Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1906-02-08
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| Will OF i've years ago, leaving you ev
erything possess, will stand good
| and-you'll make the best of circum
stances, know that
Reggie looked away. His glistepine
eyes and quivering lips were very I'M
| manageable.
It's awfully thoughtful of you, old
man-only I'd rather" he began, husk
lily, rather million times that" He
stopped; not another word could those
unmanageable lips utter.
Yes, yes; 1 know you would much
rather lived" was the calm rejoinder
Heaven knows l would"
Have you made any plans for the
future?" asked Guy.
Yes; l am sailing for South Amer
lea the day after tomorrow. 1 could
not stay in England"
Alone, are you going?"
No" Then quickly speaking on
sudden impulse, Reggie added: Don't
think me callous or cruel, but the day
before yesterday | married Audrey"
Married" Guy staggeded forward
as he uttered the exclamation, over
whelmed by the startling and appall.
ing difference between his position
and his brothers..
On the threshold of death one was
standing and the other stood on the
threshold of happy married life
just moment to regain his calmness
just a moment to quell maddening
craving for happiness; then once more
the condemned man was the more
composed of the two.
my heartiest congratulations, Reg
gie," he said, fervently. II wish you
all the happiness possible. Give Au-
drey my love and tell her that 1 am
glad that you have so charming life's
companion"
1t was not easy to say. The strain
of the enforced self-command was evi.
dent in the deepening lines of the
prisoners face.
Thank you" was Reggie's brief re-
ply. A moment later he added SIS
there anything that you would like to
ask me to do, Guy? II so, don't care
a bit what it Is. You have only got to
tell me and I'll do it."
Guy thought moment, then an.
swered, ut would be awfully good of
you If you'll look after Harry Williams
and pay for his maintenance. A hun
dred and fifty year will easily cover
all expenses"
Hard to suppress was Reggie's feel
ing of annoyance, but it was sup
pressed.
Eyes, I always intended doing so,''
he answered.
Thank you; and If any of my old
chums happen to mention me to you.
or to speak about me in your presence,
say, please, that was not SO black a
scoundrel as supposed.
Observantly, searchingly, Reggie's
eyes were raised to his brothers face.
mot? Then why" he began,
quickly.
But Guy read danger in that hurried
manner, and, breaking In, observed:
You won't forget me, or hate me, /
hope. But know you won't. After
all, we are none of us perfect" He
was beginning to talk in a rapid and
excited voice. Goodbye" he added,
sharply. "We-we-have talked
enough! am glad you are married,
awfully, unspeakably glad! It's all as
it should be! Goodbye, old man.
Good-bye!"
II say! Stop! Wait a moment! /
II wanted"
But the condemned man was al
ready walking with firm, long strides
toward the door leading to the cells.
Vividly he heard his brothers piteous-
ly spoken, arresting words, but he
dare not heed them. He knew that
another moments strain would break
down his fortitude.
Dazed with misery, Reggie realized
that the interview was over. For a
moment he saw nothing save the con-
demned prisoner-his brother. He
alone occupied the foreground and the
background Of the narrowing scene.
Goodbye, Guy!" Startlingly and
suddenly the words rang out
Swinging himself round, the prison
Sl sAOOhCu loWdlu Ills UlObAASAs tSIOOu-
bye, old man ood-bye!" he murmur.
ed, huskily.
. 1t was over now.
The parting, the agony Of which had
stabbed the brothers hearts SO deep
", was a thing OF the past.
Back into the world OF movement,
back amongst his CHEEKY. vigorous
busy fellow-creatures, the younger
brother staggered.
And back into the condemned cell
the elder brother walked, almost firm
".
The next time that he quilted the
cell 1t would be to walk to the scaffold
Now he had thrown himself on his
pallet. Now he was craving for sleep
heaven-born oblivion. He strove to
lie still, but maddening restlessness
seized him: strove not to think OF the
morrow. but could not forget for an
instant tis,satt On the morrow he must
die. 4
Death lay I dark abyss before his
mental eyes. & ". a
With dawn he would be plunged into
that abyss. s5sE
But all men must die. The men who
cling to life at any price. who battle
IL ~. - -