Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-02-06

sweet, Charming girl he now found her He
was glad he had not wasted longer time
abroad.
Next year. old chap. well dine together
you company tonight" he remarked. as they
sat down to dine.
Julian not forgetting to greet Marx
Stiles with a pleasant, frank smile.
Why, Mark, you look younger than
ever -
To which Mark bowed. He had been in
good service, and knew exactly how to be-
have himself.
he said. But we don't any OF US grow
younger"
Then the dinner was brought in. and very
excellent II was. But Julian noticed how
little Ferdinand ate. also that he seemed to
succeeded each other. What had come to
him Julian scarcely knew. but he grew frac-
tious and peevish, then downright quarrel
some. Once or twice Julian had to bite his
lips to prevent hasty answer which might
have provoked further strife
And he was drinking a great deal OF
wine, that he noticed also, his face getting
redder and redder as the dinner progressed
Julian heartily wished it over, but there
was dessert to be got through yet. II only
he could hold his tongue and not reply to
his cousins insulting remarks all might yet
be we'll. At last came the climax. With an
insidious smile, Ferdinand made some dis
paraging' remark about Fedore Molyneux.
Il suppose the old woman wants to trap
your he said coarsely. She tried for me
course. you are the bigger fish to land.
That's why she followed you up here /
suppose, and brought the pretty Fedore to
bait her hook with"
A scornful laugh followed the words.
Julian, stung beyond endurance, threw
down his knife and fork, and sat up
squarely.
What do you mean by that. Ferdinand?
Apologize this moment, II you do not wishs
me to leave the table and your society"
Ferdinand chuckled inwardly His scheme
was succeeding beyond his hopes.
Il shant apologize - he said, with a
growl Il mean every word said. They're
a pair OF them-mother and daughter
You're not the first man they've angled for,
and they know it."
The next instant a pair of strong hands
were at his throat
"Unsay those words" said Julian in his
ear. 'Unsay them, or I'll throttle you"
The two closed together like couple of
maniacs. But Julian had the advantage He
was OF taller stature and more musular
make. Or II might be that his cousin al
lowed him the advantage. His blood was
up. Ferdinand had openly insulted the
girl he loved, and her mother also.
But he did not know the cunning sub
terfuge with which he was surrounded.
After vainly endeavoripg to throw him,
Julian saw his advantage and with a quick
movement dashed his adversary back. With
heavy crash he fell. his head coming in
contact with the sharp edge of the fender.
There he lay, prone and motionless, streak
OF blood making its way down his face. and
streaming on to his immaculate shirt front.
This was the signal. In rushed Mark
Stiles. angry and indignant at, his room
being turned, as he expressed 1t, into pot
house and brawling tavern"
You've done 1t now, Mr.. Julian!" he ex-
claimed. by jove, but you've killed him!'
White as statue the young man
leaned over the PROSTATE body.
He placed his hand upon the heart.
There was not the faintest movement. The
wounded mans Jaw seemed to drop. his
head rolled back upon the floor, his eyes
went up till nothing but the whites were
visible.
The two men stared at each other. dismay
apparently upon the face of both.
My soul What shall l do?" burst at
length from Julian's trembling lips. He
was shaking from head to foot like an
Bolt! Now! This very instant-while the
coast is clear! Be out of England before
the alarm, is raised. 'Tis your only
But you'll swear it was only an acct
dent?" gasped the awestruck Julian "He
taunted me beyond endurance. / had to
close with him to avenge the insult"
Stiles shrugged his shoulders and pointed
to the body
"whatll the police believe of that. Mr..
Julian? You know as well as I do. II
you don't want to pass the night in police
cell-if you don't want to hang by the
neck for murder, bolt and quickly I'll
swear you shall have time enough for
that"
Before he could reach the door his way
was barred.
girl with dark hair and pale cheeks
pressed into the room.
Father, father! what means all this
noise? All, ah!" she shrieked Ia terror at
the sight she saw.
Her father, vexed beyond measure at
her entrance, could not hide the state OF the
case.
"A quarrel. Clara. Out of the way
there! Stand back, and let the murderer
get of clear" /.
1t was an awful word-it was an awful
moment. Face to face with the young man
did Clara stand. And his features were
burnt into her memory with a touch quite
indelible. There was the contracted brow.
the working of the lips, the look OF horror
and frenzy in the half-opened mouth
In spite of all. her woman's pity rose.
She left the room quickly, following him
and was just in time to stay him at the
door.