The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1909-02-11

door.
The accusation Of Prendergast had
stunned Jessica's faculties AS in an
evil dream she had seen the sheriff rise
to his feet and methodically put the
fragment Of paper into his pocketbook.
A moment later she was running up
the dark path, her thoughts confu-
sion in which only one coherent pur-
pose stood distinct-to warn him. They
would know no need to hasten. If the
man she loved had reached the cabin,
she would be before them.
She stood before the door, her hands
clasped tightly, her eyes on Harry's
face.
what has happened?" he asked.
men will be here soon-men from
the town. overheard them. I want
ed to let you know!'' she hesitated. It
had grown all at once difficult to put
into words.
Coming here? WhyT
ITO arrest a man who is accused of
murder
If her eyes could have pierced the
bolted door few feet away! If she
could have seen that listening face
behind it, as her clear tones fell, grow
instinct with recognition, amazement
and evil suspicion-a look that her last
word swept into sickly gray terror!
If she could have heard the groan
from the wretched man beyond!
Whose murder?"
"Dr. Moreau's."
Jessica waited with caught breath,
searching his countenance. 1t was told
now, but he must know that she had
not credited it, that "for better, for
worse" she must believe in him now.
II knew, oh, knew!' she cried. "You
need not tell me!''
NO." he said gravely, II am not the
man they want. It has all come back
to me-the past that had lost. Such
a crime has no part in it. Jessica," he
said, "you have tried to save me from
danger tonight. need a greater serv-
ice Of you now. It is to ask no ques-
ton, but to go at once. I cannot ex-
plain why, but you must not stay here
a moment
"Oh," she cried bitterly, "you don't
intend to leave! You choose to face
it, and you want to spare me. If you
really want to spare me, you will go!
Why, you would have no chance where
they have hated you so. Prendergast
was killed robbing the sluice tonight,
and he lied-lied-lied! He swore you
did it, and they will believe it,
He put back her beseeching hands.
How could he explain? Only to get
her away-to gain time-to think!
"Listen!' she went on wildly. "They
will wait to carry him to the town.
I can 60 and bring my horse here for
you. There is time! You have only
to send me word and win follow you
to the end Of the world! Only say
you will go"'
He caught at the straw. The expedi-
ent might serve.
Every Well" he said; "bring him to
the upper trail and wait there for me"
She gave sob of relief at his &C.
quiescence. II will hurry, hurry she
cried and was gone. swift as swal-
low flight, into the darkness.
As he re-entered the cabin the calm
ness fell from Harry Sanderson as a
mask drops, and the latent passion
sprang in its place. He crossed the
room and drew the bolt for the wretch.
ed man who, after one swift glance at
his face, groveled on his knees before
him, sobered and shivering.
"For Gods sake, Harry, you won't
give me up?" Hugh cried. "You can't
mean to do that! Why, we were in
college together! I'd been drinking to.
night or I wouldn't have talked to you
as did,
Harry drew his feet from the frantic
hands that clasped them. "Did you xii!
Moreau?" he asked shortly.
TT was an accident" moaned Hugh.
II never intended to. Iswear to heav-
en- I didn't! He bounded me, and he
tried to bleed me. only meant to
Brighten him off! Then-then-I was
afraid, and ran for It. That was
when came to you at Aniston and
we played" Hugh's breath came in
gasps, and drops Of sweat stood on his
forehead.
when we played!' he echoed. "How
have you settled your debt. the debt
Of honor you once counted so highly;
How have you lived since then? Have