Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1906-11-15
Bradstone! You know--him ?"


the meanest; he's-he's married an In
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 a 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 were 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.
toning as well as the toling of the
death-bell in his ears would let him.
After pause-durlng which she strug-
sed for breath-she painted her voice
almost inaudlble:
"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
muchl 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, II could tell
you! Cly-thero's--- there's mis-
take! /" @ low cry of terror and
dread, piteous cry rang from her
lips, and her eyes dwelt upon his face
with n terrible entreaty. Forgive
me, ely, lists 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.
VIII 1t be remembered when the
final account Is settled that the last
words on her lips were a prayer for
forgiveness?
the silence Of the grave relgned in
the dreadful spot for a moment or
two; then BARLEY Bradstne raised
himself, and, crawling nearer, peered
lat her, He fell back with moaning
whine.
"Sho's-shes doad!" he gasped.
Yes said Faradeane In strangely
subdued tone, she Is dead. Your
work Ia 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?"
Farad ane stood looking down at the
still form, scarcely seeming to hear
him.
Are you? Are your" persisted tho
wretch. Think for Heavens sake
think! 1t Isn't for me! 1t isn't for
me! | don't care what becomes of
me! No, | don't, They--they may
hang mo when they like! But it's
her-Oliyia-"
Faradoane started, and turned his
eyes upon him.
IT'S OF her I'm thinking; and you'd
you'd better remember her, too. If
If I'm taken 1t will kin her with
with shame, You know that! On. be
quick, for Gods sake! II can get
away if-it 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 shoN
She won't be missed till I'm clear
away For her sake-for Onvia'r,
Farodeane. | know you love her"
"Silence!" broke from Faradeane's
white lips, He turned his back upon
MIN, rs If the sight OF him was more
than he could endure.
Tho leaves rustlod overhead, the
noise on 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 II 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,
II will save you" he said and his
voice sounded grim and solemn. 90
not speak, but listen. Every moment
is one of life or death--to you. You
speak of flying, Il 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 a mo,
ment
600 tD Tho Afop1ng owl ,.N,,,