Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1900-11-30
CHAPTER Nj

took boat from Flushing, and went over
to his cottage ut Terncusc. twas a rough
evening for the season of tho year. The
wind blew fresh, and the sky was covered
with tlalSy clouds, fringcd here and there
with broad white edges, for the light OF
the moon was high in the heavens, and
she was at her full. At times her light
would be almost obscurcd by dark cloud
passing over her disk; at others, she would
burst out in all her brightness. Philip
landed, and, wrapping his cloak round
him, fastened up to his cottage. AS with
Il beating heart no approached, he per.
ceiyed that the window of the parlor was
open, and that there was female figure
leaning out. He knew that it could BIO no
other than his Anime, and, after he crossed
the little bridge, he proceeded to tho win
dow, instead of going to the door. Anime
flor 1t was she who stood at the window
was SO absorbed in contemplation Of the
heavens above her, and SO deep in COM
munion with her own thoughts, that she
neither saw nor heard the approach of her
husband. Philip perceived her abstrac-
ton, and paused when within four or five
yards of her. He wished to gain the door
without being observed, as he was afraid
OF alarming her by his too sudden appear.
ance, for he remembered his promise,
that If dead he would, If permitted, visit
her as his father had visited his mother. f"
But while he thus stood In suspense,
Amtne's eyes were turned upon him; she
beheld him; but thick cloud now OBJ
scured the moons disk, and the dim light
gave to his form, indistinctly seen, an un-
earthly and shadowy appearance. She
recognized her husband; but having no
reason to expect his return, she recognized
him as an inhabitant of the world of spir-
its. She started, parted the hair away
from her forehead with both hands, and
again earnestly gazed on him.
sit is l, Anime; do not be afraid, !"
cried Philip, hastily.
81 am not afraid replied Anime, press.
ing her hand to her heart. "It is over
now. Spirit Of my dear husband-for
such think thou art-1 thank thee! We'll
come even in death, Philip-wclcome!"
and Anime waved her hand mournfully,
inviting Philip to enter as she retired from
the window.
My God she thinks me dead, thought
Philip; and, hardly knowing how to act,
he entered in at the window, and found
her sitting on the sofa. Philip would have
spoken, but Anime, whose eyes were fixed
upon him as he entered, and who was
fully convinced that he was but super
natural appearance, exclaimed: -
$50 soon-so soonl Oh, Godl thy will
be done; but 1t is hard to bear. Philip,
beloved Philip, I feel that I soon shall fol-
low you.''
Philip was now more alarmed; he was
fearful Of any sudden reaction when
Anime should discover that he was still
alive.
anime dear, hear me. have appear
ed unexpectedly, and at an unusual hour;
but throw thyself into my arms, and you
will find that your Philip is not dead"
"Not deadp' cried Anime, starting up.
mo, no; still warm in flesh and blood,
Amine-still your fond and doting hus-
band" replied Philip, catching her in his
arms, and pressing her to his heart.
Anime sunk from his embrace down
upon the sofa, and fortunately was reliev-
ed by a burst of tears, while Philip, kneel-
ing by her, supported her.
"Oh, God oh. Godl thank thee" re-
piled Anime, at last. ~ thought 1t was
your spirit, Philip. Oh! was glad to sec
even that" continued she, weeping on
his shoulder.
"Can you listen to me, dearest'" said
Philip, after silence Of few moments.
"Oh, speak-speak, love; can listen
forever"
In q few words Philip then recounted
what had taken place, and the occasion Of
his unexpected return, and felt himself
more than repaid for all that no had sui
fcred, by the fond endearments Of his still
ngitated Anime.
And your father, Amines'
"He is well; we will talk Of him to.
morrow"
Yes" thought Philip, as he awoke
next morning, and dwelt upon the lovely
features of his still slumbcring wife; ''yes,
God is meroiful. / feel that there is still
happiness in store for me; nay, more,
thai that happiness also depends upon
my due performance of my task, and that
should be punished If were to forget
my solemn vow. Be 1t so-through dan
ger and to death will perform my duty,
trusting to his mercy for reward both
here below and in heaven above. Am /
not repaid for all that have suffered?
Oh, yes, more than repaid, +" thought Phil
Up, as with q kiss he disturbed the slum-
Der Of his wife, and met her full dark eyes
fixed upon him, beaming with love and
joy.
Before Philip went down stairs, he In
quired about Mynheer Poots.
"My father has indeed troubled me
much" replied Anime. II am obliged to
lock the parlor when I leave 1t, for more
than once have found him attempting
to force the locks Of the Bullets. His love
of gold is Unsuitable. He dreams of moth
ing else. He has caused me much pain,
insisting that never should see you
again, and that should surrender to him
all. your wealth. But he fears me, and he
fears your return much more'
"Is he we'll in healsh?"
mot Ill, but still evidently wasting
away-like a candle burned down to the
socket, fitting and flaring alternately; Mt
one time almost imbecile at others, talk
Ing and planning as If he were In the
vigor of his youth. Oh, what curse it
must be-that love of money! believe
I'm shocked to say SO, Philip-that that
poor old man, now on tho brink of a
grave, into which he can take nothing,
would sacrifice your life and mine to have
possession OF those guilders, the whole of