Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1903-11-21

tomary quick decision he meant to get
It over.
you will probably find Sir Arthur
and Rick In the library" she said, as
they entered the hall at Denecroft, as
yet unlighted save by the fitful blaze
OF log fire.
will you join US there?" inquired
Kane, solicitously, as he detained her
by the hand.
Certainly, II you wish It." she re-
turned.
81 do wish It." was the reply. "T
have something to say which I want
you all to hear
A new note in his voice arrested her
attention, and she looked up at him in
quick surprise. He drew her, all
wrapped and bonneted as she was, into
a little recess, and took her in his
arms, imprinting on her lips a warm
and passionate kiss.
1T may be for the last time, dear
est" he whispered, but do not Judge
me too harshly when you hear all"
What is it?" she asked TREMENDOUSLY.
her eyes large and luminous with ten
der interest and alarm. For answer he
said:
In little while you will know"
and led her to the foot of the stairs.
Slowly she assembled as though op-
pressed by the weight Of an impending
disaster; at the turn she stopped and
looked back at him where he stood
watching her with passionate adora-
ton, all his soul in his eyes. Then he
turned his steps towards the library.
"Hullo, Kane!" exclaimed Richard.
heartily. rising and flinging a book to
the other end Of the leather lounge
on which he had been doing. Come
In, man! You're just in time to keep
us awake"
The baronet's greeting. IL less yo-
ciferous, was none the less pleasant.
Where's Stellar" inquired Richard.
She will be here Immediately"
said Kane. and even as he spoke She
entered the room.
Ring for your candles. will Won
Sis?' exclaimed Richard, ct gets dark
SO confoundedly early here"
Stella moved towards the bell. but
Kane stayed her with a gesture.
Not just yet. please, If 1 may in
terfere." he said. 81 have something
to tell you all-something that is not
easy for me to say-and think can
get along better by the fire-light."
There was lifeless quality in his
voice, and his usually verile tones
were curiously mufied. Richard Dy-
sart was as far from divining what
was actually coming as either of the
other listeners, yet he was conscious
OF a Quickening thrill of expectancy.
reused by Kane's words and manner.
and he glanced at him keenly.
One moment, Kane" he said; "am
l concerned in the story?"
You are!" was the answer. at
which Richard drew a deep breath
and settled back In his seat.
Stella moved to place in the recess
by the fireplace, where there was
deep shadow; Sir Arthur and Richard
sat on either side the blaze: Kane re-
NAMED standing in the center. de-
Ginning proffered seat All looked
at him expectantly.
Richard Dysart," he began in color
less tones, nearly a year ago you were
treacherously ambushed, shot and
robbed on the banks of the Moot
river. We all know the pitiful
story; no need to go over it again.
The man who robbed you was then a
poor outcast, down on his luck. q
very lshmael. and it may be honestly
asserted through no fault of his own.
This man saw you, perfect stranger.
start on your prospecting trip into
the Karroo country. He tracked you
on horseback from day to day.
camping within sight of your fire every
night, sharing your hardships, starv-
ing when you went hungry, freezing
through the long, dark nights because
he dared not kindle a blaze which
might have apprised you that you were
watched. At first his only thought
was to claim shares in whatever you
might find. But when, ambushed in
the tall grass, he saw you gather un-
told wealth, the demon OF avarice
took possession Of him, and he de-
termined to have the treasure, even
If it came to the taking of life. You
were nothing to him then; he simply
saw In you one Of an army of adven-
turers. many Of whom would have
served him the same way. He left
you for dead. fed with his spoil to
the coast, and thought that his secret
was buried in the desert He was rich.
and he became richer; from that hour
everything he touched turned to gold.
But he had miscalculated the power
OF conscience, of remorse and-of
love. Sir Arthur and Miss Dysart,
I'm the man who shot and robbed your
brother!"
He ceased speaking and turned
away. There was silence In the room,
save for the dull swapping and flicker
- the fire, while from the darkness