Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1916-03-08
CHAPTER Xxx.
CHECKMArE.

was honestly glad to get back to
the office next morning, for / felt the
need of Notwithstanding work-to
take my mind off the problem of
Worthington Vaughan's death, and es-
peciaily to relieve me from the de-
applicable conduct had plunged me.
When l thought Of her 1t was with
Impotence and aversion. for l felt that
she had deserted to the enemy and
turned her back upon the man who
loved her, in the hour of his utmost
need.
AS saw it, her conduct was little
short OF heartless. She had summoned
her lover to her side, and he had come;
instantly and without hesitation, with
out pausing to consider the danger to
himself. he had answered her call; in
consequence of that high devotion, he
was now in prison, charged with a
dreadful crime; but, instead of hasten
ing to him, instead of standing by his
side and proclaiming to the Whole
world her belief in his innocence, she
deliberately stood aloof. 1t was almost
as if she herself believed in
his guilt The world, at least.
could draw no other inference.
But she had done more than that.
She had abandoned herself to the fate
from which he had tried to save her.
Her presence at Silva's side could have
only one meaning-she had become his
disciple, had accepted his faith, was
ready to follow him. The thought
turned me sick at heart. for her rs Well
as for Swain, but for Swain most of
all, for he had o nothing to merit
such misfortune, while she, at least.
had chosen her road and was following
it with open yes. Small wonder that
l thought of her with nge and re-
sentiment, yes, and with a vague dis
4 r,yuf fnp. NJ thu ,oru hork Of nv mind
was the suspicion that sne had been a
decoy to lure Swain to his destruction.
l threw myself feverishly into the
work which had accumulated at the
office. In order to tear my mind away
from thoughts like these; but when
case with him. and l have seldom seen
a man more puzzled or astonished.
II shall defend Swain. of course" !
concluded. land I'm hoping that some
thing in his favor will turn up before
long. but ! haven't the rcmOtest idea
fall. and meanwhile I'm afraid he'll
have to stay in jail"
out" agreed my partner. But the
girls danger IL much more serious
Can't we do something for her?"
It's difficult TO do anything against
her WILL" ] pointed out. Besides. I've
lost interest In her a little"
Don't blame her too much-we must
do everything we can. Since she isn't
III " shell have to nave u guardian
appointed. He might do something"
Il had thought Of that: I'll suggest
10 her tonight that she let me arrange
for n guardian. But II we walt for a
court Ia take action. Pm afraid wei
be too late. swain seems to think thai
tho danger is very pressing"
AT least we ran make n more eff.
fort" said Mr.. Royce. I'm have my
wife drive out to nee her this afternoon
Perhaps she can do something" and hi
went to the phone tn max The ar.
rAngeMentx
turned back to my work. but founc
myself unable ~ axe II up. for m,
conscience tOld ma that ] ought to re,
Swain. make sure that ne was com
Portable. do what ] could 10 relieve
hts anxiety, II was not Z pleasan'
task. fOr should have 70 admit m.
failure. b At asst I put my worl
aside. made my way reluctantly to tn
T0mbs. and asked TO sse him.
They had gtven him . well lightet
cell on tina upper tier. and some OF hi
own things had beer brought In {,
soften ~ bsrensss. but my Nrst glance