Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-12-24
CHAPTER XI.

partly to avoid the scene of the de
parting family Her husband, more deli
cately, wished to leave them in peace
for the few hours that remained lie
also had gone out, to look at the estate
intending TO return in an hour or so, when
he had resolved to give some assurances
to Mrs. Ned that would comfort her, and
had filled up cheque for a substantial
amount that would carry them on foI
some time. He had chosen her for thie
bounty as she would show none of that
Sensitiveness that might be shown by Ills
brother. He had felt uncomfortable. and
that an act of cruel injustice was being
do-e. Still, what could he do? The re-
sponsibility was all on his vife's shanl-
ders, and certainly bis brother had bekav-
cd to her in n way that mude it impGssi-
BILE for both to live under the same roof.
He then went among his tenants, ch0tted
with them, and brought round the talk to
''the fine little fellow" who vouF one
day be master
You'll be paying your rent to aim
one of these days" he said with infinite
relish, and IN bring him up to be as
good landlord as they say I've been. "
"Or cid Ned Burton" said farmer.
IF BE- turn out like he, we'd ask no
gnore."
Mr.. Burton then returned home Dut
as he came down the hill towards 5he
back he saw people running from the
house in different directions woma2
without her bonnet-men without heir
hats. Almost at once he heard the sound
of horses hoofs, and a groom. riding mt
full gallop, came up, and suddenly check
ed his horse
In heavens name, what is the mat
7terE" exclaimed the unhappy father, be
ginning to tremble all over. Has any
thing happened TO the child?
The groom, not accustomed to consid-
-er feelings, K ID it all bluntly.
Il am goinl as fast as l can for the
doctor, sir, and the child, sir-fell out Of
the window on it's headw
Mr.. Burton staggered back as if the
horse had been ridden against him. and
with a groan sank upon the bank.
"Its-it's-not dead? ?" he faltered. his
face covered with his hands, and shrink
ing away.
1T was from the majors window" he
answered, in a low voice-"a bgeish
height. But I'd better go on for tile doc
tor
Mr.. Burton never recalled afterwards
how he eontrived to get home. At the
door he was met by futtered crowd of
the servants. The steward, n grave SEN
sible old retainet. came forward, took
him by the arm and led him into the
study.
You must bear it like a m sir. It's
terrible bp@iness! The poor child.'
My SOM my heir. my hope! Oh! what
IS to become Of meY'
Then he started up.
That wretch Donovan, The vile
abandoned murderess. Where is she?
Id kill her for this"
"rhink of the mistress, sir That's
1he point now. She is out in tn car
riage and who is to tell herT
What is that to me? She will bear it
well enough. Oh, my SON. my heir,
Where's my brother? What was the
wretch doing in his room? Where IS
she?'
The steward hesitated
1T was not Donoyan's doing so much.
though she should not have let the child
out OF her arms. Heavensl here's the
It's your duty, sir. Be a man. SIR
;
the hall
Tell Donovan to bring down baby.
The day is so fine. she can take it out
for an airing"
The unhappy family had heard the
news which had spread over the house
like an electric fash, and had remained
cowcd and overwhelmed in their rooms
not daring to face the awful misery of
this calamity. As for Ned Burton. he
was still at the fatal window, with his
hands raised, now over his head. now to
mis- forehead. He was only thinking of
the terrible fate of the poor innocent He
heard the carriage arrive; then faint
scream ia the hall. The doctor had come.
and there was besides the sound of voices
and feet. He felt that he must not shrink
from public gaze in this fashion
As he came TO the stairs be heard the
shrek again. with the wcsds. Where is
he? Find him! Deaf let the murderer
.eseapet'
He stopped MS ( struck by some elec-
trio shock. Strange to say. this view of
the matter bad never occurred TO him.
The idea made him tremble. But she
had now seen him. and darling forward,
said in a low suppressed voice:
oh, you miserable! This is your re-
yengev'
Revenge! Before heaven, as r>stand
here
You threatened me-yes. me--last
night. You were heard to do it"
yes, | heard him." said Mr.. Ralph.
''He said you were not to count on being
secure. and that punishment would over
take YOU"
And then he murde .,s--yes. murders
by barbarous death, by poor. poor in
fanti Oh. heavens above. But don't let
him escape. Send off for the police ofi-
GERS, He shall hang for il, f there he
law in England. He sh all never live long
enough TO be beir of this plncc!"
"Now, dear lady, come with me" said
the steward Don't excite yourself. It's
an awful thing, but it's Gods will The
little angel fell against the shutter. and
1t opened
t"Oh, that's his story, is It? Let hin,
tell that before the judges. / am no girl
10 be soothed in that style. The only
thing that will comfort me is to seY hin
taken away from this and put in prison
What was remarkable about this wom
an was not grief for her little child
but her pale face. her quivering lips tnt
concentrated fury. 1t may be said tha
she honestly believed in the delhcrat,
purpose of that action: or at least. tina
though his was not the hand that fun.
the victim from the window, there Nigh
have been some passive want of exertio'
that might have prevented it. Some sucl
thought was In Mr.. Burtou's mind. an,
the unhappy Ned felt that the same sor
-,f-eusnieiotl must he fflt by every tnC