Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-12-19

.sz1zS
in lower tone, IF you a his
name, will you let me know? I seem
to recognize his face, although I 40
not remember where 1 have seen II.
Next morning, as he left the hotel.
WilfTid met the doctor
i was just in search Of yoa." said
Dr.. Mather.
How is your drowned man this
morning.
oh bad, The fact is. he's dying,
I fear"
Is that so?"
Are you nothing the worse tor the
plunge?"
Not particle. Dying? But surely
that could not
1T has merely accelerated the end.
starvation and an old standing heart
trouble are the main things. And, tv
the way, Mr.. Neuthorn, I think yotx
must be right in supposing that you
have seen him previously. He Sot
terribly excited when he heard your
name; he has been asking for YOU
ever since.''
Strange! I suppose l ought to 20
and see him
TT would be a charity. I hoped
you would come"
Wlltrid accompanied the doctor 10
the infrmary. The dying man lay
sunk on the pillow, his eyes closed.
his face, already pinched and drawn,
had the pallor of death.
I'VE had better not disturb him.
said Wilfrid in low tone But the
heavy eyes opened; he turned, and
tried to rise.
You don't know me, Mr.. NeutholIy
You did not expect to see Fred HariI-
ton in this plight
mo, certainly! How on earth did
you come to this?"
My own fault. We won't speak Of
that he returned in hoarge
whisper. L have so much to say-eo
little time. did you a great wrong"
You never did me any wrong that
I knew"
"Ah," he said with a gasp. Then
after moments silence. Your
uncle, Sir Christopher, the day Of bis
seizure, he came to our office to make
another will to restore you as his
heir. My partner was out. drew
the will Mr.. Neuthorn, l suppressed
that Will"
Why should you have done that"
asked Wilfrid, startled.
You will think it mockery. but
loved Florence Rattray.'
Lady Penwilliam?"
She would never have been la6v
PenWllliam if you could have made
her mistress Of Ridinghouse. Yes; /
know that she would not have looked
at poor man-but l hoped to be rich
I was speculating-I lost aIl-my
own and the money of others. I have
been in prison, Mr.. Neuthorn-and
now you see where drink and despair
have brought me"
did you destroy that will?'
Il kept it. You will find it In The
library of the old house. There is a
secret panel-but tear down the
1 have not strength to tell
you more. I can't ask you to forgive
me. The wrong is irreparable." He
sank YEARLY back.
But | do forgive you, Hamilton"
said Wiltrid earnestly, taking his
fevered hand, "as I hope we shah
both be forgiven. The wrong is not
so great as you think. l am glad TO
know that Sir. Christopher repented
Of his injustice in disinheriting me
because l would not marry as he
pleased. But for the rest-well,
have srevel my apprenticeship in the
world, and have learned many
things, none more valuable than the
difference between the false love and
the true. I have lost nothing, but
gained much, and I forgive you from
my heart
HamiIton's lips moved, but his eyes
lid not open. Dr. Mather touched
Wilfrid's arm.
Better come away now" he said.
mo chance?" asked Wilfrid as they
went out into the flooding sunlight.
1T is matter of few hours
There is my card. You can send
ne wire. I will see to the-to what
is necessary. Poor fellow Goodbye.
I must go to the station at once"
And while the laundering express
carried him southwark the tide Of
Fred Hamilton's ruined life was
ebbing out to the great deep from
which it came.
But when the old oaks Of Riding
house clothed themselves in the
bridal snow Of Christmas, bride -
fair and pure as the snow came home
to reign amongst them and in the
heart of their master until death
them do part"
CHRISTMAS MUSINGS.