Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-12-28
CHAPTER XVIII

IN Il moment we were hurrying along
The street in the direction the nota-
ry had pointed out TO MS Martigny
WIS already out of sight, and we
had need of haste. My head was in
whirl. SO Frances Holiday was not
really the daughter of the dead million
aire. The thought compelled a com
ple,e REIMBURSEMENT of my point Of
view.
We had reached the beach in and
we turned along it in the direction OF
the cliffs. Far ahead saw IL man h,Ir-
ryinS in the same direction. could
guess at what agony and danger to
himself. The path began 10 ascend.
and we painted up ii to the grassy
down which seemed to stretch for
miles and miles to the nOr.hward.
Right before us was a little wood. in
the midst Of which caught glimpse
of Il farmhouse
We ran toward it, through gate and
up the path to tho door. II was closed.
but we heard from within a mans OK
cited voice. n resonant voice which
knew well. tried the door. 1t yield
ed. and we stepped into the hall. The
voice came from the room at the right.
1t was no time for hesitation We
sprang to the door and entered
Martigny was standing in the middle
or the floor. fairly foaming at the
mouth. shriekng out commands and
imprerntions ut two women who cow
cred in the farther corner The elder
one l knew at "A glance: the Younger
my heart leapcd rs l looked at her
was it Miss Holiday? No, yet strange
ly like.
He saw their startled eyes turn past
him TO us and swung sharply round.
For an instant he stood poised like a
serpent about to strike; then saw his
eyes fix in ii frightful stare. his face
turned livid. and with strangcd cry
he fell back and down. Together we
lifted him to the low window seat. pur.
s'lers and pursued alike, loosened his
collar, chafcd his hands. bathed his
temples, did everything we could think
OF doing, but he lay there staring at
the ceiling with clinched teeth. At last
Royce bent and laid his ear against his
breast
1T is no use" he said. He is dead"
! looked to see them vince under the
blow. but they did not The Younger
woman went slowly to the window and
stood there sobbing quietly; the others
face lii up with positive blaze of Joy.
so" she exclaimed in that low. vi
branl voice so well rcmcmbered--"s
he is dead"
Royce gazed Mt her moment in as
Punishment
Mime. Alx," he said at last, you
know our Grand"
She bowed her head.
II know it, monsieur" she answered
but for him there would have been
no such errand. Az II IL, | will help Won
all | can. Cccile." she called TO the
woman at the window go and bring
yOlr sister to these gentlemen"
The younger woman dried her eyes
and left the room.
Celeste came in slowly. listlessly. II
gave me shock to see the pallor of her
face. Then she glanced up and saw
Royce standing there She drew in
her breath with quick gasp. u great
wave Of color swept over her cheeks
and brow. u great light sprang into he,
eyes.
"Oh, John" she cried aud swayed to
ward him.
He had her In his arms. against bis
heart, and the glad tears sprang 10
my eyes "a ! looked at them.
And have come TO take you away.
my love" he was saying
"Oh. Yes; take me away" she s0bbed.
She stopped. her eyes on the window
seat. where the other lay. and the
color died out of her cheeks agaia.