Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-07-09
CHAPTER TX.

[ lad panther and tger-the young and
l full of courage, and the other old, but versed
in all the craft and wisdom learned in years,
and now thoroughly enraged- two such enemies
been locked together in a cage of steel, to fight
duel to the DEATH the tension of feeling scarcely
could have been greater than it when Wooster
closed the door that shut himself and the Major
in that room, face to face.
A may be stripped of weapons, and win
battle with his naked fists; may be loaded
to positive heplessness with the arms of defense.
Against the wrathful come to seek him
out, Nelson must certainly have been in dreadful
plight had he not been prepared by the warning
and knowledge impaired by Aileen. Yet with
Franklin Van Twi1er in his rear apartment, unaware
of what was being enacted, the knowledge in
Woosters possession far too damning for his
use, even to ward off the Majors attack upon him
self. How could he reveal what Aileen had told
him of her brothers guilt? Frank his friend,
exceptionally beloved Yet how could he hope to
clear himself of the Majors condenning accusations,
did he not avail himself of the truth
His thoughts about in maelstrOm of futile
activity AT the least Frank Van Twiller should be
given a chance to tell his story for himsefl 1t
would sound terribly bald and unmitigated
coming from a friend.
All this went racing pell-rne through Nelson's
brain in the brief time that elapsed between his
first glimpse of the Major and closing the door of
the room at his back
The visitor waited for nothing. That he was
making an effort to control himself obvious, but
the CLINT in his eyes was onlinous.
I've come for those papersl" he broke out
abruptly, in voice that came like thrust with
sword. I've found what it you stole
from my safe You'll instantly give those
papers, or by Georgel-Give them up, sir-give
them up, III not be answerabe for what may
occur"
"Papers?" said Wooster in the sudden indigna-
ton of innocence L don't know anything of any
of your papers! I don't know what you mean!'
Galvanically the Majors hands came up, as if
hungry to bury themselves in the young mans
throat and choke him till the papers should be
restored. you Don't you play your innocence
upon me any further!' cried the angered man in a
heat beyond his control. you opened my safel
You refused to give your reasoni 1t was not the
necklace-but those papers gone You think
you can force me to consent to your marriage
with my daughterl You-a friendl You-mak-
ing love to my child! Don't you dare to answer
again in your shameless deceit Give me those
papers Or
Please don't speak 50 loud interrupted Woos-
ter, fearing that Frank in the beyond must
certainly hear every word the Major speaking.
" repeat | did not open your safe to take out any,
thing have papers. | have nothing of yours
about me-nor have | ever had anything from that
safe elsewhere. And that is the truth"
Il don't believe i'll" cried the Major in flaming
wrath Il wouldn't believe a man under oath who
would do what you did-who came to my house
a guest a sutton for my daughters hand, only
to break open a safe at the first moment ofTeredl
But | haven't come here to say all this again, siri
By George! don't believe your word! You took
those papers, and you'll give them up"
Il did notl l did notl" answered Nelson in an
ger himself. Il never took thing from that safe!