Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-06-24

For a man so fond Of money, five
Thousand dollars is a neat sum. But you
may possess the sum to-morrow-so de-
cide.."
mo. no." he exclaimed, placing the
weapon upon the table with a ring, and
moving away, but suddenly pausing to
ask, now do l know that you would
stand to your agreement? What security
nave ~ 1t isn't likely that you carry
so much about you
You think not?" she retorted, tri-
umphantly; Il am happy to be able to in.
form you that l have twice that amount
about me at this moment!"
Camille recoiled aghast.
Ten thousand dollars" he gasped.
See for yourself"
She took from it's resting place behind
a sofa, a small leathern satchel, and ex-
tracted from 1t a mass of bank notes,
bound with a narrow strap of paper.
is there ten thousand dollars there ~
painted Camille, hoarsely.
Yes, ten thousand dollars. 1t means
a farm, a tranquil life and happiness"
Selling the revolver, the man exclaim-
ed, wildly:
Direct me! What must l dof"
You know well enough; 1t is but the
work of a moment. In a few hours you
can be far from here and in safety"
Conceal those bills!' cried the wretch
ed victim; they dazzle me, fascinate me,
make me mad"
She broke the band, and Haunted the
crisp leaves before his eyes.
Look at them WE'LL" She persisted
they mean fortune, well-being, happi-
ness"
IN heavens name, don't you under
stand me?" he shrieked, fairly beside
himself. Don't you see they tempt me
to kill your"
"Me!"
She recoiled half way across the room,
palpitating with terror.
Yes, your he Kissed. "And what do
risk? You have signifed your intention
Of committing suicide tonight, and I
think you can guess that I had far rrath-
er make the money by killing a wretch
like o than by assassinating an honest
woman!'
ooh, no, mol You will not, dare not-I
will summon"
"Silence!"
He took deadly aim. She sprang to-
wards a door opening upon the hall of
the house.
Help, help"
flush, l tell you'll"
There was a sharp report Of the re-
volver, a piercing scream, succeeded by
a heavy fall and for an instant, the dim.
ly lighted room was obscured by smoke.
Flinging aside his weapon, Camille
sprang to the side of his victim, knelt
down, and tore the fatal fortune from
her cramped fingers. Ere he could rise,
there came a crash at the blinds, and in
a flash, Lucian Courtlandt stood within
the room.
"You have killed herr he exclaimed,
paralyzed with horror.
YES" came the desperate retort, "I
have killed her, as she bribed me to kill
your wife. l failed with the poison, and
didn't see fit to try lead. Well, I'm ready
to take the ~consequences!'
Another sur is setting, and upon the
vine-hung piazza of the Newport villa,
Lucian and Claire sit side by side.
For some time silence has folded it's
wings above them, after the recital that
he has given her.
Claire" he asks, at last, "can you
accord her your forgiveness for all she
has done to your"
"Iow can you ask that, Lucian?" Rhe
murmurs. fI ann unworthy even to for
give. Let heaven forgive her If she has
sinned." Then, after a pause, she looks
up at him, tearfully. But, Lucian, can
you forgive me for my unjust suspicion
Of you?" she asks, TREMENDOUSLY.
He takes her in his arms and kisses
her for the first time, tenderly.
IF you are unworthy to forgive" he
whispers, show uniting am l."
And so the night falls with a great
peace, and rests upon them like a bene-
diction.