Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-11-14

! About o'clock We'll find you uncon
scious below the cliffs where you fel
in the darkness. Eh?"
Despite his pain the sheriff grinned
Il guess that's as good as the mex
lie," he acquiesced. You fight fair
| professor"
Then answer me a fair question
What were you doing at Hedgerow
house tonight?'
why. you see," drawled the Off
cial, II saw you fishin' that stream
and it come to my mind that you was
castin' around for more than trout
that wasn't there. But 1 didn't hard
| ly think you'd come so soon, and
was asleep when the noise of the
spade on the coffin woke me-"
Bad work and clumsy" commented
| Kent, with a scowl. Come along
! My car will carry three. Sedgwics
can sit on the floor. Good night, Mr.
Blair. All aboard, Frank"
There was no answer.
What became of Sedgwick?" de.
manded Kent
He was here half a minute ago
I'll swear to that" muttered the Sher-
iff
Kent stared anxiously about him.
Frank, Frank he called half under
his breath.
Not too loud" besought Alexander
Blair.
The clouds closed over the moon.
Somewhere in the open twig cracked
Sedgwick had disappeared.
fierce in Sedgwick's heart at the CLEAN
of a candle in Hedgerow house. Silent
" he laid his revolver beside his spade
and slipped into the shadows.
He heard Kent's impatient query.
He saw him as he picked up the re-
linquished weapon and examined it.
and, estimating the temper of his
friend. was sure that the scientist
would not stop to search for him. In
this he was right Taking the sheriff
by the arm. Kent guided him through
the creek and into the darkness be-
yond. Mr. Blair, walking with heavy
steps and fallen head, made his way
back to the house. Sedgwick heard
the door close behind him. A light
shone for a tine in the second story.
1t disappeared With infinite caution,
rear of the house. and skirting the
north wing. stepped forth in the bright
moonlight, the prescience of passion
throbbing wildly in his breast.
She sat at the window, head high to
him, powered in roses. Her face was
turned slightly away. Her long, fine
hands lay. inert. on the sill. Her
face. purity itself in the pure moon
4, o,-ir,
and strain, a flower glowing through
a mist.
With a shock of remembrance that
was almost Srotesque, Sedgwick real
lied that he had no name by which
to call her. So he called her by the
name that is Loves own.
She did not change her posture. But
her lips parted. Her lids dropped and
quivered. She was as one in lovely
dream.
He stepped toward her and spoke
again.
YOU" she cried. and her voice
breaking from a whisper into thrill
of pure music. You"
Bending. he pressed his lips on her
hands and felt them tremble beneath
his kiss. They were withdrawn and
fiuttered for the briefest moment Mt
his temples. Then she spoke. hurried
ly and softly.
"You must goat once. At once"
When ! have just found you?"
IF you have any care for me-for
my happiness. for my good name-go
away frcm this house of dread"
"What?" said Sedgwick sharply. "Of
dread? What do you do here. them"
suffer-" said she. Then. bit her lips.
mo. no. l didn't mean it. 1t is only
that the mystery of it l am I'M
strung and weak. Tomorrow all Will
be right. Only GO"
II will" said Sedgwick firmly. And
you shall go with me-"
II? Where?"
He caught her hand again and held
it to his heart-'To
See the gold air and the silver fade
And the last bird fly into the last night"
he whispered.
DON'T she begged. Not that! 1t
brings back that week too poignantly. .
oh. my dear; please, please go"
Listen" ne said. Heart of my
heart. | don't know what curse hangs .
over this house. but this | do know.
lUdI CduuoI ituNe YOU Helt- NOlhe
with me now / will find some place
for you tonight. and tomorrow we will
be married"
With n sharp movement she shrank
back from him.
Married. Tomorrow The words
seemed TO choke her. Don't you know
who | ann"
Fear chilled his mounting blood as
X eIit's analysis of the probabilities
.ame back to him.
IF you are married already" he
said unsteady, tit would be better
or me that Kent had let him shoot"
"Who:" she cried. What has been
passing here? You have been in dam
serE"
What does it matter:" he returned.
What does anything matter but
"Hark" she broke in, spasm of ter