Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1907-01-09
Lavender
CreightOn'S|
Lovers
Copyright, 1905. by Olivia B. Strohm).
BY OLIVIA B. STROF1M

SlolCA. AC O1A SCAIACuudA uoO ulS1CoI
praise of you, too, as the traditional
Hero. He says you saved his life from
an Indian who lay in ambush. Alto
gether, sir, see that you lave played.
not only an honorable, but heroic
part"
Winslow laughed. "a sorry hero,
clr. Creighton; no gentleman but
would gladly have been of service to
your sister, and as to saving the life
of Col. Boone well. sir. anybody who
cannot hit an Indian at 20 PAGES is a
wretched shot,"
But Gerald insisted: You are too
modest; it is we'll that your friends
know your value, even though-like
lie. they are slow in learning it," he
added with a blush. continuing hast
lily: "On my sisters behalf | thank
you; on my own, l apologize"
Il can readily understand your
prejudice, Mr.. Creighton. was GER
tainly in a compromising position
your Indignation toward me was, per-
haps. we'll founded; you knew me
slightly, you had no especial reason to
trust me. But, sir and his voice
hardened. and his eyes flashed, "for
the suspicion Of your sister you will
pardon me if have small charity
Gerald accepted the rebuke with
surprising meekness. Il am ashamed
of it," he said, land have already
asked her forgiveness"
Then he added with a touch of
brotherly pride: "Lavvy is unlike the
rest of her sex, in that a man can
humble himself to her without having
to grovel on his marrow bones''
Quick came the lovers added trib-
ute: Because she is generous-she is
gracious"
But, the fraternal enthusiasm al
ready spent, Gerald seemed not to
hear, but hurriedly began his thanks
to Winslow for the surprise given him
that morning in the offer of the posi-
ton as teacher.
You see,' he said, blushing, while
we have every reason to suppose that
Susan's land will prove as rich as
yours, IL don't care to depend upon
that and he gave a manly shake of
his handsome head.
And then there was a pause while
Gerald nerved himself to speak still
further Absently he tore the tiny
spikes of green from a sword fern.
When he had thrown the stem aside
an officer degraded-he said: There
is another matter of which l have long
wished to speak; it is Of my regret
that your trouble in the forest when
when Jabez Miller was killed, was all
brought about by a mistake for which
I was primarily to blame For must
say in justice to the old man, that he
thought he was attacking me-
To Gerald's establishment, Winslow
seemed in no way surprised. but asked,
coldly: But why does this justify the
old man-to imagine himself attack
ing you?"
Gerald colored and bit his lip. ut
does not, in fact. l am only making
allowance for drunken fancies. This
explanation, sir" he added, CURLY, for
WinslOw's attitude neetled him, lis
given only because l wish you to know
that am very sorrow that you have
suffered on my account
Then the reproach which had so long
lowered on Winslow's tongue found
utterance. "Of the physical suffering,
Mr.. Creighton, make small account;
it is over, thank God, and the knife
found no deeper Judgment in my flesh
than w
do not harbor that against you, but
there is another-a scar that will ever
abide with me a scar that is written
not on my shoulder which this camlet
hides-but on my forehead, forever
branding me in the eyes of the woman
love. 1t is that-that deeper mark
l wear for your sake, which l find it
hard to pardon"
All the pent-up indignation of weeks
found vent in the words.
Gerald listened in open wonder, then
demanded promptly: "You may as
well talk to the open air, sir, as expect
me to follow your railing. l am abso-
lutely guiltless of any harm to you
other than the bodily injury for which
/ have apologized Brandt sScar?'
All, sir, I'm afraid you have been alb
sorbing some of the rhetoric of the
day." he concluded, between a laugh
and sheer.
Winslow fixed upon him for mo-
ment glance of proud disgust. But
as Gerald's gaze met his own unfllnch-
ing, the look gradually changed to in
credulity.
At last he said: ''Then you do not
know that they think-tnat she, your
sister, thinks that l killed tdat poor
old man,"
"They certainly think so, aud why
not? 1t seems no serious matter to
anybody. An assassin springing at you
in the dark; why should you be
ashamed of having given blow for
blow?"
Winslow answered, speaking low
and scornfully: Il am amazed, Mr..
Creighton, that you continue this farce.
Let us have done with it. AS man to
man why not acknowledge that you
struck the blow?'
Gerald retreated, sathly pale. Then
his lips, purple with rage, opened but
slightly as he stammered: ''I-struck
what blOw?" 49,
Then, as the full force of Winslow's
suspicion dawned upoa him, he stag
gered to a seat on fallen tree. "You
thought killed Sues father? And she
thought SO? Thinks so still? Good
GOd!" And he covered his face with his
hands.