The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1913-02-27

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Nothing" The word came slowly
like drop wrung from nearly spent
heart. Nothing: nothing. Oh, Or
lando, I wish we were both dead and
buried and that there were no further
life for either of u.s."
The softened tone, the wistful pray
er which would blot out an immortal
ity of joy for the one, that it might
save the other from an Immortality
Of retribution, touched some long un-
sounded chord in Orlando's extraordi-
nary nature.
Advancing q step, he held out his
hand-the left ore. We'll leave the
future to itself, Oswald. and do what
we can with the present" said he.
.:I've made a mess of my life and
spoiled a career which might have
made Us both kings. Forgive me, Os-
valid. / ask for nothing else from God
or man. l should like that. It would
strengthen me for tomorrow"
But Oswald, ever kindly, generous
and more ready to think Of others
than OF himself, had yet some of Or.
lando's tenacity. He gazed at that
hand and a flush swept up over his
cheek which instantly became CHASTITY
again.
Il cannot" said he-"not even the
left one May God forgive metz
Orlando, struck silent for q moment.
dropped his hand and slowly turned
away. Mr.. Challoner felt Oswald stiff
fen in his arms, and break suddenly
away. only to stop short before he
had taken one OF the half dozen steps
between himself and his departing
brother.
Where are You going?" he demand
ed in tones which made Orlando turn.
Il might say, to the devil" was the
sarcastic reply. "But l doubt If he
would receive me. No. he added, in
more ordinary tones as the other shiv'
cred and again started forward, "you
"ill have no trouble in finding me in
my own room tonight. have letters
20 write and-other things. A man
like me cannot drop out without rip
pie. You may 60 to bed and sleep.
will keep awake for two"
"Orlando" Visions were passing be-
fore Oswald's eyes, soul-crushing Wis
Ions such as in his blameless life he
never thought could enter into his
consciousness or blast his tranquil
outlook upon life. "Orlando!" he again
appealed, covering his eyes in fren-
Eied attempt to shut out these horrors,
Il cannot let you go like this. Tomor-
row"
Tomorrow, in every niche and cor
ner of this world, wherever Edith
Challoner's name has gone, wherever
my name has gone, It will be known
that the discoverer Of a practical air.
ship, is a man whom they can no
longer honor. Do you think that is
not hell enough for me; or that do
not realize the hell it will be for you?
I've never wearied you or any man
with my affection; but I'm not all
demon. I would gladly have spared
you this additional anguish; but that
was impossible. You are my brother
and must suffer from the connection
whether we would have it SO or not.
II it promises too much misery-and
I know no misery like that Of shame
come with me where / go tomor-
row. There will be room for two"
Oswald, swayfng with weakness, but
maddened by the sight Of an over
throw which carried with it the
stifed affections and the admiration
Of his whole life, gave bound for
ward. opened his arms and-fell.
Orlando stopped short. Gazing
down on his PROSTATE brother, he
stood for a moment with a CLEAN OF
something like human tenderness
showing through the flare of dying
passions and perishing hopes; then
he swung open the door and passed
quietly out, and Mr.. Challoner could
hear the laughing remark with which
he met and dismissed the half-dozen
men and women who had been drawn
to this end of the hall by what had
sounded to them like fracas between
angry men.