Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1911-07-28


conner and then started visibly..
"Charley-you herer he said alb
ruptly.
Charley Ross, vigorously supported
by Carstack in the rear, stepped half
willingly toward the center Of the
room. His eyes did not look at his
friend and his bronzed face was pale.
Bertran surveyed him silently and ap-
prehensively.
Charley" he said softly. Il am sor-
ry that you have come. This is no
place for US. Come away with me-"
For reply the boy-he was not much
more than a boy In looks-glanced
swiftly down the row of grim faces
and then pleadingiy into the eyes Of
Bertran-
Charley, are you in this deal, tooT
Bertran asked sorrowfully.
The boy, With the eyes of his sister,
nodded. his lips refusing to perform
their duty.
And you wish me to make a false
report Of this mines worth to my en-
ployers so-so"-
He stopped. the words choking him.
Then. with smile on his lips, he said
firmly:
But l cannot do 1t, not even for
your sake, Charley"
"Then-then do It for-for vera's
sake"
Had the man struck him in the face
he could not have made a deeper i'm
preston on Bertran. His cheeks went
suddenly paIe and then flushed hotly.
What right had even Charley to use
his sisters name in such an Infamous
bargainl He turned as If to resent 1t
with all the strength Of his nature.
"You mean that-for yera's sakeT
Bertran stammered brokenly, his eyes
still averted.
"You mean itT' Bertran repeated In
a hollow voice.
The boy gulped convulsively and
then, like one repeating half forgot
ten lesson, murmured:
Yes, Willard, IL mean it-for We
ra's sake We-she needs the money,
and it will make life so different to
her. She has suffered much for my
sake-and"-
The lips refused to speak the blum
dering speech further. The sounds
died in a cultural murmur in his
throat.
Bertran slowly dropped his hand
and unsteadily moved toward the Ia
BILE. With trembling hands he took
blank sheet Of paper from his pock-
ct, unscrewed his fountain pen and
slowly. painfully, scribbled few
words. Without folding the paper or
attempting to blot the ink, he handed
1t to the boy and said:
Charley. here is my answer"
Over his shoulder Carstack read the
words. The frown on his face deep
ened, and then a smile broadened his
features. In his eagerness he snatch
ed the paper from Charley Ross hand
and passed It around to his compan-
ions. 1t was a telegram briefly word
| ed:
Messrs Black. wiltshire & Co.. New York
City:
Have made a thorough examination Of
Baldhead mine. 1t Is worth about the
| offer made-very little more. Fuller re-
| port by mail
WILLARD BERTRAN.
"You may send that, gentlemen, in
my name," Bertran said, with sneer,
land my report by mail viii be of
the same tenor"
Carstack stepped forward and ex.
tended a hand. Bertran pushed II
away angrily.
II do not want your congratulations
nor your money" he said hotly. strid-
ing toward the door.
But your share" Carstack began
greedily.
Bertran turned at the door and faced
them for the last time. his eyes blaz
ing.
do you think would touch any OF
your money. you dastardly towards
| do 1t because-because'-
Then he flung himself from the
room. his whole body trembling with
excitement and wrath.
From the shadows Of the cabin q
dark figure fitted, crossing patch OF
moonlight to the darkened blotch OF
stunted trees beyond. Bertran gave 8
sudden start and then followed. Ht
caught up with the figure just as II
was disappearing In the shadow Of tht
trees.
"Veraw he called softly.
"Vera!" he repeated as the figure
continued onward in its flight.
A few more quick strides brough
him abreast of her, and then, standing
athwart the pathway, he compelled
her to halt or turn aside.
Vera" he said for the third time
Vera, you have heard ALL"
She did not answer, but he needed
no words to convince him.
"Vera." he went on tenderly, reach
Ing out to grasp her hand. but sh
withdrew 1t swiftly and shrank bacl
pace. Unswerved by the action an,
strangeness of the girls look. he wen
on with his declaration. "If you hear,
all you know what / would say to yo
now"
] She checked him with a mute ges