Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-01-28

CHAPTER XIX.

AS / StdnU mere, sAlu a.
had known it was coming to this, Or TO
anything like it, / would have died be-
fore having act or part in it. But what
have stated is the truth, | know l
have behaved Ike wretch and a villain,
and if | had known it wodld have come
to this. / would have Eed back. Yes,
sister, would
There, dearest Ned," sid his broth
er, your good name s cleared at last
But what will atone for all the cruelty
with which we have treated youE
An expression or joy was spreading
over Ned's face.
Thank God that have lived for this.
Oh. that could live longer to atone for
my great crime, to ask pardon for the
scandal that this wicked net of mine has
occasioned! But this / can do at least
heartily forgive her for NIL her persecu-
ton"
Tha dark figure came forward and
stood L ear the bed, looking down on the
enemy she had hunted so remorselessly
and SO long.
"You would wish" she said, ito live
on, no doubt. in order the better to hui
initiate me by long course of Christian
forgiveness, overpower me with generous
forbearancc. ! accept none of these
stories. For nc you are the murderer
still. and always will be. Here is
father who can be content with this
trumped-up story, and put UP with the
destruction Of his child | shall do moth
ing of the sort. but then | am only
mother. and have only mothers feel
inGs You can all easily be stronger
than l. 1t is a noble thing to have en-
tered into this conspiracy against a weak
woman. You, you, and YOU" she added,
turning 10 her brother you vile, pitiful,
crawling thing. who without ME would
have been nothing. But you have only
acted according to your lights. You saw
that no more was to be gained from me,
or that you could get higher price from
them"
All were listening to the excited wom-
an with awe, and establishment, there
was such a wildness in her manner, such
a restless fury in her eye. Ned Burton
alone looked Mt her with Indifference. She
went on.
But it is not finished yet. If I have
TO rove the world from end to end,
shall find vengeance-not on him mere
ly," she added, pointing to Ned Burton,
but ON these new enemies, whom one by
one | shall hunt down. The spirit of my
murdered babe has returned and charged
me with this Office. 1t comes to me Of
nights. and l hear it whispering now
'StrikeI Begin this day to avenge me
Spare not one: show no r ,rcy.' / shall
not. for have | not sworn?"
The doctor, who had been scrutinizing
her narrowly, now whispered earnestly
to Mr.. Burton. What he whispered was
the idea that of a sudden struck every
one who was there present, Even Ned
Burton said in a low voice, Don't be
harsh with her, poor soul. She is not ac-
.coul table now"
He was right All, as they turned 10
her. seemed now to understand the mys-
terry of the vile passions which had so
long controlled her. She had so enter
tained them that they at last had mas
tered her soul and devoured her brain.
The crisis had come with that days
work, and in a few moments strong men
were lending from the room a struggling,
shrieking maniac
ooh" said Lucy, passionately, as she
knelt by Ned Burton's bed, that YOU
could try and live for the sake of all that
love you"
"oh. that l could" said Ned. "Now
that the clouds have passed away, life
seems to have charms; but for a wretch
like me. a stupid, wicked criminal, there
is but one fate. II is part of my ,usr
punishment that this happiness should
have come when too late for me to enjoy
il. Leave me now. | am too blessed as
it is"
The little town which had been the
theater of such dramatic events was all
astir with excitement. The whole story
was soon known, rs well as the history
of she mysterious lady in black, who
had appeared among them so suddenly,
and disappeared so carefully guarded
But for the dying captain" as he was
called, there was the deepest interest
Already the story had reached tho news
papers of the large towns, and in the
great leading journal there was TO be
read, by Telegraph" a sketch of the
story. pointed with "A Tragedy In Scot
land" and cnterprising reporters wero
seriously thinking whether it would not
be worth while making Nn expedition to
gather up the exciting details.
The whole of that day went by YEARLY
for those gathered at Ned Burton's bed
side, waiting the carrying out Of the sen
tence which the doctor had found him
self constrained to pronounce. But to
Lucy, who kept careful watch on the
face she so loved, came an instinct sur.
passing the science of the local practi-
TONERS, and while waiting the coming of
the London doctor. who was expected in
an hour or SO. she would run from the
room to her friends, and with eager.
CHEEKY voice, say:
Ned will keep his word / feel as Ger.
tain of it as though Ii were revealed to
me. He will try and live, and succeed. ="
Her bright face, aud these assurances.
uttered with wonderful confidence. at
last began to inspire the others even
Ned himself.
About three o'clock arrived tie great
London physician, Sir Duncan Deuison
sent for by telegraph. He took ten min
utes for examination aud consideration.
then came out into the next room. and
with impressive face delivered Judgment,
the wistful faces of wife and children
being turned TO his.
II don't see why he should not get over
this, though | should hardly have said so
this morning As he has got over il SO
far. really think there is fair chance. -
Thus the Judgment of the court below
was reversed. 1t was Lucy VINO rushed
in IL tell him this news, and she added,
skillfully enough. rider of her own.
and it all depends on yourself, dear
est Ned. You are not 10 look back. hut
forward; not to think G nirery, but the
bnDp{poss which will so, ceue When