Cheyenne record., 1915-06-03
bOpP, WIEAD 3 COMRAND


Ostrander. under no circumstances
ever marry the daughter of John SEQ
vile. I should think you would see
that for yourself" ----.+.
But II John should be proved to
have suffered wrongfully? If he should
be shown to have been innocent?"
His rebuke was quick, instant. With
force and earnestpess which recalled
the courtroom he replied:
Madam, your hopes and wishes
have misled you. Your husband was
guilty man; as guilty man as any
Judge ever passed sentence upon"
But he swore the day I last Wis
tied him in the prison, with his arms
pressed tight about me and his eye
looking straight into mine as you are
looking now, that he never struck that
blow. did not believe him then;
there were too many dark spots in my
memory Of old lies premeditated and
destructive of my happiness; but l
believed him later, and I believe him
now"
Madam, this is quite improbable.
A jury Of his peers condemned him as
guilty and the law compelled me to
pass sentence upon him. The inev-
table must be accepted. I have said
my last word"
But not heard mine," she painted.
For me to acknowledge the inevitable
where my daughters life and happi-
ness are concerned would make. me
seem a coward in my own eyes. Helped
or unhelped, with the sympathy or
without the sympathy Of one who I
hoped would show himself my friend,
shall proceed with the task to which
have dedicated myself. You will
forgive me, Judge. You see that Johns
last declaration of innocence goes fur
ther with me than your belief, backed
as it is by the full weight of the law"
Gazing at her as at one gone sud
denly demented, he said:
II fail to understand you, Mrs.-I
will call you Mrs. Averill. You speak
Of q task. What task?"
'The only one 1 have a heart for
the proving that Reuther is not the
child of willful murderer; that an
olACl IlldA ulu LlS ucou lOl WHICH UC
suffered. can do it. feel confident
that can do it; and If you will not
help me-"
Help you! After what have said
and reiterated that he is guilty, guilty.
guilty?"
Advancing upon her with each repe-
ton Of the word, he lowered before
her, an imposing, almost formidable
figure. She faced again his anger
which might we'll be righteous, and
with almost preternatural insight bold
1y declared:
You are too vehement to quite con-
vince me, Judge Ostrander Acknowl-
edge it or not, there is more doubt
than certainty in your mind; a doubt
which ultimately will lead you to help
me. Then my way should broaden
way, at the end Of which 1 see
united couple-my daughter and your
son. Oh, she is worthy Of him." the
woman broke forth, as he made an
other repellent and imperative ges-
ture, TASK anyone in the town where
we have lived"
Abruptly and without apology for
his rudeness, Judge Ostrander turned
his back, then with a quick whirl about
which brought him face to face with
her once more. he impetuously asked:
Madam, you were in my house this
morning. You came in through the
gate which Bella had left unlocked.
Will you explain how you came to do
this? Did you know that he was going
down street, leaving the way open be-
hind him? Was there collusion be-
tween you?"
Her eyes looked clearly into his.
She felt that she had nothing to dis
guise or conceal.
Il had urged him to do this Judge
Ostrander. had met him more than
once in the street when he went out
to do your errands, and l used all nv
persuasion to induce him to give me
this one opportunity of pleading nv
cause with you. He was your devoted
servant, he showed it in his death. but
he never got over his affection for
Oliver. I had listened to what folks
said. had heard that you would receive
nobody; talk to nobody. Bella was INV
only resource"
He was scrutinlzing her keenly. and
Tor the first time understandingly.
Whatever her station, past or present
abe was certainly M ordIn.r,,