Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1918-12-25
b. VICTOR REDdFFE

ner. --.' .
Rolfe had lived with Warne not far
from the Grey home, aid after the fire
episode they became yefdtable mem-
bers of the Grey family group. Warne
was somewhat Of mystery, even to
ROffe. He seemed to have a small In
come. There were days, however, when
Warne shut himself In his room and
wrote for hours. He never revealed
to Rolfe the character OF this intense
application. He was OF fra1f physIqE Il
Often, even, when visitor at the ENe.
home, he would be overcome by sud-
den weakness and would be obliged to
lie down on q couch.
On such occasions Burton would look
distressed and anxious and Luella
would hang over the sick man with
gentle and helpful solicitude. The
gratitude she felt towards Warne for
all he had done for Burton inspired
her TO do for his rescuer as she would
for her own brother.
In this, mistakenly, Rolfe read the
blossoming of mutual love.
One day Burton gravely announced
to Rolfe that he and Warne were 60
ing away. There may be no occasion
for ALARM" he said, "but I have con-
suited specialist, who says that
Warne must rough 1t in the open air up
among the far Canadian pineries.
Warne has consented to 60, and am
to accompany him. Rolfe, you love
this man as do, you are true friend
Of our little family. Mother suggests
that you take a room In the house.
You will look after mother and sister
while am gone?'
II covct the trust, and thank you
for choosing me-" responded Rolfe
with feeling.
"Rolfe," said Warne later, ''you have
heard that I am going north, chasing
health. When you move to the Grey
home I want yeu to take charge of
that little trunk I have always kept
in my room. Should anything happen
to me, make you my legatee. Its con.
tents will interest you, and may bene-
At you"
+:Don't talk of all this" pleaded
Role with sincere emotion. 'sYou are
going to come back. rugged and we'll"
"And II l d." said Warne, II feel
sure that by that time you will have
reached your goal with your new pic
ture. It was an inspiration on your
adapting Luella as your model"
Warne spoke of Miss Grey so fal nil
iarly that Rolfe doubted not they were
engaged. Rolfe had not met with much
success with his pictures in the past:
now he had chosen a strong theme
in which the counterfeit presentment
Of Luella was the central figure.
Then there began the ordeal Of a
man, strong of heart In fidelity and
service In behalf Of those he cherished,
yet daily suffering poignantly because
Of his chosen environment.
At the end Of six months there came
terrible news. A newspaper telegram
announced the death Of party of
overlanders lost In a landslide, and,
the names Of Adrian ,Warne and Bur-
ton Grey were in the list. Now came
the test Of the true man for Rolfe.
He was son to the anguished mother.
brother to the bereaved sister. His
treasured picture promised popularity
and value. He sold 1t for half its price
to carry along the family. -.
One day he opened the old trunk
Warne had intrusted to his care. With
in he found nearly dozen manu-
scripts. They were the result OF
Warne's secret labors, novels Of a high
order. Within month willing pub
Usher was found. Within two the name
Of Adrian Warne was familiar TO a
vast reading clientele.
1t was nearly year to day when
into the Grey home. bronzed, bearing
signs of hardships and deprivations,
Warne and Burton entered. - There
were hours o. Wild Joy, Of stories of
marvellous escapes, Of restored health
for Warne, who had come back to CIV
ilization to be greeted by both fortune
and fame. - ..,s ,zs7s..s.zs-
II am going away he told Rolfe
later: 'ebut i shall never 4ufxet you,
dear, loyal friend, or these others whc,f
have given me love and service. i was
going back to my wife. - nt,et
"Your wife!' gasped Rolfe. eros.
Eyes. Her purse-proud father1e un-
parted us because I was poor ano her
idler and On invalid, Is dead. She rent
written me she IL proud Of my tart It
and surely happiness beckons me orr
my way" -. -
'Did-did Miss Grey know Of this1'
inquired Rolfe.
always. Why. mani 1 see 1t all.
You thought was interested In that
direction? Absurd II you had lit
tie more confidence in your innate
merit, you would have seen that she
loved you all along. Do you doubt
met Go and ask her" -
Which Dayton Rolfe did, and found
Adrian Warne to be true prophstl
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