Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1904-11-14


need be-but he was, SO to speak, in
Stephens hands.
VERY WE'LL he said.
"And now have another cigar, my
dear Jack, you've eaten that one"
But Jack was anxious to go. He
wanted to be alone to think over this
strange interview, and realize that Una
was his.
"WeH, if you will 60" said Stephen,
reluctantly, "but mind, l shall expect
you to make this your second home"
Jack glanced round rather obviously.
"And of course we shall see you at
the Square?"
This invitation Jack accepted hearth
ly. and once more he wrung Stephen
hand.
Goodnight, goodnight, my dear
jack" said Stephen, and he took a
candle from the table to light him
down the stairs, and smiled till every
tooth in his head showed like a grave
stone.
Then, as Jacks heavy step faded
away and was lost, Stephen went back
into the room, closed the door, and
sinking into a chair sat motionless,
with folded arms and haggard face.
eyes. yes" he muttered, II have
played the best game-I have gulled
him. Another man would have attempt
ed to thwart him openly, and have
raised storm. My plan is the wiser.
But to think that fate should have
played me such trick and I thought
she was safe and secure!" and he
wiped the drops of cold sweat from his
knitted brow. Fool fool that I was!
Better to have left her there in the
heart of the Forest! And yet-and yet
- he unused, cit is not so bad. The
man might have been more powerful
and cunning than the idiot whom l
have in the hollow of my hand. Curse
him! curse him! I never look on his
face but tremble. hate him!" and
he stretched out his closed hand as if
with curse.
AS he did so it came into contact
with Jacks glass.
In a paroxysm of fury he caught up
the glass and dashed it into the fire.
place.
1t relieved and brought him to his
senses.
With a gesture of self-contempt he
rose and rang the bell.
Summers stole in with his noise
less step and stood beside the table
with downcast eyes, which, neverthe-
less, had taken in the broken tumb-
! ler
| GIVE broken glass, Summers, .
said Stephen, with affected careless
ness. ''NeYer mind, leave it till the
morning. Now, then, what have you
learned?"
Summers cleared his throat, and
barely opening his thin lips, replied:
"a great deal, considering the time,
sir. The young lady at Mrs. Daven-
ants
Il know all about her. said Stephen,
breaking in impatiently. What about
Mr.. Newcombe?"
Nowise embarrassed, Summers
wiped mis- dry lips with a handker-
chief as spotless as his masters.
"It is as you expected, sir. Mr..
Newcombe is in difficulties"
"Ah." said Stephen. with evident
satisfaction.
"EIe has been playing and giving pa
rer. There are some old bills out,
too. These are in the hands of Moss
the money-lender."
Stephen nodded and rubbed his hands.
'T know Moss-a hard man. Go on"
'But they say continued Summers,
raising his eyes for moment to his
masters face, chat Mr.. Newcombe is
going to set things right by marrying
an heiress."
Stephen smiled and leaned back in
his chair.
ooh, they do, do they; and who is
this most fortunate young LADY,"
Lady Isabel Earlsley."
Stephen started forward.
What"
Lady Isabel Earlsley," repeated
Summers, without the slightest
change of voice or countenance.
"No-it's a lie!' said Stephen, with
a chuckle. where did you hear it?'
cat the club. 1t is the talk of town,
sir Mr. Newcombe has been in close
attendance upon her ladyship for some
time. They say that her ladyship's
brougham nearly ran over him, and
that she took him home. 1t is true;
her own coachman told me-"
Stenhen leaned hack and hid his
face with his hand, his busy brain at
work on this last turn of the wheel.
GO on" he said.
''That is all, SIR
Stephen was silent for minute or
two. then he turned to the writing
table and wrote for some minutes.
Go to Moss tomorrow morning" he
said, and tell him not to press Mr..
INewcombe, and I don't think he will
require more than the hint-but you
may say I will buy all Mr.. Newcombe's