Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 January 1912 — Untitled [ARTICLE]

for the sake «f honor, for the sake of duty, for toe sake of humanity,” lie paused and raised his own hand. “So help me God 1 !” he cried with teat, y* ~~ “But is tt necessary?” “Absolutely." “Why?” . “The cause of popular government is being fought out right here. The contest transcends in importance any political battle that has even been waged. If the government of and for and by toe people Is to be a success, we have to demonstrate it now or else go down. It may be forever. The people have a right to know what is baek of the Sachem society, where it gets Its enormous corruption fund. 1 should be a traitor, false to my duty, a betrayer. If I did not make public this knowledge that has come to me.” “It is all true,” she said at last “You say my father was here?” “Yes.” “He was very much agitated at some news that my brother brought him a short time ago. Does Livingstone know?” “He does. I told him." “Why?” “To give him an opportunity to withdraw from association with us in view of this attack.” “And what djd he decider’ “He decided to stay with me.” “And this is why you made me that offer of marriage now rather than later V’ “Yes. I ’ wanted you to feel, after you had this news, that while I alone knew it, I paid you the highest compliment that I could think of; that my heart was Irrevocably pledged to you whatever was to happen.” “That was kind of you. You have always been kind to me.” “I don’t see how you can say so after this.”. He pointed to the paper. “This," she replied, her eyes following his outstretched hand, “makes a great difference, doesn’t It?’’ “I don’t know. I suppose it will. It does not make any difference in me." “But don’t you see it makes it impossible for me if you— How could I? The enemy of my father!" “I don’t suppose you could,” be answered. “That is another reason why I .wrote when I did, because I was fearful that you would hate me when my agency in the unearthing of this was known; that you would receive no communication from me; that our acquaintance would be broken off; and I wanted you to know before it was too late all that was In my heart” “I am surprised,” said the woman, "that you could still continue to love the daughter of —" “Don’t say that!" quickly Interposed Gormly. ‘T don’t love you because you are anybody's daughter, but because you are yourself. I can’t trust myself to speak about it when I see you,” he continued, turning away, “and I could curse myself for ever having become involved in such a situation. I wish Ihere was some way out of It Sometimes I am minded to—” “There is no way out of It” said the girl quickly. “No, I suppose not” He turned away from her and began to pace the room with long steady steps. “Mr. Gormly,” she said at last “come here. Sit down there on the other side of the table. I want to see you.” Amazed, the man complied with her request. “Now tell me the whole solemn truth. You say my father was here with you before I came?” “Yes.” v “Does he know that you know?” “It was to see me about that that he came.” “Did he make some effort to Induce you not to publish these facts?” “Naturally.” “What was the effort?” “He argued with me.” “Is that all?” “He threatened retaliation.” “Is that all?” ‘1 think he even pleaded.” “And Is that all?” , “Yes.” said Gormiy, telling her hie Jirst lie, telling it bravelf, audaciously, even looking her straight In the eye without blenching. “Mr. Gormly,” returned the woman, “whatever he Is, my father Is not a fool.” / "His worst enemy would not so describe him.” “He knew that you were not a man who could be moved by threats or entreaties. You have demonstrated that you can be, in this campaign at least, Iron hard, Inflexible, Immutable. And there is no argument that any mortal man could use which could indtSCe -you to hold your hand. Isn’t that true?” “I—l am afraid so.” “What then did he propose to Influence you?” “Great heaven,” cried Gormly, “I have told you all that I will tell you; all that you have a right to know! Suffice It to say that he did not move me;” — w? • ~— V. “Mr. Gormly, I ask you, I Implore you, I adjure you, did my father offer me to buy your silence?" _ Gormly stared at her In ghastly bat ror. “You don’t answer,” said Miss Hal- . ——, UailC. = fr r* “Ha" (TO BE CONTINUED.)