Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1904-07-28
HCAPTER VII.

host could not disturb Old ralph Dave
nant now--passed down with his hand
pressed against his breast pocket, In
which lay the stolen will. Had the
sheet Of blue foolscap been composed
OF red-hot iron instead of paper,
Stephen could not have felt It's pres
ence more distinctly and uncomfort'
ably; 1t seemed to burn right through
his clothes and scorch his heart; he
could almost fancy, in his over-strained
state that It could be seen through his
coat.
He paused o. moment outside the IL
brary door, one white hand lingering his
pale lips, the other vainly striving to
keep away from his breast pocket, and
listened to the tramp, tramp OF JACK
az he walked up and down the room.
Any other face would have been more
endurable than Jacks, W. h Its fierce
" frank gaze and outspoken contempt.
At last he opened the door and en-
tered his handkerchief In his hand.
Jack stopped and looked at him.
Il have been waiting for you,' he
said
my poor upcle!"
Jack looked at him with keen
scrutiny, mingled with unconcealed
seem.
II have been waiting for you, In case
you wished to say anything before |
went"
WHAT" murmured Stephen, with
admirably feigned surprise and regret.
you viii not 90, my dear Jack! not
tonight"
Eyes, tonight" said Jack quietly. Il
couldn't stop In the house. shall go to
the inn"
But"
mo, thnnks," said Jack, cutting him
short,
ooh, do not thank me-" murmured
Stephen meekly, II may have no right
to offer you hospitality. the house may
be yours"
well, ! think you could give n
pretty good guess on that point" said
Jack, bluntly; "but let that pass. am
going to the Bush If you or Mr..
lludsloy want me--where IL Hudsley?'
he broke off to inquire.
Mr. Hudslcy Is upstairs sealing up
the safe and things said Stephen
humbly, "He wished me to assist
him but had rather that he should do
II perhaps you would go
through the house with hIm?"
Jack shook his head.
AS you please" murmured Stephen,
with a resigned sigh, "Mr. Hudsley Is
quite sufficient; he knows where every
thing of Importance Is kept You Will
have some refreshments after your
journey, my dear Jack?"
mo- thanks" said Jack; Il want
nothing couldn't eat anything I'll
go now
Are you going, Mr.. Newcombe"
said Mr.. Hudsley, entering and looking
from one to the other keenly
Il am going to the Bush; | shall
stay there in case | am wanted"
THE funeral had better be fixed for
Saturday You ana MIR. stephen will
be the chief mourners.' Then he
turned to stephen Il have sealed up
most of the things, Is there anything
you can suggest?"
"You know all that Is required; we
leave everything to you, Mr.. Hudsley. |
| think | may speak for my cousin
may not Jack?"
Jack did not reply, but put en- his
gloves.
81 will 20 now" he said, Good
night, Mr., Hudsley"
The old lawyer looked at him keen.
~ ns he took his hand
81 shall find you ut the 'Bush?'" he
said
Yves" replied Jack, and vas leaving
the room when stephen gose and fol
lowed him.
Goodnight my dear Jack" he said
"Will you not shake hands on--on such
an occasion?"
Jack strobe to the door and opened II
without reply, then turned and, as IL
with an effort, took the hand which
stephen had kept extended
Goodnight" he said, dropping the
cold fingers. and strobe out.
stephen looked after him moment
with his meek. long suffering express,
sion of face changed into n malignant
smile of triumph, and his hand went up
TO his breast pocket
Good might, boggar," he murmured,
and closed the door,
Mr. Hudsley was still standing by the
library table toying ahsently with the
keys, thoughtful frown on his brow,
which did not grow any lighter as
stephen entered, making great play
with the pockot-handkerchief
II think also may 10 row. Mr.,
stephen" he said, Nothing more
can be done tonight will be here
in the morning with my clerk"
II suppose nothing more can be done
You have sealed up all papers and
Jewels? am particularly anxious
that nothing shall be left informal
Il don't think there Is anything un.
seated that should have heen'