The state herald., 1916-01-07
CHAPTER XVII.
The Curtain Lifted.

'uO S0VtAW b-ukGbs
1t was dark when Mr.. Black came
into Shelby. and darker still when he
rang the bell of Judge ostrander's
house. But 1t 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 dlsconcerting.
I've not seen him. He admits no.
body. When enter the library. he re-
treats to his bedroom. have not
even been allowed to hand him his
letters. put them on his tray when
carry in his meals
Il 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"
When she had heard him through.
she looked about the room they were
in. with 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. II was a portrait OF divers
mother.
II am disappointed" she murmured
In bitter reflection to herself. Il did
not expect Oliver to clear himself, but
did expect him to face his accusers
II only for his fathers sake. What am
| to say now to the 1udge?"
Nothing tonight. In the morning
We will talk the whole subject over.
must FIRST explain myself to An.
drews. and. II possible. learn his In
tentions: then shall know better
what to advise"
-Did the officer you met on your
return from Tempest lodge follow you
to Shelby7"
Il have not seen him"
That is bad. He followed Oliver"
1T was to be expected"
"oliver Is in Canadaf"
Undoubtedly.
(which moars-'
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 = silence followed.
during which such entire stiffness
rested upon the house that q similar
thought rose In both minds. Could Il
be that under this same roof. and only
separated from them BY a partition.
there brooded another human being
helplessly awaiting Z 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 q
presence had passed between them;
and when Mr.. Black rose. as he very
soon did. II was with an evident dread
Of leaving her alone with this thought.
They were lingering yet In the hall.
the good nigh faltering on their lips,
when suddenly their eyes flashed to.
gcther In mutual question. and Deb.
orah bent her ear toward the street
An automobile was slowing up
s,opping-htopping before the gatesi
Deborah turned and looked nj Mr.
Black. Then the bell rang. Never
had II sounded so shriii and pcnetrs,.
Ing. Never had II rung quite such a
aummons through this desoiate house.
Rccoiling. she made u motion OF 70.
treaty
Go" she whispered. -openi Z
cannot"
Quickly he obeyed. She aesfd him
pass out and down the walk. and
through the first gate. Then ther.
came silence. followed by the open
Ing OF the second gate. Then. u sound
Ike snothercd greetings. followed by
quickly advancing steps and a voice
she knew,
How s my fathcrf Ia he seii' .
cannot enter tiii know"
II was oliycr'-come from som, dis.
tnnt station. or from some other line
which he had believed unmatched
Tumuliuoua Aa her thoughts we're. she
dared not induig. In them for a mo.
mcnt. or slye way 20 gratitude or any
other emotion. There were words 60
be said.-worda which mus, be uttered
on III. instant aud with np much i'm.
pcriouhncsa M his own.
Throwing the door wide. she called
down the steps:
Yes, he IA we'll Com. IN. Mr.. os
ifand.r. and jou. too. Mr. Black.
Instructions hayo been given me BY
the judso. which I mus, deliver a,
once. He expects you. Oliver" abe |
went on. an the two men stepped In |
lie bado m. say 10 you Immediately
upon your entrance that much M hc |
would like to be on hand 10 gree, you.
he cannot see you tonight For 10.
night nt least. and up To a certain hour
tomorrow. you are 10 keep your own
counsel When certain parsons whose
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