The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1901-01-10
CHAPTER 1.-(continued.)


Y weakly and slowly, with many halts
I and failures! but it was done at last.
Jasmine, still supporting him in her
arms, looked chastity pale, and her
dark eyes were heavy with unshed
tears. Oh, the pitifulness Of it, that
she had never known this terrible SCI
cret burden her father had borne until
now. when he was going away beyond
ther reach of help, OF sympathy!
Enderby had written every word
rapidly, though his face, too, had
crown paler as he went on. and his
pips became stern and set. How little
ne had understood the mystery of this
mans life, the man who had literally
given his life for his friends-and such
friends!
Sir Henry Lennox, the unimpeach-
able, the revered, whom he himself had
looked upon as the embodiment of all
tnat was highest and noblest in man,
had permitted so cruel lie to be per-
petuated. SO frightful an injustice to
continue. in order that he might save
himself from disgrace and loss. 1t was
appalling! Paul Enderby, letting his
race droop for one moment on his
hands, asked himself If there could be
any honor or righteousness among
men when this man had been guilty of
{ so great crime.
But no time was to be lost: already
The light in David Gerard's eyes was
waxing dim. Enderby reused himself
with an effort. and put the pen into
the weak, dying fingers.
You must sign your name: 1t is the
only thing you have to do now, Mr..
Gerard he said, in voice which was
tull OF an agitation he could not con-
troll.
Guiding the weak fingers to the spot,
ne watched them as they feebly
scrawled David Gerard" in weak
trembling characters across the page.
Then he signed to Jasmine to Law
down her father on the pillow, and
write her own name below her ia
tner's; and he added his own-the only
steady and firm one-at the foot:
Paul Enderby; barrister-at-law."
When he raised his head he saw that
great change had come over the dy-
ing mans face.
i am going.' he whispered feebly.
Mr. Enderby, I shall die in peace
II you tell me-all will be made right
for my little Jasmine. You-you will
not forsake her?"
Il will not, as God is my witness,,'
said Enderby. and there was a stra.se
solemnity in his voice. "Mr. Gerard,
will you trust her to me? I shall see
that your name is cleared; and your
daughter will be cared for. If Won
wish me to take upon myself the name
OF her guardian, shall do so.''
3ss May God Almighty bless you! Now.
indeed, can die in peace" said the
sick man, with sudden energy. GAS
mine, my dear little one, where are
you? Give me your hand. All. that
Is right. I feel it in my own. I am
not afraid to die. 1 trust myself in the
hands Of the All-Merciful, who is the
Father of all men, and loves His child
rem as do mine. 1t is dark-very
dark! I cannot see your. face, Jas
mine, but I can still feel your hand.
It is the Dark Valley; but there is
light beyond-there is light
The feeble voice trembled away into
silence, there was moments agoniz-
ing struggle for breath, then long,
long, sigh, and afterwards silence.
Enderby bent down and touched
Jasmine on the shoulder.
God has sent him peaceful end, .
he said, in low voice. ut is all over,
my child. AT evening time there shall
be light -
And at that moment the red rays of
the setting sun fell athwart the shabby
little room, and touched the dead
mans face with glow of golden light.
It was about ten minutes after that
Doctor Bunthorne arrived. Enderby
drew him into the empty little sitting
room.
ut is all over" he said. "The pa
tient is gone"
Doctor Bunthorne for once showed a
break in his imperturable calm.
1T is q bad business, I'm afraid, En-
derby" he said hurriedly. "That bot
tie of hypophosphates which you gave
me has been in my analysts hands
'Yes?" said Enderby, as the other
paused.
"And besides the small quantity OF
& hypophosphates at the bottom, he de-
tected an almost invisible sediment,
the dregs Of an India distillation little
known in this country. but whose
properties are recognized by eminent
scientists as sure and deadly"
Good gracious! Not poison?" En-
derby whispered. in shaken tones.
Eyes, poison. Not poison which
destroys physical life, but far more
subtle one, which acts upon the brain,
and through slow, but certain process
es destroys certain part Of the It's
sue OF It, and leaves the victim hope
less lunatic. Enderby."
CHAPTER TX.
$50 you have come for your reward,
Lyndon?"
Eyes, Sir Henry Dundas Lyndon
aeafed himself Onnosite the proo+