The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1908-01-30

had Rugged 10 his breast fhsa acpsc
against hope. But II they were trus
copies, could no longer doubt that
Sir Mortimer had stopped TO the tax
ing of brides.
And these documents are word FOE
word copies OF those In the safer" I
demanded gloomily.
Il swear Il by every oath I hold ssr
cred," she replied without hesitation.
and kissed the jeweled cross that hung
about her neck.
She stretched out her band for tho
papers. ! tore them to atoms before
her eyes.
For a moment she struggled 10 res.
cue them from my grasp. When she
saw that II was too late, she laughed
boisterously-a laughter that showed
at once contempt, defiance and tri.
umph.
"Bravol" She clapped her hsnds
dersively. You take your pre-, au.
tons. You are desperate. Protest as
you will. you are convinced OF Sir Nor
timers guilt"
You are mistaken" replied cool
ly. But even II these papers are true
copies OF genuine documents. Il is as
well that even the copies be destroyed
II they are forgeries, and you have yet
to prove 10 me they are cot. they are
dangerous toys, and so better de
stroyed,"
Another copy is easily made. sc
long as have the combination of my
safe. NJ. Coward"
you are never weary OF insulting
me- said fndiferently "But be sure
OF this. you will find am not coward
enough to yield weakly TO your scheme
OF blackmail."
NO: you are so brave that you
leave a helpless girl TO bear the dis
grace OF her dead brother when by a
word you might save her the suffer
ing. Your pretended honor is so pre-
cious TO you that you scorn TO aid the
woman whom YOU love"
"Sfence. woman" cried passion.
ately. do you think am convinced
OF sir Mortimer's guilt because OF
these nimsy typewriter copies? You
must let me see the papers In the
safe"
IF you are desperate enough TO de-
stroy a copy. I should scarcely trust
you with the original. For the lss,
time, must the woman you love know
of her brothers disgrace? l am In
your power; perhaps you hope that
shall be coaxed into opening the safe.
Or are you about to compel me2"
Il should have resorted 10 that
measure long ago had I thought u
would prove eifectual II seems thai
there is again a deadlock between Us
| refuse absolutely. not only to hell
yor. but 10 believe that Sir Mortimer
is guilty"
If show the papers In the safe ts
Helena Brett, even she must believs
the evidence OF her eyes. Shall call
her and ask her II she recognizes her
brothers handwriting II you bellows
so strongly as you profess that sli
Mortimer was innocent % wrongdo
Ing. you VIII not refuse that"
Il would spare her even the thought
OF its possibility" said sternly.
That Is impossible She shall sec
those papers--if not today. tomorrow.
| the next day; II makes little difference
tn me-"
Sufficient unto the day Is the evi;
thereof" quoted nIppantly; but
began 20 think II inevitable tina.
Relena Brett be summoned.
Again we must compromise n zp
pears. I will call SIR Mortimer's sisteJ
here. She shall see the papers-de
eide for herself and for you whether
they are genuine. You see. | am
strong enough 20 prevent woman
from destroying the originals as yoU
have destroyed the copies"
"And when she has seen those pa
pers?" I asked thoughtfully. "Say
even that she herself believes then
genuine? What them"
1T will be for her 10 decide. Pei
haps she will refuse to ask you 10 dc
what Wish. Perhaps she will Offer
70 you happiness II you consent She
shall be the one to decide You pro
fess to believe that Sir Mortimer I,
innocent More than that, you think
her soul so white that she will refuse.
even II she believes her brother guilty,
to rescue his memor. from dshonoi
with dlshonor"
She had out into words my OWE
thought.
I'VE viii let her decide" I said
quietly