The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1904-09-17

Had you. az | suppose, any especial rea-
son for not wishing that candle lighted,
and search made -
Poor Ethel. She knew not what course
to take now TO regain his esteem. Ger
tanly she could only falter, while
burning bluh mantled cheek and brow:
Il had. but | cannot explain it.
Are you ashamed to tell the reason?"
Not ashamed doctor. Save for what
| did under compulsion III the tower,
have no cause for shame"
Then you certainly are a very diff
ferent person from the one | took you
10 be-" was the cold reply. Miss New
ergail. allow HE To tell you that a more
infamous crime was never committed
than the one you, an innocent appearing
young girl. aided and abetted by your
help while in that sin-stained house.
Doctor Elfensren." exclaimed Ethel,
rising to her feet. surprise and horror
blending together on each of her beauti-
full features. aud wonder and dismay
settling in her large hazel eyes; what
is this you are saying to me? If | un-
dcrstand Alright. you are accusing me of
being an accessory TO some dark crime.
Speak Did | understand you to mean
this?"
You surely did"
''rhen. sir" returned the indignant
girl, drawing up her slight figure to it's
full height while queenly dignity
reigned in each motion even though ev-
cry particle of color left both cheek and
lip then, sir. all shall say in reply
is that You accuse me falsely. and in do
ing so you cease to be my friend"'
But, Miss Nevergail reflect one mo-
ment. Had | not been your friend
should wish no explanation. | am your
friend, while ! desire to be sure of your
innocence You say. and | rejoice to
hear YOU affirm it, that you are guiFtless.
VIII you not relieve my mind of these
doubts by telling me frankly the nature
of your occupation while at the hallY'
Clasping her hands together in anguish,
the poor girl only answered; Would that
| might. but | cannot
"Then, Miss Nevergail. l shall be
obliged to tell you that all has been dis
covered, and that your horrible secret is
known"
20, thank heaven Can it be possible
Please go on for | arm anxious to hear
all you know, but dare not utter one
word" exclaimed Ethel
You must learn then. that your night
ly work was to carry food to certain
concealed room. place it upon revolving
shelves, and"
Doctor, you do indeed know ALL then
now AIN free to speak, as no secret will
be revealed by me-? Those shelves were
knocked over. and the ape escaped that
night. 1t was his dreadful howl that so
fri oh oil Hall buS ha ,ol
been recaptured, and returned to the
owner!'
Ape? Owner?" queried the DOCTOR
surprise illuminating each one of his
speaking features. What can you
mean
Yes; Sir Reginald said il was a kind
never before seen of that species. He
Was keeping it concealed, until the owner
returned with other extraordinary curios-
tiles, he was abroad collecting. When
he did return, all were to be exhibited.
The fact THAI he kept it's existence a Sc
cret, aud made me take a solemn oath
never TO reveal it. was certainly no
crime. Ii was absurd. and the absurd
ity sprang from a love of money, but in
conserving 10 preserve the creatures life
by giving him food. during his lord
ships illness. | did it only because he
was nervous and seemed to worry so
much over its helplessness. | saw moth
ing wrong in it. and as it was not sinful.
| am not ashamed of it,
While she thus spoke. change. in
deed. came over her listener Surprise
gave place to hope, hope to JOY, and as
| the last words were uttered. the doctor
| had isen and clasped both her hands in
| his. while he exclaimed:
81 see it all now. | have been rash,
harsh and cruel in my Judgment. and
scarcely dare ask you to forgive me- But
| must be forgiven, or | can never rest. "
You are forgiven. But let me hear
how this animal was discovered. and also
how he looks? As | fed him so long, and
he frightened me so terribly, | should be
one of the first TO know"
You shall hear the whole story al
once. Come to the sofa. dear Ethel. and
let me hold your hand in token of peace
being fully established between us. First
then. let me say you were deceived. The
man calling himself Sir Reginald Glen.
denning concocted an infamous lie fol-
your benefit, when he told you that an
animal was concealed in that room. II
was no ape, but his own poor brother, Sir
Arthur, whom for twenty-five years he
held chained to the floor alone, dead tc
the world, in that horrible prison.
"Oh, doctor, doctor! can this be true 2
exclaimed the poor girl, shuddering deep
ly at his words. "Did indeed push thai
wretched food to a human being? 1t il
too terrible to believe! cannot endure
the thought"
You did: but be calm, for HEAVIER
ordered 1t to be so. Remember that, and
that through you he obtained a knife
which aided him at last 10 escape"
Never can forget the anxiety l felt