Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1914-02-25


- IN gentleman who
N had half arisen
from his couch to
deliver the peremptory command to
his retainer. fell back exhausted.
With the silent tread of
clean-limbed animal Of the jungles, a
young man entered the bedroom and
approached the bedside of his father.
His head and shoulders were Of ire
mendous size for the delicate body
and legs, giving him the appearance
OF humpbacked man.
Henry, my boy" gasped lie Croix,
taking a firm grip on the bunch
backs hands, and looking him earn
estly in the eyes. | have Just re-
ceived from your sister a note, which
is burning in yon fire. She is over in
town and wanted to come here Years
ago-you remember-your sister left
us. 1t broke your mothers heart.
What it did to me matters not. There
was man who took your sister from
US He was bad man. Your sis
ter had a child by that bad man. Now,
Henri. should you ever meet him, kill
him!"
Yes, father"
Within the hour that the postman
had delivered the unforgiving ulti-
matum to the young woman petition
er servant handed her a card. stat
Ing that the caller waited in the hotel
parlor AS she entered a man arose
and deferentially bowed She flushed
Slightly che
Hasbrook, an old acquaintance of her
girihood, man who had loved her,
and whom she had loved.
Your father is dying you would
like to see him?"
Yes, sir, but he has absolutely de-
clined to receive me unless-unless-
L know" said Hasbrook. gently.
But that doesn't matter. If you'll
get your wraps we'll drive out to the
plantation.
But-but-Frankie-"
"Frankie?"
Yes, my little SON"
The man started as If struck, but he
recovered himself.
Bring him along" he said.
At the mansion, Jean barred the
way.
MY orders are strict" he said;
"she cannot enter"
But l insist she has a right to
come ih," said Hasbrook, sternly
Let us pass, and then if he wants to
order us out. We'll go, but we're GO
ing to see him first"
Father"
The young woman rushed to the in
valid and knelt at his bedside.
Who calls me father" demanded
the old man, harshly.
1T is Your daughter-Cecile-
can't you see me?"
Where's your husband?"
Here he is, Mr.. lie Croix," said
Hasbrook, calmly My name is
Charles Hasbrook. married your
daughter when she left home some
years ago"
The proof, sir-the proof! Why
didn't you let me know before?
There's some trickery here"
Il understood you objected to ne
on grounds affecting my honor" said
Hasbrook, taking desperate chances.
and told Cecil never to mention my
name in letter she wrote you"
BY gad That has the right ring"
said the old man. I'D have done
the same thing myself"
The invalid lasted until nearly
dawn. when Hasbrook having done all
he could, walked down the graveled
path. He was conscious that some
dark figure was fitting about the trees
and bushes. going in the same direc-
ton. Supposng 1t was one OF the
dogs he paid but little attention till
the figure blocked his way at the gaee
Then ne recognized the grotesquely
misshapen form Of man. who seemed
10 be all head and arms Hasbrook
attempted 20 step to one side. but his
enemy leaped at hirl like a whirlwind.
clutched him with death grip about
the throat and bore him 10 the earth.
He couldn't cry out. and his arms
seemed paralyzed The hunchback
melt on his breast and maintained his
grip OF steel tn all was over.