Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1906-11-19
Bradstonel You know-him ?"

nocent girl-this morning, and-and-
he wanted to put me out of the way"
She gasped for breath.
A strange change flashed into Fara-
deane's face. Was it sudden hope
a sudden, almost overwhelming re-
lief?
"Bella!" he whispered, hoarsely,
what was there between you? Was
he your husband?"
She understood the significance OF
his tone, the hope that shone so vivid
ly in his dark eyes, and she managed
to shake her head.
mo! Yes-we we're married, but =
he is not my husband. YOU"
Her breath failed her; the hope
died out of his eyes, but he raised her
into more comfortable position.
Both had forgotten the miserable
wretch who crouched near them, lis
tening as well as the tolling Of the
death-bell in his ears would let him.
After pause-during which she strug-
gled for breath-she painted, her voice
almost inaudible:
"Don't-don't spare him, ely! He
isn't worth it! Ah-I-I can't tell
you! And there's $3.50 much! so
much! If could, you'd-you'd for
give me! Yes, you would! Hold me
higher, ely! Have pity on me, and
and forgive me! I'm not $3.50 bad
as you-think! Oh, if could tell
you! Cly-there's- there's a mis-
take! L" g low cry of terror and
dread, piteous cry rang from her
lips, and her eyes dwelt upon his face
with a terrible entreaty. Forgive
me, ely, it's-it's not so bad-you are
- Forgive
She stopped Death, who had been
lowering over with out-stretched hand,
let his iron fingers fall and grasp her.
A slight tremor passed over her face,
and then
Will it be remembered when the
final account is settled that the last
words on her lips we're a prayer for
forgiveness?
The silence Of the grave reigned in
the dreadful spot for moment or
two; then BARLEY Bradstone raised
himself, and, crawling nearer, peered
at her. He fell back with moaning
whine.
"She's-she's dead!" he gasped.
YES" said Faradeane in a strangely
subdued tone, she is dead. Your
work is finished"
He laid the body down gently, rev
erently, and looked at his watch.
BARLEY Bradstone rose to his knees.
What are you going to dor he de-
manded, hoarsely. ''Are you-are you
going to betray me?"
Faradeane stood looking down at the
still form, scarcely seeming to hear
him.
Are you? Are your" persisted the
wretch. Think, for Heavens sake,
think! 1t isn't for me! 1t isn't for
me! l don't care what becomes of
me! No, 1 don't They-they may
hang me when they like! But it's
n6r-OllNld-
Faradeane started, and turned his
eyes upon .dm.
It's OF her I'm thinking; and you'd
you'd better remember her, too II
if I'm taken it will kill her with
with shame. You know that! On, be
quick, for Gods sake II can get
away tiff you'll help me. There's
there's time even now" he painted in
a frenzied tone. Nobody knows she
was here, nobody heard the-the shot!
She won't be missed till Pm clear
away! For her sake-for OIivia's,
Faradeane. | know you love her."
"Silence!" broke from Faradeane's
white lips. He turned his back upon
him. as if the sight of him was more
than he could endure.
The leaves rustled overhead, the
noise OF the villagers over on the
lawn came family on the breeze,
mingling with joyous music of the
bells-Olivia's wedding bells!
Suddenly he turned as if he had
made his decision, and Bradstone, who
had been watching him, caught a
shred of hope from something in his
face.
"Ah!" he gasped.
Faradeane held up his hand.
81 will save you," he said, and his
voice sounded grim and solemn. DO
not speak, but listen. Every moment
is one of life or death-to you. You
speak of flying 1t would be useless.
You cannot get away; if you did, sus-
picion would turn upon you at once.
You understand, you realize that?
Get up"
Bradstone obeyed with the prompt
obedience of a dog, and stood shudder-
ing and shivering, wiping his face and
lips. Faradeane thought for mo-
ment
go to The Naples and change your
clothes, and stay there"
BARLEY Bradstone looked at him.