The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1904-11-11
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guilt, -
Veronica. likewise. longingly awaited
this narrative. which she felt certain
would prove Il vindication of he,
mothers innocence. for the girl. having
implicit faith in the ~veracity OF one
she so tenderly loved and honcrea,
concluded the world must needs hold
her gniltless once she asserted her
blamelessness and explained her posi-
ton.
When you left last night Mrs.
Dumbarton said. turning toward the
publisher. who sat at a little distance.
his grave, anxious face expressing in
terest and sympathy. II 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, n the
peace seemed restful 10 my senses"
Poor mother" Veronica said. striv-
ing to keep back her tears.
The book interested me and l felt
no inclination to sleep" Mrs. Dunbar
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
SSd lSll. / III 1 MdS u AAA AAS0
by hearing the garden gate flung vio-
lently back and sounds Of footsteps
rushing toward the house, but before
| could realize what had happened. a
figure darted through the open window
and stood within the ON mans
figure. whose actions were frantic, as
If he were stricken with madness. or
made desperate from pain. AT this
sight / screamed then, paralyZed from
terror, I remained specchleSS and mo-
tionless.
"Bewildered and frightened, l had
not yet recognized him, but as 1 fixed
my eyes upon his terrified face, l saw
band. Scarcely had l understood this
when he came staggering toward me
for help and mercy on his lips. All
for help an dmercy 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 carer to him,
overcoming my terror n the sense OF
repulsion that filled me. l stood beside
him, when for the first time l saw
saw a knife had been thrust into his
breast.
las yet there vas 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 I had but
one thought. to save him from danger,
When, acting on impulse, l stretched
out my hand and drew the knife from
his breast. AS I 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 l bent over him, to see his eyes
grow CLASSY and his face become livid.
Then | 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
of what happened afterward l was
but dimly conscious" Olive Dumbarton
continued. LAS one sees a figure in a
dream l saw my maid rush into the
room and as suddenly disappear, then
came Veronica, and finally the servant
returned with a policeman. AT sight
of him a fresh sense of horror and
heavy %foreboding of i'll fell upon my
senses. and l 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
taken him from such hope as he had
entertained on her behalf, ano filed
him with dark ~forebodings. Though
the ftful sunshine of this September
day no longer streamed into the room,
the blinds remained drawn. and now,
In the dim light nj breathless silence,
the boudoir had something In its op-
a death chamber.
Did you see no one else-no second
figure pursuing him?" George Bostocls
asked.
NO"
And he mentioned no name-spoke
no word that would lead you to know
or suspect why he had been MUIR
dered?"
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?' 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 a quick, sharp breath. and a look
Of terror came Into her eyes.
II have no doubt" George Bostock
said, with the object Of cheering her,
that the truth regarding this unhappy
affair will come out-that Ia, that the
truth Of our innocence will be proved"
God grant that 1T may be-" she cried.
but 1 cannot fail to see that my dan
ger Is great"
You are not guilty." he answered
deeply moved by her words and the
pain with which they were uttered.
Surely that can be proved"
Only by discovering VINO IS" she
replied promptly.
He rose hastily and turned away that
his thoughts might not be guessed from
the expression of his face.
DO you think 1t is impossible? 2" she
asked surprised by his movements
mo, no." he said hurriedly, and then
added after a moments pause. II feel
sure.quite sure, your blamelessness
will be proved ooner or later. And
now l will go and see Coris & Son. If
they take up the cas- you may rely on
1t they will see o safely out or your
trouble"
How can 1 thank you?" she said.
"Don't-don't speak of that" he re-
piled. his voice full Of emotion, as he
bent above the hand she gave him.
When he had quilted the room, the