Hutchinson gazette., 1900-01-04

light deceived him; but aS the younG
oflcer, with sudden movement
turned toward him, Harrison started
back, exclalmingly furiously!
"Mr. Roland-is It your"
Certainly" replied the othor, coldly
with gloomy glance at the man whom
he had long recognized as his foe. "You
probably did not expect to find me
here"
Edward had already regalned his
self-control. He instantl.' perceived
what threatened him and the peril In
volyed by his rivals unexpected ap-
pearance. A few hours later, the latter
would have had no power to cross hla
path; but now he must face the danger,
and Harrison was not the man tc
shrink and give up the game as lost,
mo, indeed" he said, answering the
last question, 80 far as am aware,
the Union forces have not reached
Springfield"
Yet am here, as you see,"
"0n hostile soil, And for what pur-
pose2"
do | owe an account to you? You
seem to be usurplng the place OF the
master OF the house, Mr.. Harrison.
regret that / cannot acknowledge Il;
for !, too, have q sons privilege here,
and will speak only to the father Of
my betrothed BRIDE"
my uncle will hardly be disposed
to recognize your claim. At any rate,
you must forego an interview with
him"
"Will you prevent III" demanded
Roland, threateningly.
But Florence, who had anxiously
noticed the rising wrath OF the two
men, now interposed
my father is III, William" she said
gently; "has been very Ill for months.
During the last few weeks his disease
has assumed a dangerous phase, and
yesterday the doctor prepared me for
the worst"
Her voice was choled with tears.
William listened In perplexity; what
ever wrath he had cherished against
his future father-ln-law, this news
dlsarmed him,
81 had no thought OF this" he said,
deeply moved. my poor Florence"
He put his arm around the weeping
girl. But this movement, the quiet
confidence with which he asserted the
rights Of q betrothed lover enraged
Harrison to the utmost; his hands
clenched as II he longed to tear the
couple apart, and his voice sounded
hoarse, almost stined.
you don't seem to be aware OF
what has happened recently, Mr.. Ro-
land. l am compelled to inform you
Of 1t; L"
81 know and suspect more than
might be agreeable to YOU" inter-
rupted the young officer, releasing
Florence and approaching him, II
Just heard from Miss Harrison that
not one OF my letters has reached her
hands, though | used every precaution,
Her father cannot have interfered,
since for months he has been on a sick
bed yet an intrigue has been carried
on which I see with tolerable distinct
ness. Perhaps | shall apply to the
right person II ask you for informa-
tlon. You will, Of course deny"
"Who tells you so?" asked Edward,
coldly. "The letters are in my
hands"
william started back, This cold
blooded acknowledgment completely
destroyed his self-command for a mo-
ment; but Florence exclaimed in con-
sternation:
Edward You did thatY"
He turned to her with perfectly
unmoved manner.
81 think | can explain 1t. At first I
acted only at your fathers request,
afterward on my own authority; but
then was simply exercising my rights,
for you will remember that three
weeks ago you consented to become
my WIFE"
"That is a lie! A shameful slander"
cried william Speak, Florence! De-
fend yourself! You see don't be-
lieve one word of the calumny,"
Ito be contlnued,)