The Monmouth inquirer. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1865-1933, 1925-07-30

and tenderness IN the little word
it was less said to him than flung at
the other woman defiantly.
AS the best means of solving the
enigma he did what was asked Of him.
We'll, it's an ugly story to tell
two girls" he said, but perhaps I
had better tell it. since seem to
have upset you both so much, and then
we can put it quite out of our minds
Seven years ago / was on walk
ing tour in Wales. / lost my way, and
wandered about on the hillside for
couple Of days, very tired and
hungry and wet, and frightened, too;
for, as you know, many poor fellow
has been lost on those nils and never
found again.
AT the end of the second day I saw
light at the foot Of the hill. and
made for it straight through the pour
ing rain. It came through an open
French window, and stumbled across
to it, and stood paralyzed by what
saw, not quite sure whether was
off my head and only imagining it.
There was room Like this-ex-
actly like this. color of the walls.
furniture, everything. Two men were
talking, a gentleman and his servant
don't remember the exact words.
but the servant had been caught rob-
bing his master, and was defytng him,
saying he would have the money one
way or another; threatening to expose
HIM if he didn't give up large sum
of money.
1.-THE master protested, almost en-
treated, spoke of his marriage next
day, and of the young girl who would
be ashamed and heart-broken If 1t
were known that her brother was
thief and forger. I have made re-
stitution!' he cried. Paid back every
penny. The whole thing is hnshed up
Don't expose mel
Then give me that $4,000 in
your desk cried the servant
My sisters dowry. and be shamed
in her eyes?' cried the master. You
are asking me to choose between one
disgrace and another
q was leaning up against the
window. struggling to speak. But
could not; was too far gone with
fatigue and hunger.
The two men struggled together.
The master snatched a revolver from
the cable and fred, whether meaning
to shoot himself or the villain who
would have blackmailed him do not
know
II didn't remember any more after
that. l must have gone OF my head.
and wandered back up the mountain
again Next day a search party OF my
friends found me. had long illness.
When l got about again I found
the inquest was over The verdict had
been murder against some person or
persons unknown I inquired, and
found that the servant who was sup
posed to have been wounded in his
masters defense had been given up
by the doctors.
The door slowly opened. staid
voice said:
Dinner is served, miss"
Then the staid voice choked itself in
an inarticulate cry. and the speaker
stood motionless within the doorway.
staring at Marks reflection in the
mirror.
1.-THE blackmailer!" cried Mark,
turning quickly toward the door. 1.-THE
blackmailerl"
And old Adams. too terrified to
move, stood muttering:
THE man who saw US come at
lasti"
Madge. holding her lovers hand
fast. began to pour out incoherent ex-
plantations; Ruth. whittier than ever
with excitement. confronted Adams
THE truth" she demanded. "The
truth at oncel"
And in the. excitement of his terror
he told it.
Knowing that the $4,000 COM
posing her dowry was in the house
that night. he had tried to steal 1t.
and. detected by his master. had
threatened to expose a secret and
long-atoned-for crime if it were not
given to him. He did not know IL
his master had intended to shoot him
or himself. and had made up the story
of the unknown assailant from whom
he tried to rescue his master, lest he
should be accused OF the murder him
self; and his own serious wound had
confirmed the story.
At the end of the narrative Ruth
turned to Mark for advice.
Can l do anything to himg" she
asked.
Il think not" he said. Il don't
know much law, but fancy you could
do nothing. And if you did,
He hesitated.
Il see. My brother would be ex-
posed. after ali. Let him go. He
will keep silent for his own sake.
And we"-turning remorsefully to
Madge I'VE have been miserable all
these seven years in vain"
mo. not in vain!s cried Madge
aye u, hod not hs.ov, roirnroi,lo T MIGHT