Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1914-07-28

"I know it."
Have you anything to hide from me
nowT
The eyes of the younger man stared
into the fire. The dancing flames cast
grotesque shadows on his bearded face
Il cannot give you my confidence" {"
he replied. II cannot, now"
Nelson. my measure of man is by
his integrity and his intelligence" Mr.,
Bryan urged. You have brains and
industry. Whether you were a found
Ling at birth or child of the streets In
the north will not weigh heavily in my
decision" His voice was kindly and
assuring.
my boy" he said, you must open
your heart to me. l cannot let nv
daughter undertake to share your life
with her eyes blindfolded. Tell her.
Tell her everything. She is of the
stamp of her dear mother She is a
young woman, but a brave and serious
one. She would countenance nothing
that would bring touch of dishonor
to her or to her parents"
"Tell-her" gasped Nelson.
Yes"
Molly entered the library. coming
from her mother. radiant with smiles.
She paused as she saw the pallor of
her lovers face and the serious look
upon her father's.
What is the matter? she demanded.
Mr.. Bryan rose from his chair.
Il shall leave you together for
awhile" he said as be left the room.
"Johnl"
With his name on her lips she went
to him, and he took her in his arms
and kissed her.
Let Us go outside on the piazza" he
said. II feel as though l should choke
In here. There is something | must
tell you
She turned from him and flung wide
a deep window. The night scowled at
them as they left the warm and light
ed room for the rain and the dark.
Il have something to tell you." he
repeated.
That you love me?" she asked.
Love your" he repeated. My heart
is torn with love for you"
Nothing else matters"
She crept to his side and cIasped his
hands in hers.
Your father wants to know who
am" he told her.
II know who you are. You are John
Nelson. my lover"
He wants to know whence l came"
From heaven-to me-" she answer
ed, with little laugh of content as
she kissed him.
From prison." he said. '1 am an
escaped convict. l was sent to prison
in the north for life. I was convicted
Of
Il know what you were convicted
Of" she whispered. smothering his lips
with her own. "You were convicted of
being too kind and too good 10 your
fellow man. Christ was so convicted"
The words fell solemnly from her
lips, and they startled Nelson.
81 was convicted of murder" he
said. "of murder in the second de-
gree. was innocent | was sentenced,
an innocent man, to life in prison. My
name is James Montgomery. and the
police seek me-"
She fell back from him for a mo-
ment the shadows enshrouding her.
But she did not leave him for long.
Her arms were again about his neck.
and her lips turned to his.
II knew that you had been hurt by
some one or something" she whisper
ed, pressing her cheek against his.
you do not need to tell me of your
innocence. | shall share your soFrows
and your joys Until death do us part"
'T have no moral right to marry
yos." he said.
"But you shall take me for your
wife" she cried. "I shall live In the
mountains with you and never leave
your side, and II they come for you
they shall never take you as long as
have a breath of life. They can't
have you, my sweetheart You are
mine until death"