The Washington times., 1904-05-08

the influence of the balmy morning
breeze. great resolve grew strong
within me
1 got up from my chair. 1 began put
ting on my clothing. 1 felt that nv
face betrayed the strength Of purpose
born within me that moment
Let them say what they will 1
muttered half aloud, 4 will stand by
NY wife,"
Ny wiie! Even as spoke the words
a thrill shot through me. That pretty
creature my wife, Only till she was
was safe. Only till the tangled web
Of the romance and tragedy had been
Strengthened. Then 1 would set her
free.
But now she needed. if ever a girl
did need. a protecting arm. She needed
the sheItering name Of a man who was
strong.
had sat several hours over the prob
lem. 1t was no hasty conclusion. If t
seems rash and untenable to the reader,
il vas far from that to me. 1t was
the logical outcome Of the affair.
went downstairs. James was ahead
OF me, and in his well-groomed figure
there was no trace of excitement.
"Gad"' he exclaimed, as 1 entered
the breakfast room. you DO look
Erocked up. Has your sleep done yo1
no good?"
I've had no sleep" I answered, AMI
my voice sounded strange even to my
self
well. I don't wonder at it. Any man.
finding himself dragged into an entan-
clement of this kind. would lose sleep.
But we will settle all that today. Mig
giles let rs have breakfast"
AIfggIes responded, and soon the break
fast appeared.
Yes" continued James. Il shall go
to see Judge Morgan as soon as his
court has opened. 1t will not take long
to set you free
81 wish. James," I said. striving to
appear at ease and unconcerned. you
would do nothing in that matter just
now"
'Ehl Do nothing? / don't understand.
What do you mean?"
Il mean that 1 am going to look into
the thing little. l am not quite sure
that want to be released lust now
l don't think James showed as much
astonishment the night before as he did
then. He sat back in his chair and
stared as If either he or 1 had turned
maniac.
Say that again. he remarked. with
tremendous attempt to be calm. Say
that again. I don't quite catch on. l
fancy"
well. there is no beating around the
bush necessary" answered. i've
spent hours thinking about the matter
and I've reached a conclusion. To be-
gin 1 am not entirely convinced that
Pol al a re. 1aal At r,fe
trial. l."
You what! You don't think-come
now. Arnold. you are not accusing me
OF cOnspiring to send an innocent man
TO prison for life. I trust"
NO. not at all. But all prosecuting Of
hcers. whether they are in Oneida coun-
ty. New York city. London, or Paris,
are usually excessively jealous. A crime
is committed. A prisoner IS found. Ey-
cry scrap Of evidence discovered by the
police is twisted and warped TO fit that
prisoner.
The law must be indicated. A VIC
tim must be found. The district attor4
ney has his reputation TO make. The
police are on their mettle. The testi-
mony of witnesses, so long as it tends
their way, is not sifted for truth
goes. Between you and me, 1 think the
Lees are liars. 1 don't know this Ellis
England, but I'll find him.
Heavens! Am I hearing Alright? DO
you intend to reopen the case?"
ITO certain extent l do. My heart
goes out in sympathy 10 Beatrice For
rest-now Beatrice Stagg-in her lonely
condition. If her father is innocent. it
should be shown, if for no other reason
than to remove the misery and stain
from her life. If he is guilty, then, moro
than ever. she needs the protection Of an
honorable man.
Suppose your detectives find him. as
they probably will. Suppose ne is taken
back to Auburn? What becomes Of her?
Her uncle's house is closed against her. |
She has committed the heinous crime of
believing in her fathers innocence. Yet
there is no house for her to find shelter
in. No friend to offer protection.
She is young and beautiful. as you
know. What will become of her If she !
Is left to the tender mercies of this kind |
hearted world? You know the owrId, /
and so do l. You know the fate OF !
pretty country girl who is thrust out |
from the shelter that should be hers |
Who takes her up? Your Thomas Fir |
I'm? Your man about town? First the /
silded fiat, then the concert hall, then !
death in degradation"
James shrugged his shoulders.
And may l ask what all this is to 1
you? You are young man of fortune. /
With great career before you. Are you /
going 10 cast il aside because the !
of a murderer has been thrown /
nto your life in this way2''
NO. ! don't intend to cast aside nv
future. nor do I intend 10 do anything .
Inconsistent with good. hard sense. But /
his girl has. through the mysterious 1
of Providence, been sent Ike
L flash into my life. / am not going to /
ihirk the responsibility. You admit, do
you not. that she is my wife?'
Wen. yes and no. The marriage will
lot hold good if either party asks for
IN annulment"
Just so. And if neither party asks
or IT, then mine Is the power, the
privilege, and the authority 10 protect
ny young wife from the cold jeers and
orments OF an unfeelng world. And.
ct me say here. 1 am going 10 do it.
when l have seen her safe from
farm, then / shall offer her the free
lom that no doubt she viii crave. There
S no reason why she should wish to
emain my wife. But while she needs
protector. she shall have one in !