Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-06-21

DEATH
But George C.aris hardly concealed
the fact that that event would give
him satisfaction rather than annoy
ancc: he did not dare To interfere.
however. when Nell gave orders to one
of the men who had crowded in. to go
10 Stroan for doctor
Who did IT," somebody. not the
landlord. presently asked.
Clifford was by this time hardly con-
scious. He had been laid on the sofa.
while Nell herself. keeping enough
presence OF mind 10 be of use and 10
sec what the danger was. held her OWN
fingers TO the wound to check the flow
of blood.
She heard the question and an
swcred il.
1T was Jvm Stickels. He struck
him through the glass.
This reply led to further investiga.
tions. and Jcm WAS quickly discov.
cred and hroucI; into the room where
his victim lay. Unconscious though
he was. having been stunned severely.
Jcm. of course. got no pity from Nell.
carrying him 10 the cottage where he
lodged. which was within n stones
throw of the inn. Nell made no sugges-
ton that he should remain where he
was. being unafiectedly glad to have
him taken ont o: her sight.
Ruxom Meg exchanged many a nod
and wink ana grin with the customers
al, Inv hn n H.
sorDtion \pll showed in her lover and
his danger
.Au my :ault-ulv FAULT" the girl
kept murmuring. as she hung over
Clifford. watching his face. which had
grown pale. with straining eyes. and
listening anxiously TO the breathing.
which told her that he was alive.
Then Meg became abruptly con-
scious that there was something in
this simple grief. this maidenly affec-
ton. too sacred for the gaze of the
rough though sympathetic. group.
And she bundled them all. with large.
wide-sweeping gestures as of .igan-
tic hen. back into the bar. And Nell
and her lover and her uncle were left
together.
George Claris. though he. too was
somewhat touched. was uneasy aud
suspicious.
What was he doing down here:'
he began. inquisitorially. when they
were left alone. And what was he
up to that made Jem Stickels knife
him? No good. I'll be hound" grun-
blcd he.
HE loves mr. uncle. He has asked
me. weeks ego. to b. his wife. but |
hadn't even promised; no. not word.
but when lie came to-day
"Ah. what made him come today"
Nell hesitatcG. and then confessed.
in low voice:
Il sent for hila.'
George Claris mumbled his dissatis-
faction.
And what made Jem Stickels knife
him? Come. now. I should have
thought you were above having any
thing to do with n chap like him.
But I've seen him loafing about more'n
usual lately
1T was not fault. OF course" said
Nell. simply And OF course he had
no right to-to-
ITO be jealous? So I should ha'
thought. Still. he was jealous. eh:"
Il suppose So
There was sho:; SILENCE: then
George Claris SroE. again:
well lass. it's no use talking TO
women. cause they've got their own
way o. doing things. whatever you say
to 'em. But you've brcw'd yourself n
peek o trouble between them two
chaps. and neither me nor anybody
but yourself can help you out of 1t.
An mind. | won't say I'll have this
chap turned out of the house. though
I've good mind TO. But if the doc
tor says he's to be laid up here. I'll not
have you hansin' round. You'll just
go away sharp to my sister in London.
DO you hear? I'll have him properly
nurscd. that I'll promise. but it'll NOT
be by you. Do you hear
Nell asSented m"esiy. AZ long az
Clifford was not made to suffer sh"
felt that there was nothing for 1t but
to submit.
Uncle and niece exchanged no more
words until the arrival of the doctor.
when George Claris told his niece to
put on her hat and TO 80 to Miss Bos-
tails, where she was 10 remain until he
sent her luggage TO her there. when
SHE was 10 START without delay for
London.
To i'm CnntiOue1