The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1907-05-24
CHAPTER XVII.

bad pointed out TO US. Martisny was
already out CT sight, and We had need
OF haste. My head was in q whirl. so
France Holladay was not really the
daughter of the dead millionaire. The
Thought compelled q complete readjust-
nent of my point Of view OF course,
she was legally his daughter; equally
of course, this new development could
make no difference III my companions
feeling for her. Nothing. then was
with US; she must take up the old life
- But l had no time to reason it all
cut
We had reached the beach again, and
~e turned along 1t in the direction of
the cliffs. Far ahead. l saw a man
hurrying in the same di.ection-I could
guess at what agony and danger TO
himself. The path began to ascend,
and we painted UP it to the grassy
down. which seemed to stretch for
miles and miles to the northward.
Right before us was a little wood. in
the midst of which caught a glimpse
of q farmhouse.
We ran toward it. through a gate,
and up the path to the door. 1t was
closed, but we heard from within a
mans excited voice-a resonant voice
which I knew we'll. 1 tried the door;
1t yielded, and we stepped into the hall.
T1e voice came from the room at the
IL CJ tio LII "
We sprang to the door and entered.
Marrigny was standing in the middle
az the floor, fairly foaming at the
mouth. shrieking out commands and
1~nlprecations at two wo1nen who cow
cred In the farther corner. The elder
one I knew at a g~lance--the younger
s1nY heart leaped as l looked at her
was 1t Miss Holiday? No. yet strange
Sy like
He saw their startled eyes turn past
aim to us, and swung sharply round.
6or an instant he stood poised like a
serpent about to strike. then I saw his
eyes AK in a frightful stare. his face
turn livid. and with a strangled cry he
Tell back and down. Together We lifted
him to the low window seat, pursuers
and pursued alike, loosened his collar,
<hafed his hands, bathed his temples,
aid everything we could think of do
ting: but he lay there staring at the cell
ting with clenched teeth. At last, Royce
bent and laid his a against his breast.
Then he arose and turned gently to the
m
ut is no use" he said. HE is dead"
II looked to see them vince under he
Glow: but they did not. The younger
n went slowly to the window and
stood there sobbing quietly; the others
Gace lit up with a positive blaze of joy.
ESQ, she exclaimed. in that low. vi
1raIlt voice 1 so Well remembered, 80
be Is dead. That ~treacherous, cruel
heart has burst at last"
Royce gazed at her a in as
~r1ontshment. She looked not at him,
seat, her hands clasping and unclasp-
inc.
Madame Alix," he said at last, you
Know oUr errand--we must carry it
cut"
She bowed her head.
Y know 1t. monsieur" h answered.
~But for him, there would have been
NO srcn errand? AS it is. 1 will help
you all I can. Ceciie," she called to
the woman at the window, "go and
your sister to these gentlemen"
The younger woman dried her eyes
and left the room. We waited in tense
silence, our eyes on the door. We heard
h sound of footsteps on the stair: a
moment, n she was on the threshold.
She came in slowly, listlessly-it gave
a shock to see the pallor of her face.
Then h glanced up and saw Royce
standing there; she drew in her breath
!. sNMA q quick gasp, a great wave Of
: q great light spranG into her eyes.
"Oh. joint" she cried, and swayed
toward him..
Ee lad her in his arms, against his
leart. and the glad tears sprang to my
yes as I looked at them. 1 glanced at
he elder woman. and saw that her eyes
-7ers shining and her lips quivering.
And I have come to take you away,
my love-" he vas saying.
:. sobbed, "befcre the other comes"
She stopped, her eyes on the window
seat. where the other" lay, M the
collar died out OF her cheeks again.
re. at least. has paid the penalty"
saaid Royce. He can trouble you no
1xnore. my love-"
h vas sobbing help,essly upon his
shoulder, but as the moments passes
II grew more calm, and at last stood
uprisht from him. The younger won-
an had come back into the room. and
was watching her %curicusiy, With no
trace CT emotion.
Gone let US go said the girl. I'VE
mus; take the first GOAT home"
BE- Royce held bacl.
"Iasn there hes been a crime COM
ral1:t.L" he said slowly. We mus
see tnat it is punished"
"A crime? On, yes: but l forgive
9TH II, dear
The crime against yourself you ma,
Ho1slve;; tan there was another Grim,
-inGrder-
There was no murder" burst il
Eec!!e ak. y swear it to you, mon.
Meur. DO you understand. There wa:
no .n1iirlcr-"
Z saw Miss HoliaGay vince at TIL,
tt.e-"s voice, ana Royce saw it, toe
Il get her to the inn," he said
This is more tina she can bear
: fear she will break down utterly
DO you stay " get the story Lester
Then veil decide what it is best t
do"
EEa lea her away, oat of the house
raal down the path, not once LOOKING
baG&- | wached them till the trees hi
Irsm, and lhFn tul ned to the womer
Now" l said, Il snail be happy t
~alt2, TIE story"
III was that man vonder who wa
the cause OF it ALL said the mothel
elias Ing her hands tightly in her la
no ksgp them slill. Fou years ag
Ee "a = floua naris here to spend TIL
Sntra e1-lie was YER ill-his hear
We had been living happily. m
GaEgater i l, but for the one anxiet
O. i1fr not marrying. Ee met her an
IiDsnssd marriage. He vas YER good
&e ASKED 10 doWry, and, besides, m
Gs.aassatcr @as twenty-five years oil
-n;.S. .er FIST yolti. But she attracte
1lry ala teey were married. lie too
nas.s a1,A to Paris Where he had a lit
q atsi. 4 hall OF the dance-but L
grew wnrsa again and cane bac