Warren sheaf., 1901-08-01
"A moment more passea ln's1lenct
and than tho inualid rocnrnod. -.

LOT DeCCer lie. since DeaCn mas
come-since I have known that he
stood waiting by my bed-I have
wondered at the evil life I have led,
and I have thought that if the dark
king would let me remain here a
few years more I could be a better
man. But tits too late now. The
die is cast. Yet I have some Joy in
this. You have shed happy light
upon my dying hour. God bless
youT -
| Ruric's feelingswere easily moved,
and there was something in the deep
solemnity of this occasion that
started his heart to tender mood,
and the last words Of the dying man
| flowed the cup. He bowed his head,
and, covering his eyes with one hand
while he held in the other the hand
of Conrad, he wept freely and ST.
lently.
At this moment the woman arose
and left the room.
'<She's gone," said the count after
he had recovered somewhat from
the deep emotions which had been
stirred within his own soul. 'Sit
down here beside me.''
Ruric obeyed the request, and aft
er he had seated himself he gazed
sadly into the sick mans face.
.''Say, Ruric," the count asked,
while an eager look overspread his
face, "wast true what Kopani told
me-that you. overcame Demetrius
the Greek with the sword %
II did," the youth replied in a
whisper. A. ~.
FtBut you did not disarm him ?
You did not fairly take his sword
from him?''
ri did, Conrad.''
F*My soul, is it possible? And
where have you been all your life %
'1n Moscow and in Spain.''
**And yet obscure"
@<Never mind that now," inter-
Iposed Ruric. RI have something Of
more interest. Do you- But you
will pardon me for what I may say,
for I assure you I mean it all for
your good?"
"Speak on said Conrad, at the
same time running his eyes almost
enviously over the gunmaker's no
bly, developed breast and shoulders.
*|Then, first, I have just come
from the Lady Rosalind- All, I
meant not'- ... -. - ~ =.
"Go on. I may have felt a pang
at the mention Of that name, but I
know she loves you, and were I
strong at this moment as ever I'd
relinquish all claims of her to you.
So fear not"
'fThank you, sir count, for this.
But, 1 was remarking, 1 am not long
from her presence, and between US
both we have suspected some dark
things. Do you, think the duke was
really your friend?"
The count started, and strange
gleam shot from his eyes.
eco on" he uttered.
"Then listen. Before you ever
came to my shop the duke had SOL
emnly promised Rosalind that she
should receive no more trouble from
you-that you would claim her hand
no more"
<*Do you know this %
F1 do"
<FBut it cannot be-. Why should
he have sent me on that mission to
your"
*1 had taught one of his officers
the sword exercise, and he knew I
was your superior in strength and
the use Of the weapon"
"Well, go on" whispered the
count nervously and anxiously.
"Why, he thought very likely that
we should not meet on such ques-
tion without a quarrel. He knew
your natural impetuosity and my
strength of arm and hoped you
would fall"
'But-go on!"
ellis estate is running out, and he
wants the whole of Drotzen."
"Ah, I see it noww
"The duke had proposed himself
for Rosalind's hand" resumed Ru-
ric. **He says he has loved her long,
and he will force her to marry him
if he can, though he breaks he1
heart" ~
my Godw gasped the count,
fairly starting up to a sitting pos
= ture. Chow blind I have been! By
my soul, he never was cordial, never
kindw "
Ruric gently laid the sick man
back, and then he said: /.
sfFrom all that I can see and un-
derstand, the proud duke meant to
get all your wealth and all Of Rosa