The Washington herald., 1911-01-01
CHAPTER XIV.
The Unexpected Happens.

Good Friday had come and gone. Paul
had spent the day at Arlington Hall. and
the judges manner had been kinder than
OF yore 1t was quite evident that his
future sor-in-law was gaining in favor
with him.
He had asked Paul to dine with them
on .he Saturday, and the latter had eX-
cused himself on the score that Mr.. CEf-
ford expected him that night; but he
had spent the afternoon with Margaret,
and after tea he had walked leisurely
home. thinking of what lay before him
His mind was definitely made up. he
would refuse to commit murder. even II
the victim were not Judge Shenstone
He would not stain his hands with any
mans blood.
When ne made that awful compact
with Clifford he had not been himself.
Half starved and overwrought, like
, dog willing to do anything for the hand
that fed him, he had made an unholy
bargain and he would break 1t, though
the breaking might cost him his life
But he would fight--Clifford should not
have it all his own way. Early the next
. morning he would ride over and tell
u
was a clever, keen-witted man, accus-
toned to weighing men in the balance,
, and he would be fair N his judgment
Perhaps it might mean losing Margaret.
whose love was even more to him than
! life, but if he Cbeyed Clifford's beheSt
she would still be lost to him. 1t would
be impossible for him to marry her, IL
/ his hands We're stained with her father $
! blood. He must tell the judge. and II
was just possible he might at some fu-
! ture tircc let Margaret become his wife.
\ letter had come from Clifford con-
| tanning nothing but the words:
| shall expect you at IL tonight Do not ride:
| the groom will have retired. CLIFFORD.
The very briefness Of the note. with
| out any prefix. had told Paul that the
| ether mans determination was unshaken,
but it puzzled him as to the reason sucn
late hour had been named for his visit.
Then he came TO the conclusion that
| Clifford would think he was dining al
| the Hall.
Would he ever dine there again?
| Paul asked himself. The revelation ne
intended making the next morning must
affect the judges attitude toward him
Mrs. Shenstone. for some reason OF heT
| own. desired the marriage. Would she
try to influence her husband? Pau
shrugged his shoulders. He was not very
|
he should not care to owe his happiness
| to her.
Busy with his own thoughts, the time
passed quickly, and, looking at his
watch, Paul was surprised to see thai
it was 1920. so. putting on. his overcoat'
he told the butler that he was gotns
to walk as far as the Hermitage. but
he should not be long, and, taking uI
a stick that he sometimes carried al
night, he set OF. On arriving at tht
Hermitage. Mr.. Clifford opened the door
and led the way to his own sitting-room
As they entered the clock on the mantei-
piece struck eleven, and two grandfather
lciccks in the hall Joined in.
You are punctuai," said Mr.. Clifford
las he took his stand at one side Of the
fireplace and faced his guest. but with
out asking him TO sit down.
4 Yes; 1t Is better to get the matte'
settled. should have come earlier bu
for your note,'' replied Paul.
IT wanted to give you the longest pos
sible time could to consider the mat
ter. Now. tell me. are you prepared Il
Icarry out the bargain We made?"
mo-" and Paulss voice was low. bu
emphatic. There war ring Of decisios
j in II that told. the other man his mint
Twas made up. and that arguments Wer,
u useless. stiil, he resolved to make !
Il nual attempts q e
4 ..Hays you eomtaa ~ seakf: <ess q