New-York tribune., 1910-12-25
BY ]. ]. BELL

Is my cousin John fourshng and greatly beloved as
ever9"
The older man had opened his mouth; but the oras
ton seerrnd to forbid speech.
Il sup e John speaks kindly of the dead-when be
does IT was of John little ways reputed
to be dead, was / noto"
tie, tell me in plain words what we mean. Was it Won,
your cousin John that took your uncle's moneys
My uncle said it was L. my cousin did not say it was
not Curious how fond was of Iohn-then. But One
changes in twenty years Has John married."
The Captain put his hand to his head ''Ye were in
nocent Roberte Ye telling you innocent3'
Did John marry!
''Yes yes. He married Mary Adamso1. But why"
"Ahl She married him. did shes Children"
-Four Robert, three boys and girl Fine lads and
a bonny lassie- But what-what are ye going TO dos
Forgive me- I've shaken hands WI ye. Ye see take
your word Robert and I'm glad to have it; but but
oh, man"
still a favorite in Dunstrone2 he asked absenty
Why there's greater favonte than your cousin
He's done much for the place. There no one doesn't
bless him. The Captain was regarding his companion
earnestly and there was something ike appeal in his
voice John is the first in Dunstrone. ne added
We'll. perhaps Dunstrone will take his confession
calmly and kindly
What His confession?"
He has had his day. want mine. It's the only
way to give me back my good name. Great pity; but
as I've said I'm sicI, of playing the scapegoat I've got
all the old documents in my pocket. John cant gain
say them. Sorry my uncle is dead I'd have liked to
clear myself with him.
4
horror, yere surely not going to make scandal Your
cousin has led good life all these years and now"
Derrick laughed harshly- I" IL IS clear that John is
still well beloved. However, it's my name want
Goodbv, Captain" Without another word he strode
to the ladder and descended.
IT was dark when he reached the at DInsrone He
escaped recognition without having sought avoid
it, The man who drove him from Ardmun was too
Young to have remembered him. the weather kept the
villagers the part indoors, and the people Of the
had but come o place. he
only guest and when he had exchanged his sOdden for
drv garments he sat down to indifferent repast in
chilly little coffee that displayed nothing suggest
i've of Christmas spT1g or two OF holly over the
cloudy mantel mirror and fire insurance COn1panys
calendar whereon depicted cOnvvlal scene o the
eighteenth century.
Pushing away his cheese plate, he rang and asked for
the landlord The landlord appeared, apologize Had
he known guest coming, things would have been
different but a guest this much be
expected as swallow Derrick cut him short with an
invitation to drink glass of port, and proceeded ask
a few questions Was Mr.. John Carson in Dunstronea
present and in what house was he living now The
landlord was delighted to answer any question
cerring Mr.. John Carson the finest gentleman had
been his lot meet Yes; MIR. Carson lived m the
Grey House, and that very night he was giving Den-
did party for his children and their young friends
Ditv the weather bad; but most of the guests
were stavng the great house And two nightS later
Mr. Carson would give another splendid party, this
time for the village children. IN the Odd Fellows hall
Mr. Carson thought OF everybody and Mrs Carson was
like him for kindness. DunStrOne would be poor place
without them. Oh, yes, the timber business still
doing grandlv; he the landlord had heard 1t had
doubled since Mr.. Carson inherited it from his uncle
There had been another nephew, so he had been -Od
but unfortunately he had gone wrong.
What did he do2" Derrick asked softly.
Well sir. it's an old story, and I've had it ONLY
ond hand speak. But the young man took money
belonging his uncle and fled the country. and nothing
has been heard of him since He IS supposed to be dead
Most unfortunate sir; for a year later so have been