Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1913-12-18
CHAPTER XII
Desolate.


The struggle was fierce but momen-
tary. Oswald with his weakened pow.
ers could not long Withstand the
steady exertion of Orlando's giant
strength. and ere long sank away from
the contest into Mr.. Challoner's arms.
you should not have summoned the
shade Of our mother to your aid" OBJ
served the other with q smile, In
which the irony was lost in terrible
presage. ~ was always her favorite."
Oswald shuddered. Orlando had
spoken truly; she had always been
blindly, arrogantly trustful of her cid
est son. No fault could she see in
him; and now
Impetuously Oswald struggled with
his weakness, raised himself in Mr..
Challoner's arms and cried in loud re-
volt:
But God is Just. He will not let
you escape. II he does, will not. I
will hound you to tie ends OF this
earth and, if necessary, into the eter-
mites. Not with the threat of my arm
you are my master there, but with
the curse Of a brother who believed
you innocent Of his darling's blood
and would have believed you so In
face Of everything but your own
word"
"Peace!" adjured Orlando. There
is no account am not ready to settle.
have robbed you Of the woman you
love, but / have despoiled myself. !
stand desolate in the world. who but
en- hour ago could have chosen my
seat among the best and greatest.
What can your curses do after that?"
Nothing" The word came slowly
like a drop wrung from nearly spent
heart. Nothing; nothing. oh, Or
lando, 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 1t might
save the other from an immortality
of retribution, touched some long un.
sounded chord in orlando's extraordi-
nary nature.
Advancing a step, he held out his
hand-the left one. We'll leave the
future to itself, Oswald, and do what
we can with the present." said he.
1--WE 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.
II cannot" said he-"not even the
left one. May God forgive mel"
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 ars you going?" he demand
ed in tones which made Orlando turn.
Il might say, to the devil" was the
sarcastic reply. But doubt II he
would rece'e me. No." he added, in
more ordinary tones as the other shIv-
cred and again started forward, you
will have no trouble In finding me IN
my own room tonight. have letters
to write and-other things. A man
like me cannot drop out without q rip
pie. You may 80 to bed and sleep.
will keep awake for two"
"Orlandoi" Visions were passing be-
fore oswald's eyes. soul-crushing Wis
ions such as In his blamelesB life be
never thought could enter into his
consciousness or blast his Tranquil
outlook upon life. ~orlandoi" he again
appealed. covering his eyes IN = fran-
died attempt to shut out these hcrFors,
Il cannot let you 80 IKE thll. Tomor