The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1903-07-17
| Stairs of
Sand
By ERNEST DE LANCY PERSON.
Copyright. 1901. by Street & Smith.
CHAPTER xvII.-cosr1NuED.

James Ellison laughed, but there
was little heartiness in it.
."You still cling to that absurd
idea. 1 thought the other day you
were merely joking"
81 never joke on such a serious
subject. Apart from the fortune, I
find the young woman charming, and
1 am not too old to appreciate the
charms, mendal and physical, of so
attractive a parsonage. 1 know you
will find it hard to surrender the
fortu1Ee, or the biggest part Of it,
to me, but you will have it in the
family, and that should be salts
faction" with q grin.
ooh, a great satisfaction" replied
, James, grimly, as he looked at his
brother lleenly, to make sure that he
was really in earnest. "And Grace,
does she consider your attentions in
any light but that of ridicule?"
"Oh, l have not been precipitate.
Rmean to win her by kindness.
"Since that-er-er = unfortunate
tragedy she is in sympathetic
mood, and / can do much to comfort
and console her" Frank Ellison
reeled off this speech with apparent
satisfaction, as if he was quite sure
of his ground.
"And the school-teacher, what of
him?"
81 don't think I need fear him any
he is as good as done for"
you evidently are not aware of
what has taken place." said James
Ellison, with a pleasure that he
could not disguise.
what do you mean?"
''Why, the police have made an ar
rest. 1t is in this mornings paper"
Frank Ellison allowed the cigarette
to fall from his fingers, and the air
of smiling conlplacency disappeared
from his face.
"The police have found an earring,
one of those my poor wife was
robbed of on the night of the muir
der, in pawnbroker's shop in this
city. They have found the man who
pawned it, and, though he denies
that he had anything to do with the
crime, they have still hopes of get
ting him to confess. Why, you seem
very much disturbed over the news"
as Frank flung himself out of the
chair where he was seated, and
walked BACK and forth with a nerv-
GUS air, as if unable to keep still in
one place. O
"And what might this fellow, call
himself" he asked, as he paused by,
his brothers chair
He rejoices in the name of
.Reddy.' as the police know him.
What his real name is no one knows"
Frank Ellison looked relieved, and
went back quietly to his seat.
"Well, perhaps they will find that
the poor fellows story is true. That
need not interfere with my plans."71
But she will never forget Barnett.
You don't know what will that lit
tie woman possesses" said James
ITO tell the truth, l would rather
see her. his wife than yours"
1t was well that he did not notice
the expression of anger that came
over his brothers. face as he said
this, for it was not pleasant, but
Frank could control his features,
and the cloud was but passing one.
II thank you for your good opin-
ion, Perhaps if 1 had been favored
by fortune in capturing an heiress I
I might have lived as virtuous life
as you," with sneering information
in his voice.
''Now, that you are frank enough
in saying that you prefer the school
teacher to me, will give you piece
of interesting news"
James regarded the other with a
certain uneasiness,. wondering if it
were well that he should anger him
''I have made arrangements that
cannot fail to get hold of that agree
ment."
sAh,"
ssWhen it is in my possession
shall be in position to dictate
terms. You win be interested in
helping me in this marriage, because
otherwise I should be tempted to
make the paper public, and then
every penny you have IN the world
viii go to your wife's relatives
James Ellison was silent, wishing
khat he had not provoked bis brofber.