Troy weekly news. (Troy, Idaho) 1897-1933, 1906-11-23

folly that can hardly bring myself 10
set II down. Perhaps 1t was that the
words of the letter were rioting In my
head; perhaps that my whole will was
conferred in an effort to control the tones
of my voice.
do you take sugar in your tea, Prof.
MarnacT
That was what 1 said to him.
1t was out. and 1 could not recall 1t.
As he rose, l sprang back, placing the
table between us. A cup, caught by my
skirt, smashed loudly on the floor. So
we stood watching each other.
He showed no sign of anger. Only
the expression of his eyes had changed to
a cold, sneering insolence that was
most dreadful thing to see in so old
man.
Il observe, dear lady, that you hold
letter in your hand" said he, without a
harsh note in his musical voice. May l
suggest that it contained the discovery
which you 80 very incautiousy have an
nouncedT
II shall answer no questions"
"If you will consider, dear lady, you
wnl perceive that you merely waste
time. Tell me-do you know the object
of my visitY'
hesitated moment Was there any
thing to be gained by pretending igRor-
ance? None, so far as l could see.
80 l imagine" 1 replied.
you relieve me of a load of expla-
nations. There is, however, one point
on which l myself desire information.
Through the courtesy of the editor-or
assistant editor-of that admirable peri
odical, the University Review, l was al
lowed a glimpse of the manuscript of an
article signed 'Cantab.' 1t was a sour
rilous effort, dictated by the meanest
jealousy. 1t was designed to destroy my
book-my book which is my life's work
do you understand ?-my whole life's
work"
His voice rose to his last words till it
ended in a shrek of passion.
well, and what Of that articleT
answered boldly.
My question Gained him in an instant.
There was a crafty leer in his eyes as he
spoke again.
"Of course, it was your fathers. No
sentence it contained was unworthy of
so scholarly a pen. But why, dear lady.
why was the original MSS. in your
hand?"
my father had nothing whatever to
do with it," 1 said, speaking very slow
ly and distinctly. II wrote it myself"
your he cried, staring at me. "You
wrote it?"
Certainly. Do you think me incapa-
Bile? If so, direct your attention to the
record of the honors that l took at Cam
bridge"
If ever n lie be pardoned, may 1 not
claim mercy for this of mine?
will you swear this to meT'
why not? 1 am not ashamed of my
work"
He stood staring at the table in front
of him for some moments, his hands
pressed to his head.
"She must suffer, then" he muttered.
But if l had knownl A grl-it was
hardly worth the trouble"
Don't you think you had better 70
back to your inn?" l suggested.
mot until we have settled our little
account together, dear lady. You are
young, yet young vipers can sting Is it
not better at once to put an end to their
powers of mischief"
"Yet the young can run where the old
cannot follow. am nearer the door than
you. At your first movement l shall be
clear of the house"
And leave your father as a hostag e. "
His words struck me like q blow.
l swayed forward, gripping the table with
both hands. He could heve seized me
then if he had wished; but he knew l
was in his power, and held away
DO not forget that, dear lady" he
continued; sit must be either you or him.
There Is no way of escape for both, |
am afraid"
l am writing down the facts as they
occurred. 1 desire no credit for follow
ing my duty. What l did then, many
thousands of girls would do to-day. For
there remained no way out of the pit
into which we had fallen-my father
and I-save one, and that l accepted
gladly, readily.
Then take me-" 1 said to him.
You have sadly upset my little ar
fair an offender. Let me see" He paus-
ed, softly rubbing his chin.
There was cat-like qualification
about the creature as he stood CHANGING
at me from time to time, with a smile
Pickering on his thin lips; and all the
while my soul was searching, searching
for the way of escape that could not
find.
ION the whole, it is the happiest plan,
he said suddenly, with a little sigh of re.
lief. LET us make a move to the front
door"
The sun was dropping to the western
= sea in angry banks of cloud. His rays
shone so strongly in our faces that had
to shade my eyes as he pointed out the
manner in which death should come tc
me.
you are a strong. brave girl" he said
with a little bow, ''or l would not sug
gest so novel a scheme. l shall sit here