Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1901-10-05
CHAPTR XVIII.

ed Florence, rising and addressing the
presiding officer, to his amazement and
that Of all the people present.
THAT is the ruling, Miss Loring; and
I and my brother officers deeply regret
Its necessity" said the president of the
court.
Il will not blame YOU" she said, "but
this court was convened to convict"
Not by the officers who have conduct
ed it," said the president, blushing.
mo, [ agree to that. But l say here
that the evidence, and the manner in
which it was obtained, should prove to
men accustomed to the Investigation Of
facts, that Colin Morton is the victim of
q conspiracy"
''1f Miss Loring can convince us of this
we shall follow her clews and try to ar
rive at the TRUTH" said the officer.
eff I could have produced evidence to
fortify my convictions it would have been
done during the trial. Yet"
Florence was stopped by her father,
who strobe to her side and rudely forced
her into the seat from which she had
risen.
1T is my duty" he said, in a low, in
tense voice, "to apologize for this girl.
She is my daughter. AS every one here
can see, her mind has become affected.
the condemned man saved her life at the
time of the wreck of the Arrow, and it is
natural that she should feel gratitude to
him, and that she should be deeply stir
red by these proceedings"
1--WE fully appreciate all that" said
the president Of the court.
81 shall take her home tomorrow; and
away from thnSo cppnpc Shn will, soon re-
turn to herself"
Florence made no reply, but she looked
up into her fathers harsh face, and there
was light in her blue eyes that awed all
who saw it.
Maj. Germon," said the president of
the court, you will be responsible for
the safety of the condemned man until
the death warrant returns from Washing
ton"
I'm about two months?" said the ma
jor.
About two MONTHS" said the presi-
dent of the court.
The major motioned to a sergeant who
was in waiting; the sergeant approached
and the major whispered:
Put him in the cell; place a guard at
the door and another outside at the win
dow"
"Forwardr' commanded the sergeant.
"Forwardw repeated the men.
Colin Morton took a step, then glanced
back at Florence. The beautiful head,
with it's disheveled tresses of gold sur
rounding it like halo, was on the table
about which the officers composing the
court martial sat- Her face was white
as marble; her eyes were closed, and she
- on oI cloor
On the day following the close of the
tIial Judge Loring went back to his beau
tlful home and took his daughter and
niece with him. Florence was so passive,
SO resigned, that her fathers stern heart
was touched; and it may be that now,
seeing he could lead, that he was willing
AS such natures are when they have
their own way-to yield.
Florence" he said when he came in
to announce that all the preparations
ware made for their departure, do you
wish to see Morton before you go?"
"Why should l wish to see him." she
asked.
Il cannot answer that, my child, but
thought that your past interest might in
dUee you to see him again." said the
Judge, perplexed by his daughters man
ner.
"No. father" she said, with the same
chilling calmness. Colin Morton is con-
deuned to death. I have not the power
TO save him, as he did me when I stood
on the outer brink of life and was lean
Ing over"
But l thought, Florence, you might
wish to say good-by."
mo, father"
Florence was so preternaturally calm
and so dutiful that Judge Loring was
delighted, and he was quite prepared to
grant her any favor she might ask now
that she was his own dutiful, obedIent
daughter.
Now, Florence" said Judge Loring,
when he reached home with his daughter
and niece, Il propose that we shall bury
all our misunderstanding.
Il am willing" said Florence, with the
manner of one who was thinking of some
foreign subject.
And you will again be my own dear,
ohedient daughter?"
Il will try to do what 1 think to be
right" replied Florence, coming back
from afar off.
Il know you will and hope we shall
never again disagree"
de kissed her and was about to leave,
but she stopped him with the question
Am | free or priSOner?"
why, what do you mean, Florence ~
he asked in surprise.
Just what l ask"
Then, / will answer that you are just
as free as ever you We're in your life"
Thank you, father"
why should you, my child?"
Because you are coming back to your
self"
lie was about to say that she was com
inc back to herself but he thought better
of it, and instead kissed her again and
went cut.
FLORENCE and Jennie, being both very
weary, retired early, and the Judge was
delighted to see the improved appear
ance Of both the next morning at break
fast
o. Asx,So1f ~