The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1904-12-16
CHAPTER Mi.

Throughout the days following the
return to town of Nalerius Galbraith.
all his energies We're expended in striv-
ing to penetrate the mystery which
surrounded David Dumbarton's death.
Hours of his time We're spent in consul
tations with George Coris n the
counsel instructed by him: while Va
lerius had several interviews with
Mackworth. who listened to his SUCCESS
tons without revealing his own ideas
regarding the man he suspected or the
motive he believed to have caused the
crime.
And no day was allowed to pass with
out Olive Dulnbarton seeing her cousin,
whose sympathy in this hour of need
was welcome to her: whose efforts to
give her hope and bring her cheer she
gratefully appreciated. And that he
now made no reference, as he had often
done in recent times. to the affection
he felt for her. or dwelt on all that might
have been had she long years ago ac-
cepted his love, she felt more crate
full still.
He was to her q friend, her next of
kin. and nothing more: and as such
she Willingly accepted the services he
placed at her disposal, the companions
ship he gave her.
OF one feeling uppermost in his mind
soAi was SCiiSAiluilIS tollSGlOuS. llOuSH
no words of his revealed it, his antag-
onisln and repugnance to George Ros-
took were evident to her from the ex-
preston of her Cousins face, and the
tone of his voice when the publishers
name was mentioned: an attitude on
the part of Nalerius which caused her
much uneaSiness and regret, believing
it rose simply from his jealousy, for
which she assured herself there was no
cause.
1t was Galbraith's habit to avoid Bos-
took when possible: but it happened
one afternoon. when the former was
spending the afternoon with his cousin,
that II publisher had called, Valerius,
VINO was too well-bred to show dis
courtesy toward a guest of his hostess
n his kinswoman, rose and greeted
Bostock formally n with an air Of
restraint of which Olive was painfully
conscious. II of which the publisher
was likewise aware.
The II had already set, and looking
from the uncurtained windows facing
Westward, and through the tangled
branches of a tree. low CLEANS of red
light could be seen barred by black.
Within the cheerful glow Of freight
frightened the room, at the lower end
of which a lamp already burned. throw
ing its soft light upon the yellow walls
with their old ~cng-avings and modern
etchings.
Olive Dumbarton sat in a deep chair
beside the fire, her black dress con-
trasting the pallor of her face, her thin
hands With their long, sensitive fingers,
lying listlessly in her lap: her large,
gray-blue eyes liked absently on the
fire when nee raised in question 10
those With whom she conversed. Ver-
onica, seated at a little table apart,
made tea for their visitors.
George Bostock was narrating the
literary gossip to his hostess. for, know
ing the interest she always felt in her
fellow-workers, he strove by this means
to Danish for Il While the dark and
troubled thoughts that forever faced
her.
"And mothers last book has already
gone into four cditions?' Veronica
said.
Yes" the publisher answered briefly,
What a success" remarked the girl
proudly. II knew it was the best she
had written
And the press agrees with YOU"
George Bostock replied.
THE press is usually ~dcspised by
authors-isn't 1t .Olive?" said Vulerius
Yes" answered. Bostock; when i,
~disparages them"