The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1909-11-23
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38S8S BY SO ETA go W. SO PIERCE. S266


mince your words, Miss Hatton
These are grave accusations. Are
you sure they are true?--sure you
are not laboring under some mis-
take?''
Her lips curled.
Am l sure that my father died
ruined and a suicide?-that my sis
ter and I are homeless and penniless?
oh, yes, Philip Trevor, am very
sure?"
She was, indeed. girl of spirit.
The fact that she was far from
friends and helpless, alone in this
mans house, on an isolated island
of which he was sole owner and
ruler, could not daunt Jacqueline.
My father trusted you, and you
destroyed him!" she said "You are
hiding in strange, wild place, Philip
Trevor. Does John Hatton's money
never intrude here?-his ghost never
walk? Is Deadman's Island far
enough, to hold him at bay? For
years you have kept your booty
the fortune of two girls, whom you
made orphans. The law could not
touch you, and no one cared to fol-
low you to your lair and denounce
you as a thief and a murderer. But
now you will no longer remain un-
disturbed While live you shall
know no more peace.
She had not meant to begin the in
terview with an open declaration of
war; but her natural impetuosity car
ried her beyond the bounds of pru-
dence. A disdain of half measures
overmastered her--led her to define
her position recklessly. The words
were not out, however, when she
thought of Doris, and tears rushed to
her eyes.
1T have no diplomacy" she said, in
deeply chagrined tone. my sister
is not like me-she is so gentle and
forbearing. For Doris sake, give up
my fathers money!"
His face had grown absolutely
livid. He raised one hand involun-
tarily to his head.
"Great Heavenl you have provoked
a return of my vertigo! Miss Hat
ton, your father was as dear to me
as a brother; but you accuse me of
robbing and numbering him, and SO
force me to make counter charges,
which you will not like to hear. If
you ask why have not told the truth
before, shall answer-because John
Hatton persuaded me long ago to
s.. ear silence. And to shield him,
am still living an exile, hermit, my
name disgraced, all sorts of appro-
brium heaped upon mel" He paused
and wiped his face with his handker-
chief.
Explain your words!" said JAG
queline, coldly.
II will. Your father was born
gambler. His passion for play
amounted to mania. To crafty 1t
he not only ruined himself but me
also. When Hatton lost heavily at
the gaming table, my purse supplied
his needs. He borrowed of me till
my private resources we're badly Grip
pied. / alone knew his secret-even
your mother never guessed it. His
indulgence of the vice was concealed
even from his nearest and dearest
AS could not reclaim him. did the
next best thing--held my tongue"
He stopped to cough nervously
Jacquelines eyes seemed piercing
him like swords.
go ont" she commanded.
"Of course, the hour came when
exposure could no longer be avoided
Then Hatton's conscience awoke. He
babe me take the money and securi-
ties that remained to us and leave
him to make full public confession
and face the situation alone. 1t was
my weak hour. was madly in love
with charming woman, who fully
returned my affection. Unfortunate
ly for my good name, yielded to
your fathers opportunities. But he
was a coward at heart. He found
death easier than confession. Upon
my departure he quite lost his head
accused me of robbing him, blamed
me for all that had happened, and
then ended everything with a pisto'
shot His death, needless to say
sealed my ruin After that event who
would believe in my innocence
Moreover, l scorned to bring charges
against dead man-to say, 'Johr
Hatton's fortune was not stolen, but
spent by himself at the gaming table.
No, / remembered our long friend
ship, and preferred to suffer rather
! than drag his name in the dirt. All
my poor child, not only am guilt
| less of defrauding your father, but
he died deeply in debt to mel"
1t was a long speech. He looked
; rarrowly at Jacqueline, as though
Assuring its effect upon her A spot
Indignant red leaped into hel
~
Ny father a gambler" she cried
Il do not believe your story, sir
, cannot"
Your incredulity does you credit.
1t is difficult for daughter to com
prehend fathers sins. F"
"By what proofs do you support
your statements"
"Proofs" he echoed, irritably
ooh, might know that girl OF your
stamp would demand proofs! Well
they shall be forthcoming as soon a:
| Have time to search my private pa
pcrs. Meanwhile. let us understand
each other. Miss Hatton, what de-
you expect me to do?"
Il have already told you. Restore
ohm Hatton's money to John Hat
toms daughters