The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1908-01-17

in opposite cornerstone was Joe
Drawn, calm and unrufled. and the
other a handsome young fellow, who
manifested the liveliest signs Of i'm
patience.
"Oh, | can't stand this any longer!
| shall get to Stallfeld tonight.
1t can only be a few miles from here;
| shall get out and walk"
Jaw, sure, an if ye're going to
Stallfield, anil accept my company,
III come with We. l don't know me
way much about here, but I've taken
a little place lea John Brent's cot.
tage."
II happen to be going to see John
Brent. and as l have never been here
before we may be able to help each
other
Jaw, Wis, an it's meself ash be glad
to stretch me legs. But We wouldn't
be In sech a hurry to see the old gen
tleman; it'll be the bonny lass as fills
yer eye, AVN %thinkin'."
DO you know Miss Brent?"
Il do an all. I met the swate little
creetur to-day, with my old friend,
Kate Pilrig, or Dauncey, as she calls
herself now; an faith l guess ye'll be
Godfrey West
That Is my name, certainly, but I
am surprised that you should know it."
Jaw, sure, there's no surprise about
it. seem that your name was the last
the colleen spoke when she left us at
London Bridge. So as I know you, I
may tell We that I'm Joe Drawn Of
Ballarat."
Il am very glad to meet you. so
come along, and we'll get out OF this"
They got into the high road, and
were soon walking along chatting like
old friends. AS they neared Stallfield
they heard the toot OF a horn, and in
the distance a motor car came dash
ing toward them at a terrific pace.
Look out. or they'll run US down."
shouted West.
They fattened themselves up
against a hedge, and the car went past
in a flash.
"a couple madmen, I should
think. racing like that on a dark
night"
Faith, it seemed to me as II there
were three people In ut. Aw. yis;
that chap at the back was holdin'
somebody down"
They renewed their walk, and in a
few minutes John Brent's cottage was
in sight. AS they neared 1t they found
all in darkness.
Strange! They can't have retired
so early as this; 1t is not yet nine.
What are you looking for"
Drawn had struck a match and was
closely examining the road.
"Nawthin'. I got into the habit Of
lookin' about for things when I was a
member Of the mounted police in Aus
tralia. Pears ter me that that there
moty car made a considerable stop
right here, an that piece of blue stuff
'angin' on the gate latch came of the
dress Miss Brent wore to-day. Yis,
sure"
What does it mean?' asked West.
Jaw, an We'll soon see"
Drawn knocked at the door. but
there was no response. The latch
yielded to his touch, and they went in.
All was in darkness. West struck a
match and lit a candle which was on
the table. and then a scene OF dire
confusion presented itself. Chairs
were overturned, crockery smashed.
and everything turned upside down.
Good heavens! what is that?"
And lying on the hearthrug was
John Brent, a quiet, %huddled-up little
figure with blood Slowly oozing from
HE mouth.
Jaw, the poor old gentleman; an I
warned him not to keep the diamont
here. Aw, yis, they've been after it
sure enough"
what diamond! What are you
talking about?"
"A diamont he bought from me to-
day, the Empires Dream the finest
gem in the world; but can the old
chap be dead? Clear the table, an.
I'll lift him up"
He lifted the still figure as II It had
been a baby.
(To Be continued.)