Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1904-08-01
HcAPTER WI.

host could not uleLQIu oAu hdApu law
nant nOw-passed down with his hand
pressed against his breast pocket, in
which lay the stolen viii. Had the
sheet Of blue fOOlscap been composed
OF red-hOt iron instead OF paper,
stephen could not have felt its pres
ence more distinctly and uncomfort-
ably: Il seemed TO burn right through
his clothes and scorch his heart; he
could almost fancy, in bis Oyer-strained
state. that il could be seen through his
coat.
He paused a moment outside the IL
brary door. one white hand lingering his
paIe lips. the other vainly striving TO
keep away from his breast pocket, and
listened to the tramp. tramp Of Jack
as he walked up and down the room.
ANY other face would have been more
endurable than Jacks, with its fierce
IL frank gaze and outspoken contempt.
At last he opened the door and en-
tered. his handkerchief in his hand.
Jack stopped and looked at him.
I have been waiting for you,' he
said.
My poor uncle!"
Jack looked at him with keen
scrutiny, mingled with unconcealed
scorn.
4 have been waiting for you, in case
you wished to say anything before /
went"
@what?" murmured Stephen, with
admirably feigned surprise and regret.
You viii not go, my dear Jack! not
tonight"
Yes. tonight" said Jack quietly. Il
couldn't stop in the house, shall go to
the inn"
But"
No. thanks!" said Jack, cutting him
short -
oh. do not thank me-" murmured
stephen, meekly. 4 may have no right
TO offer you hospitality. the house may
BE yours"
Well, I think you could give a
pretty good guess on that point" said
Jack. bluntly; but let that pass. am
going TO the Bush II you or Mr..
Hudsley want me-where is Hudsley?"
he broke of TO inquire.
Mr.. Hudsley is upstairs sealing up
the safe and things" said Stephen
humbly. He wished me TO assist
him but I had rather that he should do
il alone-perhaps you would go
through the house with him?"
Jack shook bis head.
AS you please" murmured Stephen,
with a resigned sigh. "Mr. Hudsley is
quite sufficient; he knows where every
thing Of Importance is kept. You viii
have some refreshments after your
journey. my dear Jack?"
NO. thanks" said Jack; Il went
nothing couldn't eat anything. I'll
go now"
Are you going, Mr.. Newcombe?'
said Mr. Hudsley. entering and looking
from one to the other keenly.
4 am going TO the Bush / shall
stay there in case am wanted"
The funeral had better be fixed for
Saturday. You and Mr. Stephen will
be tie chief mourners-" Then he
turned 20 Stephen. Il have sealed up
most Of the things. Is there anything
you can suggest"
You know all that is required; we
leave everything to you. Mr.. Hudsley.
I think may speak for my cousin
may not. Jack?'
Jack did not reply, but put on his
gloves.
I will go now" he said. Good
night, Mr.. Hudsley."
The old lawyer looked at him keen
" as he took his hand.
4 shall find you at the 'Bush?'" he
said.
Yes" replied Jack, and was leaving
the room when Stephen rose and fol-
lowed him.
Goodnight my dear Jack ." he said.
VIII you not shake hands on-on such
an oCcasion2s
Jack strobe 10 the door and opened IL
without reply. then turned and, as IL
with an effort. took the hand which
Stephen had kept extended.
Goodnight" he said, dropping the
cold fingers. and strobe out
Stephen looked after him a moment
with his meek. long suffering express
sion Of face changed into a malignant
smile Of triumph, and his hand went up
90 his breast pocket
Goodnight, beggari" he murmured,
and closed the door.
Mr. Hudsley was still standing by the
library-table. toying absently with the
keys. a thoughtful frOwn on his brow,
which did not grow any lighter as
Stephen entered. making great play
with tie northumberland.
4 think I also may so row. Mr..
stephen" he said. Nothing more
can be done tonight I viii be here
IN the morning with my clerk"
Il suppose nothing more can be done.
You have sealed up all papers and
reweIse I am particularly anxious
that nothing shall be left informal.
u don't thlzk there IS anything IN
a.earrH that should have hnpn"