The Red Cloud chief., 1900-10-12

n few minutes found himself before
the Lioyds' door.
But just az he was about to knock
there was a sound OF hurried steps in
side, the door flew open, and Jasmine,
pale ana GREATNESS, almost fell into
Enderby's arms.
"Oh, Mr.. Enderbyl Oh, thank God!
My father--my dear father! l think
he is dying"
mo, no. my child; not that-not so
bad as that" said Enderby soothingly.
He took her hand-it was trembling,
and she herself was shaking from head
to foot-and drawing her gently with
In the house. closed the door.
jasmine was not crying, but her
breath was coming in short, pitiful
gasps, and there was a look OF such
terrible fear and grief in her dark eyes
as touched Enderby strangely. feeling
of plying tenderness took possession
of him.
May I go to see him." he asked.
still holding her hand.
"Yes-oh, yes! But I am afraid no
one can do much for him-not even a
doctor. And his mind-oh, that Is the
worst OF it-that Is the worst Of it,"
cried the girl p~assionately, yet with
strange control over her voice, so that
1t never rose above a whisper.
He doesn't seem to know me-and
he says such terrible things!"
They were at the door Of the bed
room. which stood ajar. Jasmine went
in. and Enderby followed her; and as
he did 30 he heard the low, weak muir
muir Of n voice that went on talking
without cessation or alteration OF tone.
Jasmine grasped his arm, uttering a
little cry under her breath.
Look! look! oh, he Is looking al
you!"
The sick man had suddenly risen
In bed. His CHASTITY face. hollow
checked and sunken-eyed, was turned
to the door; in the dim eyes there was
a strange fash OF fire. He raised a
thin, shaking finger. and pointed 1t
at Enderby.
Yes. 1t was for her sake did Il.
Hal-and for yours! Oh, God, to
think what | have suffered all these
years for your sakes! And now I am
come back, this is how you treat mel
Hal, Hal! old friend, mate OF other
days, whom | loved and was proud OF
because you were getting on so well.
and II knew ! had helped youa-yet
how did You repay me? And my
child-my little Jasmine, my little one
will you bring this shame on her
head? Oh. God. most merciful, in
His name, Hal, you will do it-you
Wilt"
He fell back IN his pillows with a
moan, and his eyes closed. Jasmine,
a sob bursting from her lips. sprang
forward; but Enderby was before her.
He bent over the sick man.
mo, no; thank God, he lives yet!
Have you anything to give him to
strengthen him? A little wine or
~brandy?"
II have Doctor Lyndon's medicines.
" ! uoiC III 6iNS An any, WuiSp-
cred the girl, In an agonized tone. He
took the Neutrality-suspicious. Lyndon
gave It to him when I was out-and I
am sure that has hurt him. Tell me
what ! shall do"
Stay with him. and | shall run out
myself for something" said Enderby
h~urriedly. and he was Just about to do
so when the sick man suddenly opened
his eyes, and fixed them on E~nderby's
face. Then, with a great effort, he
raised himself once more on his pill
low, and spoke In a changed voice,
slow and deliberate, yet with a certain
determination in 1t. His eyes we're
fixed on Enderby's face, and the lat
ter felt a strange thrill. SO like did
It seem as though the words were
actually spoken to him.
Then there is only n thing for
me to do, and I will do it, Hal. for my
child's sake. must tell the whole
truth, and I a do so. have the
proof--the proof"
Once more he fell back In bed, his
eyes closed. Enderby felt his pulse.
II beat pretty regularly, though feebly
and slowly.
Ito be Co~ntinued.)