Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1909-04-01

eome?" asked Graydon. Don't you
want to see me?'
Not here. Why should l have tried
country? God knows how l hoped
and prayed that you'd not see me here.
Elias broom knew 1t. That's why he
brought you here. Don't lie to me,
broom. / know it,
"what could you expectT" mum
bled broom. Down In your heart you
wanted to see him. I've done you a
Kindness"
FLOR which I'll repay you some day."
cried the prisoner, a steady look In his
eyes. "Now go away, all of you! I'm
through with you. You've seen me.
The girl is satisfied. Co.
Nonsense. father" cried Graydon,
vislbly distressed by his fathers an
guish. "Elias said that you wanted to
" see US. Jane did not come out of
curiosity. She is here to ask justice of
you She's not seeking vengeance"
"I'll talk to you Alone" said the
prisoner shortly. "Send her away.
I've nothing to say to her or broom"
Jane turned and walked swiftly
away, followed by broom, who rubbed
his long fingers together and tried to
look sympathetic. The interview that
ensued between father and son was
never to be forgotten by either. Gray
don heard his fathers bitter story in
awed silence; heard him curse deeply
and vindictiyely; heard all this and
marveled at the new and heretofore
unexposed Side OF his nature.
There was something pathetic In the
haggard face and the expressions of
impotent rage. His heart softened
when his father barred his shame to
him and cried out against the fate
which had brought them together on
this day.
at doesn't matter, father" said
Graydon hoarsely. 81 deserted you,
and I'm sorry No matter what you've
done to bring you here, I'm glad I've
come to see you. l don't blame Elias.
For awhile I'm afraid / rather held
out against coming. Now / am glad
for my own sake. l won't desert you
now. am going to work for a par
don if your appeal does not go
through
"Don't-I won't have itr' exclaimed
the other "I'm going to stay 1t out
1t will give me time to forget. so that
can be better man. If they let me
out now I'd do something I'd always
regret. | want to serve my time and
start all over again. Don't worry
about me. | won't hamper you. I'll
go away-abroad. as Harbert sug-
gested His advice was good. after
all Understand. Graydon. ! do not
- want parole or pardon. You must not
undertake it. am guilty and ought
to be punished the same as these other
VI fellows in here Don't shudder It's
u true. I'm no better than they"
81 hate to think of you In this awful
place." began Graydon.
Don't think of me-"
"But I've seen you here. fatherr'
.ried the son.
"A pretty spectacle for son." laugh
ed the father bitterly. why did you
bring that girl here? That was cruel
heartless." ~
Graydon tried to convince him that
Jane had not come to gloat. but to ask
q favor Of him.
"A favor. Ell? She expects me to tell
all I know about her. Ell? That's
good laughed Bansener.
Father. she has done you no wrong.
Why are You so bitter against herr It's
not right It's not like you"
Bansemer looked steadily at him for
full minute
lis she going to marry you, Gray
lon"
''She refuses absolutely"
Then she's better than | thought.
Perhaps I'm wrong E hating her as
do. It's because she took you away
from me. Give me time, Graydon.
Some day l may tell you all know.
Don't urge me now. I can't do It now.
l don't want to see her again. Don't
think I'm a fool about 1t, boy, and
don't speak of it again Give me time"
''She is the gentlest woman in the
world"
sYou love her?'
Better than my life"
"Graydon. IL hope she will change
her mind and become your wife,"
You do? don't understand"
That's why I'd rather she never
gould know who her parents are. The
shadow Is Invisible now. 1t wouldn't
kelp matters for her IL 1t were visible.
she's better of by not knowing. Has
broom intiInated that he knows"
.'He SAYS he does not"
'He lies, but at the same time he
won't tell her. It's not In him to do 1t.
He has served me Ill today. He has al
ways hated me, but he was always
true to me. He did me a vile trick
when he changed the cartridges In my
revolver. l discharged him for that. |
told him to appear against me II he
would He was free to do so; but,
curse him, he would not give me the
satisfaction Of knowing that he was a
traitor. He knew I'd 60 over the road
anyhow. He's been waiting for this
day to come. He has finally given me
the unhappiest hour In my life"
After a few moments he quieteti
down and asked Graydon what his
plans We're for the future. In strain