Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1913-11-20
XIV.
The ProdigaI Husband.

unlucky Brock. wild with
rage and chagrin, had paced
his temporary prison in the top
story Of the Tirol from II
o'clock till 2, bitterly cursing the fools
who were keeping him in durance
more vile than that from which they
had generously released him. He real
lied that it would be unwise to create
a disturbance in the house by clamor-
ing for freedom, because, in the first
place, there already had been scandal
enough. and. in the second place. his
distrustful bondsmen had promised
faithfully to seek out the devoted Con-
ME and apprise her Of his release. He
had no thought. Of course, that in the
meantime she might be duped into pay
ing a bride to the guard.
Not only was he direfully cursing the
trio, but also the Anticipated Medcroft
and his own Anticipated self. 1t is to
be feared that he had harsh thoughts
of all the Medcrofts. as far down as
Raggles. His dream Of love and hap
piness had turned into a nightmare;
the comedy had become a tragic snarl
of all the effects known to melodrama.
1t occurred to him at 2 o'clock that
pacing the floor in the agony Of sus-
pense was a very useless occupation.
He would go to bed. Morning would
bring relief and surcease to his trou-
bled mind Constance was doubtless
sound asleep in her room. Everything
would have been explained to her long
before this hour. She would under
stand. So. with the return of his old
sophistry. he undressed and crawled
into the strange bed. Somehow he
did not like it as we'll as the cot in
the balcony below,
Just as he was dropping off into the
long delayed S'umber:. he heard a light
tapping at his door. He sat up in bed
like a flash. thoroughly wide awake.
The rapping was repeated. He called
out in cautious tones. asking who was
there. at the same time slipping from
bed to tumble in the darkness for his
clothes.
"'Sh!" came from the hallway. He
rushed over and put his ear to the
door. 1T is l.. Are you awake? I
can't stay here. It's wrong. Listen.
Here's a note-under the door. Good
night, darling. I'm heartbroken."
"Thank God. it's you" he cried soft
ly. How love you. C~onstance..'
"'Sh. Edith is with me: Oh. l
wish it We're morning and | could see
you. | have so much to say
Another q%uerulous voice broke in:
"For heavens sake. Connie. don't
tons are bad enough as it is. Good
night-Roxbury!!" He distinctly heard
the heartless Edith giggle. Then came
the soft. quick swish Of garments and
the nocturnal visitors We're gone. He
picked up the envelope and, waiting
until they were safely down he hall.
turned on the light.
dearest" he read. lit was not my
fault and I now it was not yours.
But, oh, you don't know how l suffer
ed all through those hours of waiting
at the cafe. They did not find me un-
til after .. They were drunk. They
tried to explain. What do you think
the authorities will do to me If they
find that I gave that horrid man bride
money? Really. Pm terribly nervous
But he won't dare say anything, will
he? He is as guilty as I, for he took
it. He took it knowing that you were
I free ut the time. But WI will talk II
over tomorrow. I've just got back to
the hotel. wouldn't go to bed until
Edith brought me up to hear your dear
voice am so glad you are not dead,
1t ~ impossible to relense Won tonight