Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1916-11-08
vi.

Five hours before, the man Who was
hurting himself furiously after the
rapidly retreating train had driven
calmly through h city, from the pier
Of the White Star Line to the apart
ment Of a man whom he had met
abroad, and who had offered him the
use Of it during his absence. The rooms
were in the fourth story Of a fine apart
ment house. The returning exile noted
with satisfaction the -irreproachable
ne%ighborhood, as he slowly descended
from the carriage, paid his fee, and en-
tered he door, to present his letter of
introduction to the janitor in charge.
His first act was to open the steamer
trunk which he had brought with him
In the cab. and talk therefrom his we'd
ding garments. These he carefully ar
ranged on folding hangers and hung in
the closet, which was otherwise empty
"a " for a few boxes piled on the high
shelf.
Their he fastened to the telephone
and communicated with his best
Jefferson Hathaway; told him the boat
was late arriving at the dock, but that
directions concerning errands he
would like to have done. and agreed to
be at h church a half-hour earlier than
the time set for the ceremony, to be
shown just what arrangements a
been made. He was told that his bride
was feeling very tired and was resting,
and agreed that it would be as well
not to disturb her; they would have
time enough to talk afterwards: there
really wasn't anything to say but what
he had already written. And he would
have about all he could do to get there
on time as it was. He asked It Jeffer-
son a called for the ring he had or
dered and II the carriage would be sent
for him in time and then without for
malities closed the interview. He and
Jefferson were not exactly ond of one
another. though Jefferson was the be-
loved brother Of his bride to be.
He hung up the receiver and a for
q brandy and soda to brace himself
for the coming ordeal which was to
bind to him q woman whom for years
he had been trying to get in his power
and whom he might have loved IL she
had not dared to scorn him for the
evil that she knew was in him. At
last he had found a way to subdue her
and bring her with her ample fortune
to his feet and he felt the exultation of
conqueror as he went about his
preparations for the evening.
He made q SNUG and leisurely toilet,
With a smile Of satisfaction upon his
flabby face. He was naturally q selfish
person and had always known how to
make other people attend to all bother
some details TOR him while he enjoyed
himself. He was quite comfortable and
self complacent as he posed q moment
before the mirror to smooth his mus
tache and note how well he was look
ing. Then he went to the closet for his
coat.
It was most peculiar, the way 1t hap
pened. but somehow, az he stepped INTO
! that closet to take down his coat, which
hung at the back where the space was
widest, b opening at the wrist Of his
shirt sleeve caught for just an instant
in the little knob OF the closet latch.
The gold button which held the cuff to
the wristband slipped ito hold. and the
man was Z almost q once. but the
angry twitch he had made at the SLIGHT
detention bad gtven tho door an I'M
petus which ret It silently moving on
its hinges. ut was characteristic OF
George Hayne that he RI always linz
patient OF the slightest detention,) He
had scarcely Put his hand upon his
wedding coat when q soft steel click.
followed by utter darkness, warned him
that his impNtjsnce had entrapped hin.