South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-04-30

his fingers closed and opened spasmOdically
But by an effort that left him sick and dazed he
controlled his passion. bit his lip till the blood
5ame and turned sharply on his heel. The crash
OF wind-beaten surf on the reefs below the cliff
was like Cyclopean thunder.
Il must keep myself in hand" he muttered.
God. help me- n let myself go-if remem-
be- everything-I1l 90: I'll go" He firmly in
tended 10 leave the field clear to this man who
had outrivalled him at every point. this sneak
Ing sarcastic cur who had robbed him OF for
tune and bride. He knew. no man better that
TO withdraw for a single moment the iron self
restraint that ne had learnt 10 place upon his
passions meant death for one or both and-he
had kept the slate clean. But he could endure
no longer He must go; it vitality neces-
sary. for half an hour before he had seen Bea-
trice Carmine. the woman who had Fate or
dained otherwise. might even new have been his
wife Beatrice Carmine, more beautiful than
ever. although his lovequickened eyes had been
shrewd to notice the half pathetic droop of her
mouth and the shadow Of unrest that covered
her face.
'Hi, Launcesterl" He walked sternly for
ward afraid to turn his head to the challenge.
He quickened his step. and heard the sound Of a
quick football in HIS rear.
'Iauncesterl Are you deaf?" Still he moved
on. looking neither to right nor left. aware that
a moments relaxation from his restraint might
precipitate disaster. And. walking thus, a
hand fell on his arm mean. narrow face peered
into his. With a curt exclamation he shook his
arm clear.
Getting high and mighty, Lancaster aren't
your"
Launcesters lips closed with a snap on the
unuttered word. silently but psssionately he
prayed for strength to survive this bitter ordeal.
But Fate was against him, as Fate had been
against him these many years. Carmine would
not give him chance the trivial soul Of the
swindler must have concrete evidence Of It's
victory over this strong, proud man who had not
stopped TO deceit even when the happiness and
welfare of HIS entire existence were at stake.
Here. stop. man. stop-one would think you
were walking for a wager. Might think, by
Jove! that Beatrice was waiting for you at the
end of the path. But she isn't was one too
many for voc there. Beatrice Is my wife-and
az happy as a queen. It's my special care in
life 20 see TO that. Little Beatrice, beautiful
Beatrlcel She's mine Her lips for my kisses
-gadi I did you in the eye that time"
He had been drinking. and the odor Of pung-
ent spirit strong on his hot breath. Dis
gusted at the fellows coarseness, Launcester's
face set like mint; but the petty boaster might
have taken warning from the restless tighten
ing Of the knotted hands that hung at his vic
Tins sides Those whom the gods destroy they
first make mad. and Carmine saw nothing Of
the pOrtentS
What. you won't speak, Come, no malice,
fph hoy M
more than 1 did. 1t was Ashy you know, your
association with that girl. Lancaster. In duty
bound had TO tell Beatrice; but I tried TO make
light OF It.. Il isn't for me 20 Judge another
mans fories; and the girl was pretty-yes. I
grant you that. admire your taste. must say.
But It was trihe-er-indiscreet to conduct
your amours in such public place. you know,
especially considering you were almost an en-
gagged man. One must keep an eye on the pos
sibilities, although no one could have expected
Beatrice TO happen along at the moment she
did"
You internal nar!" The words were forced
from between Launcester's teeth Try as he
might, he could not restrain them He was
strained beyond endurance, knowing now what
he knew II was given to him to see that all
had been cunningly arranged by this traitor,
who had masqueraded his friend. until the
time was ripe for him 10 strike telling blow.
"Oh. come now, don't show bad temper. Here
I an Offering TO make the dB1ende honorable
and you cut up like this. God! you'd better look
out. you know I'm a nasty man TO cross But
I'm not ungenerous I want 70 make you an
offer. Lancaster. a Jolly good one. considering
everything. IL isn't every man who'd give his
rival the entree 10 his home and let him asso
riate with his wife terms OF equality. But
I'm Offering you the chance. l want a capable
man TO take hold OF the property. and 1 couldn't
ask for a better one than you. Come 20 me as
my steward and I'll give you I've hundred a year
and the run OF the house. It's worth IT, IL only
for the chance OF seeing Beatrice occasionally.
Little Beatrice. you know. the woman YOU we're
in love With. my high-souled Lancaster. God!
I believe you're In love with her still damn
YOU" His manner had undergone a swift
change. there was latent snarl in his voice
Lancaster stopped short knowing, and care
less Of the fact now, that his patience had re-
ceived a blow that overwhelmed IT, IL was diff
cult enough 10 bear what had happened but 20
be tainted in this way human nature could not
endure
Leave Mrs. Carmine's name out OF IT," he
said sharply.
well. ] ike that, AS II couldn't speak Of