Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-03-04
CHAPTER XVII.

and thirst for revenge occupied his soul.
Repeatedly he meditated upon accus-
ing him of fraud, perhaps murder, If he
could do so without discriminating him
self; and in the morning, after once
more carefully reviewing all the details
of his own transactions, he concluded to
consult Edward Toilet, Of whose services
be had once before ayailed himself. he
intended to engage him on this occasion,
But
Something extraordinary must have
occurred at the bank. The clerks were
gathered in groups, conyersinG in low
tones. AS he entered he asked for Fol
Bet, but in his stead came the janitor.
81 called for Toilet, Clarkson, not for
you. Where is he?''
Mr.. Marsden," he replied, "a defal-
cation is feared. A large sum is miss
hng Mr.. Harold Raymond discovered
At an hour ago and requested me to in
form you Immediately upon your arriv-
al"
Marsden fixed his eyes upon the speak
Ell; he parted his lips, but not a word was
audible. A deep, dark blue streak ex-
tended from his left temple to the cor
Aer of his mouth; his form became rigid,
Ac wavered a moment and then sfsk
heavily to the floor The excitement of
che past few days had been too much
2or his overstrained nerves, coupled with
Ais advancing age.
The janitor called loudly for help,
which aroused the clerks, who fastened
20 his side, also Harold Raymond, who
at once summoned a physician. The
doctor diagnosed the case as one Of apo
plexy and said that life could only last
few days. Cautiously the banker was
conveyed to his residence and entrusted
10 the care Of a nurse.
On his sick bed Marsden underwent
great change. He clearly anticipated his
end and retrospected over his past ca
reer He imagined he saw the angel of
deliyerance handing the palm of peace;
and during his few remaining hours
eompreh ended heavens will by merciful-
ny granting him an opportunity to atone,
3n measure, for his past misdeeds His
hardened soul could not find pentence
80 easily, however to accuse himself of
willfully and cruelty mistreating his step
daughter; but his better nature finally
asserted itself and gained the suprem-
acy.
He had loved his wife honorably, hon
estly and devotedly. This love of his
past life revived n hidden chord in his
heart, and it continued to revibrate I'M
&il he fully realized the great wrong he
Mad done her child-the child whom he
And promised to protect. He felt a great
desire to see Beatrice once more and to
ask her forgiveness, but how far, far
away the girl and how short was his
kxistence should the Doctors prophecy
Drove true.
Marsden called for Harold Raymond,
confessed his nefarious plot against Vic
Cor and beSought him to take Victor in
as his partner in the bank. This con-
aession caused the reconciliation of the
ewo brothers. Harold Raymond did not
hesitate to retract his false judgment and
asked him to forget his previous ami
mostly Greatly affected, the general ac-
eepted his brothers hand-a heavy bur
den was removed from his heart.
MY sons calumny, so to speak, has
been turned into esteem and distinction,
responded the younger brother. Nobody
can understand the ways of Providence.
Had Victor remained i'll his former place,
Ae would not have acquired the name
and cminence which he has procured for
himself In Egypt by his gallant courage
Hnrold, he is his mothers joy and my
highest pride"
Go. then, and carry the happy news
to her." said Harold, fervently. Il must
return to Marsden; we have worked to-
gether for many years, and | cannot re-
fuse to bestow my sympathy upon him.
He is punished for his crime. Unloved,
as he has been in life, he will pass away
IT'S sad enough"
Victor's and Beatrices arrival was
anxiousy expected by the general and
Mrs RAYMOND both of whom stood at
abe window looking up the broad level
road Countess Stratmore was also pres
ant, but in the background with Con
stance. DR. RaiSton waited at the depot
for the happy couple, and when they ar
giyed cordially welcomed his young
friend, who had been promoted from a
lieutenant to captain. Both shook
lands and then the doctor frankly ad
dressed Beatrice:
Mrs Raymond" he began respectful
1y, II am greatly indebted to YOU. My
syer-anxious sense of duty compelled me
20 es.range n friend from you; but |
Aope that you will pardon me. as the
circumstances were so convincing, that
any body. who never had the pleasure Of
knowing you, could have believed it. l
hope you will forgive me and call me
your friend"
MY husbands friends are my friends,
son," she interposed. Victor has fire.
aueptly mentioned you rs one of his
vnrmest acQuaintances, and 1t would be
ancrateful if l did not also consider You
rs SUCH
And what can you tell me concern
A,s Miss Stratmorc?" DR.. RalSton in
4aired. as he assisted Beatrice into the
8gh; carnage.
Dear Edith Is safe and III friendly !
Aaads." answered Beatrice. DIR De |
Aano is taking good care of her and
'Dehano-the heir of Stratmore?
Yves, it is he. and what is more sur
prtslh- Is that this dreadful heir is quite
o COED fellow" laughed Victor