Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1910-08-17
There was no trace Of her

$50 OF whom had been in jail for one
offense or another. When persons are
seen on the hill. especially foreigners,
the Italian mounted police. riding two
together. usually keep them in view.
that they may not be attacked by some
Of these jailbirds. The police assumed
that since Helen White had been up
there alone and had either been MUIR
dered for what valuables she had
about her or had been captured for
ransom. No ransom having been de-
manded. there could be no doubt that
she had been murdered.
Indeed, there was no other alterna-
tive. 1t Is seldom that the mystery of
disappearance is so satisfactorily
solved. Baxter was obliged to be con-
tent with it, aud the Alexanders, who
had come to take a strong sympathet-
fc interest in him. persuaded him to
divert his mind by making brief tour
with them. This. under the circum-
stances. was the best thing be could
do. Together they visited Florence.
Venice and the lakes Of northern Italy.
These localities. new to Baxter. we're
admirably calculated to withdraw his
mind from the horror under which he
suffered. The quaint. medieval town
on the Arno. with it's treasures of art;
the city of water streets on the Adri-
attic. where under the moonlight hun
dreds Of gondoIas filled with pleasure
t<,. IN irj, nf
the doge's palace and the lion OF ST.
Marks to listen to music. were surely
calculated to draw the poison Of sor-
row and restore Il normal condition.
Usually Il man who has lost mate
feels that something has been taken
away which he is eager to replace To
supply this need Baxter turned to
Alice Alexander. Drawn to- him
through sympathy. girl of kind
heart and high principle. she felt con-
strained by both to do all in her power
to cause him to forget the tragedy Of
his lost love.
Later one evening while seated in a
boat on Lake Maggiori Baxter asked
Miss Alexander to ill the void that
had been made vacant and become his
wife. She accepted. and their be-
trothal was approved By the girls par
ents. Then after fortnight's ocean
trip together the couple reached home
and again took up the thread of or
binary life.
Just three months after Helen White
had sailed for Europe Baxter, who
had but recently returned. received a
letter from her saying that she would
be due to arrive on the day he would
receive her letter.
1t would be impossible to describe
the sensation of man in his position.
After taking time to right himself
from the effect of the squall that had
struck him he resolved to hear Helen's
story, then be guided by it in his fu-
ture course.
When Helen White reached port and
did not find Joe Baxter on the deck to
receive her. her heart sank She re-
membered that when she had accused
him in case of her loss of replacing
her within six months be had respond
ed banteringly. ''better make it three"
She. too. remembered that it was just
three months since her departure
On the evening Of her arrival Joe
called. He did not exhibit the relief
to be expected in one who had lost
and regafned love: he did not take
her in his arms, bestowing caresses in
place Of words checked by emotion.
He stood looking at her as if she had
returned from the spirit world
"Oh. Joe!' she exclaimed.
''Explain.'
Have you stood the test?"
''What test?"
Joe. dear. what I went away for
was to test you. You know l always
liked to be certain of everything and l
wished especially to be certain of the
man ! would marry. intended to
disappear that you might show your
consistency. o. Joe. do tell me that you
have been true"
Baxter continued to gaze at her. but
there was nothing in his expression
from which she could derive any CON-
fort. Presently be said:
what became of you after you were
last seen at Frascati?''
II had disguise with me which l
put on, and. returning to Rome. took a
train nOrthward. | have since been in
small village in Switzerland"
Suddenly the hard look he wore dis
appeared and was replaced by one of
sympathy.
You have made an awful mistaken
She whitened and waited for him to
go on.
You remember told you that while
waiting to find a secure place on
which to step some one would get
ahead Of your"
She sank in a chair and covered her
face with her hands. Then suddenly
starting up and facing him. she said:
Tell me ALL"
Baxter told her of his agony on
learning of her disappearance. Know
ing the reputation of the Italians Of
southern Italy. he believed she had
met with foul play. but hoped she had
been kidnapped rather than murdered.
He told her of his trip. the sympathy
and kindness Of the Alexander family.
Of his hunt for traces of her, his con-
illusions. his tour with his newly made
friends. his engagement.
And now" she moaned
And now am placed as Judge on
the bench. have no right to be