Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1902-10-30

that she didn't imagine tnat IL Coul0
be so cheerful. Reginald Henson"
My dear child, Henson is not there
now"
well, he is. He went there last
night, knowing that he was as his last
gasp. with the idea of getting more
money from Lady Littimer. To his
great surprise he found I.ittimer there,
also. 1t was anything but a pleasant
interview for Mr.. Henson, who was
finally turned out of the house. 1t is
supposed that he came back again, for
they found him this morning In the
grounds with one of the dogs upon
him. He is most horribly hurt. and
lies at the lodge in critical condition.
promised Chris that would bring a
message to you from Lord Littimer.
He wants you and DR.. Bell to come
over this afternoon and stay to din
ner."
We'll come, with pleasure" DAVID
said III go anywhere to have the
chance of a quiet hour with YOU. Ruth
So far. ours has been rather prosaic
wooing. And, besides. | shall want
you to coach me up on my interview
with your uncle. You have no idea
how nervous l am. And at the last he
nigh. refuse to accept me for your
husband"
Ruth loked fondly up into her Low.
er's face.
LAS if he could" she said. indig,
nantly. LAS if any man could find
fault with you!"
David drew the slender figure to his
side and kissed the sweet, shy lips.
when you are my wife" he said
land come to take a closer and ten.
derer interest in my welfare"
could I take deeper interest than
l do now. David?"
well. perhaps not. But you viii.
find that good many people find fault
with me. You have no idea what the
critics say sometimes. They declare
that | am AN imposter copyist; they
say that am
Let them say what they like" Ruth
laughed. That is mere jealousy. and
anybody can criticise. To me you are
the greatest novelist alive"
There was only one answer to this
and Ruth broke away, declaring that
she must so at once.
But you will come this afternoon?'
she said. And you will make Lord
Littimer like you. Some people say
he is queer, but l call him an old dar.
ling"
He will like me. he is bound to.
I've got something. present for him
that will render him my slave for life
Au revoir till this evening"
The dew was rising from the grass,
tho ci1pnro of
broken by the uneasy cries of the
dogs. From their strange whimper.
ing, Williams felt pretty sure that
something was wrong. At most times
he would have called the dogs to him
and laid into them with whip; for
Williams knew no fear, and the
hounds respected his firm yet kindly
rule.
But Williams was in an exceptional.
ly good temper this morning. Every
thing had turned out as he had hoped
for and anticipated. and the literal
kicking out of Henson the previous
evening was still fresh and sweet in
his memory. 1t would be something
to boast of in his declining years.
"Drat the dogs!" he exclaimed.
"Now, what's the matter? l had bet
ter go and see. Got fox in hole,
haps. We shall have to tie 'em up in
future"
Williams darted into the thicket
Then he came full upon Henson lying
on his back, with his white, uncon-
scious face and staring eyes turned to
the sky, and two great dogs fussing
Cneasily about him. A big pup close
by had large swelling on her head.
By Henson's side lay the ash stake he
had picked up when pursued by Mer
rift.
Williams bent over the stark, still
figure. and shuddered as he saw how
his clothing was all torn away from
the body; saw the deep wounds in the
chest and throat; he could see that
Henson still breathed. His loud shout
for assistance brought Frank Littimer
and the lodgekeeper to the spot. To-
gether they carried the body to the
lodge and sent for the doctor.
The case is absolutely hopeless
Walker said after he had made his
examination. THE poor fellow may
inger till the morning. but l doubt if
he will recognize anybody again Does
anybody know how the thing came
about?"
Nobody but Merritt could have
thrown any light upon the mystery,
and he was far away. Williams shook
his head as he thought of his parting
with Williams the previous night.
Il let him out and closed the gate
behind him." he said. HE must have
come back for something later on and
gone for the dogs. He certainly hit
one of the pups over the head with a
stick, and that probably set the others
on him. Nobody will ever know the
rights of this business"
And nobody ever did, for Henson lin
gered on through the day and far into
the night. At the house Lord Littimer
was entertaining party at dinner.
Everything had been explained; the
ring had been produced and generally
admired. All was peace and happi-
ness. They were all on the terrace in
the darkness when Williams came up
from the lodge.
is there any further news?" Lord
Littimer asked.
Yes, my lord" Williams replied
DIR. Walker has just come, and would
like to see you at once. Mr.. Reginald
Henson died ton minimize ooo