The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1903-12-17

+ The gray dawn Of winter was creep
ing in around the edges of the window
| blinds ere he came to this conclusion,
and then it was with strange feeling
of citation and exa1tation that he threw
himself on the bed and slept the first
refreshing sleep that had come to him
! in weeks
The succeeding day was Sunday.
Kane had promised to meet Stella at
afternoon service and walk home with
her. This had been their weekly GUS
ton since the ball, and they both dear
| ly priced this half-hour of sweet inter-
course as they sauntered through the
park.
On this, possibly their last day to-
gether, Kane realized as he had never
done before how inexpressiblx indis-
pensable she had become to him, and
yet in that very fact he found strength
for the coming ordeal, for with his GUS
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 ftful blaze
Of log fire.
will you join US there?" inquired
Kane, solicitously, as he detained her
by the hand
Certainly, if you wish it," she re-
turned
Il do wish it," was the reply. q
| 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 finging a book to
the other end of the leather lounge
| Nhic oh hn hol hoor
in, man! You're just in time to keep
us awake
The baronet's greeting, if 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 you,
sis?" exclaimed Richard, 1T gets dark
SO confoundedly early here
Stella moved towards the bell, but
Kane stayed her with a gesture.
Not just yet, please, if l may in
terfere,'' he said. Il have something
to tell you all-something that is not
easy for me to say-and I think can
get along better by the freight"
There was a lifeless quality in his
voice, and his usually verile tones
were curiously mutIled. Richard Dy-
sart Was as far from divining what
was actually coming as either Of the
other listeners, yet he was conscious
OF quickening thrill of expectancy.
reused by kane's words and manner,
and he glanced at him keenly
One moment. Kane he said; am
| 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-
manned standing in the center, de-
Ginning proffered seat All looked
at him eHpectantly.
Richard Dysart,' he began in color
less tones, nearly year ago you were
treacherously ambushed, shot and
robbed on the banks Of the Mooi'
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, a
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 KarrCo country. He tracked you
on horseback from day to day.
camping within sight of your fire every
night, sharing your hacdships, starry
ing when you went hungry, freezing
through the long, dark nights because
he dared not kindle G. 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 avariceI
took possession of him, and he de-
termined to have the treasure, even