Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1904-09-01

) Only One
{ s zzAsh4ss " Love {

CHAPTER XIV.

heart against the old man whose IA
vorite he had once been--for the mo
ment there was scarcely any anger
in his heart against the old man whose
favorite he had once been-for the
moment there was scarcely any anger
against Stephen; surprise and be-
wllderment overwhelmed every other
feeling.
He had not expected large sum OF
money-had certainly not ex-
large sum OF money-had certainly not
pected the Hurst; and but for the
words spoken by the dying man, he
would not have expected anything at
ALL after having offended him in the
matter Of the money.lenders and the
postobit. But most assuredly the
squire had minated that there would
be something-someth however
small
And now he was told that there
was nothing, that his name was not
even mentioned
Apart from any mefCenary consider.
alton, Jack was cut up and disappoint.
ed II there had been q simple mourn.
ing ring, few of the old guns out OF
the armory-anything as "A token Of
the old mans forgiveness, he would
have beea satisfied; but nothing, not
one word.
Then, again, he could not under
stand II, near his end MS he was when
he spoke to him. The squire was as
sane and clearheaded as he had been
at an time Of his life, or at least so II
seemed 10 Jack; and he certainly had
given him to understand that he had
left him some portion Of his immense
wealth.
II was another link In the chain of
mysteries which had seemed to coil
around Jack since he started from Lon
don.
Slowly and thoughtfully he made his
way back to the Bush" and began to
paekup the small portmanteau which
had been sent from town.
Hurst Leigh was no place for him:
every minute he remained In II seemed
intolorahle to him. He would go
straight back to town by the next
train.
Suddenly thought struck him. and
he paused in his task OF packing the
portmanteau. an operation which he
reduced to It's simplest by thrusting In
anything that came first and jamming
II down tight with his fst he stopped
aud looked up with n red flush on his
handsome face, Why shouldn't he go
to Warden Forest on his way back?
In moment, the idea thrilled him
with the delight Of anticipation, the
next a shade came over his brow. Why
shouldn't he? Rather, why should he?
What was the use Of his going? II
he had no business there before, he
had less excuse now. He was next
door TO beggar-and---
Realizing for the first time the blow
that had been dealt him by the squiro's
neglect. he continued nj the lamming
process jumped and kicked ut the
portmanteau till 1t consented to be
locked and then went down to the bar
and called for his bill
There were several people hanging
abuut-n funeral is n good excuse for
holiday In n country vllage--but
Jack, In his abstraction, scarcely
noticed the little group Of men who
ded In response to the respectful and
Kindly greetings.
But, Mr. Jack, said Johson, with n
deeply respectful air of surprise, you
don't think of going right away at
once, sir?"
Yes, I'm off, 1ohson." said Jack.
whats the next train?"
ITO London?" said dry, thin voice
behind him, and Jack turned and saw
Mr.. Hudsloy's clork--old Skcttlc.
There's no train to London TIL seven
o'clock; there's train to Arkdae In
an hour, but It stops there"
"All right" he said 'I'll 20 to Ark
dale; and by the way Johson. | don't
want To he bothered with the port.
mantenu send II on 10y rail to my ad.
dress Spider Court, the Temple.
You know"
Jopson touChNu MS cap, and while
he was making ont the bin Jack lit his
pipe and paced UP and down, his hands
In his pockets, the knot OF men watch.
ing him out Of the corners Of their
eyes with sympathetic curiosity.
Jack paid the hlll---so moderate
one that he capped It with half
sovereign over; and with 'good.day"
all round, started OF He had not got
further THAI the sign post when he
felt touch on his arm, and, turning,
saw that old Skettle had followed him
"Halloa,' said Jack, In his blunt way
what's the matter?"
The old man looked up at him from
under his wrinllled lids and fumhled
at his mouth in cautious sort of
way
I'm very sorry things have gone
on so crooked up at the Hurst. Master
Jack" he said respectfully
but not more sorry than | am.
Skettle thank you"