Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1910-08-18


am a ruined MANI"
| Ruined" she breathed.
/ yes. My father has met witt
heavy losses, my own money has gone
with his. When you pledged yoursel
to me was rich, the son of one rich
er. VIII you desert me in the hour O
my trouble?"
White and trembling, Lorrie looked
from him to the earl and lastly al
Guy! Then she put out her hant
slowly. reluctantly, toward Seymour
Il remember" she said. my lord
and she turned to the eaFl-"Mr
Melford came to my fathers aid wher
he was in trouble; it was too late tt
save his life, but-but it saved his
name and honor! 1t was then that
promised to be Mr.. Melfords wife
and l cannot retrace now"
A groan from Guys lips. The ear
sighed. Then it is for the sake oil
honor and gratitude, not-lote, my
child" he said, gently. Bending his
gray eyes on Seymour's exultant face
he said, sternly. "And you will be
base enough to accept such a sacri
fee, sir?"
Can you ask me! My lord, you
have lost the game!
Lorrie started, and flushing Grim.
son, looked from the earl to Guy, who
never moved.
Eyes, my DEAR" said the old man.
what Mr.. Melford says is in meas.
ure accurate. BY his fathers losses
Latcham is ruined; but, notwithstand.
ing that lon behalf of my son, Guy
would have prayed for your hand
for him!"
The tears welled to Lorrie's eyes
ooh, my lord, my lord" she cried
Hush, do not cry" he said, land
do not tremble. You are among
friends"
Il will protect her, my lord" said
Seymour. Come, Lorrie, we will re-
lteve Lady FarnEam of our presence. "
Lady Farnham and Lady Collop
drew away from the door-both cry
on his arm to accompany him, when
the French window was gently open
ed, and a bent figure entered.
Lady Farnham uttered cry of
alarm, and the rest, turning to see
the cause, stared at the intruder in
silence all excepting Seymour Mel.
ford upon whom the sudden appear
ance of the Individual seemed to pro-
duce an effect like palsy. His face
which had worn an insolent smile,
grew terror stricken, and he clutched
the back of chair, still, however,
holding Lorrie's arm tightly.
Who is this?" demanded the earl.
Guy came forward.
"A man 1 know, sir" he said. II
will take him away"
But Levertck shook his head.
mo. my lord" he said, II didn't
come to see you, but-but-my good
young lady there" and he pointed to
Lorrie.
TO see met" said Lorrie. "I-I can
not see you now"
mo, MOI" said Seymour harshly.
take the fellow away"
HIS words had a wonderful effect
upon Leverick.
Yes, take me away-take me away
before I can tell the truth: Ell. Mr..
SEYMOUR"
II don't know this mani" stam-
mered Seymour. Come, Lorriet"
Guy stepped between him and the
door.
Stand aside!" almost shrfeked
Seymour.
mo, keep him!" cried Leverick.
My lord, don't let him go till I've
told you all! This man is as bad a
scoundrel as is made! My 1crd, that
man bribed me to spoil your race at
Carshal. 1t was me that baked you
at the last jump, my lord, with the
handkerchief, but he-he-paid me to
do it.
TITS foul lie!" said Seymour. II
know nothing of this mani This is
your plot, you mean"
Guy looked at him ominously. BE
SILENT" he said, "or even her pres
ence shall not protect you!" and he
glanced at Lorrie.
Then he signed to Leverick. "Ycu
won the race, my lord, and that didn't
satisfy Melford! No! I'd proved my
self ready to do dirty work. was
starving. My lord, poisoned Gypsy
before the grand race"
Guys face went white
II did it. didn't even think of it till
that man came and bribed me to do
it."
"Liar!" gasped Seymour.
Leverick ground his teeth. "I am a
liar, ann L? Is that your writing?" and
he held out a slip of paper See, my
lord; see, ladies and gentlemen, that's
his writing. It is the instructions he
gave me how to get into the stables
and give the poisoned ball to the
horse. There it is-show it him!"
Guy took the paper. A glance was
sufficient.
I'D never done such a thing as
that before, and-and it troubled