Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1910-09-09
DAILY SHORT STORIES

Va tuc tAth0lDtNl.
AS they neared the doorway with
its quaint white pillars she turned sud
denly and looked up ut Madden. Plead,
ingly. entreatingly. her eyes sought his
as she stood hcsitating.
Are you coming?' the owner asked.
1T Is not necessary TO go inside"
Madden said unexpectedly. Il can
form pretty good opinion out here"
Then the girl flashed ut him n smile
OF gratitude. Il thank YOU" she
murmured softly. my patient disukes
10 be disturbed"
Miriam. as In thought he called her,
was quite friendly after thar and
would often linger ut the gate TO talk
when no passed the house upon one
pretense or another. though the
tangled branches seemed 10 bar him
out as completely as an iron door
might have done. But he had been
sent upon an important commission
and still deliberated long how best
10 accomplish his purpose so when
upon moonlight night he had been
irresistibly drawn toward the house
upon the hill he passed. noiselessly
through the gateway. then on through
the deserted gardens TO where light
shone from beneath half drawn cur
tain. II he could only succeed I'm this
thing which he had undcrtakon-if he
could finally satisfy himself that the
man whom he sought was there.
STOPPING. he peered under the blind.
Perhaps" said low hooking
voice. you will be kind enough to tell
me what you expect to find In my
house"
Madden Strengthened suddenly and
looked In the direction OF n shadowy
corner where n girls white clad figure
was dimly outlined. I'll beg your
pardon for having frightened YOU" he
said I'm confusion.
II am not afraid I'm the least" the
owner OF the voice returned calmly.
but your actions are little--cr-un-
usual. don't you Think"
'Inexcusable." he replied promptly
and advanced toward her 1T IL time
should be frank with you. The man
whom / hoped 10 find In that room ia
Robert Reynolds. OF whom you have
heard"
The girl arose. Her face shone very
white I'm the moonlight. ana her eyes
were wide with hurt surprise. "IIe Is
not In that house." she said slowly.
Have not told you SOP
You have" he answered doggedly,
land you-will think NE worse than i'm
pertinent now when ] confess that
Thought you might be conceaiing this
mans identity out OF mistaken idea
OF benefit TO hip"
She interrupted him angrily. II will
listen TO you no longer" she said.
There is no reason why I should
trouble TO prove my truthfuness.
Nevertheless"-she waved her hand
toward the great. silent house-"you
are at liberty 20 convince yourself.
will remain here"
Madden ignored the offer. "Will you
ut least allow me the privilege OF ex
planning" he asked desperately. ito
morrow. IL you would be so klndT'
The girl turned from him and slowly
assembled the steps. At the doorway
she paused. You may explain to.
morrow" she said brokenly. while ]
shall confess"
Miriam" he called. uuconsciously
speaking her name. for he knew that
she was crying. but the door closed.
and the rusty bolt slid rnspingly into
place
She came to meet him upon the fol.
lowing morning. such pathetic. droop
Ing little figure that Madden I'm his
anxiety TO hasten through the ordeal
would have spoken at once. but she
put out protesting hand III yom
please" she asked. may tell my
story fIrstY'
lie silently nodded assent. then stood
looking gravely down upon her ne she
sat before him.
at Is needless to tell you." s!ie began
III Il low. hopeless tone "tlli Rubcrt
Reynolds IS my father You are also
acquainted With the facts whEh made
II necessary for US 60 hide away In
this isolnted village. They were too
ready 90 Judge him. thluG. nose
boosted friends OF hls. and 10 cmblaZon
his guilt In nll the papers" She
covered her face Will trembling hands.
Il seem 20 see always the glarlng
headlines: Robert Reynolds. Treasurer
OF the Elite Club. AbscOndcd' But
there are sore tbiuEs you do not
know. How ibis disgrace. following
as II did so closely upon the failure OF
The business which left us lcnnless.
changed my father from a strong. re-
liant man into a @bilG startled M every
sound! and j. who bnG never been
taught TO decide for myself. had now
70 act for u.s. both. SO. .fiseIy or uu-
wisely. / brought him here, where ]
nave been doing my best 10 allay his
fears trying 10 coax him b,.cr 70
courage"
Il DID not come TO prosecute your
father. child" said Madden. II have
been searching for him that a frue