The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1904-08-12


they were examining. Max was ready
TO swear that their faces touched.
This was uncomfortable. His first tm-
pulse was to fly down stairs and ning
Bysshc aside; his second was Ia hastily
pull out the drawers of his dressing
table Until he found Il revolver he had
bought as n lad with some heroic lnten-
tion of defending the house from burg
lars. The pistol was unloaded but ball
IL cartridge We're there, and to charge
the barrels was merely the work of n
moment. No sooner was this done,
filed him with terror, he flung the re-
volver into the drawer. which he
locked. and hurried from the room.
On reaching the grounds where he
had seen them, there was no trace or
Edith or RNsshe. nor could they be
where he sought them; for the simple
reason that they We're in the morning.
room With Lady Bysshe.
Before the family parted for the
night, Godfrey Bysshe babe them good
bye, saying he should have to leave by
the first train in the morning. AT this
announcement Max could hardly re-
strain his satisfaction. The way would
now be clear for him to carry out the
desperate act on which he had resolved.
He rose early, n as he was dress
ing saw Edith where she a stood the
a ~ NSAiAA NAA "a NAAS
hurriedly finished his toilet, and I'M
locking the drawer which held his re-
volver, put it in his breast pocket. A
couple of minutes later and he had
Joined Edith. who was feeding a crowd
of SparroWS, robins and StarlingS that
fled at his approach.
You are up early" she said, with
q friendly glance.
Il couldn't rest all night. 1 was
thinking about you"
Her glance at him was full OF quick
comprehension. Il think L must go in l.
she remarked suddenly. =
Not until l a spoken to you-un-
til l nave asked YOU"
Don't, please dom ask me any
thing" she implored.
Il must" he answered, his voice
hardening, Il can beau suspense no
longer. You know l love You, that y
have always loved you since we We're
boy and GIRL he added, hoping this
reference to their youth would touch
her. Will you be my wife,"
Her face flushed and then turned
deadly pale. oh, why did YOU not
spare me-. and spare yourself this
pain?" She asked.
You dor love me-"
No; not as the woman should who
would be your Wife"
Its because you love some one else"
he said in a voice choked with rage Z
The angry glare In his eyes and the
swollen veins in his forehead frightened
her, but she strove to hide her terror,V
and drawing herself up said, You for
get yourself
ing her wrist and speaking with az
slow elaboration that emphasized his
earnestness; Il love you n will do
everything l can do to make you happy
If you marry me. II you don't promise
to do that here and now. there will
be another tragedy in our house. I
swear it, by
You wish to brighten me into a
PROMISE" she gasped.
Il mean what l say" he answered,
letting her see the revolver sticking
out of his pocket.
She believed he meant to terrorize
her by q threat TO take her life, but
she would not crafty him by appearing
to finch.
You are a coward" she replied con-
t~emptuously Il don't care what you
call me; l want your answer"
She looked swiftly around for as
sistance. but not a soul in sight. She
now felt assured Of his intention to
shoot her.
1T will be done before help can come
to you. Will you marry me?" he al
most shouted, now beside himself with
rage and despair.
Will you marry me?" he asked
again, thrusting his face close to hers.
No, no." she said, believing the
words would be her last.
She had scarcely spoken them when
she saw him snatch the revolver from
his pocket, turn it against his breast
and fire. Then his arms were flung
upward, he reeled. fell heavily on his
back and remained motionless. The
breathless instant that followed seemed
long as eternity to her; she could not
cry out. but only gasp for breath, while
the whole world swung around her.
and she sank senseless beside him on
the ground.