Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-05-23

spoke feelingly of the injustice in the
world. wondering why an all powerful
Creator had introduced 1t when he
could as well have made all things just
But she did not complain of people be-
ing unjust. She seemed to consider
that they acted out the natures which
had been implanted in them. When l
said that mankind were improving and
a time would come when perfect JUS
tice would prevail she shook her head
mournfully and said: mo. There can
never be justice in the world. From
the nature of things it is impossible.
Fate rules in all things. We are its
slaves. not its masters, as we are
taught in childhood
When man and woman become mu-
tually attractive. intentions, resolu-
lions, limits and the like are broken
like ropes of sand. ! had agreed to be
companionable with Miss Deane for
matter OF ten days and TO make no ef-
fort TO learn her identity. None of
these conditions was kept. ignored
them. yielding more and more to the
spell in which l was held. Then sud
denly became aware that it was an
absorbing passion.
We were sitting on the rocks when
the crisis came.
A declaration of love that meets with
a favorable response is usually re-
membered with pleasurable emotions.
Not so my declaration TO Miss Deane.
I recall it with horror 1t seems that
she had been drifting. like myself, not
ing. When somewhat abruptly told
her that she must be happy. for my
happiness depended upon hers, the look
of terror that came on her face was
appalling.
"Oh. my Cod" she cried what
have / done?"
Then for the first time it occurred
TO me that this grief under which she
suffered was something that would be
an impossible bar to marriage.
What is it?' l exclaimed. "For
heavens sake, tell me-" -.
81 cannot; will not"
Her eyes were wild. and she was
trembling from head to foot. Nervous
spasms were coming over her like the
waves rolling in upon the rocks.
You must tell me- The hardest
thing in the world to bear is uncertain
ty-suspense."
Not now. It would kill me, and If :
you love me 1t would kill you too
She arose and fed knew that 1t
would be better to leave her to-, her.
self for awhile. so did not follow her.
l remained where l was and suffered
from emotions that l cannot describe.
Later went to my room and still suf-
fered. When 1t was growing dark l
went downstairs and out on TO the
piazza. Miss Deane was sitting on the
rock where / had made my declara-
| ton. hurried down to her and found
her perfectly calm.
| do you wish to know this terrible
, secret?" she asked.
81 do. What you suffer I shall suf-
! fer"
But you will not link your fate with
mine"
81 will"
81 will not permit it"
1.-THE secret"
81 am Jessie Sharpe"
felt my blood freezing in my veins.
Jessie Sharpe. the
II am Jessie Sharpe, the murderess."
1t seemed that the dome of the heav-
ems was falling down upon us. Jessie
Sharpe had been the central figure OF
a murder case. and nearly every one
believed her guilty. She had not been
| convicted for lack of such evidence as
the judge deemed requisite under the
law.
did not offer to make good my pro-
posal. l knew such a marriage would
wreck my life as hers was wrecked
and be a stain on our children. One
thing, however, I resolved on.
rs there a hope of the mystery of
the murder being cleared:' | asked.
ut can only be cleared by the con
fession of the murderer"
'Tf that confession ever comes will
you send for me?"
NO. If it comes you viii hear Of It."
And will seek you to the utter
most bounds Of the earth"
Meanwhile the darkness had envel-
oped us. We sat together till late,
mutually agreeing that we would not
meet again. When we bid each other
farewell we were seen only by the
stars
Eight years passed. and I was stfii
bachelor. One morning In taking UP
my newspaper | saw a heading: Bar.
glar shot confesses to a murder
Jessie Sharpe vIndicated."
The words were TO me as a. message
from heaven. For years l had suffered
all this girl suffered. And now the
cloud that hungsover us both was lift.
ed and the sun shone ss through reced-
ing rain. Not for a moment had I
doubted her innocence. This vindica-
ton had been faint hope.
sought her and found her receiving
an ovation from the citizens of the
place In which she lived There was
second ovation the day after my ar
rival-the celebration Of our wedding.
May % IN American
History.