Golden Valley chronicle. (Beach, Billings County, N.D.) 1905-1916, 1910-04-01

sive that had come so strangely to him
out Of dead century.
His face paled as he saw the royal
crest that topped the sheet and the
kingly signature that followed the fine
~ written words. The letter was in
dearing epithets to this woman whom
king had loved Hayward realized
that into his alien hands had fallen
great secret which, If revealed. with
Its hint Of plot aud counterpart. would
prove the literary sensation of a life.
time.
He had but to 60 forth and say: "see
what have found in an old brass box
picked up in an auction room. 1t is
a monarch's autograph letter to his
sweetheart. 1t is as simple aud pure
In its tender sentiment as letter that
you or I or any other commoner might
write. and yet it contains secret
which the world would snatch at ca
gerly, mystery for which historians
have probed in vain, doubt which
has inspired mighty volume Of spec
~ ]
offered?"
If he published his find to the world
It meant riches to him. 1t meant more
than enough to marry upon and be
happy. Edith had waited two years
for him to make good the promise of
his brilliant college career. Another
year or so Of upward struggle and he
q ut
But il in those years he might have
Edith by his side!
II he published the letter he had
found in the brass box he would be
rich. They could be married imme-
diately. Not one man in hundred
would have hesitated. yet Robin Hay
ward did. He was the exceptional
man.
He carried this problem, as he had
many others. to Edith herself The
next evening found him explaining
his purchase of the brass box and the
wonderful secret it contained.
Edith Layton brooded over the roya.
love letter with tender eyes.
''That is real love. Robin" she said
at last. "The poor woman must have
treasured the letter See how it is
Worn and creased With much reading
She could never bear to part with it.
and so she had this box made with
the secret cylinder III which to con-
ceal her precious possession. She
would not have dared keep it other
wise. and possibly she hoped it would
be buried with her."
Hayward nodded "She died sud-
denly. you know"
"She probably did not realize that
she might be leaving the letter for
posterity to scott ut. know you feel
just as do, Robin. If it would do
any good to the world, If it taught
lesson or added to the worlds litera-
ture-but it does not! What Shall you
do with it," Her question came di-
rectly at him. as he knew 1t would
come. Her clear gray eyes sought his
anXiously, as if she doubted whether
he might Withstand the temptation.
Hayward stiffened in his chair II
am tempted to sell it for money. for a
price that will enable me to offer you
a home worthy Of you. That is what
l want to do" lie said blunty.
She made no reply. She knew the
temptation that assaulted him, and she
knew the struggle he was making
against his better principles.
No man had greater pride in the
fruits of his personal endeavor than
Robin Hayward. She wanted him to
prove his capabilities, not to purchase
an easy road to fortune through bar
tering the frailties of persons long
dead. She wanted him to fight fight
and come out victorious.
1--WE could he married at once" said
Hayward. rising and going to her with
outstrctched hands.
She placed her hands in his. 1--WE
could" she said slowly.
do you mean it, darling?" he cried
ecstatically.
Eyes, Robin"
Five minutes later he was on his
way to the door. II am sure Latham
will want the whole thing. You know,
he is writing a history of the French
courts. and this will be find for
him" He paused abruptly as his
glance encountered the stern visage of
Ediths grandfather in lis gilded frame
> near the door.
That sturdy American pioneer, Sim
con Layton. had asked no odds of any
century save his own. No other hands
had helped to pile up the immense for
tune that arose like Il barrier between
) Hayward ana the girl he loved. High
ideals. hard work, pluck and steady APP.
p.ir:,;iun had made him model citi
t zen and Il rich man.
= With Il sudden rcvulSi0n of feeling
J Hayward looked AWAY from the por
. tai! I" Edith standing before HE fire
!! SLY" always Wore her p!liMe>i gowns
i when Robin c;liMn. and now ,tinui,l.