Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1920-02-24


and manner came slowly up the hill
that brought the distant town of Win
ton In view. There was something
rad and sombre In his present mood,
Il seemed, for In a profoundly medita-
tive and detected way he kept his eyes
fixed steadfastly upon the ground I'M
III he reached the apex of the hill.
In the distance was the town.
Coming from its direction was horse
and rider rapidly nearing the only
habitation in near proximity.
The Half Way house, and that Is
Mercy Langdon." uttered the man In
great surprise and he started for
ward. reached the old structure In adj
vance OF the girl on horseback, nodded
gravely as she leaned from the sad
die and clasped his hand with mani
fest warmth and feeling and he helped
Ia dlsmount and silently helped her
10 a bench on the dismantled porch.
1--WE had better sit In the shade"
he suggested "She did not come with
your and his eyes scanned the face
of the elder sister OF the woman he
loved. full Of eager longing.
1T Is better so, Roger" spoke Mercy
Langdon. at would be cruel to her,
It could do you no good. You don't
know how sorry / feel for you both"
and the gentle eyes were filled with
tears. "She has sent the letters and
your presents" and Mercy extended
small package.
The young man accepted II with
quivering frame, drew from his pocket
similar packet, pressed his lips TO
II I'm reverent way, and averted his
face TO hide his poignant emotion. The
woman regarded him pltifully as she
said:
Don't take II so hard, Roger. II
you had only returned six months
since. as was arranged, as Gladys
counted on. Your absence, your
silence complicated situation already
bad and sad enough"
at was no fault of mine" declared
Roger. II had to stick to my post In
that far South American country TO
!
A lasting wet spell prevented even
the transmission OF mail. But oh
Mercy, II breaks my heart to realize
that Gladys is compelled, yes, forced
to marry man whom she despises
that. | am doomed to lose the only
woman have ever loved"
"And she loves you still-and always
will" said Mercy. "You know how II
all came about. Before our Uncle
Robert Ward went to the far North
TO look after his mining interests, his
secretary. Alvin Glassner, as you
know, sought to win Gladys. lie re-
turned half a year ago with the story
OF the death of Uncle Robert In
snowsllde. II was terrible blow TO all
OF US. The proof of Uncle Roberts death
was very clrcumstantial and the court
accepted II as valid. Then Glass
ner revealed the last will OF our Uncle.
Z What baleful influence he eXerted
over our relative do not know but the
will left his estate Jointly to GLADYS
and Glassner. provided they married"
Roger Breen. But how could Gladys
sell herself for money!
you utterly misjudge herl" cried
, Mercy, with spirit. you were not here.
r and no word from you. Glassner
worked out his designs insidiously. lie
brought TO light the fact that father
who had been previously relieved
through the bounty OF Uncle Robert
would have 10 become disgraced
bankrupt II he aid not receive imme-
I date financial help. which he could
give. At last fathers selfish pleadlngs
! Influenced Gladys. The die was cast
Broken heartedly she consented to
promise to marry Glassner, who almost
proved to her that you were false or
dead. II Is too late 10 falter, for
( Glassner has in some way got father
into his power and under constant
dread of what he may do, II Gladys
retracts her pledge. oh. Roger what
was thatT"
/. II was a groan, clear and distinct,
and It came from the interior Of the
old battered structure.
Some wayslde tramp, probably"
J. carelessly spoke Roger. 'The old ruin
i Is favorlte camping spot for that
!, ilk."
The sound was repeated. The ac-
cents expressed not WEAKNESS or SOM
Y Violence, but apparent pain. Both
= arose to their feet The gentle hearted
n Mercy chung to Rogers arm as she
, lmplored him TO investigate further.
Y They crossed the threshold Of the open
n doorway to make out form stretched
= across a broken down bench.
1 Come Help! You klnw me
n Mercy-Roger
e To the Amusement Of the intruders
the tones. though fairly lncoherent
l. were familiar. They peered closer.
I ooh. Rogeri" gasped Gladys. 'It
u II Uncle Robert 2"
=" "Yes, yes" painted the old man who
was arrayed In rags and too weak Ia
arse 81 got this far and my strength