The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-02-01
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.
| Philip Vanderdecken, strong as no
was in mental courage, was almost
paralyzed by the shock when he diS-
covered that his mothers spirit hau
fed and for some time he remaineu
by the side OF the bed. with bis eyes
fixed upon the corpse. and his nina
in state Of vacuity. Gradually ne re-
covered himself; he rose, smootheu
down the pillow, the tears trickleo
down his manly cheeks. He impressed
a solemn kiss upon the pale, white
forehead OF the departed, and drew the
curtains round the bed.
Poor motherp said he, sorroWiul-
ly, as he completed his task, at length
thou hast found rest-but thou hast
left thy son a bitter legacy.
And as Philips thoughts reverted 10
what had passed, the dreadful narra-
tive whirled in his Imagination ana
scathed his brain. He raised his hands
to his temples, compressed them with
force and tried TO collect his thoughts
that he might decide upon what meas
ures he should take. He felt that ne
had no time to indulge his griet. HIS
mother was in peace; but his lather
where was he?
He recalled his mothers words
"One hope alone remained Then
there was hope. His father had laid
paper on the tabe-could 1t be there
now? Yes, 1t must be! his mother had
not had the courage to take 1t up.
There was hope in that prayer. and 1t
had lain unopened for more than sew
enteen years.
Philip Vanderdecken resolved that
he would examine the fatal chamber
at once he would know the worst
Should he do it now, or wait till day
light?-but the key, where was itE MS
eyes rested upon an old japanned cab
met in the room; he had never seen
his mother open it in his presencei It
was the only likely place OF conceal
ment that be was aware Of Prompr
in all his decisions he took up the
candle and proceeded TO examine T.
1t was not locked the door swung
open. and drawer after drawer was eX-
amined. but Philip discovered not the
object OF his search: again and again
did he open the drawers, but they we're
all empty, 1t occurred to Philip thal
there might be secret drawers, and he
examined for some tine In vain. Al
last he took out all the drawers, and
laid them on the floor. and lifting tRe
cabinet of its stand he shook IT, A
rafting sound in one corner told him
that in all probability the key was
there concealed. He renewed his at
temDts to discover how to gain 1t, but
in vain. Daylight now streamed
through the easements. and Philip hal
not desisted from his attempts at last.
wearied out. he went into the adjoining
room, threw himself upon his bed. and
in a few minutes was in sleep as
sound as that permitted to the wretch
a few hours previous to his execution.
During his slumbers the neighbors
had come in, and had prepared every
thing for the widows interment. They
had been careful not to wake the son,
for they held as sacred the sleep of
those who must wake up 70 sorrow.
Among others. soon after the hour OF
noon. arrived Mynheer Poots' he had
been informed OF the death OF the
widow. but having a spare hour, he
thought he might as well call, as II
would raise his charges by another
guilder He first went into the room
where the body lay. and from thence
he proceeded to the chamber Of Philip.
and shock him by the shoulder.
Philip awoke, and. sitting up. per-
ceived the doctor standing by him.
We'll. Mynheer Vanderdecken."
the unfeeling little man.
so it's all over l knew il would be
so: and recollect you owe me now an
other guilder. and you promised faith
fully to pay me: altogether. with the
potion. it win be three gHilders and
half-that is. provided you return my
vial
Philip. who at first waking was con-
fused. gradually recovered his senses
during this address.
tTo be continusd)