Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1904-02-23
Bx FREDERIC REDDALE
Copyrights. 1gR. by J. p. Lippincoss Company.

that 'tother gent was maxim inquiries
about i'm"
when was this, Moses?" asked
Kane, cooIly shipping the end of a
cigar.
"Out yonder, matter O. six months
ago. 1t was jest arter he'd made that
there strike O. his'n in the Karroo
country"
"Just So" said Kane. But you see,
Moses, Mr. Dysart and 1 have become
very good friends, and any information
for. Thanks, all the same" and so
saying he nodded jauntily to the little
man and went on his way.
Dash my Wig, but 'e's cool 'un," )"
said Moses Plish to himself as he
watched the tall, well-clad figure Of
the erstwhile adventurer disappear in
the madding crowd. wonder if e
knows that Cupples is in London,
tOoi'
But despite his outward nonchal-
ance Kane was inwardly perturbed at
Plish was in London had probably no
significance. Whatever he might sus-
pect, he had no absolute knowledge of
that dark and bloody episode on the
veldt--no one knew the truth save the
two men implicated and since so
strangely thrown together. And to
only one of these was the whole truth
known.
What was chiefly to be dreaded was
that a new train of ideas might be set
running in Dysart's mind. Kane
feared lest a chance word should put
him on the right scent, for even the
dimmest suspicion would be disas-
trous now!
However, the two men got through
their luncheon as per appointment,
and the subsequent return journey
was made without any noticeable
strain or change in their relations.
Nor was the evening spent at Dene-
croft any different from the many
that had preceded it.
All was apparently serene. Both Sir
Arthur and. Richard were ideal hosts,
and Stellas goodnight kiss was as
sweet and trustful as ever.
But the days happenings served to
kindle afresh Kanes uneasy forebod-
sings, and intensified his distaste and
horror at the part he was playing.
The kindness and cordiality with
which he was received at Denecroft
made his own conduct, past and pres
lent, all the blacker by contrast.
him, what If Stella should discover
the truth after they were married?
She would scorn him with an unutter-
able scorn-not for his crime-he
could fancy her forgiving, that-but
for his deceit and his false pretenses.
That he had loved her and won her
in ignorance of the identity of his vic
tim would be no palliation of his after
offense in keeping it secret. With such
a nature as hers. in which pride of
birth was blended with an almost
slavish worship of truth and honor,
there could be but one outcome: She
would spurn him from her sight!
Again: Suppose Richard were to
stumble on the truth. and tax him with
his crime? What could he do but
cover like a whipped cur?
Rossiter Kane was no common cow
ard, but the mere thought of such q
possibility caused him the keeuest
shrinking and chagrin.
Gradually, out Of the turmoil Of his
thoughts. the conviction grew and took
shape that his only hope Of happiness
lay in prompt confession and restitu-
tion-not an extorted avowal. but one
made of his own free will. and while
yet he held the reins In his own con-
troll.
Better 70 lose the girl now and re-
tain his own self-respect than marry