Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1906-11-09

mead; perhaps IndI my WhOie VIII was
centered in an effort to control the tones
of my voice.
"Do you take sugar in your tea, Prof.
MarnacT
That was what l said to him.
1t was out, and l could not recall 1t.
As he rose, 1 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
cold. sneering insolence that was a
most dreadful thing to see in so old a
man.
II observe, dear lady, that you hold a
letter in your hand" said he, without
harsh note in his musical voice. MAY
suggest that it contained the discovery
| which you so very incautiously have an
nouncedY
Il shall answer no questions"
"If you will consider, dear lady, you
will perceive that you merely waste
time. Tell me-do you know the object
of my visitT'
/ hesitated moment. Was there any
thing to be gained by pretending ignor-
ance? None, so far as l could see.
80 l imagine" l replied.
"You relieve me of a load of expla-
nations. There is, however, one point
on which | 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 articleW l
answered boldly.
My question calmed 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 pen. But why, dear lady,
why was the original MSS. in your
hand"
my father had nothing whatever to
do with it," said, speaking very slow.
ly and distinctly. Il wrote it myself"
"You!" he cried, staring at me. "You
wrote it?"
Certainly. Do you think me ncapa.
BILE? If so, direct your attention to the
record of the honors that l took at Cam
bridge"
If ever a lie be pardoned, may l moi
claim mercy for this of mine?
"Will you swear this to me?"
"Why not? / am not ashamed of my
work"
He stood staring at the table in from
of him for some moments, his hands
pressed to his head.
'She must suffer, them" he muttered
"But if l had known! A girl-it wa
hardly worth the trouble"
Don't you think you had better g
back to your inn?" 1 suggested.
Not until we have settled our lttl
account together, dear lady. You ar
, young, yet young vipers can sting. Is
not better at once to put an end to thei
|, powers of mischief?"
: |
cannot follow. am nearer the door tha
you. At your first movement l shall b
clear of the house."
"And leave your father as a hostage.
His words struck me like q blow
l swayed forward, gripping the table wit
both hands. He could heve seized m
then if he had wished; but he knew
was in his power, and held away.
"Do not forget that, dear lady," h
continued; "it must be either you or hin
There is no way of escape for both,
am afraid"
l am writing down the facts as the
occurred. l desire no credit for follow
, ing my duty. What | did then, man
thousands of girls would do to-day. Fo
there remained no way out Of the pi
into which we had fallen-my fathe
and I-save one, and that l accepte
gladly, readily.
''Then take me-" l said to him.
"You have sadly upset my little al
rangements. l had not thought of, S
fair an offender. Let me see." He paus
ed, softly rubbing his chin.
There was cat-like gratifcatio
about the creature as he stood glancin
at me from time to time with a smil
flickering on his thin lips; and all tn
while my soul was searching, searchin
: for the way of escape that l could nc
, find.
"On the whole, it is the happiest plan,
he said suddenly, with little sigh of re
lief LET us make a move to the fror
: door,"
The sun was dropping to the wester
sea in angry banks of cloud. His ray
, shone' so strongly in our faces that ha
to shade my eyes as he pointed out tn
manner in which death should come t
me.
"You are strong, brave girl" he sal
with little bow, ''or | would not SUI
gest SO novel a scheme | shall sit her
. in the porch and watch you as you wal
over the moor, down into the little va
ley, up again, and so to the cliff edg'
After a time for suitable meditation