Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-04-04

| beloved child, had nearly followed him
to the portals of the grave.
For the last two weeks only she had
| been conscious of what was passing
about her, but neither her fathers nor
Bertram's name had escaped her lips.
She lay upon her pillows with eyes
closed. or widely open and staring into
vacancy, through all the long hours.
Mechanically she tasted the food and
swallowed the medicine her attendants
brought her She shed no tears, but
grief had set it's impress upon that
lovely young face. and needed no Ia
mentation to proclaim its presence.
For the first time to-day she reused
herself from her apathy of weakness
and suffering as the physician entered
her chamber.
II have been trying to think doc
tor" she said, land all is slowly COM
ing back to me-all. all that happened
on the night papa died. No, do not stop
me; let me talk! The thoughts keep
burning. burning inside me, and I shall
be better when I know that some of
them are the fancies born of my deliri-
UNI! 1t seems to me that some one
called Bertram Talbot a thief-some
one said that he had robbed papa!
Was it delirium, doctor. or was it
truth?"
do not distress yourself now my
child. What matters it? Be assured
that if it be true that justice will be
done the evil-doer."
''True?" she gasped. You mean IT
in reality Bertram stole papa's money?
Do you not know, doctor, it would be
for him as impossible as for me?
would as soon have touched papa's gold
as he. But it is true, then, that he has
been accused of this frightful thing?
Oh, I did not think 1 could have
dreamed it, and little by little it has
been shaping itself within my brain.
Where is he? He must come home, or
I must see him at once, doctor-at
once!"
Calm yourself, Miss Beatrice" he
said, quietly. You will no longer wish
to see this man when I tell you that all
your faith in him has been misplaced;
but, if innocent, as you loyalty believe
him, he will soon be able to prove it,
and come to you triumphant, since to-
day is set for his trial."
Ills trial?" she repeated. You
mean
''That Bertram Talbot is to be tried
to-day for the robbery of bonds and
papers from your fathers safe on the
night of his death. Indeed, there is lit
tie doubt but that death was the result
of his agitation on the discovery. In
deed, there are many witnesses to the
fact that your father was sufficiently
conscious to identify him at the thief.
and your cousin, Miss Markham, saw
him commit the robbery"
1T is false-all false! And yet-oh,
God! they will swear his liberty away,
and I am powerless-powerless to save
him! Oh, I see it all-the plot and the
| plotter, of which he and I are to be the
victims! He and T. No! If it were
true, DR.. Lovel, have no right in this
matter? Who should prosecute him if
not L? What right have these outsid-
ers to step in and take my place? But
it is liza false, foul leland J. must
prove it! I am not weak, helpless
girl! This has made me a woman! /
have money! All, can thank God for
it now, since, with it, I can protect
myself and him! Is Randolph Chester
mad, that he dares thus defy me? am
! strong, doctor. This event has ban
ished my weakness and given me back
my strength. You say this trial-this
mockery of justice-takes place to-day?
Then they shall have an unexpected
| witness, for I will be present at the
trial."
| "You!" gasped the doctor, believing
he, indeed, had a mad woman to deal
with. "My child, I cannot permit you
| further to excite yourself. I told you
all the truth, believing you would un-
derstand, then, why your wish to see
Mr.. Talbot could not be granted, and
so grow calmer."
But, sadly, Beatrice shook her head
81 must attend this trial doctor,
or lose my life in the attempt. Do not
further by such course the strength
of which I stand in so great need. You
must go with me, doctor, or I will &C
alone! But Bertram Talbot shall not
think at such a time I have deserted
him!"
HE will not think so, Miss Beatrice
He already knows that you are ill.
will be your messenger to him. Give
me what message you will, and I swear
to deliver it faithfully
II must go, DOCTOR" she said, firmly
do you not see that this contradiction
is more harmful to me than granting
me my own will? Besides my life is
my own, to do with now as I will.
would lose it for Bertie's sake than live
on, knowing I might have averted this
most cruel wrong. Send Marie to me
please; order the carriage, doctor, fol
the midnight train! Quick! There i:
no time to lOse!"
The noon recess was over, and thu
judge had resumed his seat. The cour
room was crowded, and the breathles!
silence which Prevailed during tn,
taking of the testimony showed that {
trial of widespread interest was taking
place.
young and handsome man occupied
the prisoners place in the dock
There was an open, frank look on hi
face which belied the possibility of an.
crime.
The great brown eyes. fringed witt
dark lashes. looked fearlessly out upol
hic of1,IcarS