Williams news., 1915-08-19
CHAPTER XVII.
Tho Curtain Lifted.

Tho Curtain Lifted. It was dark when MT. Black came into Shelby, and darker still when he rang the bell of Judge Ostrander's house. But it was not late, and his agitation had but few minutes in which to grow, before the gate swung wide and he felt her hand in his.
 She was expecting him. There was no necessity for preliminaries, and he could ask at once for the judge and whether he was strong enough to bear | disappointment
 Deborah's answer was disconcerting. I've not seen him. He admits no- | body. When I enter the library, he re- treats to his bedroom. I have not even been allowed to hand him his | letters. put them on his tray when I l carry in his meals.''
 'T am afraid he never will hear from Oliver. The boy gave us the slip in the most remarkable manner. will tell you when we get inside" l When she had heard him through, she looked about the room they were in. with a lingering, abstracted gaze he hardly understood till he saw 1t fall with an indescribable aspect of sorrow upon picture which had late ly been found and rehung upon the wall It was a portrait of Divers mother
 "T am disappointed" she murmured in bitter reflection to herself. "I did not expect Oliver to clear himself, but did expect him to face his accusers if only for his fathers sake. What am to say now to the judge?" l Nothing tonight. In the morning we will talk the whole subject over I must first explain myself to An drews, and. if possible, learn his in- tentions; then I shall know better what to advise"
 Did the officer you met on your return from Tempest lodge follow you to Shelby?"
 '1 have not seen him."
 That is bad. He followed Oliver"
 Tt was to be expected"
 "Oliver is in Canada?"
 Undoubtedly"
 (Which means"
 Delay, then extradition. It's that fellow Flanagan who has brought this upon us. The wretch knows something which forbids us to hope"
 Alas, yes." And a silence followed, during which such entire stiffness rested upon the house that a similar thought rose in both minds. Could it be that under this same roof. and only separated from them by partition. there brooded another human being helplessly awaiting a message which would never come. and listening but how vainly, for the step and voice for which he hungered, though they were the prelude to further shame and the signal for coming punishment
 So strong was this thought in both their minds, that the shadow deep. ened upon both faces, as though a . presence had passed between them and when MT. Black rose, as he very soon did. 1t was with an evident dread of leaving her alone with this thought They were lingering yet in the hall the good night faltering on their lips when suddenly their eyes flashed to- , gether in mutual question, and Deb orah bent her ear toward the street , An automobile was slowing up stopping stopping before the gates!
 Deborah turned and looked at MT Black. Then the bell rang. Never had it sounded so shrill and penetrat ing. Never had it rung quite such a summons through this desolate house . Recalling. she made a motion of en treaty.
 "Go." she whispered. Open! cannot"
 Quickly he obeyed. She ..eard him ! pass out and down the walk, and . through the first gate. Then there came a silence. followed by the open ing of the second gate. Then, a sound like smothered greetings, followed by quickly advancing steps and a voice she knew:
 ,. How is my father? Is he well? 1, cannot enter till know"
 It was Oliver!-come from some dis ? tant station, or from some other line which he had believed unwatched
 Tumultuous as her thoughts were, she dared not indulge in them for a mo ment, or give way to gratitude or any | other emotion There were words tc , be said-words which must be uttered
 on the instant and with as much i'm
 periousness as his own. Throwing the door wide, she called , down the steps:
 Yes, he is well. Come in, Mr. Os trander, and you. too. MT Black Instructions have been given me by , the judge. which 1 must deliver al once. He expects you. Oliver" she went on, as the two men stepped in He bade me say to you immediately upon your entrance that much as he would like to be on hand to greet you
 he cannot see you tonight For to } night at least, and up to certain hou1 tomorrow. you are to keep your owr counsel. When certain persons whose names he has given me can be gotter ! together in this house, he will joir you, giving you your first meeting ir