The Western news., 1904-10-26

which constituted the foundation of his
fortune through some foul means the
details OF which were shroudeu in mys-
terry.
"No, I do not like the kid, either"
he continued. "And much less do I
like the old bunch of mystery who is
known as her father.
"Do you know that when I learned
that they had drifted ashore from that
vessel, he more than half dead and she
but little more than spawn, felt an
noyed by it. In spite CT the fact that
there could be no harm in them I
would rather that all on board ehould
have been lost at the time. And it is
remarkable that the Oldest and young
est should have survived-the very ones
that under the laws of nature should
have been lost. The weakest are ac-
counted lost on such occasions under
the law, yet that old duck and the
young minnow broke the record.
81 don't like to think of those times,
and yet I do. My trial for boarding
that wreck gave me close call. In
spite of the fact that it was shown that
| did not attempt to carry away any of
the valuables, and made the plea that
the boys and we're only trying to save
life, there was a strong suspicion that
we had some wicked motive in board
ing the wreck and the jury hung out
on the case until things looked shaky.
'Then it has its pleasant side. Up
on that wreck found the evidence that
put my mind to rest forever on one
point-that is, it should have done 80.
l found the evidence of the death of the
only person living who could disturb
me here. He went to the bottom of
the sea. I knew he was on the vessel
beyond all reasonable doubt and when
l found his name on the ships register
then all questions were settled.
"When l found woman's name on
the register identical with that of his
own did not understand. But upon
investigation found that he was mar
ried year before sailing and this
cleared all matters on this point. She
went to the bottom of the sea with
him.
II first had fears that this Sankala
might have been of their issue, but I
find from the ships register that one
Ringwold and his wife and child were
aboard and since old Ringwold claims
her that set all doubts straight on this
point.
"Ringwold was very old at the time,
but he appears to have had younger
xx,ffo PnciIoo ho 80 ho1
crazy and does not know what he is do.
ing half the time.
"But if this Sankala should have
been the child of the son of my only
brother, che could never prove it. All
records not in my pos session are de-
stroyed. But, still am like you. I do
not like either the old man or his
daughter. She gives me that same feel
ing of uneasiness-or rather unpleas-
antness and he, we'll, he reminds me of
rival of the olden time.
"That rival was about his height,
but he was slender and stood high in
life. He was even druggist to the
czar. But l, a mere commoner, won
out over him and it cost me my coun-
try. l had to escape by fight and
come to America. He swore vengeance
on me and 1 should tremble in my
shoes were I sure he is living today,
"This Ringold has eyes like the fell
low and do not like him for this reas-
on. But he as different kind of man.
He was quick motioned, had springy
step, wore no beard and kept his hair
cut short.
"But Ringwod is like him in another
characteristic, though mere imitator.
| While Ringwold is considerde an expert
prescriptionist for this fishing village
my rival was the best chemist of all
the Russians. The cazr priced him
above all others. No other could fill a
prescription fol his family. His posi-
tion was that of royalty"
"What rivalry existed between you
and this man, my husband ?'' inquired
the interested wife.
"Oh, it is long story, my dear.
| There was not a woman in it. There
goes woman's curiosity. But, never
mind, will tell you the story another
time.
'But this Sankala and the old fell
low! He is getting old and cannot last
much longer. When he is dead the
girl wilr have nothing to keep her
here. She can do US no harm; put
still, / would like to see them away.
They seem to be menace to the peace
of the Seadog family"
| Ito te continued)