Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1904-11-10
CHAPTER ".

ing herself to recount what had passed
between her and the man whose lips
We're silenced forever. =.
CHAPTER V.
Though anxious she should be spared
the pain of realizing and recounting
what had happened between her and
her husband during the last moments
OF his life, George Bostock was eager
to hear Mrs. Dumbarton's account OF
the event. Not that he needed words
of hers to confirm his belief in her in
nocence-of that none was more GER
tain than he. but he was impatient to
hear how it came to pass that she was
found in a position and under the cir
cumstances that conveyed an idea OF
guilt
Veronica, likewise. longingly awaited
this narrative, which she felt certain
would prove a vindication of her
mothers innocence, for the girl, having
implicit faith in the veracity Of one
concluded the world must needs hold
her guiltless once she asserted her
blamelessness and explained her posi-
ton.
when you left last night" Mrs.
Dumbarton said, turning toward the
his grave, anxious face expressing in
terest and sympathy. Il took UP the
book which had arrived by the late
post and began to read Feeling hot
and feverish, l kept the lower window
open. All within was perfectly silent;
no sound came from without, and the
peace seemed restful to my senses"
Poor mother" Veronica said, striv-
ing to keep back her tears.
THE book interested me and felt
no inclination to Sleep" Mrs. Dunbar
ton continued, and then paused while a
slight shudder passed through her
frame, as If some distressing sight pre-
scented itself to her vision.
How long did you continue to read? ?"
George Bostock asked. =
Probably for a couple of hours after
you left know was suddenly startled
by hearing the garden gate flung Vio-
lently back and sounds of footsteps
rushing toward the house, but before
l could realize what had happened, a.
figure darted through the open window
and stood within the room-a mans
figure, whose actions We're frantic, as
il he We're stricken with madness. OF
made desperate from pain. AT this
sight screamed then, paralyzed from
terror, l remained speeches. and mo-
tionleSs.
"Bewildered and frightened. had
not yet recognized him. but as l fixed
my eyes upon his terrified face, l saw
that the man before me was my hus-
band. Scarcely had l understood this
when he came staggering toward me
for help and mercy on his lips. All
for help an dnlercy on his lips. All,
life seemed frozen within me, and In;
the seconds that passed seemed to-
live through ages of agony AS he
did not move / drew nearer to him.,
fascinated, fearful, expectant. until,
overcoming my terror and the sense OF,
repulsion that filled me, I stood beside
hi i'm, wi, for. ha limo II SQw-II
saw knife had been thrust into his
breast
"As yet there was no sign Of blood.
no forewarning Of death; my sense OF
dread was underlined. The sight OF his
white, haggard and distorted face, APP!
pealed to me through all, and had but
one thought, to save him from danger
when, acting on impulse, I stretched
out my hand and drew the knife from
his breast. AS did, blood gushed FROM
the wound upon my hands upon my
dress, and he moaned as If stricken
anew. Unable to grasp what had hap
pened / bent over him, to see his eyes.
grow CLASSY and his face become livid.
Then l know he was dead"
Neither Of her hearers interrupted
her. Veronica had wound one arm
round her mothers waist by way OF
rendering support, and now, as she
ceased, the girl fondly kissed her.
vi WHdl happened dlleIWdIu was
but dimly conscious" Olive Dumbarton.
continued. "As one sees figure in q
dream l saw my maid rush into the
room and as suddenly disappear, then
came Veronica, and finally the servant.
returned with policeman. At sight
of him q fresh sense of horror and
heavy foreboding of i'll fell upon my
senses, and remember no more"
Mother, dearest" Veronica said
soothingly.
George Bostock made no immediate
attempt to speak, but remained leaning
back in his chair. a thoughtful troubled
look upon his face, for her story had
taken him from such hope as he had
entertained on her behalf, and filled
him with dark forebodings. Though
the fitful sunshine of this September
day no longer streamed into the room,
the blinds remained drawn, and now,
in the dim light and breathless silence.
the boudoir had something in its OPP
pressive atmosphere that savored of
death chamber.
Did you see no one else--no second
figure pursuing him." George Bostocl
ask ed.
No"
And he mentioned no name-spoke
no word that would lead you to know
or suspect why he had been MUIR
deredo ."
The only words he spoke were those
in which he asked for help and mercy"
You are sure nothing has escaped
Your memory?"
Nothing. You think my case seems
hopeless? 2" she said, reading his
thoughts.
Before his answere came the sounds
in the corridor outside, which had for
some time ceased, now began again.
On hearing them. Olive Dumbarton
drew Il quick, sharp breath. and look
of terror came into her eyes.
Il have no doubt George Bostock
said, with the object of cheering her.
that the truth regarding this unhappy
affair will come out-tllat is. that the
truth of your innocence will be proved"
God grant that it may be- she cried,
but l cannot fail to see that my dam
ger is great
You are not guilty" he answered
deeply moved by her words and the
pain with which they We're uttered.
Surely that can be proved
only by discovering VINO is she
replied promptly.