The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1905-03-03

from lne eTenCn Capltal Oh lilal usAS "
Olive Dumbarton. Even If Valerus
had been in the Hxton road, it did not
follow that he had committed a muir
der for which another man stood self ,
confessed.
Yet Quinton was haunted by the re-
semblance between Valerius and the
figure he had caught glimpse of on
the night of the tragedy. In vain he
strove to persuade himself that If It
We're Nalerius he had seen on that
memorable occasion, he, Quinton, would
have recognized him then. or Identified
him later, for they had known each
other before the fatal deed took place
and had frequently met since then.
On the other hand. he had merely
seen the figure and not the face of the
man he connected with David Dunn
barton's death, and it was the figure,
wearing the same coat, assuming the
same attitude, and standing in the
same place which led the young man
to believe it was the same individual
he had seen on both occasions. 1t was
only when he had drawn near and
looked into his face that he recognized
Falerius. Had suspicion been directed
to him previously, Quinton might have
seen some resemblance between him
and the other figure. but Valerius was
the last person in the world whom he
would have regarded with suspicion.
anxious. What If Valerius had not
been in Paris on the night of Dunn
barton's death? The conclusions to
which this idea led were fraught with
terrible consequences. In striving to
control his imagination by the exercise
of his reason. his mind became more
perpleXed and he could sleep no more
He therefore rose early without feeling
rested or refreshed. and on coming
down to the breakfast room found his
father and mother each with a morn
ing paper, in which was set forth in
sensational fashion the confession of
George Bostock. furnished with fuller
details than had been given in the
journals of the previous evening.
Let us see. mother Quinton said,
getting behind her chair and leaning
over her shoulder that he might read
for himself the statements made.
Presently Mrs. Quave, having fin
ished with the paper, handed it to her
son, saying, How much We may be
deceived in people. l could never have
believed Mr.. Bostock guilty If he had
not confessed"
"Nor l." replied Quinton emphati-
cally
There's no knowing what man
may do in a moment Of passion" re-
marked the doctor, as he sat down to
the breakfast table and uncovered the
Poor, dear Mrs. Dumbarton should
| feel intense relief" said Mrs. Quave.
That's the strangest part" answered
| her husband. She is more distresse ed
| than ever"
| "Why?' asked Quinton, who, having
not seen his father since the previous
afternoon, knew nothing of Olive Dunn
bartons opinions.
Because she believes Bostock made
| this confession to save her"
| What. Doesn't she think him
guilty?" exclaimed Quinton, hastily
finging down his nape. and staring al
| his father.
words, will convince her that he killed
Dumbarton.'
But on what grounds does she be-
lieve Bostock innocent?' inquired the
young man. who became deeply inter-
ested at this unexpected turn in the
case. the feeling Of uneasness and the
sense of mystery which had filled hin
on his meeting with Valerius the prcvi.
Gus night suddenly returning.
She has none that l know of, a
least, save her belief in his character
She wishes to make him a hero,
remarked Mrs. Quavc, thrifty woman
and an excellent housekeeper. who
having no Imagination, prided hersel
on her common sense.
You saw her last night" Quintol
said, addressing his father.
Yes. On Bostock'S confession bein:
made known to her yesterday evenin;
she refused to believe in his guilt, an,
received such shock that she tainted
when was sent for: she was almost a
bad as on the night her husband wa
killed.
There must be something in al
this" said QuintOn thoughtfully.
In all What?' ask ed his mOthe
sharply.
In he: refusal to believe Bostoc
guilty; in her opinion that he sacri
feed himself TO save her"
That's merely one of her romanti
ideas" answered Mrs. Quave. mo on
would put his head in halter ,
oblige a woman"
But you see, mother he doesn't pu
his head in halter He may be dea
by this time, and it cannot then matte
.. much to him what people think"
But why should he confess if h
We're not guilty?"
ITO save the woman he loves, an
whose innocence he feared could nc
!, ye proved"
But" said Mrs. Quave in protes
, you surely don't believe him innocel
4 simply because"
Il don't know what to believe" ar
4 swered Qunton, but | can concei,
the possibility Of his innocence"
Il cannot" his mother remarked al
: ter pause. unless. indeed"
4 "Well?" said her husband impat
; emily.
u Unless Mrs. Dumbarton real
knows who is guilty"
why, if she did, she would ha,
spoken long ago." exclaimed OUR
ton.
I'm confident that she doesn't
added the doctor
Time will tell" replied his wife :
with a sagacious nod of her head 81
rose and left the table.
DR.. Quave took his morning pap
once more and began to read, while h
son, with one elbow on the table, h
head resting on one hand, became al
sorbed in thought.
The question he had been unable
settle satisfactorily now faced him on
more. Had he really made a mistal
in Identifying Valerius with the ma
he had observed on the night of Il
tragedy. or was his first impressio
on seeing the figure the previous evel
ing, correct?
Continued Next Week)
Why Russian Soldiers Sing.