The Detroit times., 1913-05-08
The Fortunes of the Landrays
The ss.s CO. By Vaughan Kester Author he r T sass
Author OF The Prodigal Judge.
Just and the Unjust" etc.

In that flood OF rushing muddy water
without an effort 10 save him: but
Gibbs had passed about turn in the
road, and knew nothing OF the trag-
edy that was being enacted so close
at hand.
He snatched at the dropping boughs
OF willows and elms where they trail
ed about him In the water. but though
his fingers touched them again and
again. he lacked the power to retain
his hold upon them The cold was
numbing him: his arms and legs had
the weight OF lead. Once he sank
then his dripping bald head. white
scared face. and starting eyes appear
ed and the fight for life went on.
Twice he sank-and again he came to
the surface. choking, strangling, his
old face purple. A third time he sank
but this time he did not reappear.
CHAPTER X.
The weeks that followed stephen 8
departure held for Virginia Landray
the misery of first separation. II
was the uprooting Of all she had
counted on as most secure and abid-
ing. That thousands OF other men
had left their homes on the same err
rand meant nothing TO her. for 1t was
not In her nature to generalize.
Her one comfort was his letters,
which reached her at short and rea-
sonably regular intervals. He was all
buoyancy and hope; he seemed to
think only OF the success I'm store for
them; and he so dwelt upon this need
OF money, a need he magnifed to him
self and To her. that it was not strange
she ended by having a wholly wrong
and exaggerated idea Of the condition
of the family fortunes.
He is doing IL all for me" she told
herself with quivering lips, "Snd that
only makes II the more wicked and
monstrous, He has left his home for
my sake, because he wishes to give
me every comfort and luxury; as il
cared for anything-but him"
Inspired by this thought, she regu-
lated her personal expenditures with
an eye TO the most rigid economy.
These economies OF hers threatened to
become a scandal and a reproach to
Anna, Bushrod's wife, who, however
much she regretted her husbands alb
sence. refused to believe that any sac
rifice could be made even tributary to
his comfort, or could in any way light
en- the sorrow and apprehension she
declared she was knowing for the frst
time in her married life.
But Virginia, whose faith was rather
less than her affection for this cheer
full sufferer. determined to propose to
her that they live together at the
farm, and thus save the expense OF
one household She planned it all In
detail. Anna could have the big front
room over the parlor with the smaller
one adjoining that looked out upon
the west meadow. 1t would do admir-
ably as a nursery for little Stephen.
She drew quite excited over this pro-
jest. and WAS on the point OF driving
into town TO see Anna when Anna
herself In all the ingenious gaiety OF
new spring fnery. drove into the yard
She swept up the steps to Virginia,
who hurried TO the door to receive
her. adjusting her bonnet with one
neatly gloved hand, and gathering up
her skirts out Of the way with tho
other: her small person radiant with
grace and charm
She seemed 10 be thrilling with
some pleasurable excitement and
Virginia Immediately thought it must
be letter from Bushrod.
Have you heard about Mr.. Tuck
err" she asked quite breathlessly
What about Mr.. Tucker" said Viz
ginia disappointed
He's dead-drowned-my dear, !
hurried out to tell you, for | knew
YOU would be interested. One always
is. In these dreadful shocking TRACE
dies"
Dead Drowned" cried Virginia
In horror