The times-herald. [volume] (Burns, Harney County, Or.) 1896-1929, 1915-04-03
CHAPTER XIV.
Chanssline.

In the vague. chill gray OF that dull
and dosolate dawn. Judith stirred abs
ruptly ON the couch OF sleepless
night and with the rapidi,y Of one
who has arrived at a settled purpose
after long period Of doubt and per
ploxity. rose and bathed and dressed
herself In negligee.
In the adjoining room she could hear
small. s,ealthy NOTES.-THE sounds
made by her sister moving about and
preparing against the unguessable mo-
ment when her rescue would be at,
tempted. according 20 the information
conveyed In that midnight message.
For chance had conspired with her
Insomnia TO station Judith In the re-
cess OF her darkened window. idly
viewing tho gaunt framework Of the
unfinished building from an angle
which, when Alan edged out along the
girder. showed him plainly In silhou.
cite against the sky.
In Judith's eyes his Identity was un.
mistakable, She had hardly needed
tho nightglasses which presently she
brought TO bear upon him at the mo.
ment when ho was laboriously inditing
his mesaage-while grim death stalked
him from behind.
Sho had seen him throw tho watch
and had heard the double thump OF It's
Impact with the wall and noor OF
Roses bedchamber.
And she had witnessed with wildly
beating heart that duel In the air
able To surmise It's outcome only from
the fact that the victor spared the life
OF the vanqulshed.
Tho clock was striking ak as she
loft her room: across the street work.
ingmen were streaming into the build.
lng 10 begin tho labors OF the day.
Brushing unceremoniously past tho
drowsy and Indifferent guard In the
corridor outside the door to Roses
room. Judith turned the key that re-
mained IN the lock on the outside. re-
moved Il. entered, and locked the door
behind her.
without any surprise shs found her
sister already dressed 10 the point OF
NShbbb wv bbtbf tAImNHtbf
Rendered haif-frantic by this unex.
pected interruption. threatsninR as Il |
did the perilous scheme that Alan had
Rose greeted her sister with |
a countenance at once gghast and
What do you want?" she demanded
tenaely.
ITO come to an understanding with
YOU" Judith told her coolly.
There IL no understanding possible
between us: you know that 40 well as
l."
yet one there must be-"
Il insist that you leave this room at
Dnce!"
Insist by all means-and be
damned! ] may leave this room-and
may not. dear little sister. But one
of us will never leave II AlIye.r
with q start OF terror. Rose shrank
back from this strange, wild thing
hat wore the very shape and sem.
Dlance Of herself
What do you meant You cannot
mean to murder me IN cold blood,
IudlthY"
Not II" Judith laughed harshiy.
but. since II has pleased Destiny 10
iecree that we must both love one
Destiny decide between us
md bear the blame OF murderi" II
Judith"
"One moment" Crossing to q aida
able. Judith took up a glass from n
ray that held a silver ater.pitcher.
md returned with II TO tho table that
coupled tho middle Of tho noor. Al the
anne time she opened . hand I'LL then
ast clenched and DISCLOSED 0 small ,
lue bottle with red label shriekinx
he warning "PolsoNi" Ia
"strychnine," she explained com.
osedly. "in solution" And emptied
he bottle into the glass.
A measure OF courage returned 10
lose. DO you expect 10 be able 10 =
lake. me drink thatf" she demanded
mot but Destiny. " Il willi Sea
ere" From a pocket OF her dressinK. y
own Judith produ, cd a sealed deck OF
laying cards. Let these declare the
Ill OF Destiny toward Us. / will break a.
10 seal. shuffie the cards. and deal" :
le explained. suiting action TO word.