city's courg and
last year proved merciless indeed"
The beautiful listening face palea.
II did not know she said. SIS 1t.
indeed, so fataly'
SO fatal, madame, that we buried
orr dead by hundreds. Babies were
found wailing on their dead mothers
breasts; mothers weeping over their
unshrouded children. So fatal that
we could not find collins for the
corpses, or physicians, 10 save those
yet capable OF being saved"
Don't h pleaded, turning away
her head, as though his words had
painted an actual picture and held il
Up before her view. "But those that
! seek would have left the city at
such a time. They would have had
no reason to remain"
IN look on the old registers. ma
DAM he said, IF you VIII write for
me the name.'
Quickly, Florencc-for we. who have
long since recognized her, may drop
tie prefix she had assumed-dashed il
off on paper.
let me know ut once" she said.
But when the door had closed upon
him, she sprang from her chair and
paced excitedly up and down the floor
until the landlords knock preceded
his return.
His search had not been vain. The
names OF Mr. and Mrs. Herbert
Dalrymple, indeed. appeared upon the
register: but beyond that he could tell
her nothing. and the one man who still
retained his post now, as then. as
manager. was out of town, but ex-
pected to return on the morrow. Pro-
missing she should see him at the first
possible moment, the landlord again
withdrew.
The long hours OF the night wore
away. Tired, exhausted as she was,
she could not sleep. At last daylight
broke, and grew into morning. and
patience had become rnaddening; but
n Ax< 1855 49, LL