The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1903-11-17

that l would not keep my word to him.
Do you think | should not wish to he
his wife,
Stone threw his arm impulsively
across her shoulders and crushed her
close TO him.
IF you are sure of that" said the
81 have no more 10 say Mar
~ him. and may God bless you both
When do you desire the ceremonyT'
I'VE had planned IL for a week from
today" responded Stone This dear
child and few of her nearest friends
will come out TO my home. where some
simple preparations will be made for
the entertainment of the party. We
hoped that you might come with them"
1T will give me great pleasure" said
Mr.. Brown, extending a land TO each.
The extraordinary ease OF John Stone
was often In Mr. Browns mind during
the next few days. He was reminded
of II. indeed, every morning by a bou-
quet OF the pretticst posies from the
fair florists shop. These offerings
adorned his desk. and he would often
find himself staring Mt them while n
question slowly framed itself in his
thoughts. Suppose it should ever rest
and this woman. What should he do?
The wedding was set for Saturday
and upon the day before Mr.. Brown
was busy with various duties which
took him here and there In the city
He returned TO his home about noon
and was Informed that q stranger had
called during his absence. had waited
few minutes very impatiently and
had said that he would come back
again. The descriptions OF this visitor
from various members OF the household
revealed him as a somewhat mysterious
person, dark. shifty eyed, suspiciously
smooth in his manner of address. The
maid thought that he must be from 'the
east. but she always expressed that
opinion of every one whom she did not
like. even when there was strong evi-
dence to the contrary.
Mr.. Brown felt a considerable uneas-
iness. the stronger because certain
points in the description Of this man
seemed 10 suggest some one whom he
had known. After a hasty luncheon he
went out TO make inquiries, condemn.
ing his own folly meanwhile. since
there was really no cause for alarm
He came back TO his home no wiser
than when he had left It, but rather
more anxious In his study he found
Mabel Henderson waiting. The blood
rushed back upon his heart at the first
glimpse of her.
"Some one Is here - for him. she
gasped. Morton was in my store and
saw the man pass. a detective from the
east"
The clergyman sat down ~ the chail
nv his desk. as II something could bs
done there, as il the familiar paper
and books could give him some advice
He has been here" he said. He 4
| coming back. I know him."
The girl was pale as death. She ben
| toward him. Her glance seemed {,
| burn him with its intensity.
| II thought that l could bear this,
| she said. ''but | can't. IL would xii
this man II II would save Norton"
You must not speak like that" re
spondcd the clergyman. Have coul
age, strength. Seek II where It may al
ways be found
And you:"
"It Is not selfishness I'm me-" he erie
as II repelling an accusation. 1T woul
be necessary that we should all unit
1 III, s,t,
rest upon my soul alone. Surely 20
cannot advise
Her impatience could not bear thi
questioning. She leaned upon his desl
painting. ghastly pale. staring into hi
eyes,
"You know what l want you to say.
she whispered
Il cannot do this" he cried. If II |
Gods will that you should be spare,
some other way will open, rigl
way
"Hushr' she breathed raising
warning hand.
There was q rap upon door. an
the maid opened il.
Hes here again" she said.
Mr.. Browns lips moved. hut 4
. sound came out OF them. He heard
step in the hall. He seemed to reco
nize II.
, Sergeant Clifford" he said befol
, the man was fairly In sight. ''how
you dor
The conventional words and tor
were ridiculous. and he knew ii. y
had spoken like an automaton.
"Ah. Mr.. Brown" said the visito
'Pm pleased to be remembered. YC
must be surprised to see me way o.
:, here"
The clergyman was nodding mecha
icaIly. He had taken the flowers fro
the vase upon the desk and was crus
ing them In his left hand. He had
= dreamlike fancy that they were Il
heart OF Mabel Henderson.
Il haven't minute TO stay" sa
Clifford. yet couldn't get away wit
out seeing You. A little matter Of bu'
ness-thought | should need you. b
!. settled 1t without having to trouh
you, We got word that fellow nam'
Morton Brook living here was real
John Stone, who broke jail eight
nine years ago. was sent to get him
Il "well?"
.Ive seen Brook this morning" "a
Clifford. .and its all off. He doesl
look any more Ike John Stone tn
(. you do
Il have seen the man several time.
= said the clergyman. speaking slow
i and with great difficulty. 'and agr
" with you perfectly
Two minutes later the man from (
'e east had gone. and a weeping womi
Is her heart bursting with happine
- knelt at the minister's feet. claspi
his hand.