The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1903-04-18
tones struck chill upon him.
Ho woa hnaida hor h III

zones SLruCk chill upon ulm.
He was beside her without the
house.
II will 60" he said, "and I owe my
life to you, Kate. Thank God, it is to
you, for you have made life SO sweet
to me. I shall be cleared before the
world, and then-oh, my love, my hap.
piness, my consolation"
His eager, passionate voice pene-
trated with dangerous power. He
caught her in his arms before she
could resist; his lips fingered with ar
dor upon her mouth, sealing there the,
burning love which was in his heart.
He held her so close, SO fast that she
seemed to melt in his embrace, and
their hearts beat heavily upon each
other.
"This moment is worth a hundred
years a thousand risks!" he cried.
For I love you-I love you!"
1t seemed as if he could never repay
her for her kindness.
His caresses almost deprived her OF
the power to remember how false he
was-that even now that other woman
was within the hut.
~Passionately happy, even with that
thought in her mind, for a moment
the girl did not try to resist. 1t vas
her farewell. She would never know
loves embrace again.
Then suddenly she clasped his neck
with her arms, drew herself to his
face that was bent over her, and
kissed him, sweetly. dearly, as he
would never in his life forget, and
tearing himself from her she cried:
at is adieu forever! l will eve
willingly e you again." and she fed
from him. But he reached her just as
she gained the wood.
why do you say that? You cannot
mean it,"
Dare you ask why l say it," she
SAID, turning like an animal hunted
and at bay. "Dare you ask when you
know already? You are false to ne;
1 cannot trust you more! Fly from
here this instant! Do not follow met"
Then she had gone from him, and
something in the memorable tone in
which she had spoken made it impos-
sible for him to follow her, as he
longed to do.
He turned back to meet Rachel at
the door of the hut.
She had remained motionless with.
in, hearing every word, and had not
moved until Kate had gone.
For q moment she forgot herself.
her crime and her remorse,- as her
brother threw himself down on the
couch from which he had risen and
buried his face. in his hands, while
fierce, dry sobs shook his frame.
Rachel was frightened. She bent
over him, uttering fond words, trying
to make him look up and speak to her;
but he shook her off impatiently, not
speaking.
She turned away and began pacing
up and down the room, wringing her
hands and uttering incoherent word:
of self-accusation.
Suddenly she went to her brother,
put ner hand on his shoulder, and ex.
claimed:
Vance, listen to me one moment!
Tell me-1O l need not ask IT b
loves you-that is evident-she loves
you wholly. Are you listening to
me?"
Vance lifted his haggard face and
looked at his sister, saying; 5
DO not talk of this. You heard
what she said-that my hiding place
was discovered and that we must go
And we have no time to lose."
Eyes, yes, i heard what she said,"
was the impatient response, land ]
know that she came here in the night
why did she say. having confessed her
love to you, why did she tell you she
would never see you again? How
have you offended herr"
"How?" cried Vance, starting up, ."
do not know! It is not my disgrace
the stain of suspicion-she knew that
before. 1t is her caprice! Oh, if l
loved her less l could curse woman
for her sake!!"
Ito Be c%ontinued.)