Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1904-02-23

prise offering his hand, which the cul-
prit gripped with fierce tenacity, a
great gulp in his throat the while IN
mis- bruised and beaten state OF mind
the cool nonchalance and semi-eenial-
ity of the others manner was like a
pat on the head to pariah dog that
has been uniformly kicked and cuffed
all around camp.
u received your letter about the
money said Dysart, "and I'm bound
to say that you've tried to do the hand
soEie thing, as I told Sir Arthur 1
can't quite make it out, Kane By
rights, 1 suppose 1 ought to hate you,
and all that sort of thing, don't you
know, but for the life of me I'm not
able!" and the speaker gave dissat-
isfied sort of chuckle. perhaps it's the
life out yonder; one gets used to giving
and taking hard knocks and running
all sorts of risks. It's part of the
great game. I won't say but what if
I'd come up with you at the Cape
there'd been lively sort of reckoning
between us: but somehow can't call
you down here at home when we've
eaten each others salt and been such
uncommonly good friends
He paused and puffed his cigar, as
if-so give Kane chance to speak, but
all the latter's old audacity had de-
serted him, and he paced slowly back
and forth by Rick's side, his gaze
clouded and his brain dulled
Perhaps it's on account of Stella"
oy.f a,f rcrixy
to cease wondering at his own pacific
state of mind. "She's hard hit, Kane
worse than any of us, I'm afraid.
What's to be done?" stopping short in
his walk and facing him.
Kane groaned and staggered, and
would have fallen but for the help of
a friendly tree trunk, against which
he leaned his hand heavily in an ex-
cess of bodily weakness and mental
abandon.
Il won't insult you by asking If you
love her." Rick went on. ''It's plain
to be seen the little woman loves you
with all her heart and soul"
do not keep her from mel" burst
from the tortured breast of the other
II have no right to ask it, knew,
but If I do not see her it will kill us
both"
That's about it, imagine" said
Rick, sententiously. I'm up the same
tree myself" he continued with con-
scious laugh, "and I know how 1t
would feel"
"Of course, I relinQuish ali claim to
her." said Kane. II know that's hope
less after what has happened, but"
Now, look here, Kane" interrupt
ed Rick, "1'll undertake to square Sir
Arthur, and seeing that I'm the in
jured party fancy he won't have much
to say. Suppose Stella agrees to marry
you-in view of the facts you won't
want to live in England?"
THE world is wide," answered Kane,
raising his head, gleam of hope new
born in his eyes. Il dare not ask you
to be my friend, but 1 do ask you to
trust me! I have had a bitter lesson,
and have paid dearly for my crime"
Like most healthy and sane English
speaking men, Richard Dysart hated
scene. So he simply clapped the other
on the shoulder and said bluf1ly:
That's all right, old man! Good-by
and good luck! Wait here and I'll
send Stella to talk to you!" And
whistling to his dogs. who had been
nuzzling each other by the old lych-
gate, Rick strode away into the fast
gathering dusk.
Soon Kane saw the little cloaked and
hooded figure approaching through the
private woodland path that led from
the Denecroft domain. Slowly she
came towards him, her veil down. nor
would he seem to presume or prejudge
her attitude by advancing to meet her.
Bitter sorrow and vain regret had
set their seal upon his finely chiselsd
features, while affection unutterable
and unspeakable cleaned in his eyes.
With an inarticulate cry she tottsrsd
into his arms; shaking with sobs, her
head sunk ON his breast.
With self-accusing words he strove
to soothe her, putting back the re-
bellious tendrils of hair that fringed
her temples. By degrees he Gained
her agitation. and poured balm into
her aching heart. He told her anew
Of his undying love. and that it was
because Of this ennobling passion he
had schooled himself to the confession
which had raised up a well-nigh i'm
passable barrier between them.
IF had not loved you SO well. dear
est" he concluded. II could not have
brought myself to face IT.
And now love you all the better"
she exclaimed, smiling upon him
proudly through her tears. Your
noble heart was revealed to me them"
You must forget me. Stella" he
urged. trying to put her away from
him.
"Never!" she asserted. nesting the
closer to his side.
But leave England at once" he
insisted.
"Then you must take me with you,"