Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1906-09-27


pected blow.
A bitter smile crossed Faradeane's
lips.
do not be a coward as well as a
fool" he said, with quiet contempt.
BARLEY Bradstone flushed-any-
thing above a cur would have been
spurred into at least the semblance OF
courage at the terrible scorn of the
tone.
"You--you dare" he began, blus-
terngly.
Faradeane's hand dropped upon his
arm and grasped 1t in grip OF iron.
Speak more quietly, please he
said "and don't threaten Why
man"-and he smiled grimly-"lf
were as helpless In your hands as you
are In mine you would not dare to
strike me" He dropped the arm,
which felt as If it had been seized in a
wise. Listen to me. You wish to
quarrel | do not, for reason which
you would not understand II gave 1t
to you. You have insulted me- which
is-nothing. You have insulted the
lady who has stopped to be your prom.
isad wife,
stopped" clustered Bradstone, but
very quietly.
Eyes; but how low you alone know"
said Faradeane, his eyes fixed on
Bradstone's face, which went white.
do not venture to do so again. Why,
man"-and for the first time his voice
showed signs of the emotion which
racked him--"have you SO little sense
as not to appreciate the treasure you
have secured? Are you such hope.
less fool, 80 utterly blinded by self,
conceIt, as to undervaluo the prize
you have snatched?"
II am not so blind as not to see
your game began BARLEY Brad
stone
Faradeane held up his hand.
Silence" he said, sternly. 90 not
connect her name with mine, even III
your thoughts. You know as little of
my heart and my motives as You
knoW-ileayen help you!--of hers.
BE content with your success; try, "
Heaven name, try with all the
strength you possess, to be more
worthy Of her. You think you love
her--bo sure you reverence her!
use no empty threats, Bradstone, when
| say who am separated from he"
by gulf that can never be brldged-
that | demand her happiness at your
hands, Dare to insult her again as
You have done tonight-'He stopped,
his face set, his eyes flashing. Then
he laid his hand upon the other mans
now trembling arm. That's enough
we understand each other, | think"
81 want to know stammered Bart.
ley, looking him up and down, but care
fully avoiding meeting the steadfast
regard of the now calm eyes
you want to know by what author.
ity | dare bid you to be careful of her
happiness as you would of your wealth.
BY the authority which goes with the
title of--friend. Yes"-hls voice
changed-'I am Miss yanley's friend
In moro than name. | know YOU,
Bradstone, | read you through and
through the first time we met, and |
warn you against--yourself 1t is be.
cause | am her friend that will not
quarrel with you. More: am will
Ing to regard you as"-the words
came with some difficulty" friend,
so long and no longer as YOU guard
ard protect her happiness. The mo-
nlent YOU cease to do that" He
stopped and looked the craven stead
lily In the eyes. Go In now, and II
YOU have n spark of manliness and
gratitude In you, beg her pardon,
Stop!" for Bradstone, not daring to
utter the oath which trembled on his
lips, made movement as II to
avail himself of tho permission to re-
treat think over what have said,
and for the future do not regard me
as--your rival. II you and Miss Van
ley had never met there could have
been no closer tie between her and
me. Let that satisfy you. Goodnight.
AS her future husband Bradstone,
offer you my hand"
Bradstone took II with lowered face
and Faradeane with another steady
look at him, turned and walked away
BARLEY Bradstone STOOD staring NJ
the ground for moment OF two; then
ne raised his head and. shaking hts
fist In the direction Faradeane had
taken, relieved himself with series
OF oaths.
II, as the Spaniards say, bad mems
curses come home to roost, Mr.. Bart.
ley Bradstone's future hen-coop would
have been full of them
Friend! Yes, know the sort of
friend, I'm not taken in by your
fine talk! I'm not such a fool as you
take me for! Friend! I've got a
treasure have /? Yes. a treasure
you'd like to rob me Of; but you won't,
| think my fine Mr.. Favadeane! No,
4 tai IL