Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-01-24


The room was very dark by the time
my preparations were completed.
crouched on the floor beside my open
trunks for space, thinking many
dreary things; then; with heavy sign
l arose to light lamp. For some mo-
ments I groped about, but could not
find match AS stepped out into the
corridor to call a servant, became
aware that something strange had hap
pened.
The door of the cedar chamber, at
the end Of the passage, stood aJar, ana
J through the opening a light streamed.
The chamber of tragedy!-Hawkstone's
chamber for he had occupied it ever
since his return to the island. what
servant had dared enter that room in
the masters absence? With an indig-
nant thrill I flew to the door, and push
ed it wide open.
who is intruding here?" I demand
ed.
No voice answered. At first glance
turned toward the huge. four-posted
bed, 1 discovered a human figure
stretched along it, rigid and motionless.
went forward, wondering. 1t was my
brother Gabriel!
His face was upturned in the light OF
lamp that burned on the mantel--
drawn. wasted, ghastly; under the cof-
fin lid il would never be paler! His
eyes were closed-I could not tell
whether he breathed or not. Gabriel
lying in the cedar chamber at Tempest
Hall, only few feet from the man
whom he had robbed and assaulted!
Who had brought him to this room?-
for felt sure that he had not come
of his own volition.
l touched the hand which hung over
the side of the bed-it was cold and
lifeless.
"Gabriel-oh, GABRIEL" I was about
to cry from my full heart, when 1 heard
the door creak. turned, and saw Vim
cent Hawkstone standing at my side.
II was looking for you!' he said, sig
nificantly.
His flushed, reckless face bore signs
Of fresh dissipation. Plainly his hab-
it's had not improved since his exile
from the island. drew back, and said,
Indignantly:
Basil Hawkstone forbade you to
come again to the Tempest without his
permission. Was there no one among
his servants faithful enough to oppose
your entrance into this hOuse-into this
particular room?"
He smiled. The old stubborn passion
leaped straightway into his eyes, and
confused and eXasperated me.
Yes" he sneered, that dotard Har-
ris tried to interfere, and / knocked
him down. Your good friend, Mrs. OF
way, is helpless for the present, and the
rest of the lot dare not meddle with
Prince Lucifer's heir All, you owe me
a kinder greeting, Jetta for have done
my utmost to serve you and yours to-
night"
He made a gesture toward the figure
on the bed. My heart gave dismayed
leap. ...... ...
so this is your work?" I gasped
What does it mean, Vincent Hawk
stone? why have you brought my
brother here?"
He caught my wrist, compelling me
to lift my reluctant eyes to his Wild
flushed face.
1T MEANS" he answered, impressive
ly, that for day and a night have
been hiding Gabriel in Whithaven-
all for your sweet sake! 1t means that
the officers of the law began to press
him so closely that I was obliged to
get him out of the place. l knew OF
no better refuge for hunted man than
Tempest Island: and Prince Lucifer
being absent, l determined to brave his
displeasure-all for your sake, tool
and bring Gabriel down to our old sea-
nest for shelter and safety"
I looked at the helpless figure on the
bed, with the closed eyes and sunken
face, and gasped, He is already dead"
NO" answered Vincent, "he has fall
len into some sort Of stupor. l now de-
liver him into your hands, Jetta-he is
your brother-save him or not, as you
please"
l did not comprehend him in the
least 1 tore my wrist away, and said:
"Oh, why did you bring hira here?
George Sutton is in the next room."
yes" he answered: how ve"y awk-
ward"
l looked in his cruel handsome face,
and knew that 1 was caught in a
trap.
Surely, Vincent Hawkstone," cried,
you are not wicked enough tC deliver
Gabriel to his enemies."
He smiled grimly.
II am very wicked, Jetta-incredibly
wicked Whether l deliver him to his
enemies or not depends entirely upon
yourself. tell you his life is in your
hands, not in mine."
terrible fear stabbed through me.
Speak plainly" said; "let Inc know
the worst"
He advanced a step nearer.
"Jetta, I wish to make terms with
you, if possible-I even wish to save
Gabriel, poor devil!-but have price
for my services, and it must he paid"
What do you want?" was all that
my pale lips could utter
THE same thing for which I have
long importuned you" he answered.
yourself! You have settled with your
conscience. and, properly enough, that
you can never be the wife Of Prince
Lucifer. Well, since he is disposed of
and be hanged to him!-marry me
in his stead, and I swear to you that l
will save Gabriel"
I could not speak, could scarcely
breathe.
"Ah. Jetta!" he murmured, tenderly,
your beautiful face betrays you. How
pale it is-how full of despair! You
have decided that you can never be
happy-yOur conscience will not permit
lit. Then be generous, and sacrifice