The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1904-01-28


would spurn him from her sight!
Again: Suppose Richard were to
stumble on the truth, and tax him with
his crime? What could he do but
cover like a whipped cur?
Rossiter Kane was no common cow
possibility caused him the keenest
shrinking and chagrin.
Gradually, out of the turmoil of his
thoughts, the conviction grew and took
shape that his only hope of happiness
lay in prompt confession and restitu-
tion-not an extorted avowal, but one
made of his own free will, and while
yet he held the reins in his own con-
troll.
Better to lose the girl now and re-
tain his own self-resuect 'han marry
her and be found out afterwards, for
in that event she would be lost to him
beyond recall-of that he felt sure.
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 a strange feeling
Of elation and exaltation that he threw
himself on the he'd 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
tom 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 ineXpressibly 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 fitful blaze
of a 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. II
have something to say which | 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. impripting 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 n 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
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 tlinging book to
the other end of the leather lounge
on which lie had been doing. Come
in. man. You're just in time to keep
us awake"
The Earonet's greeting. if less vo-
citerous, was none the less pleasant.
where's Stella?" 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, sit gets dark
so confoundedly early here"
Stella moved towards the bell, but
Kane stayed her with a gesture.
Not just yet, please, if | may in
terfere," he said. Il have something
tC tell you all-something that is not
fuSy WI ihc W ohy anu llllllh tdll
get along better by the fre-light"
There was a lfeless quality in his
voice, and his usually verile tones
we're curiousy mufiled Richard by
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.
loused 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 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-
clining a prolfered seat. All looked
at him cApectantly.
Richard Dysart," he began in color
less tones, nearly year ago You were
treach"rously ambushcd shot and
robbed on the banks Of the Moot
river. We all know the pitifu,
story. no need to 90 over it again
The man who robbed You was then
ToOr outcast, down on his luck,
very ishmael, and II may be honestly