The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-11-23

partly open, with strong light pouring
out of the aperture. He peeped i'm. Deb
enham was seated in front of a desk with
a child's hat before him, his head bowed
on his hands. He was alone
Carforth on a sudden impulse, pushed
the door open and stepped into the room,
in the lock and he turned it. The noise
caused the occupant to look up quickly.
and his eyes met those of the convict.
"You, Carforth!' he exclaimed. II
thought perhaps you would come. 1 heard
this morning that you were at liberty. 1
am sorry 1 cannot feel enthusiastic. for 1
suffer a terrible loss
He rose and held out his hand.
ST can guess L am not very welcome. 1
never supposed I should be- said Carforth
with a sneer. "You are a coward and a
thief!'
Debenham recoiled.
What do you mean?' he asked.
"You know what l mean, you traitor!
did not come as friend; 1 came as an
enemy. I came with murder in my heart!
Do you think five years in gaol makes
angels? Sit down, and if you call out
try to summon assistance you die!' and
he held revolver leveled at Debenham.
The latter sat down calmly, although he
was deadly pale.
Don't be fool. George!' he said.
What do you want?"
ST want to tell you L know your villainy.
For five years have brooded over it. You
know am innocent?'
IT do"
"And yet you swore my liberty away to
save yourself?''
you are under some delusion. / swore
to nothing but what was true"
You knew 1 was innocent, but you never
spoke because you were the guilty party.
You forged the cheque."
THAT is not true"
at is true. Do you think do not know,
that I cannot see and understand? You
have lived in comfort; what has my life
been?"
81 am very sorry, George
Are you? Then do the right thing. You
see this paper? 1t is a confession of your
guilt. You will sign it now or you will
de-"
Debenham took the paper and glanced it
through.
"You don't expect me to sign this?" he
said. "I did not forge the cheque.'
"You sign it or die! You knew was in
nocent."
ST know now. have known It a few
hours, that is ALL"
You lie! You have known all along"
81 have known 1t since the forger con-
fessed to-day. Cease this fooling. George.
/ am in too deep trouble to JEST
aver laughed Carforth. You know
part of my five years anguish to-day How
do you like it? But your pain will be short,
my disgrace is lifelong"
Just then there was a child's cry outside
and rushing feet were heard in the pas
sage.
Charles! Charles!" called a voice Car
forth knew. Dolly is here quite safe. She
was asleep on a sofa in the drawing-room."
Debenham rose excitedly, but his visitor
covered him with the weapon.
81 have not done yet" he said, in a
hoarse whisper. Answer that you will be
at liberty presently"
Debenham called out as he was hidden,
and the steps went along the passage,
though Clara was evidently puzzled by his
conduct. &
Now attend to me-" said Carforth.
What do you want?"
'That paper signing. Then leave you"
Il will not sign lie."
'"Then shall shoot youi L am deter
mined to have either restitution or revenge.
You stole my good name. You have also
stolen the girl was engaged to-
"You mean Clara Dayton?"
Yes; your wife,
There was a smile round Defendants lips
for a moment.
You are mistaken in supposing 1 was the
forger," he said gravely. Listen and I
will tell you the true story. When you
were convicted two persons believed you in
nocent. 1 was one. Clara Dayton the other
We have never relinquished that faith, but
we have tried to prove your innocence. We
set to work to trace the thief. Clara's in
tuition soon put her on the right track; but
only to-day-the day after your release
have we accomplished our task. In my
presence and that of Clara the criminal
confessed his guilt"
''Who was hep"
David Wilkinson"
GOOD heavens! And I thought it was
your
HE is dead. He died soon after his con-
fession. Tomorrow full proof of your in
nocence will be in the hands of the Home
Secretary
Carforth sank into a chair.
Good heavens!" he exclaimed. "And It
was I who stole your child in revenge?"
81 guessed as much. But you brought
her back"
''Can you forgive me?"
81 do, and 1 congratulate you on your in
nocence being made manifest"
Then Carforth gave way. The weight of
five years was lifted. He had entered the
sunlight. He laid his head on his hands
and sobbed like a child.
Presently he rose.
81 shall want to know more by and by
but it is enough. / know how much 1 owe
you. L have wronged you. Ler me CO."
mo; you must stay"
II can't do that. I shall never be able to
look at you again after l have wronged
you so cruelty. 1 dare not meet your wife
She will hate me. loved her once You
are better than /, and deserve her, but let
me co.
"You cannot go now. You must stay till
daylight. Remain in this room, and if you
want to go in the morning | will not OBJ