Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1910-03-03

| ing it on the table.
THE schemer wove scheme within
scheme, and the webs of all are
broken. These books have been fal-
sified to suit his, purpose. The money
which is here set forth as expended
ne buried under the shrubbery of the
Hut! Look at his face! Ask him how
I've have discovered that, and if he
can. An old man and child were
taking shelter within a dozen yards
of him. They saw him bury the
money! They saw him, maddened by
his guilty fear, fly for escape from
them. Alas! far worse! They were in
his path, and, as was his wont, he
swept them from it. The old man an
his child fell. The child died, murder.
ed by the hand of its father!"
Sir Richard started. and turned
] his white face toward the group.
/ s'Father!' he said, with a hollow
laugh. ut was Lucy's child, then;
Lucy's child"
1T was" said Louis, sternly "Your
bad deeds, your cruelty, have returned
upon your own head. Have you no re
morse?''
Sir Richard made no reply, but his
lips moved.
1T was them, them" he murmured
| lit was their ghost ] saw it! | knew
| it,"
He covered his face for moment
with his hands and all were silent.
Then, suddenly, he sprang at Ste
phen Hargrave, and, clutching his
coat, glared at him.
"All this is your doing! You have
betrayed me, have found him and
brought him here! Why did you do it?
Did ever do you any harm? Had you
any spite to satisfy, any jealousy,
and hatred? paid you-I bought you
Why did you play traitor?"
do you ask me? Do you want to
know said Stephen Hargrave in a
hoarse whisper.
"You cur, do" snarled Sir Rich
ard.
Look back, them" said Stephen
Hargrave. Look back to the night
you stole an innocent girl from her
home and the man who loved her!
Lucy was that girl! I am the maa you
stole her FRONT"
you said Sir Richard, 'Lucy's
lover!"
cay, Lucy's lover, and Lucy's aveng-
err! retorted Stephen Hargrave.
Sir Richard looked around helpless
ly, then moved toward the door,
One of the lawyers rose as if to
stop him; but Lord Marmion held up
his hand.
"Let him co." he said.
Sir Richard, with meaningless
smile, slowly passed out at the door.
The moment his hated presence
had left the room Stella's strong
spirit gave way. With cry Of re-
lief and joy she fell back in her low
er's arms.
Mrs. Newton rushed toward her, the
lawyers crowded around, folding up
their parchments as they did so.
Lord Marmion rang the bell for wa
ter, and a messenger to send for a
doctor. All was in confusion.
For some minutes the swoon lasted,
then Stella opened her eyes.
"He has gone!" she -murmured,
looking up at Louis face with deep,
loving trustfulness.
"Forever!" he said
"And you are here she said, with
soft sigh.
Forever" he breathed again.
Then all at once, and at the same
moment, they missed Stephen Har-
grave.
Louis face turned grave, and, plac.
ing Stella beside her mother, he beck
oned Lord Marmion aside
LET some one go after and secure
him, my lord, or there will be mis-
chief" he whispered.
I Lord Marmion hurried from the
room, and the search and pursuit
commenced.
But Stephen Hargrave had got the
start, and used it fatally.
The detectives found the dead body
of Sir Richard Wildfang, lying shot
through the head in his private room,
but Stephen Hargrave was never more
seen by any whom this story con-
Germs.
n 4
ISL Christmas eve once again.
Christmas at the Hut, which is now
resplendent with all the glories a
great upholsterer can produce.
In all the hall blazes a large fire.
whose rudy light falls upon a happy
group.
There are the cousins, the school
girl, Trottie, and all. There is the
old cousin, sitting smiling in his cor,
| ner, and Mrs Newton opposite, smil
ing-really smiling, too. Above their
heads hangs a picture Of an old man
hunchbacked and misshapen, with a
child's face peeping from his coat
Both the old man and the child are
sleeping together in the little. church
yard in the ale, waiting till they
awaken in the country of eternal
summer, but the freight seems to en-
due their faces with life, and they
look down, smiling too.
Eight o'clock" lisped Trottie, hel
voice breaking in through the laugh
ter and chatter. Eight o'clock, and
Cousin Tella and Louis will be here
soon"
An eager "yes,' goes around, ant
clocks and watches are consulted.