Idaho Springs siftings., 1902-06-07

this son of fortune at time when he
could not find means of resistance.
The several companies controlling
South African mines in which Liver
more had investments, and which had
been paying good dividends, were
bought up by some new combination,
backed by unlimited capital, and
there was a grave suspicion that the
small shareholders were about to be
frozen out in a way perfectly legiti-
mate yet shockingly cruel.
And there were others, too.
Really, the doughty captain was
passing through an experience that
promised to make an old man of him
if long continued
Twice the Marquis had called upon
Fedora, and on each occasion exerted
himself to fascinate as he had never
before done in all his life
Affairs were in this state, and the
Marquis could see the possible tragic
outcome of his systematic assault all
along the line, unless his nerve failed,
or something occurred to break the
stern resolution by which he had
bound himself.
A few more visits, he believed. would
complete the fascination of Fedora
harassed by accumulating debts and
made boorish by his troubles, it might
be readily assumed that the captain
would be anything but an amiable
companion these days, and the couple,
never having had a genuine love for
each other, would drift further apart
This would be his opportunity-the
glitter of his unlimited wealth, to-
gether with the strange hold he had
upon Fedora, by reason of her old
time love, though she herself might not
know the real cause-these two com
bined should tempt her to leave the
falling fortunes of the captain and
seek happiness with the man who con-
trolled her will.
1t was a fiendish revenge. and many
times the marquis cursed himself for
entertaining it; yet the memory of his
dreadful sufferings drove him back
again with renewed zeal to pick up the
threads of fate where he had dropped
them and go on with feverish eager
ness.
1t was only when he thought of
Mazette that he WINGED and grew con-
fused-not for worlds would he ever
have her know what wicked thoughts
struggled with his better nature, ~nd
usually gained the mastery.
One day the marquis, still pursuing
the one object of his presence in Lon
don at this questionable season of
the year, dropped in at the establish
ment of Captain Livermore, resolved
to play his cards to advantage, since
a crisis was near.
His quick eye noted signs of con-
fusion, and he knew disaster had at
last fallen upon the captain who must
seek a cheaper home-yes, evidently
a move was contemplated-his sturdy
blows were beginning to tell, and he
should feel a glow of satisfaction in
the region of his heart.
The occasion would be propitious
for his master stroke-surely he
should be able to win her consent
what had she TO consider but a ruined
home and a husband whom she had
welded while loving another?
He offered her unlimited wealth. be-
yond the dream of the human mind,
love, and all the attractions the world
can bestow.
Yes, she would yield-he knew how
weak her nature was-had she not
shown it when throwing him over for
fortunes smiles ?-she had no anchor
such as the safeguard of a husbands
love would throw around her-he felt
assured of this as he did of anything
in his whole life.
When the marquis entered the house
it was with the confident air of one
who has abundant faith to believe in
the positive success awaiting him-not
over-confidence such as loses battles,
but the quiet assurance that springs
from a thorough knowledge of the
powers he controls.
1t CHANGED, however, that there was
one thing he had not counted on,
matter that might seem of small con-
sequence, and yet which must burst
upon him with appalling force.
AS he sat and waited sounds of
commotion were heard, such as caused
the marquis to start, turn deadly pale
and tremble as he had never done
when bodily danger menaced him
then through the open door came
dashing two little tots, one a golden