The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1919-10-28
"A
Promise Kept
o<D
BY GENEVIEvE ULMAR

i
| Copyright. 1919. by the Western News.
| paper Union.)
1t was district where law and or
der prevailed only where the commu-
nifty centers showed numerical
strength. Outlawry was the rule where
reckless groups banded together along
the ranges. and family and tribal
feuds ran through two, and even three
generations.
It was at Acton that Reuben Lane
and his daughter Elsie lived. She was
the belle Of the county, In the full
bloom Of lovely maidenhood. Mr..
Lane was In his little one-story office
one evening when rough looking
man mounted on horseback dashed up
to the place, entered 1t, there was a
shot, the visitor came out swiftly,
leaped to the saddle, and was off In
fash.
''It's q murder |" announced the first
man summoned by the echo Of the
report, as he found Reuben Lane lying
lifeless beside his desk.
"And robbery" added another.
The dreadful news utterly crushed
Elsie. 1t was only after the funeral
that she regained composure and forti-
tude. Over that sunny face came a
cloud, into the depths Of her eyes
purpose. She was almost stern as
she said:
IAN eye for an eye, tooth for
TOOTH that was ingrained with my
dead father know what he would
have me do. will divide my fortune
and marry the man who will bring to
justice the cowardly assassin"
/ That day there appeared at the Of
fee of Lawyer Barton, the executor Of
the estate, a man who was consider
able Of mystery in the section. He
was known as Alvin Morse, and had
come to Acton about year previous.
He grew long beard that covered up
all OF his face except the bright. mag
netic eyes. He made his living by
hunting and acting as guide to pros
pectors and spectators looking for
iron and coal prospects. Rough look
ing, uncOuth, he entered the lawyers
Office with the bearing Of natural
athlete and man of courage.
81 just heard Of the killing Of Mr..
Lane" he said. II understand that
so far no trace of the murderer has
been reported. saw the sheriff. He
gave me two clews; the revolver drop
ped by the assassin, and description
of his horse. I have seen both be-
fore. know the man and am going
after him."
There was rustic, and for the first
time the visitor noted yelled figure
seated back in the shadow. His coon
/ skin cap was instantly dotted.
"You know the reward" spoke the
lawyer. "MiSS Lane here will divide
her fortune with the man who brings
her fathers murderer to justice and
will become his wife, If he so elects"
II shall ask no reward" returned AL
win Morse in clear, resonant tones.
"Any real man would be glad to be
Of service to a woman in distress. Mr..
| Lane was an honor, to the town and
| his death should be avenged"
eve have met before" spoke Elsie.
| ut was you who seized me to swing
with me from the river trestle Just in
| time to save me from an onrushing
| train"
"And get my own imperled self out
Of danger as WE'LL" lightly remarked
| Morse, but his heart was aquiver as
he recalled that dreadful, yet delicious
moment when, clasping her dainty
form, he swung hundred feet over
yawning abyss.
Then two weeks passed by and one
day a fOrlorn travel-worn figure in.
deed entered the office of the lawyer.
"The murderer Is in the town JAIL"
announced Morse quietly, "but dying.
He drew his revolver on me :; 1t caught
In his coat, but ! have what I prom
ised-l got your man."
81 must send for Miss Lane at once"
spoke Mr.. Barton. "The reward"
Morse held up silencins hand.
LET all that be forgotten" he said.
1.-THE money | would not take. AS to
the girl herself" and his voice lowered
to tenderness and longing, 81 am not
Of her grade. am fugitive from JUS
tice charged with robbing bank up
North, of which / was cashier. It
was some burglar but | was accused
unjustly and fed, broken man, to
hide in this wilderness"
1t was a new Alvin Morse who star
tied the lawyer and Elsie Lane the
next morning as they sat In consuta-
ton. He was arrayed in new attire,
the thick beard was gone, youth, VI
vacity, intelligence, hope showed In
every feature of that handsome face,
and Elsie regarded him with height
ened color.
II have strange story to tell" mar
rated Morse. 81 felt a pity for the
prisoner, on account of his destitute
wife and child, and promised to see
that they were provided for. Then, as
he told of his many past criminal
deeds, he CHANGED to confess the bur-
glary of the bank where I was en-
plOyed He made written confession,