The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1913-01-24
coming upon the scene for the tragic

~ 0hS MN
Portman house, must be turned away
without ceremony or consideration. At
any minute Thomas Braddock might
return. A tragedy would be the result.
David started down the STEPS, pass
Ing the rigid, staring woman at the
top. He was vaguely aware of Ro-
berta Grand's bow. Halfway down he
called out:
Colonel Grand, you must not stay
here-not a second longer. ! will ex-
plain if you will let me ride with you
Tor a couple of blocks"
Grand came on up the steps, ignor-
ing J%enison. addressing himself to
Mary Braddock.
Il have come to discuss Tom with
you. Mary" he said.
Go away" she cried in low. intense
tones. How dare you come here.
Colonel Grand? Col"
He stopped, raised his hat, shrugged
his shoulders and then lifted his free
hand to check the approach of the
young man who was ominously near at
hand.
Il fancy 1t will be best for all con-
cerned if we avoid tableaux. Still, |
VIII go away if you see fit TO send
me-"
Il do see fit. Co."
Roberta Grand was staring at the
speaker from the bottom of the steps.
Don't haggle with her, father" she
cried ve~nomously. Bring her to time!"
You have met my daughter. Mrs.
Braddock?" said Grand in his most
suave amer What are YOU looking
at, Jenison?" he demanded, suddenly
noting the young mans frozen stare,
directed down the street.
Tom Braddock wag standing across
the street at the corner below, clutch
ing a lamppost for support. He vas
staring with wide open eyes at the
group on the steps.
Mrs. Braddock had seen her husband
turn the corner. Her eyes were Chased
now. as if 10 shut out the disaster that
must rush down upon them in the
next instant. Her drumming ears
waited for the sound of a revolver.
David started UP the steps toward her.
1T will be best for you to heal what
] have come to say" observed Grand,
ignorant of the peril that lay behind
him. He resumed his progress up the
steps. Roberta following close behind.
For heavens sake, man, go while
vou can cried David h~Oarsely. Don't
you see"
Mary, will you listen to me? We've
got to come to an understanding con.
corning Tom. He's in town. We must
come to some agreement. you and l. as
to whether a scandal is to follow his
arrest-a scandal which will blast you
and Christine forever in New"
rs there no way to stop him."
groaned Mary Braddock.
BY this time Bradock has been
taken by the police-as Sam Bradford,
the ex-convict and yeggman. Is he to
go up this time as the father of Chris
tine"
David whirled the older man about
and pointed toward the figure at the
corner
It's Braddock! Now were in for 1t.
- hCd'ti liz odSht W Al Nod-
"~Braddock," gasped Grand. why,
he is in Jail" The words died on his
lips, He recognized the man.
Transfxed, he saw Thomas Brad
dock s~traighten up, relinquish his grip
on the iron post and start diagonally
across the street, his head bent for,
ward. his lower jaw extended. His
answering gaze never left the face of
Robert Grand.
Get into the carriage. Roberta"
shouted Grand. suddenly alive to his
peril. He trembled. but he was not
the mar to run from an adversary, nor
was he likely to sell his life cheaply.
With a quick. desperate tug he jerked
himself free of David's grasp. His
hand flew to his inside coat pocket.
Thomas Braddock had reached the
curb. Miss Grand stood directly in his
path, petrified by terror. Like a cat
he sprang forward, c%unningly putting
her body between him and Grand.
making it Impossible for the latter to
shoot without imperiling the life of his
daughter.
A revolver cleaned In the hand OF
the man on the steps.
Here, | say" grasped the colonel.
"He can shoot me down like a dog.
Stop him. Jenison! Don't you see
can't protect myself?"
David took advantage of the knowl-
edge that Braddock was unarmed.
Colonel Grand" he cried out sharp
ly. "if you attempt to kill that man
I'll see that you suffer for It,"
"But. d it. he Is here to kill me! I
have the right to kill in self defense
If"
"Then why doesn't he kill youo He
has you In his power. Mr., Braddock
has come to see his wife before leav-
ing the city
He caught the cunning CLEAN in
Tom %Braddock's eyes. His heart gave
a great bound Of relief. The man was
not so mad as to court certain death
bv attacking his enemy under the pres
ent conditions.
.r-r... lo,r3pn tho ooupfr0r na-.l