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 V:„. ; 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 BY 
 
 EMELINE DAGGETT HARVEY 
 
 CHICAC.O 
 
 CHARLES H SEUCiEl. AND COMPANY 
 
 189a 
 
HP^pPi^ 
 
 COI'YKIUHT, 1892, 
 
 Hy Kmki.ink Daggett Harvbv. 
 
 
 O. 
 
 '<Le' 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 "Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold! 
 Bright and yellow, hard and cold, 
 How wide its agencies vary, 
 To save, to ruin, to curse, to bless. — Hood. 
 
 "Saint-seducing gold, "—Shakespeare. 
 
 In a quiet, old-faslo ed house in the suburbs of 
 Toronto on a late spring afternoon in 187—, three girls 
 sat busily sewing, and, after the fashion of girls, chat- 
 ting in a lively manner. 
 
 Nettie, the oldest, was of medium height, square in 
 build and plain in features, with light brown haix, and 
 light blue eyes. Helen, a tall girl of twenty, had the 
 same light brown hair, but her eyes were a fine hazel- 
 gray, large and friendly, honest, womanly eyes, that 
 helped to inspire courage and patience in all so fortu- 
 nate as to meet their honest glance. 
 
 Laura, the youngest, was a slender, graceful girl of 
 seventeen, perfect in form and feature, with great 
 liquid gray eyes, heavy masses of golden hair which 
 she persisted in loosely massing about her small shapely 
 head; in disposition gay, laughing, mischief-loving, 
 coquettish, but intentionally true. 
 
"Vi. 
 
 mmmmmmmmmim 
 
 m »w 
 
 GOLB DUST 
 
 The sisters possessed no marked intellectual endow- 
 ments, but were fair types of the average English girl 
 of the middle class. 
 
 QV Mr. Bassett was English by birth, but having 
 been brought up in the New England States of Amer- 
 ica, had acquired the "down east" vernacular. He had 
 returned to England when a young man and had there 
 married an English woman. When his youngest daugh- 
 ter was thirteen he had settled in Toronto, where they 
 had since enjoyed a quiet, homelike life upon the old 
 farm in the suburbs of the city. 
 
 They kept no servants, Helen and Nettie assisting 
 their mother about the house and dairy, with such 
 small tasks as could be e:cpected from their youngest 
 sister when she was in a "workish" mood. 
 
 Eben Bassett was yet hale and hearty, and able to 
 oversee his small farm, which yielded a good support; 
 but they occasionally took a couple of boarders to "help 
 out in the matter of dry goods for the women folks." 
 
 The girls seemed this afternoon to be in a state of 
 expectancy. Nettie in her slow fashion, sat swaying 
 back and forth in her rocking chair ; Helen sat bolt 
 upright and deftly plied her needle in a swift business- 
 like way as if to indicate plainly that her work was of 
 more importance than any expected guests ; and Laura 
 every now and then flung her work down to run to the 
 window or out upon thr porch that ran around the front 
 and sides of the pleasant old house, and looked out 
 from under shading hands at the long, winding road 
 that glistened white in the afternoon sunlight. 
 
 "Laura, you foolish girl, don't you know a 'watched 
 pot ever boils?'" asked Helen in a tone of gentle re- 
 buke. 
 
 "O, they're sure to come, and I mean to see them 
 jirst. I want to see how they look. Papi says the 
 
GOLD DUST 7 
 
 li«ht one is handsome. Allan I think he called him," 
 and Laura dropped upon the doorstep, and called to 
 her big dog '..no came bounding upon the porch. 
 
 "I wouldn't spend so much time looking for 'em: 
 they'd be sure to come just as soon, and your curiosity 
 will keep; its of amazing vigor and will last some time 
 yet " said Nettie in her drawling voice, while casting 
 a slanting look at her young sister as she half reclined 
 upon the doorstep alternately petting and teasing San- 
 cho. Nettie noticed, too, with a twinge of pardonable 
 envy how fair the girl was even to her eyes and thought 
 how much more so she must appear in the eyes of others 
 "My curiosity is very frank, and free to express itself," 
 returned Laura with a meriy laugh, "and your frank- 
 ness is as curious and free of expression," adding after 
 a pause: "I'm not afraid to see and be seen," and she 
 gave another laugh that had a saucy fling in its silvery 
 
 tones. 
 
 "True, and sometimes I am, especially after a long 
 tiresome day's work, and, then, I have never learned 
 to sit and stand in the same way you can ; it's not nat- 
 ural, I s'pose," and Nettie looked a shade quieter as 
 she administered the slow rebuke. 
 
 "O, I didn't mean that, you know I didn't," and she 
 gave 'the great head of her dog a pat that elicted another 
 doting look from his gentle eyes. 
 
 "But you can help from making poinded remarks, 
 quietly put in Helen, as she cast a quick look at Net- 
 tie's sombre face. 
 
 "There, Sancho, we're in disgrace again. Let's hie 
 us to the woods away," and seizing her sun-hat before 
 Helen could offer a remonstrance, she bounded down 
 through the wicket gate, and accompanied by her dog, 
 was soon lost to sight. 
 
 "She's only a child, you mustn't mind her, Nettie ; 
 
IBM 
 
 8 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "I know she's thoughtless," said Helen, as she watched 
 the flying figure of her sister almost enveloped in a 
 cload of gold-brown hair that glistened in the strong 
 sunlight, as Laura disappeared in the forest which 
 skirted the estate on the vest side. "She's only a 
 child, Nettie." 
 
 "She's old enough to know her advantages and make 
 much of them ; and she's vain of her pretty face, too," 
 answered Nettie in a constrained voice as she snipped 
 off her seam and re-threaded her needle. 
 
 "Ever so young a child knows if she's pretty in the 
 glass, and Laura has been flattered all her life. Strange 
 if she don't know and believe some of the things said 
 
 to her." 
 
 "But she's such a flirt; you know it as well as I do, 
 Helen. She'll bring up in some strange manner I'm 
 sure; pride always has a fall," with which doleful pro- 
 phecy Nettie left the room, followed by the wistful 
 glance of her sister Helen. 
 
 Helen was her mother's "right hand," and very relia- 
 ble and faithful she had found her at all times. She 
 was so strong and womanly, this girl of twenty, that 
 she was invariably taken to be the oldest of the girls. 
 
 "But who's that coming, I wonder! only one, so I 
 guess he's not one of the boarders. What a young 
 f^iant to be sure!" Helen had a habit of talking to 
 herself sometimes, a paternal inheritance. 
 
 Out nt^ar the gate stood a young man shading his 
 eyes with one hand, while in the other lie carried a soft 
 felt hat. He was looking down the road as though 
 waiting for some one. He stood thus for several min- 
 utes—long enough for Helen to get a good look at him. 
 Then closing the gate came with a heavy, cruncliing 
 step uji the gravel walk, v/histling softly to himself 
 until liy got up the stcjps. He again heeitated and 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 looked down the road. No one appeared in sight, and 
 he turned impatiently and knocked at the door. 
 
 Helen met him with a cool bow and look of inquiry. 
 
 "I'm Robert Morton," said he by way of explana- 
 tion "I 'ad to come alone; my cousin's hoff in them 
 woods yonder, 'ere's where I believe we're going to 
 
 ''•'Liverpool English," said L into herself. "You 
 are quite welcome, Mr. Morton. Will you come in? 
 My mother is away visiting to day, but I'll call father 
 if you'll excuse me," giving him a chair in the mean- 
 
 '''"no 'urry, I can wait a spell. My cousin will be 'ere 
 soon. He took for them pine trees V^^^er," pointing 
 to the forest. Helen resumed her sewing and Robert 
 Morton watched her busy hands, wondering if this was 
 the beauty he had heard about down at the hotel j be- 
 lieving that he "'ad seen a due sight 'andsomer, but 
 thought it would be a nice place to board. 
 
 They chatted for some moments. Helen occasionally 
 making a remark in her quiet womanly way that left no 
 Opportunity for the joke or banter that glittered in his 
 eves. She thought them a handsome but very bold 
 pair of eyes. She decided he might do for a boarder 
 with a great deal of watching ; but he'd be calling her 
 '"elen" in his utter disregard of her favorite first ini- 
 tial, which transformed the most commonplace into the 
 queenliest name in the world. Helen loved her name 
 and would permit no nick-naming, and this young 
 Kiant" who informed her in such a patronizing way that 
 he had "just come from Hengland, but 'ad lived in 
 Toronto before and knew all about the place, would 
 no doubt, be calling her Nell, too, if he dared, at the 
 bare thought of which her head lifted a trifle higher. 
 "I'll call father if you'll excuse me," she said hnaliy, 
 
10 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "and let him taking an inventory of tlie room and its 
 furnishings." Soon after he stepped out upon the porch 
 to sweep with those strong young eyes of his the broad 
 acres that surrounded the house. He had gathered a 
 little gratuitous information on his way when he had 
 pleasantly asked a loquacious farmer the way to his 
 new boarding-house. Whatever he had heard gave new 
 zest to his plans. If there was money in the Bassett 
 family they were of considerable interest to him. 
 
 "It" is a pleasant place," he said to himself, just as 
 Helen again appeared to inform him of her father's 
 
 arrival. 
 
 A friendly greeting was exchanged, and they sat down 
 on the porch, while Helen went inside to look after the 
 supper, for the afternoon had waned until it was nearly 
 
 five o'clock. 
 
 "We'll have supper before the hands eat," said Helen 
 to Nettie as she went about preparing the evening meal 
 for the strangers. "How do you like him?" 
 
 "He's a good natured looking sort of fellow," said 
 
 Nettie slowly. 
 
 "O yes, but there's mischief in the twinkle of his 
 black eyes, and the English H!" and Helen flung the 
 potatoes into the oven with decision. Evidently some- 
 thing had gone wrong with Helen. 
 
 "I wish Laura would be on hand when she's wanted," 
 was Helen's irrcvclant answer, "like's not she's on the 
 other side of the forest by this time. She ought to 
 know that I've plenty to do this evening, though to 
 be sure two more don't make much difference. Yes, 
 you may help ; set the table. I'm glad to get that much 
 assistance about supper,ap. Nettie in a mystified voice 
 offered her services in the preparation of the evening 
 meal. So they busied themselves while Mr. Bassett 
 
 Roburt 
 
 ni 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 II 
 
 "Supper's ready, father.- at last said Helen, never 
 noticing the young man who sat there looking so_ care- 
 less, and with so much of the "auld acquaintance man- 
 ner in his talk. But realizing that in her mother s ab- 
 sence she must do the honors of hostess, she said : 
 "Shall we wait for your cousin, Mr. Morton? 
 "O no 'e'll be 'ere soon no doubt," answered young 
 Morton, looking oft down the road to find confirmation 
 
 of his statement. 
 
 "I think, perhaps, we had better eat supper now before 
 the work hands come in, for to-night you are probably 
 hungry, and it will make a late supper lor trave ers to 
 wait till after they have eaten," and Helen again looked 
 persistently at her father. 
 
 "All right, if you say so,Helen," answered her father. 
 Robert Morton wondered what made the old man take 
 off his hat when Helen came out on the porch to an- 
 nounce supper. He had sat there on that step for three- 
 quarters of an hour with that old hat on his head. 
 
 "Helen, where's Laura?" asked her father as he dis- 
 covered her vacant place so near his own at table 
 
 "O, she's gone for a walk as usual; she 11 be back 
 Boon," quietly answered his daughter giving him his 
 
 '%trange how much that girl likes to walk in the 
 woods." he answered with sly humor. "Girls always 
 do like to stray oft by themselves, but they always find 
 somethin' to chatter to if it's nothin' more than birds 
 •nd squirrels," and he chuckled at his own remarkable 
 
 penetration. , 
 
 "In this case, I shouldn't wonder if she finds my 
 
 cousin, or 'e will find '« . for 'e started hoff in that d.rcc 
 
 tion and left me to fr,.a my way alone." answered Ivob- 
 
 ert looking at Helen, but appreciating his host's humor 
 
 A little later, up the walk came leisurely the subject 
 
j2 GOLD DUST 
 
 of their conversation accompanied by a young gentle- 
 man with whom she was chatting in a lively manner. 
 She was always full of life and gayety, and just now her 
 eyes danced and her cheeks glowed in a dangerously 
 
 bewitching manner. _ , . i 
 
 The winds swept her blonde tresses against the shoul- 
 der of her companion in a way that would have made 
 Helen raise her eyes. But Helen did not see, and 
 the winds played their mad pranks in utter disregard 
 of the fair hands that vainly tried to confine the golden 
 
 cloud. 
 
 "I think I'll have to take the other side of the street, 
 laughed Laura as she stepped away from his side; she 
 saw that she was getting near home, and Helen and 
 Nettie would surely be looking for her.^ She must not 
 be seen walking so near the "fair one." 
 
 "Let me sec, you said your name was what? Oh— 
 Allan, then you are the fair one, but," with a coquettish 
 toss of the head, "why don't people let us judge for our- 
 
 selves?" 
 
 "Why?" asked her companion in smiling curiosity. 
 
 "Saves disappointment," coolly answered the young 
 girl, with which frank explanation she whistled to San- 
 cho,' and fleetly ran up the walk to the gate, and into 
 the front door where she was met by Helen who asked 
 about the stranger. 
 
 "O, he's the fair one," answered Laura trying to 
 
 look serenely cool. 
 
 The young man was now at the door where he was 
 welcomed by Helen and her father, and soon they were, 
 with the exception of Laura, all seated at supper. She 
 surprised them by refusing to appear at the table with 
 
 the family. 
 
 Tiie evening meal was finished and the two young 
 men with their host were seated out upon the pofch. 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 13 
 
 Nettie and Helen were p;iving the farm hands their 
 supper, and Laura was eating off the kitchen table. ^ 
 "I don't want to see them again to-night. I don't 
 like either of them," said Laura in reply to her sister's 
 amazing inquiry at her strange whim. . , „ , 
 
 "AH right, I think it is just as well," said Helen 
 humoring her sister's mood. "I hope we will always 
 be of that opinion, and not forget that we are taking 
 boarders for money, and not to get us beaux and hus- 
 bands." 
 
 "You needn't count me in your virtuous plans, Helen, 
 for I won't be bound by any promises," said Nettie with 
 a lazy laugh. "Catch as catch can," is a better policy. 
 Laura will think so by to-morrow, too, with her next 
 
 mood." . , 
 
 So they laughed and chatted until the evening s work 
 was done, while their father was showing the cousins 
 ovrer the farm and about the stables and gardens. Then 
 as their trunks had arrived the young men were shown 
 to their room by their host, who, with an odd laugh, 
 assured them they could come down in the sitting-, 
 room when they got tired of their own company. 
 
 The house was a square, old-fashioned structure, 
 with four rooms below, divided by a wide hall that 
 extended through the entire length, on the right of 
 which was the parlor and Mr. and Mrs. T3assctt's bed- 
 room; on the left, the sitting room and dining-room ; a 
 kitchen was tacked on to the rear of the house with a 
 door opening into the dining-room 
 
 The rooms above were all chambers, planned in much 
 the same wiy. The room over the parlor was given to 
 the cousins; that over the sitting-room was a guest 
 room ; the girls, Helen and Nettie, had the one over 
 the dining room, and Laura occupied the one over her 
 parenty. 
 
H 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 As the cousins were left in their room by their host, 
 earh took a hasty survey of tlieir surroundings for very 
 different purposes. Robert estimated the money value 
 of everything, admired the luxurious look of the clean, 
 white bed, but did not see the vase of flowers upon the 
 table. Allan threw down his satchel, stepped to the 
 table and sniffed of the flowers, appropriating the sweet- 
 ness, then quickly strode to the window and swept the 
 lovely view below and beyond, with those keen, appre- 
 ciative eves, and saw all that nature offered of beauti- 
 ful gardens and fields, green hills and shadowy vales, 
 and more, saw down among the flowers the same glim- 
 mer of gold that had caught his fancy down in the 
 forest, and wondered if he dare go down. 
 
 "I've an idea, Bob, "said he to his cousin as he turned 
 from the window. "Better keep it; may not 'ave an- 
 other in a life time," answered Bob with a jolly laugh. 
 
 ■'AH right; it's safest I guess," answered Allan a lit- 
 tle nettled at his cousin's rude wit. 
 
 "Well if hit's dangerous you'd better let me 'elp you 
 take care of it, old fellow," said Robert thinking better 
 of the proposal and critically eyeing the white bed. 
 
 "Oh no, going to keep it," answered his cousin, "ideas 
 are scarce. You wouldn't appreciate such a stranger 
 if it was given you, at which they both laughed in a 
 constr.'iined mirthless way. 
 
 "Let's change the subject, Al. 'ow do you like the 
 
 fair 'elen?" 
 
 "I like Miss Bassett very well. She seems a very 
 superior girl. And let me caution you, if you don't 
 mind, to call her Miss Bassett ; she's not one to toler- 
 ate familiarity from a- ■ one in ever so small a way." 
 
 "I guess I'm not such a muff as not to know ahe's 
 severnlv prim. Guess I know enough for that," an- 
 swered Robert savagely, rising to leave the room. 
 
 t M 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 15 
 
 "What, are you going down in that rig?" asked Allan 
 amazed at his cousin's unconcern about his dress. They 
 had not been able to change their dusty clothing before 
 supper, but a good wash and a vigorous brushing at 
 the hotel, had made them in some manner presentable, 
 as under the circumstances it was all they could do. 
 After their trunks had arrived Allan was soon diving 
 into his for a complete change. He saw with disgust 
 and dismay that his cousin was descending to the par- 
 lor in his traveling suit. ^ 
 "Why, what's the matter with my clothes? Don t 
 suppose I'm going to dress up for that old fogy and 
 his country girls, do you?" 
 
 "All right," said Allan, you can do as you like. 1 ll 
 be down presently; don't wait. I'm going to get rid 
 of these dirty clothes before I appear in the presence 
 of ladies in their parlor." 
 
 "Shall I warn them to brace up for a big show? 
 S'pose you'll be on dress parade," said Robert with a 
 sneering laugh. _ 
 
 "Tell them nothing. I may not be down, answered 
 
 Allan. 
 
 Robert descended to the parlor where he met his 
 
 host and the two elder Misses Bassett. 
 
 "Where is your sister? Shan't we see 'er this even- 
 ing?" ht3 asked of Helen. 
 
 "Slie don't care to come down and we let her have 
 her own way," answered Helen, giving him a seat at 
 
 the other side of the room. 
 
 They were chatting in a pleasant manner when Allan 
 made his apper.rance. The young man was very be- 
 comingly dressed in a light evening suit, a fashion o 
 the times, that sot off his Hne figure to advantage and 
 transformed him into a well dressed gentkMuan. 
 
 "■\x\v'\ to .luike nie tret myself hup too," said Rob- 
 
^aoiMMa*""***^- 
 
 i6 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 
 11 
 
 ert "but I thought vou'd appreciate my company just 
 as well has I am, so I didn't take the trouble." 
 
 It's not very troublesome to be cleanly," coolly an- 
 swered his cousin, evidently annoyed by the attention 
 his cousin had drawn upon him. 
 
 "Al is always too dudish for me. One suit of clothes 
 is enough for a man, '1 ss 'e works in the gutter. Costs 
 too much. Hif a man ever expects to be worth any- 
 thing 'e can't spend 'alf 'e earns on clothes ; hain't that 
 so, Miss Bassett?" said Robert again turning to Helen. 
 "It depends upon the amount of his income," she 
 quietly answered without raising her eyes. 
 
 "Well, I get $4.00 per day, hand I don't spend more'n 
 'alf a month's wages in a year for clothes. Guess I 
 look well enough," again looking complacently at Hel- 
 en. 
 
 "I suppose tastes differ," answered she in a con- 
 strained voice, and wishing to change the conversation 
 which evidently annoyed Allan, who had been a silent 
 listener, as it did not suit him to discuss his clothing 
 before strangers. There was a sense of indelicacy, of 
 coarseness about the matter which grated upon Allan's 
 sensitive nerves, and which made him recoil as though 
 he had been brought in contact with some vile thing. 
 It was this very freedom of Robert's in word, and 
 look, and manner that made Allan sometimes detest 
 him. Were it not that he was alone, but for Robert, 
 and that he felt after all, the force of the old saying 
 "blood is thicker than water," he would have left him 
 
 long ago. 
 
 But Robert soon became interested in his pet theme, 
 money making, his own plans and prospects, his likes 
 and dislikes. Allan entertained the young women with 
 an account of his ocean voyage and other subjects 
 more suited to their tastes, dradually Nettie became 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 17 
 
 interested in the conversation between Robert and her 
 father, leaving Helen and Allan to themselves. 
 
 Mr. Bassett smoked, as did Robert, who boasted to 
 Nettie that he had used tobacco in every form since he 
 was eight years old ; he gladly followed his host out 
 on the porch to enjoy a smoke. 
 
 "Now Al don't smoke, even, oh! 'e's a dandy! says 
 tobacco'll spoil a man's 'ealth and make 'is breath bad 
 and fill 'is 'air and clothes with its scent. Calls it a 
 vile 'abit too. Oh! 'e's well enough in most things," 
 said Robert confidentially to his companion, between 
 whiffs, "'e's hall right, but 'e's too fine for 'ard work 
 or money- making, hand I tell you, money will tell every 
 time. Allan never'll be worth much, but 'e's good 
 'nough; halways takes with the girls a sight better'n I 
 do. But 'e's no cub, 'e's a brave fellow ; got lots of 
 dash and spirit, brave as a lion if 'e is my cousin ; that's 
 what takes with the women ; they all like 'im." 
 
 Mr. Bassett chuckled to himself and listened, and 
 smoked, stroking his hair in a slow, meditative mood, 
 squinting up his little light blue eyes until there was 
 only a slight line of lash and brow, so closely joined 
 that they were practically one, and emitting whiff after 
 whiff in rapid succession as Robert continued his sub- 
 ject with, "They all like 'im," at which he nodded his 
 head sagaciously toward the subject of conversation 
 and Helen. 
 
 "Strange," said Mr. Bassett wisely, "how different 
 whole families take. Now, Helen soars dreadfully 
 high, and Nettie likes money, just suit you. But 
 Laura, you haven't seen my little girl yet; well, the 
 fact is she's the baby and we 'n always let h< - have 
 her own way and pet her a good bit. She's got an 
 tinconimon good voice, plays pretty fair, and has such 
 purrin', kitteny ways, till all on a sudden she'll skip 
 
i8 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 away off t' the woods, 'er up in the loft o' the barn, 'er 
 
 some sich place — just to be alone. Girls hez sech queer 
 
 notions anyway, 'tain't gi'en us to r. iderstand. But, 
 
 somehow she seems to brighten the old house better 
 
 than th' rest; makes things kind of restful like. When 
 
 I come from work to hear her at the pianner a playin' 
 
 and a singin', or to see her out there 'mong them flowers 
 
 o'hern with her pretty face outshining the prettiest posy 
 
 there, or lying with her head on her big dog Sancho. 
 
 Seen that dog o'hern? Why that dog is just like a 
 
 big watchman ; takes just as good care o' her ez I could. " 
 
 Robert had talked of business, his pet hobby, and 
 
 according to the law, "from tlie abundance of the heart 
 
 the lips speaketh" old Mr. Bassett was giving of the 
 
 abundance that filled "his own heart." Robert could 
 
 see that the youngest was her father's idol. 
 
 "Who's she like hany way? She don't take after you 
 does she?" 
 
 "Ho, ho! no, she don't look like me, sartin sure. 
 
 "Oh, no!" chuckled the old man, "No, she ain't much 
 like me, that's a fact. Helen is like her mother, only 
 a little more so, 'nd Nettie's more like me ; but Laura, 
 well she favors a sister o' mine that I set a great store 
 by. We was alius great chums 'nd that little girl of 
 mine is the Hvin' image o' lier — my sister Jenny. Guess 
 that's why I want to have 'er 'round when I come 
 home. She's not much on the work, though she kin 
 do her share, she's too little 'nd kittenish fer to be of 
 much use in the kitchen. But she's alius a dustin' 
 and a trimmin' up things, and puttin' vases o' flowers 
 round on the mantle piece and tables 'nd bureaus. 
 Guess the Lord makes some folks just to trim the 
 mantles 'nd bureaus 'nd tables with flowers," and Mr. 
 Bassett took off his hat solemnly^ and laid his old clay 
 pipe down as though in silent protest against the incon- 
 
GOLD DUS2' 
 
 19 
 
 gruity of nis subject and his occupation. "Yes, that's 
 what the Lord makes some folks for, to fill the vases 
 on our tables with flowers, 'nd my little girl is one of 
 that kind. ' 
 
 Robert Morton was silent a- the old man concluded 
 his talk, that was half conversation, half soliloquy. Per- 
 haps the subject was beyond him. The beauty and 
 poetry of the sentiment he could not appreciate. The 
 pearls were pure and abundant, but they fell in palms 
 all yellow with the glimmer of gold. Oh, the pity of 
 it! The glimmer of gold filled the eyes of Robert 
 Morton, and its clink was his sweetest music. He be- 
 lieved money would buy Heaven and earth. He had 
 yet to learn that Heaven and hell are not purchased 
 by the same "convertible goods." 
 
 "Guess I'll go into the house and hear the singing," 
 said he, as voices were wafted out through an open 
 window. 
 
 The old man followed hip guest in a silent shame- 
 faced way, realizing by Robert's unresponsiveness a 
 lack of sympathy in tastes, and mentally calling him- 
 self an old fool for talking to "sech young sprouts 'bout 
 flowers. " 
 
 They found Laura seated at the piano and Allan 
 turning the leaves of her music. Their voices blended 
 in perfect accord as song after song was tried, until a 
 late hour when the candles were brought, and the old 
 house was silent. 
 
 Our young men w re interesting characters each in 
 their own way. Robert's mother was a Scotchwoman. 
 His father, an Englishman, had married her in Canada, 
 and when Robert the only child was ten years old, they 
 removed to England, where Allan's mother and father 
 resided with tlieir only son. There the boys' educa- 
 tion was begun with a view to professions for both. 
 
Mm 
 
 20 GOLD DUST 
 
 But one after the other of the parents had died until, 
 when but a few weeks before leaving England, and 
 just after Allan had attained his majority, and when 
 Robet was but twenty, their last relative, Allan's father 
 was laid to rest in the English church-yard by the side 
 of the others. The two cousins now stood alone with 
 no very near kindred, none upon whom they had, c-r 
 cared to have any claim, and with the spirit of adven- 
 ture, and energy quickening their blood, they bade 
 good-bye to England, to land after a short ocean voy- 
 age upon America's hospitable, but untried shores. 
 
 Through some feeling of curiosity to see his native 
 town, Robert induced his cousin to accompany him to 
 Toronto. Thus it was that they were received into 
 the Bassett family. 
 
 Allan had grown up like his father a tall, well built, 
 soldierly man; like his mother, blonde and handsome, 
 receiving from both parents a goodly heritage, refine- 
 ment, large heartedness, love of music, flower^ and 
 nature generally, all things ennobling. On his iathcr'Si 
 side the pride of a long line of soldiers whose Loasl 
 was upon their escutcheon. All their sons are brave 
 and true. All their daughters fair and pure. 
 
 R ^'ert was dark, square built and compacv; keen 
 darJr c. Ma'-k eyes and dark hair ; in disposition quick, 
 goniD', i -oulsivv, selfish like his English father; from 
 his Sro c'- moi,her he "iherited a firm belief in the 
 power of goid, also her square well knit form and col- 
 oring. The gentle traits in Allan's nature sometimes 
 made him seem weak and vacilating before the strong 
 currents of his cousin's impulsive and domineering will, 
 and it was for that reason he had accompanied him 
 to Toronto. 
 
 Robert had spent a large share of his time after he 
 was fifteen with machinists, having learned the iron 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 21 
 
 ■nolder's trade, in which, being quick, at twenty he 
 was an expert. Having brought references with him 
 from England, he was able to get a good situation 
 immediately. 
 
 With Allan it was very different. Half soldier, half 
 student, or gentleman of leisure, he had applied himself 
 to no one thing, so that his services, no matter how 
 faihfully discharged were not so appreciable, I might 
 say marketable, and his salary, when he obtained one, 
 was proportionately small. Though he was much more 
 prepossessing in manners, looks and conversation, yet 
 among business men he suffered by comparison with 
 his cousin. 
 
 Young and inexperienced, it had not taken them 
 long to use up the little left them by Allan's father. 
 
 Indeed, Robert had nothing of his own, but could 
 earn wages. Now that Allan's money was gone, after 
 reaching Toronto they found work before looking about 
 for a boarding place. Their work was not far distant 
 from the Bassett farm, and wishing above all things to 
 secure the comforts of a quiet home, they had there 
 obtained board through a family by the name of War- 
 ren, who were old friends of the Bassetts. 
 
 CHAPTER H 
 
 RIVALS 
 
 We will pass rapidly over the ensuing year. Allan 
 and Robert had remained in the family of Eben Bas- 
 sett. Allan had become a general favorite with the 
 ladies of his acquaintance. He had been sensible from 
 the first, that a poor vonnL^ clerk could not look fnr 
 attention or recognition among the first families of 
 Toronto; so, being lonely and rather fond of society 
 
33 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 naturally, he soon became a recognized favorite of a 
 large circle of well-to-do middle class people; and while 
 \- laughed and danced, sang and flirted mildly, with 
 ail, it soon became evident that for the youngest daugh- 
 ter of his host he had a very decided preference which, 
 as the months had passed, strengthened into something 
 more than friendship. Nor was it fruitless, for the inter- 
 est was reciprocated by the fair young girl. 
 
 But Allan had a dangerous and persistent rival in 
 his cousin Robert. Nettie by this time cherished a 
 strong love for Robert of which he was well aware, but 
 which he did not appreciate or even respect. 
 
 One day Laura had been to see a friend and Robert 
 had overtaken heron his way home from town. Allan, 
 who was in the room as they came up the walk listened, 
 and catching the silvery notes of her sweet young voice 
 as she laughed and chatted with his cousin, imagined, 
 as he stood in the open window and looked down upon 
 the moonlit figures that she was happy with Robert, 
 and was nearly jealous. 
 
 He could see she did not take Robert's arm, and he 
 felt a trifle easier, for she always leaned upon him very 
 confidingly, and so he tried to eke a little comfort out 
 of the girl's distant manner toward his cousin. And 
 had she not given a huge red poi)py to Rob when he 
 asked her for a flower for his button-hole, and slyly 
 dropped a sweet white rose into his own hand soon after, 
 when no one could see? Then had she not pinned it 
 on the lapel of his coat, with a bright blush and droop- 
 ing eyes? Ah, yes, "for Bonnie Annie Laurie he could 
 lay him down and die," if necessary, ho loved her sol 
 And he sang iti his rich, strong young voice the lust verse 
 of the old scotch song. 
 
 "I'd a deuced sight sooner live for Annie Latirie, and 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 33 
 
 I mean to, too, if 1 can," said Robert coming into the 
 room just as Allan concluded the verse. 
 
 "Do you mean that, Rob?" asked Allan wheeling 
 about and facing his cousin. It was the first outiight 
 admission that Allan had of his cousin's real intentions. 
 
 "Guess I do. Have any objections?" 
 
 "None in the least if she wants you," replied Allan 
 in a cold voice from which all the tenderness had flown. 
 
 "Well all's fair in love and war, so I guess I'll turn 
 in for the night. You can bay at the moon till morn- 
 ing if you want to; only don't keep me awake." 
 
 A few days later Robert came upon his cousin in the 
 road leading out from town. He had been filled with 
 bitterness at the turn of affairs, and attributed Allan's 
 success to his fine manners and handsome personal 
 appearance. Now as he looked at the approaching 
 figure and noted the apparent recommendations to a 
 young girl's fancy, he ground his teeth and clinched 
 his fists in rage. 
 
 "I'll have 'er yet, you dog, see if I don't, if I go 
 through 'ell fire to get 'erl She's mine," he muttered 
 between his teeth, then he choked back this boiling 
 wrath as his cousin came up to him with a gay salute. 
 
 "How do do, Rob? Hear you've been speculating in 
 real estate. Going to get rich?" 
 
 "In time, perhaps. I've sense enough to know the 
 value of money, and brains enough to know how to 
 make it," was Robert's nonconnnittal reply, given in a 
 gruff voice. 
 
 "I wish I had your head for money-making. The 
 Lord knows there's need of it! Give us your secret, 
 Rob. It's precious slow laying up anything at I45 
 per month." And Allan impatiently flocked tlie dust 
 off his patent-leathers with his cane. 
 
 "in the first place 1 don fc give my secret to you; it 
 
-v 
 
 24 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 ! 
 
 would help you and hinder me," answered Robert set- 
 ting his feet squarely on the sandy walk, and plunging 
 his hands into his pockets with an obstinate look upon 
 his face. "But hif you want a little sound hadvice let 
 me tell you that hif you spent one alf the time over the 
 ways and means hof money-making that you do hat the 
 glass a dandying hup you'd 'ave more money. 'Nother 
 thing, fine clothes don't provide for a wife, not by a 
 
 d d sight. Hits the solid cash or real estate that 
 
 does the business hevery time and don't you forget it." 
 
 Allen had been struggling with his wrath since Rob- 
 ert's mention of his personal habits, but at his allusion 
 to real estate he had restrained himself for he hoped to 
 learn the truth of the reports concerning Robert's recent 
 investment; as yet they were uncertainties to him, so 
 he bottled up his wrath and said quietly: 
 
 "When I get a wife I'll provide for her, don't be afraid, 
 Robert; and as for "dandying up" as you are pleased 
 to call it, I pay for my clothes. And too, I hate a 
 rough, slovenly fellow as bad as you do a dandy. Con- 
 found a man that comes into the presence of civilized 
 people witli an oath and a swagger, his clothes fillrd 
 with the disgtisting odor of the vile weed that begrimes 
 his teeth and lips, and fills his unkempt hair. Con- 
 found him! I hate such a brute! He's not lit to live." 
 Allan had forgotten himself. 
 
 "You 'ate such a brute has bad has I 'ate a brainless, 
 poverty-stricken, beggarly cur," sharply answered Rob- 
 ert between his set teeth, for he understood his cousin. 
 "Al Morton I'd have more shame than to hask a woman 
 to marry mo hif I 'ad nothing but a line face and fig- 
 ure to offer 'cr." 
 
 "Hob, what do you mean? lie man enough to tell." 
 
 "I mean," and Robert struck his lists together sav- 
 agely, "I mean that hif I were you I would step aside 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 25 
 
 hand let others 'ave a chance who are hable. You 
 know well enough what I mean! You know but for you 
 I'd be sure of Laura Bassett. I'm hable now to sup- 
 port 'er in good style. You know that you 'aven'tone 
 in the family on your side, hand they all happrovc of 
 me. What 'ave you to offer 'er? Nothing but a fine 
 face and figure hand dandyish manners ; them things 
 won't wear without money, hand money will tell." 
 
 Allan knew that his cousin was preferred to him by 
 the Bassett family, and he felt the force of that claim. 
 
 "You can't 'ave 'er," continued Robert. "I'll see to 
 that. I stand well with the old man, that's 'alf the 
 battle. I'm going to see 'er now. Want to go 'long?" 
 then he turned back and walked rapidly in the direc- 
 tion of the Bassett farm. 
 
 "Taunt if you will," muttered Allan as Robert walked 
 away, "They laugh longest who laugh last. I can wait 
 for she loves me; Annie Laurie loves me." 
 
 Allan did not return to the house, but after Robert 
 was out of sight he started off down the road at a rapid 
 pace. Ho did not want to meet his cousin until he 
 coud get rid of himself, so to speak. He had lost con- 
 trol of self, that demon which opposition in this mat- 
 ter of his love tor Laura always aroused. Self and jeal- 
 ousy were closely allied now. He was better alone 
 until he had these two fiends in check. 
 
 Robert bouyantly pursued his way back to his boasted 
 destination. He believed he knew all the weak points 
 in poor human nature's character, and applied his world 
 lore indiscriminately. "Money will tell" was his favor- 
 ite maxim. He did not reali/o that in its use he depre- 
 ciated his own value. By the logical manner in which 
 h(! waH wont to hurl his thunderbolt at the unwary 
 listcMier he left the impression that ho had a monopoly 
 of worlU-iorc, and that his remarkable and unprcro- 
 
^^: 
 
 26 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 dented astuteness had discovered this weak spot in the 
 world's character. 
 
 With his faith in the power of money, Robert was 
 bent upon its accumulation, and was very busy calcu- 
 lating his chances in real estate investments. 
 
 He had bought a couple of lots in the suburb of the 
 city, upon time, which would in the sure rise of land 
 yield him a good proiit in the near future. He be- 
 lieved, too, in a bank account, be it ever so small, and 
 the bank book with its growing list of figures was the 
 beacon light that should illumine his road to success 
 in the pursuit of Laura Bassett's hand. 
 
 He felt sure of her father's consent. Mrs. Bassett 
 was a good motherly soul who could be won over easily. 
 The girls were nothing, of course, to him, not even 
 Nettie with her following eyes and doting manner, or 
 Helen with her uncompromising reserve. Robert knew 
 that Laura preferred his cousin: she believed that Allan 
 was a perfect gentleman, If he must, he would show 
 up his cousin in a way that would humiliate liim, and 
 he was sure of the restilt for Laura was proud as Luci- 
 fer. But no need of that yet. Women loved the use 
 and display of money. Yes, money was the thing. It 
 made the twinkling-eared fenuUe of the equine species 
 travel at an exhilarating pace. He would accumulate 
 money. 
 
 Robert's plans to accumiilate money were fruitful. 
 His invcstmint in real estate had cost him little. He 
 had begun by purchasing carefully only two lots in a 
 good location. There were others, some half dozen in 
 the sanui block that he wanted, but there was time 
 enough when he should, from the sale of these two 
 rc;ili/.e a profit. This he had done the day after his 
 encounter with Allan. 
 
 Me was offered S300 more than he paid, a clear profit 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 of $600. lie luaLle tlie sale, drew up all papers of 
 transfer, received his money, songht out and found the 
 agent and bought the remaining six lots upon the same 
 terms that he did the two first. All this in an hour's 
 time. He had besides the sum of 5Hoo in the bank 
 with which to build a small cottage upon the choicest 
 of the six lots, a lovely corner, just the spot for his 
 bride. 
 
 It was a bold stroke. The speculative spirit was 
 developing in him rapidly. lie loved money and the 
 power it gave him. He was rising in the esteem of 
 his friends and employers, and believed himself the 
 object of envy on the part of his rival. 
 
 About this time he made application for a better and 
 more remunerative position in the same house where 
 he had been employed. His skill and business ability 
 were appreciated by his employers. He soon obtained 
 the coveted situation at ^100 per month, just double 
 what he had been getting before. He was jubilant. 
 Fortune smiled upon him, and now he could propose 
 to Laura Bassett. 
 
 Meeting iier one evening when she was coming home, 
 shortly after his encounter wifh his cousin, Robert was 
 glad to see that she was alore. 
 
 "Are you in a 'urry, Laura?" 
 
 "Not much of a hurry, only going down to the pas- 
 ture." 
 
 "I'm jurjt on my way to see some lots I've bou^'ht 
 lately. I'm going to build a liousc on one of them. 
 I'm not sure that I can choose wisely. I'd like you to 
 go along and 'clp nic. 1 don't want to make a mis- 
 take." 
 
 "Oh! as to that, I guess you can do that better than 
 1. What should I know about houses and lots? ' an- 
 
*x. 
 
 1 
 
 28 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 swered Laura with a coquettish toss of her head aud a 
 thrilling laugh that made his heart leap. 
 
 "You women folks halvvays know better about these 
 things. Women 'ave to live in 'ouses more than men." 
 
 "Why should we? Men have to live in houses too," 
 said Laura obstinately. 
 
 "Laura, men don't 'ave to be in them has much has 
 women. Men should build and fit hup the 'ouse and 
 provide for hit; women should keep the 'ouse, and has 
 they 'ave to live there all the time, they ought to 'ave 
 it built to suit them, too, I think," said he with an 
 insinuating smile. 
 
 "O, well then, you ought to v/ait until you get a wife, 
 if you are going to get one," answered Laura in a tan- 
 talizing manner that made lier irresistible. 
 
 "I'm going to get a wife, eoon too. I'm going to 
 build now and 1 wanv you to 'elp me plan my 'ouse. 
 I'm going to get married just as soon as I get my 'ouse 
 done, hand I shall like to think that you harranged 
 everything for my wife to be." 
 
 "But I shall not know her tastes," persisted Laura 
 laughing shyly. 
 
 "Well, I can tell you. Oh! you choose hand I prom- 
 ise she'll be satisfied. Slie resembles you in some 
 things, hand I'm sure your tastes would suit 'er. I'll 
 run the chances hany 'ow," urged Robert in his bold 
 manner. He had been out since supper and was just 
 returning home. lie looked happy and wore an air of 
 extreme satisfaction as though the world was going 
 well with him. His dark eyes looked bright and his 
 whole manner betokened the successful man. 
 
 Laura wondered at the iinusual change in him, noting 
 and approving of his smart appearance. She thought 
 he must be about to get married. He was a very ple.is- 
 ant sight as he stood smiling and eager before her in 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 29 
 
 that aggressive attitude, his hat tipped back from his 
 forehead a litile, his hands thrust in his trousers' 
 pockets, and his feet planted squarely in an argument- 
 ative way. Altogther he was a very pleasant young 
 man to look at. She wondered what had produced the 
 change. She knew he had been in love with her once, 
 but for a month or more he had avoided her, she thought. 
 She wondered if now it was Nettie. What a goose 
 she was not to think of that before; of course, it was 
 Nettie! and Laura's bright eyes lit up and she took a 
 step nearer, unconsciously lying her hand upon his arm. 
 
 "O, Robert, is it Nettie?" her whole face beamed 
 radiantly. 
 
 "No, it is not Nettie," he answered harshly, looking 
 at the beautiful young creature before him with all his 
 soul in his eyes in spite of his heart's answer. 
 
 "O, forgive me, Robert. 1 thought it might be Net- 
 tie," then seeing his changed countenance and anxious 
 to appease his wrath she said, "Of course, I'll go with 
 you and help you choose your lot," but as slie removed 
 her hand froui his arm she turned and saw Allan stand- 
 ing in the arbor door and looking intently at them. 
 
 Her heart gave a bound, a little in dismay fearing 
 that he might not like her evident sociability with his 
 cousin, a great deal for love of him. Her eyes lit up 
 with the sweet consciousness of Allan's love and sent 
 a bright blush to her face. She was so happy that she 
 could afford to be gentle and patient with others, and 
 so she threw a great deal too much innocent kindness 
 mid interest into her manner. 
 
 Robert had not seen Alhm, and was under the spell 
 of her winsome manner, and so they were soon at the 
 spot where he pointed out his lots. After many exchi- 
 mations on the part of Laura, and a great deal of delib- 
 eration on the part of both, they chose the very same 
 
30 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 lot tliat Robert had from the first selected and reserved. 
 It was a nice piece of strategy and it worked cliarm- 
 
 ingly. 
 
 Then they decided upon the size and location upon 
 the lot of a six-room cottage that should be surrounded 
 by a low picket fence in front and sides and a high 
 board wall in the rear. "To keep out all intruders in his 
 absence,' Robert informed Laura, at which she laughed 
 in girlish glee. Then a great deal of time it took 
 to be sure to plan the internal arrangement of the cot- 
 tage. But at last it was all done and they started 
 homeward. 
 
 It was now nearly dark and the long twilight had 
 slipped by almost unawares. Robert walked part way 
 home with Laura and then bid her good-night, saying 
 he must find his workmen. 
 
 "I'm going to put men to work to-morrow," he an- 
 swered meeting her inquiring look. 
 
 "How you do rush things," said she in astonislunent, 
 for she had thought he only meant to build some other 
 time. She wondered more than ever for whom he was 
 going to build the house. 
 
 "That cottage will be done hin about six weeks or 
 two months a' most," he replied with an emphatic nod 
 and enjoying her surprise immensely. 
 
 "I didn't know you had so much money," ventured 
 Laura in a mystified manner. 
 
 "The money's ready in the bank. I've got hevery 
 dollar of the needful. When the 'ousc is done, I'll 
 want you to help me select the furniture," and he gave 
 another nod, and the happy look in his eyes expressed 
 his satisfaction at his success. "Oh! I can't choose the 
 furnishings, Robert, itids^f^d 1 cin't. You'll have to 
 get yotir intended bride to do that," and she looked 
 
i 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 31 
 
 away now though with an arch smile curling the corners 
 of her mouth. 
 
 "All right/' replied Robert cheerfully, I'll get my 
 hintended wife then, if that will suit you any better," 
 with another nod and an ardent look in his dark bold 
 eyes that made her blush again, as she hurried home, 
 
 Robert started off down town while Laura sought the 
 arbor more from habit than design; she did not expect 
 to meet Allan, she did not tliink he would wait for her 
 so long. But he was there and met her with a con- 
 strained look. 
 
 Not wholly unprepared for the change, but deter- 
 mined to seem herself unchanged, she went up to him 
 and in great glee began telling him of Robert's cottage. 
 
 "And he would have me help him plan it and all. It 
 took so long, toO; to be sure it is quite an undertaking. 
 O, it is to be a perfect little nest, Allan," and she 
 beamed brightly. 
 
 "When will he build?" asked Allan with a queer 
 look on his face as he turned his eyes persistently away 
 in a manner that the girl at his side could not under- 
 stand. 
 
 "O, he's gone now to see the workmen, and he saya 
 he'll have it all done for his wife in about six or eight 
 weeks. Just to think! and I tried to guess her name 
 and he wouldn't tell me. I never did think much of 
 his looks, but to-night he was so bright and happy, 
 and assured just as though it was already settled," and 
 Laura laughed in a happy gleeful manner that made 
 Allan's teeth set together. Why should she care for 
 Robert's success? Did the sight of that man's pos- 
 sessions iniluence her? 
 
 "Do you think you could be happy with a poor man?" 
 ng one arm around her, yet not drawing 
 
 her to hi 
 
 m. 
 
32 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "I know it, Allan, if I loved him. Of course, I like 
 nice things, a nice house and furniture, and fine clothes 
 too, just as well as other folks." 
 
 How he did long to bind her by a promise to marry 
 him, but he was always met by that evasive look and 
 thrilling laugh. Of her love he had no doubts, but 
 she always said— 
 
 "Wait, Allan, no hurry, I'm too young to promise." 
 
 Every girl liked a home. He could not offer any- 
 thing for perhaps years yet. Under the tormenting 
 fears of losing her he turned almost fiercely. 
 
 "You love me, Annie Laura, only me?" now closely, 
 almost savagely drawing the lovely girl to his heart. 
 
 "I love you, Allan, only you, no matter what may 
 come in the future;" she had put her hands up to his 
 face that had grown so stern and white. 
 
 "Again, say the words again." Then she slipped her 
 hands around his neck, and with a sad earnest look in 
 her e3'es, said solemnly: 
 
 "I love you, Allan, only you. I will love you always. 
 I will be true to you always, living or dead." 
 
 "And for Bonnie Annie Laurie I'd lay me down and 
 die," he said earnestly kissing her sweet y ang face. 
 
 "You believe me, Allan?" she asked earnestly. 
 
 "Yes, and I'll try to be satisfied. But when I see 
 you with Robert, I feel wicked. I don't know what 
 gives me control over myself, for I want to kill him. 
 
 "Allan!" exclaimed the girl springing from his arms 
 and looking at him in terror. 
 
 "Yes, I do, I want to deprive him of some of his in- 
 solent assurance. But don't feel alarmed, I won't hurt 
 him, and I won't worry you anymore, Laura. Forgive 
 me, dear I was cruel to frighten von so. Come back 
 to mc again. I'll not say it again." 
 
 "Allan, you've got a terrible disposition. You're 
 
GOLD DUSr 
 
 33 
 
 wife will have to go armed all the time. Why even 
 now I am sometimes afraid, too, of you, you look so 
 wicked," and she backed to the other side of the room. 
 "Never fear, dearie; I'll not look so at you, it's only 
 for him; I can't be rnysclf when I think of him." 
 
 "Then don't think of him." said Laura, greatly flat- 
 tered all the same by his vehement demonstrations. 
 She was a little vain that two men should be thirsting 
 for each other's lives for her sake. 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 AN EXCURSION AND A WEDDING 
 
 A few days after the planning of the new cottage, 
 Robert came to his room one night greatly elated. 
 
 "What do you say, Al, to hour joining the Warrens 
 hin a trip to the Falls?" 
 
 "When?" asked his cousin in some surprise. 
 
 'On the fourth. I'll take Nettie, and you, of course — 
 oh, well, hits generally understood who you'll take, hold 
 fellow," and Robert laughed an odd sort of laugh that 
 somehow did not ring true. 
 
 "Tell me your plans, Rob," said Allan who did not 
 seem satisfied. 
 
 "Why, there's an excursion to the Falls, hand the 
 Warrens are going, hand want us to go, too. Mrs. War- 
 ren says she wants 'elen to go with them; good h'idea 
 fer she wouldn't go with me, hand I wouldn't ask 'er, 
 she'd 'ave to stay at 'ome but fer the Warrens. 
 What do you think h'of it? Think you'll go?" asked 
 Robert with a calculating look of the eye. 
 
 "I'll see about it. The tact is Pm not able and it's a 
 deuced expensive trip," answered Allan moodily 
 
X. 
 
 :!Sm 
 
 34 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "O, well, it's all in one's lifetime. I've 'ad to skimp 
 pretty close what with the building and all. But I'm 
 going to 'ave one rousing old time and then settle 
 down," and then Robert laughed a jolly sort of laugh 
 that irritated his cousin who felt that the laugh had 
 a triumphant ring. 
 
 "O, you can afford it with your big salary and bank 
 account, but I have only half as much salary and can't 
 get a raise. Beside I'm working for Lee & Watson, 
 doing night work extra, I don't like to take so much 
 time. However, I'll see, perhaps I'll go. I'd like to, 
 if it were not for the money question." 
 
 "What the deuce you doing night work for, Al? I 
 never saw you so industrious before." 
 
 "I want to make money a little faster than my em- 
 ployer permits in the store; I got this chance prepar- 
 ing and copying manuscript for Lee & Watson. It's 
 hard work, I was up till two o'clock last night. Am 
 never in bed before midnight. That's a fact, " as Robert 
 gave a low whistle. 
 
 It humiliated Allan that he should be so poor and 
 his cousin so able. Yet he must go with the rest to 
 the Falls and take Laura, or Robert would be her escort, 
 he was sure of that, and this thought actuated him 
 to conclude to over-draw his salary. He hated to, it 
 was against his principles to spend money that was not 
 his own, but he might just this once, for he must pre- 
 vent his cousin from waiting upon Laura. So he went 
 below, and finding her in the parlor and telling her of 
 the proposed excm'sion claimed her promise of accom- 
 panying him. She, of course, was in great glee. So 
 was Nettie at the prospects of so great a treat. Net- 
 tie had never before dreamed of anything half so de- 
 lightful as an invitation from F^obert, her idol. 
 
 i 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 35 
 
 The following day Allan told his cousin that he had 
 decided to go, but must economize time. 
 
 It was arranged that Laura should go to the city 
 with Nettie and Robert where Allan would meet them 
 at the landing. Though Allan did not like the arrange- 
 ment, yet it was a busy time in Lee & Watson's, and 
 knowing that he could not get back to work in the 
 store until late the next day after the excursion, he had 
 to submit. As he was doing extra work, his employer 
 readily granted him leave of absence for the time re- 
 quired. The whole plan was arranged by Robert. 
 
 "You see, Al, she can go hin our carriage just as well 
 as fer you to get an extra carriage. Then you meet us 
 hat the wharf and I'll put hup the team in the stable 
 till we come back. You'll save 'orse 'ire and your 
 time too, hand she can just has well go with hus, see?" 
 
 "All right, let it be so, though it isn't my way of 
 doing things," reluctantly decided Allan. 
 
 "The Warrens and 'elen will meet us hat the wharf; 
 then we'll go aboard the steamer, just 'ave time. Oh! 
 we're going to 'ave a good time. I'm in for hit. 
 Hain't going to foot hup the bills until afterward." 
 Robert was enthusiastic. 
 
 Knowing that his cousin was cramped for money, 
 Robert bought an extra ticket, thinking that he could 
 easily dispose of it again, and deeming it wise and 
 safe to be provided in case of need. If Allan came 
 all right he would give it to him, in a generous way, 
 for Laura's sake. Beside he liked to provide for -the 
 girl whom he loved so passionately. 
 
 In the morning, at an early hour Robert dashed up 
 to the gate in a handsome carriage drawn by a span of 
 fine bays. Robert was a fine driver and this morning 
 he was looking unusually well. Nettie was proud of 
 so fine an escort, but was somewhat overshadowed by 
 
36 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 i 
 
 the appearance of her younger sister who was more 
 chaming than ever in a new dress and becoming hat. 
 Robert was more madly in love than ever. 
 
 Arriving at the wharf they looked in vain for Allan 
 and waited until the last minute. Laura was indig- 
 nant and humiliated by his non appearance. Robert 
 pitied her in her mortification, but wisely forbore to 
 condemn his cousin to her, though lie secretly exulted 
 in this cause. 
 
 He was generous enough to feel a sort of pity for 
 him, knowing well that the lack of funds had been the 
 cause of his absence. Surely the man knew better than 
 to play into his own hands, for, of course, he must take 
 Laura now that Allan had failed to put in an appearance. 
 Allan knew that she would ccmie with him and Nettie, 
 and she must go on with them. He would see to that, 
 he was only too glad to do so. > 
 
 "You'll come with us won't you, Laura? and we'll 
 'ave a jolly time. I've got han hextra ticket, halways 
 best to take one you know, hand there's no hexcuse. 
 Sorry for you, but not for myself, 'nd you needn't be 
 disappointed in the least Ixxausc Allan chose to back 
 out. I know it must be 'ard on 'im, but — well, 'is snlary is 
 small hand guess he 'adn't the money. PIo knew I 'ad 
 it and would give him all he needed for the trip rather 
 than 'ave 'im back out and spoil your fun." 
 
 Robert was sorry for his cousin for the space of a 
 minute and meant what he said, for he could not long 
 endure seeing any one suffer and it was easy to talk ; 
 it cost nothin[(. 
 
 So he prevailed upcni Laura to go with iIumu and 
 was lavish in every possible means of making the ex- 
 cursion a success. 
 
 There was the usual music, dancing and feasting all 
 day and night on board the steamer. Never hud thcv 
 
\ 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 37 
 
 had such a merry time. Robert knew too well that 
 Nettie would build a good deal on the attentions that 
 he must pay her, and so sought by every possible means 
 to undeceive her. To that end he asked Mrs. Warren 
 to invite her to remain with Helen at her house until 
 the following day. Though Nettie promised, not know- 
 ing what else to do, yet she was overwhelmed to find 
 that Laura was going back with Robert in the early 
 morning. That drive from town with Robert was some- 
 thing that she had counted on as an exclusive and very 
 desirable little treat, but now Laura was going instead. 
 
 "Allan shall not think I'm breaking my heart for him," 
 said Laura as she started home with her jubilant escort. 
 But he could see she was ill at ease all the time, though, 
 by a great effort, keeping up a show of cheerfulness. 
 
 Slie stepped into the buggy with a merry laugh, 
 seemingly glad of the pleasant ride home in the early 
 morning light, and in answer to their raillery, laugh- 
 ingly replied: 
 
 "Ah, yes, I'll send for Nettie, but I must go with 
 Robert and there's not room for two." 
 
 Of course, Laura meant that Allan should see thorn 
 drive «ip to the door of the house, and he should see 
 Robert's very manifest devotion, too. 
 
 It seemed an odd arrangement to Nettie, but she, 
 honest soul, choked back the rising sobs and saw them 
 drive away, with a sinking heart. 
 
 "He brought mc, and leaves mc here. He asked to 
 wait upon me, aiul now lie makes no provision for my 
 going homo," and she looked at Helen in grieved won- 
 der as though she could help fathom the cause of it 
 all. This she did witlumt delay. 
 
 "You'll learn more in a day or two, or I shall be 
 greatly mistaken," said Helen severely, in response to 
 Nettie'? look of surprised snd grieved questioning. 
 
mmmmmmmm 
 
 miiRi 
 
 38 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 E' •>) 
 
 "You must make up your mind that you've lost him. 
 He'll propose to Laura this very morning, I'm sure." 
 
 "Oh, Helen, I can't bear it," moaned the unhappy girl. 
 
 "You'll have to bear it. That is woman's mission 
 on earth so far as I can see. But he'll suffer for his 
 perfidy. Some day he'll get his pay for it." 
 
 "Don't, Helen! don't say that, he never said a word 
 to me that would lead me to think that he cares for 
 me. He's not to blame if I'm not pretty like Laura. 
 Every one is captivated by her and she's proud of it 
 
 too," 
 
 "I can't help that, he's not honest, not even in your 
 lenient eyes. But we must go home. Mrs. Warren 
 will send us home. Let's go at once, vo\x don't want 
 to stay, do you?" 
 
 "O, no. I want to get away from their prying eyes 
 at once," sighed Nettie hopelessly. 
 
 Helen's prophecy was correct. Robert proposed and 
 was not refused absolutely. Under the humiliation of 
 Allan's actions Laura half promised to be Robert's 
 wife. She was dazzled by the show of money, just as 
 Robert had intended she should be, for she had a hor- 
 ror of being a poor man's wife, and now that Allan 
 had acted so cavalierly, she would show him that she 
 need not go begging for lovers. And so she half 
 promised Robert that when the little cottage should 
 bo quite ready for occupancy she would help him select 
 furnishings; this, too, just as they were entering the 
 old carriage-way at home, right where Allan could, if 
 he chose to look down from his window and sec them. 
 
 She knew they wore a iuio looking couple. After all 
 the fatigue of the excursion she was as bright as ever, 
 and Robert did look very nice, and just now feeling 
 •uccessful, he was radiant. And then he had money 
 dnd could dres8 her woil. 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 39 
 
 The upshot of it all was that Laura in a measure 
 felt the enthrallment of the hour and her position, a 
 recently betrothed bride coming home, betrothed to the 
 man of her choice, coming home to be petted, con- 
 gratulated, appreciated, instead of creeping off to her 
 room alone, tearful, rebuked by parental coldness, but 
 true! Oh yes, there was a satisfaction in it that made 
 her laugh trill out upon the early morning air, and 
 caught with its bewitching echoes the waking Allan, who 
 through the long night had tossed upon his bed, suffer- 
 ing all the maddening tortures of jealousy. Of course, 
 he looked out just in time to see Robert lift Laura bod- 
 ily but very tenderly out of the buggy, holding her in 
 his arms a moment and kissing her upturned, blushing 
 
 face. 
 
 "The traitors! I'll be even with them both! God 
 help me I will," he hissed. "I will live for it if I die 
 for it," and then hastily went out to avoid meeting 
 
 Kobert. , , , 
 
 Out of the house he rushed, and on toward the woods, 
 
 like a wild man fleeing from the hands of jealousy and 
 despair, like Cain with guilt upon his soul, like the 
 poor wretched victim that he was of a weak woman's 
 faithlessness, and a schoming rival's treachery. On he 
 rushed through the woods pursued by all the demons 
 in his mental inferno. 
 
 When he returned a few hours later, no trace of the 
 temi)estthat had so recently controlled him wan visible. 
 In a quiet manner he wrote Laura an explanation of 
 his previous day's failure to keep his engagement. 
 The letter explained that business matters had come 
 up at the last moment, and out of justice to his employ- 
 ers ho was obliged to give them his attention. He had 
 readied the wharf in time to sec the boat far out with 
 its guy party of excursionists. Hu was too iato for the 
 
40 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 (I 
 
 |i 
 
 !t 
 
 excursion, but not too late to see them, herself and 
 Robert parting at the gate upon their return. Regret- 
 ting that he had been forced by the exigencies of the 
 case to cause her any embarrassment, he should await 
 her pleasure. 
 
 Reading this dignified epistle, and contrasting his 
 btainless integrity with what her instinct led her to 
 believe was treachery on Robert's part, she replied in 
 a manner neithc» wholly forgiving, nor wholly relent- 
 less. 
 
 Allai' treated Laura with quiet indifference, though 
 it cost him a great effort to do so. He studiously 
 avoided Robert, and to that end, the day after the ex- 
 cursion he changed his boarding pbnce, giving as his 
 reason his belief that it would give general satisfaction 
 and he must be nearer his work. He realized that he 
 would seldom see Laura, never unless perhaps by 
 chance meeting upon the street. But he felt that the 
 time had come when he must put her love for him to 
 the test. He would give her an opportunity, if she 
 was weary of his company, to recover from her weari- 
 ness. 
 
 Laura saw his trunk go, with a heavy heart. She 
 was up stairs in her room and she did not come down 
 tiutil he sent for h.r. She met him in the parlor very 
 formally, much as she would meet an ordinary visitor. 
 A few words passed between them, on his part stern 
 and haughty; on her part petulant and foolishly care- 
 less, words that only served to widen the breach be- 
 tween them. 
 
 He did not kiss hor, did not even touch her hands, 
 but politely bowed himself out saying: 
 
 "You will always be apprised of my whrrcabouta 
 sliould vou wish, to see nic, but you can not play fast and 
 loose with me. I will not put myeelf against any nuin, 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 41 
 
 much less Robert Morton," and then he had strode 
 haughtily out of the door and left her i)outing upon the 
 sofa.where Helen found her a few minutes later crying 
 like the child she was, and in no mood to be reasoned 
 
 with. 
 
 "You don't know how jealous he gets: and he's cross 
 at me if I look at Robert. Why can't he make more 
 money if ha wants me to marry him? He's mad because 
 I went with Robert and Nettie and came home with 
 
 Robert." 
 
 "You should have know that Allan did not stay away 
 from the excursion yesterday without good reason," 
 replied Helen. "You should not have gone without 
 him if you are engaged to him, and certainly should 
 not have come home with Robert alone. Allan has 
 reason to be angry. Laura, a man like Allan is not to 
 be trilled with. He's upright and clean-minded if lie 
 is poor. As you value your own happiness, don't be 
 influenced by Robert's money. He is not the kind of 
 a man to make you haj.py ; he's too coarse, too avari- 
 cious. If you care for him, let Allan know it, you are 
 too young to be playing the ilirt with two men at once. 
 Either give up Robert's money or Allan's manliness. 
 You can't keep both. I'm glad Allan has left. He's 
 risen mountain high in my estimation. I'm sorry to 
 be disappointed in you. Little sister, 1 must speak 
 plainly now if never again. You are doing a danger- 
 ous thing, you arc trilling with Allan." 
 
 "I can't help it if Robert doe;; like me, Allan blames 
 
 me for it." 
 
 "Allan has aright to think you arc trilling with him. 
 Ho blames no man for honestly loving you, but he has 
 a right to he first in your affections if you are true to 
 him. If you don't care for him let him know it." 
 
 il 
 
i 
 
 
 I 
 
 H 
 
 43 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "You needn't scold me,Helen. I'm sick of him ; he's 
 a tyrant, " cried Laura. 
 
 "You must tell him so and let him be undeceived, 
 Laura." 
 
 "Such a mean, shabby trick to play me yesterday," 
 
 complained Laura. 
 
 "You'll suffer worse ones at Robert's hands, I'm 
 afraid, " said Helen quietly. "Do you remember Locks- 
 ley Hall? When you were reading it the other day I 
 could not help thinking of Robert— get Tennyson's 
 works, Laura, and read that exquisite poem again, and 
 apply the verses from the twenty-first through the next 
 five to Robert, never was gospel truer," and Helen left 
 the room. 
 
 Laura obeyed Helen in so far as she read the part 
 of Tennyson's poem and became disgusted with the lack 
 of appropriateness. "The idea of Robert ever liking a 
 horse or dog better than me! He didn't caie for horses 
 or dogs at all. It was Allan who liked horses and dogs, 
 bah!" and she flung the book down, and went out upon 
 the porch, where from the west side she could see 
 Robert coming home, and the lines of the twenty-fifth 
 Stanza again filed through her brain : 
 
 "Ho will hold thee, when his passion shall have spent its novel 
 
 force, 
 Something bettor than his dog, a little dearer than his horse." 
 
 And Laura fled from Robert, why she could not tell, 
 but she fled in a sort of horror that could not be con- 
 founded with bashfulness or coqucttishncss. 
 
 In the next few days Robert did not see Laura ex- 
 cept in the presence of one or more of the family. This 
 only served to drive him desperate. So a week passed 
 during wliicl Allan did not call. He had seen Laura 
 at chiifch n 1(1 had waited outside lor her, but she had 
 bowed distantly and passed him by. 
 
 1 
 
 i S 
 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 43 
 
 I 
 
 He was fast becoming a slave to his love for her. 
 His pride was giving way, so heart hungry was he for 
 her loving companionship. She had grown to be so 
 much more than life to him, a part of his best self, 
 every aim and every wish, every hope and almost every 
 thought were so completely centered about Laura that 
 it was impossible to break asunder the chains which 
 bound him closer and closer every day. So he waited, 
 hoping she would send for him. 
 
 About a week after the excursion, Laura went to visit 
 the Warren family. While there they arranged for a 
 party to which they sent invitations to Allan and Rob- 
 ert and Laura's sisters also. Helen declined, but Rob- 
 ert again took Nettie. She, poor simpleton, was glad 
 to subsist upon crumbs J at least she could have his 
 company for a little time, if he did care more for her 
 sister. It takes very little to make a fond woman happy. 
 
 Expecting to meet Laura, Allan went with the firm 
 intention of a complete reconciliation. He wrote her 
 that he was going to be there, and begged her to con- 
 sider herself engaged to him. 
 
 Despcrat .-ly jealous of his cousin, smarting under 
 the humiliation of his defeat upon the day of the ex- 
 cursion, yet as a drowning man clutches at a straw, 
 he hoped to be able more fully to prove that he had 
 been the victim of circumstances on that occasion. It 
 was a very small straw he feared, but it might be a 
 helpful straw; at least it was the only one. Beside 
 he had not obtained her forgiveness for what she no 
 doubt felt was a gross imposition. 
 
 The evening of the party arrived. At the appointed 
 hour Robert made his appearance with the exalted 
 Nettie. He had gotten himself up with unusual care. 
 He was tall, compact and well built. A live, magnetic 
 man of generous proportions, bright laughing face and 
 
lT~^ 
 
 44 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 sparkling dark eyes. To-night he wore tlie look of 
 the successful business man. Even Allan with his fine 
 form, polished manners and handsome face seemed out- 
 shone. 
 
 There was an air of proprietorship about him this 
 evening that seemed to indicate that the part was got- 
 ten up expressly for him at his request and to meet his 
 views; that somehow, he and not Mr. Warren, was 
 host. He was notably present in the wine room until 
 by some queer manipulation of affairs Allan was within 
 its doors. 
 
 Allan and Robert had barely spoken when they met, 
 but now when Allan re-considered his first refusal and 
 concluded to take "just a small drink," the waiter was 
 requested to "serve him with the best brand and not 
 be stingy in the amount, Allan Morton was his cousin," 
 all in a voice sufficiently loud for Allan to hear, but 
 with head averted so that he failed to see the look of 
 the treacherous dark eyes of the speaker. 
 
 A little later Allan had become confused and incoher- 
 ent, and Robert who was not far distant saw that a 
 previously concocted plan of his and Warren's was 
 working charmingly. Allan was getting reckless under 
 the exhilarating influence of Mr. Warren's wine. WHiilc 
 Robert made a show of restraining him from drinking 
 too freely, he secretly egged him on to greater excesses. 
 Meantime, he, himself, abstained from tasting wine, a 
 thing unusual, but he must not offend Laura, and ho 
 must keep a clear head to night. Again he fo\ind 
 n\imberless opportunities to wait upon, and dance with 
 Laura. Their names were cotipled together as he 
 meant they should be; it had helped on tuany an en- 
 gagement, and he would have the impression that there 
 was reason for it. Nothing like appearances. 
 
 In spite of her love for Allan, Laura was now thor- 
 
w 
 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 45 
 
 oughly ashamed of him. AHan was led upstairs ami 
 put to bed in a state of intoxication. 
 
 Exulting ill the success of his plans, Robert again 
 escorted Laura home that night together with Nettie, 
 and again after the latter had left the parlor and sought 
 her own room to weep out her heart over the loss of 
 her lover, Robert proposed and was unconditionally 
 accepted. 
 
 "You know, Robert, I loved Allan from the first, but 
 I can't love any longer where I can't respect, and I 
 shall never respect him again seeing him as he was to- 
 night," she said, as Robert placed a massive gold ring 
 upon her finger. 
 
 Laura believed her words and would not even own 
 to herself that she was only humiliated. Love will 
 stand many humiliations, though it is not best to hu- 
 miliate a proud woman too often, nor too deeply. 
 
 The following morning Allan woke from his drunken 
 sleep, sick and overwhelmed by a sense of his dis- 
 graceful conduct, and fearful of the results. lie had 
 a confused recollection of being "played upon" the 
 evening before. He very well knew that Laura would 
 not be waiting for him, though he asked for her, in 
 case she had extended her visit with the family. He 
 was informed by Mrs. Warren that she had gone home 
 accompanied by his cousin. He resolved that he nould 
 not return to his boarding place, but sought his work 
 while yet under the influence of his ])revious night's 
 excesses. 
 
 His flushed face and trembling liands made him bun 
 gle his work, and being rebuked, he answered sharply, 
 \ipon which he was summarily discharged. 
 
 Almost c'uzed by the tide that had set in against 
 him, he sought his boarding place, packed up his lew 
 effects, and hastily left Toronto in search of work, with- 
 

 46 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 1 
 
 out even one good bye, one parting word to cheer or 
 encourage him. 
 
 Falling in with a party of adventurers, he went over 
 into the United States with them, bound for the West. 
 And so we will leave him for the present, journeying away 
 from everything that his heart held dear, no kind word, 
 perhaps not even a thought to lighten his wanderings. 
 
 The news of Allan's departure for the west was car- 
 ried by Robert to the Bassett family and lost nothing 
 in point of color. No one regretted it but Nettie who 
 knew that now there was no hope for her, as there was 
 no longer any doubt that Robert would be successful 
 in his suit for the hand of her young sister. 
 
 The consent of Laura's parents already gained, Rob- 
 ert hastened the wedding day which had been set to 
 take place but a few weeks after the disappearance of 
 his cousin. He feared that at the last moment there 
 might be a meeting ; Allan might return, and a recon- 
 ciliation take place, so great had been Laura's love 
 
 for him. 
 
 She had confessed this love for Allan when he, Rob- 
 ert, had renewed his proposal. So he hurried on the 
 wedding-day just as that morning he hurried on the 
 wedding garments, eagerly, desperately, as though for 
 his life, nervously as though fearing defeat, pacing 
 back and forth in his room impatiently, listening 
 eagerly to the sound of every voice below, and starting 
 as the door clanged after each newcomer, for old Mr. 
 Br.ssett had bidden all his friends witness the mar- 
 riage of his daughter to the "likeliest young man for 
 miles around." 
 
 While Robert is restlessly pacing up and down his 
 room, in another room the bride to be is cowering at 
 her father's feet, and her father's tender hands gently 
 resting on her head, fearful of disarranging the white 
 
 
 lii 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 47 
 
 
 
 veil and orange blossoms ; the hands that arc always 
 tender, the voice always kind to his "little girl" are 
 unheeded, as she lays her snnny head upon his knee. 
 Old Mr. Bassett had been startled into breathless- 
 ness at the vision of loveliness, when at her request 
 he had come alone to her room. He had never seen 
 anything so lovely, and so white, but she always was 
 
 "skeery." 
 
 Soon they were informed that everything and every- 
 body was waiting for the bride, and after lifting Laura 
 to her feet, a kiss, a "God bless you, child, you can't 
 be my little girl any more, you must be his," the old 
 man opened the door and admitted those who were to 
 form the bridal procession to the church. 
 
 Every one remembered long afterward the white-faced 
 bride, brt radiant bridegroom, and many had nodded 
 wisely in prophetic misgivings, for it was generally 
 known that she had once been engaged to Allan Morton. 
 
 So the day came and went that witnessed the mar- 
 riage of Robert Morton and Laura Bassett. He was 
 boisterously happy, and she tried to be, and thus they 
 settled down in the new cottage that her taute and 
 Robert's money had made exquisitely lovely. 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 A riFXE or NF.WS 
 
 My heart stood still with a sudden shock, 
 
 And a terrible fear and dread 
 Came over me, for some one's lips 
 Were whispering, "ho is dead," 
 The years rolled by. To Robert Morton they had 
 brought prosperity in his business and joy to him in 
 his home. His wife was sweet and fait; his two chil- 
 dren beautiful and healthy. 
 
"^^ 
 
 48 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 h! I! 
 
 Nettie had gone to live in their home, patient to 
 help care for his children and find a shelter beneath 
 his roof, and thus made her living in a much pleasanter 
 way than in any other for which she was fitted. 
 
 Helen had married about two years after the mar- 
 riage of Laura and Robert and had moved to Brooklyn. 
 The old folks remained on the Bassett farm, which 
 was not far distant from Robert's residence. At vari- 
 ous times they had heard that Allan was in the United 
 States, but beyond an occasional report the quiet of 
 oblivion had engulfed his life. 
 
 Robert seldom thought of, or named him. If Laura 
 responded at ail she did so briefly. The old wounds 
 might sting and rankle, but she gave no visible sign of 
 suffering. If she ever thought of Tennyson's poem, 
 Locksley Hall, she said nothing to that effect. She 
 seemed contented, a good mother, a faithful, but 
 never demonstrative wife. Nothing of the lif:iit-hearted, 
 merry, laughing Laura remained. 
 
 One day Robert came home all full of bustle and 
 energy as usual. 
 
 "Well, Laura, what do you suppose I 'eard to-day 
 from a man down town? Allan's gone to fight the 
 hinjins in the west! Just like 'im! I knew 'e'd never 
 settle down to anything of hany haccount, 'E'll never 
 be worth a cent, so he might has well go hinto the harmy 
 as be cutting round hall over God's creation." 
 
 Laura listened without answering — he was used to her 
 quiet way of receiving his thunderbolts, but had he 
 looked at her ! e might have seen a nervous clutching 
 of her fingers, an unusual pallor overspreading her 
 face ,then — crash! and the glass dish she had held in 
 her hand was shivcn d into atoms. Of course, Robert 
 noticed that au'l tried to console her for breaking hef 
 
 + 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 49 
 
 set of preserve dishes; she should have another, better 
 than that. 
 
 However, Robert soon forgot the little event ; which 
 was but a ripple in his busy life. He hated interrup- 
 tions in the usual routine; he liked to have things 
 move smoothly. 
 
 Robert had prospered in his business, had enlarged 
 the cottage and refurnished it to suit his wife to whom 
 he had ever been, in his selfish way, kind and affec- 
 tionate. 
 
 If Laura had ever regretted her marriage she had 
 given no sign. At times, to be sure, there had been 
 little differences o^ inioti between them, only whiffs 
 that soon died <lo\vu and left no serious consequences. 
 
 But she had grown colder and quieter as the years 
 had passed by Robert seemed oblivious of any great 
 change, for 'ic was too happy in the posseission of this 
 woman and her children, and too busy money making 
 to let it worry him. He loved her with all the strength 
 of his seliish nature, and was good and kind to her, 
 and so thought, of course, she must be satislied. 
 
 He was yet fond of quoting his favorite maxim, 
 "Mone\' will tell." He was just as fond of illustrating 
 it to the world, which after all was not a very large 
 world. He was bound up in the accumulation of money 
 and the love of one woman and her children. 
 
 Money '.naking is not conducive to the truest refine- 
 ment, if love for a good woman is, and Robert was not 
 more a gentleman with the flight of time. In fact, it 
 did not need a discriminating eye or exquisite taste 
 to perceive that the Robert of to-day had lost much if 
 not all of the external polish that the Robert whom 
 Allan hated for his boorishness, possessed. He had 
 gotten the prize ; no need to bother his head about 
 keeping her. He always found her dainty, though grow- 
 
50 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 \ t 
 
 i 
 
 ing quieter every day. Of course, she was busy, a 
 woman had to be to keep a house and children so well 
 and orderly, and to be always neat and tidy. 
 
 And so he did not notice the cold passive manner of 
 his wife nor the touch of her irresponsive lips. He 
 never thought that she possessed soul. He provided 
 her with plenty of money , that was his first and most 
 serious purpose, next to the money-making, and he 
 was good to her in his way. 
 
 Then she fell into the habit of thinking, and just 
 there is where she made a mistake ; she should have 
 thought less. It is not a good practice, this thinking 
 with the doors locked. Ah, it is best not to think! 
 Better to dash down into the everlasting kitchen and 
 wash and clatter the dishes and even scold the romp- 
 ing children; creating a great noise will help drown 
 the echoes of that sweet voice that makes such danger- 
 ous music among the quivering hearts-strings. 
 
 And then when evening's work is done, the kitchen 
 work, for woman's work is never done, get out that 
 inevitable basket of mending and mend, mend, darn, 
 darn, but don't think, but don't think, don't think. 
 Just watch the shining needle go in and out of the 
 ragged edges of that huge man's coarse, rough stocking, 
 don't think that shining needle might make a good 
 dagger to case your aching heart! Just sew gracefully 
 now, as becomes such graceful dainty work for such a 
 graceful dainty creature! 
 
 Well, you may sliiver, but hard practical work is best 
 for restlessness and rebellion. Hut do not go to that 
 piano and touch with your trembling fingers its keys; 
 they will only mock you, Annie Laurie. They know 
 too much of your past; and then you have no one to 
 turn the IcHvesof your music! The shapely hands that 
 did such gentle service 50 gracefully long ago, may 
 
GOLD DUSr 
 
 5J 
 
 be grasping a saber, or stiffening in death. Your pride 
 and love of money stung him to death and ruin. 
 
 Hark! gentle footfalls approach the closed door. A 
 childish voice begs admittance. This one you cannot 
 deny, and your trembling feet carry you to the door. 
 You give audience to this little one who looks like a 
 miniature Annie Laurie of long ago, only she has ej-es 
 of deepest blue ; and looking into their depths you 
 cannot deny the childish appeal to come in. You let 
 her come and stand by your side, and touch with those 
 tiny pink fingers "pitty mamma's hair," gently smooth- 
 ing the fluffy masses, now and then giving the pale 
 chet ks a tender pat as if in pity. 
 
 Robert was in no way disturbed by the news of his 
 cousin's departure for the scenes of the Indian troubles 
 in the western part of the States. He was glad indeed. 
 Best thing in the world. He was happy with his wiie 
 and children, and Nettie to help lighten the burden of 
 domestic cares for Laura. He believed upon the whole 
 it was a good plan to keep Nettie in the house. Some- 
 how the household machinery seemed to work better 
 than ever, for Nettie was always well and strong, and 
 was sure to have his meals ready, and took good care 
 that his iiousehold was in order. Somehow Laura 
 was not able to work, though she never complained. 
 Nettie was good-tempered, cheerful and kind to the 
 children. Somehow Laura was getting awfully nervous 
 of late. Guess she wasn't very 'strong, she looked so 
 white. Yes 'e'd keep Nettie ami she would take care 
 of the children, and would have his meals ready and 
 relieve Laura of that worry. He might consult a doc- 
 tor, n doctor was just the idea; ho wo\jld bring her »ip 
 all ri^lit. He eo\ild afford a good doctor, the best for 
 his wife. He* had money, and nHuu-y woulil tell with 
 doctors. Of courau, tlioy'd soon cure lier, ninki In i 
 
 
 
 ! 
 
 if 
 
t- 
 
 52 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 It < 
 
 ft 
 \ H 
 
 III: 
 
 III! 
 
 Strong and well. Money would do it. He knew she 
 was reading too much of late, always reading the papers. 
 A doctor would make her quit reading the j)apers. She 
 was too nervous. He'd see a doctor right off. But first 
 he must run right down to the office and see Benner 
 about that little matter, they might make a cool ^5,000 
 out of that deal. 
 
 And so Robert did not consult a doctor and the days 
 passed by ; he never thought of it again. Instead, one 
 night in early spring he came home looking unusually 
 sober, and holding a paper in his hand. Laura from 
 her upstairs window saw him, and glided softly down 
 the stairs with quaking heart. It was an unusual thing 
 for him to bring a paper in his hand. She knew that 
 the paper contained something of sober import. She 
 had a premonition of it. 
 
 "What's the matter, Robert? What's gone wrong?" 
 asked Nettie as she marshalled the children to supper. 
 
 "Been looking hover the papers, been reading some 
 news 'bout ihe trouble hover the hinjins in the States. 
 "Aven't ]iai(l much attention to that fuss, but it seems 
 has if I 'ad to to-night, 'nd the first thing my eye. lit 
 on on the list of kilh.'d was Al's name, shot through the 
 heart. Poor frilow! he's gone at last." 
 
 "Hush! supper's ready, Robert. Come, children, sup- 
 per's ready and getting cold Hush! don't you sec, 
 Robert," said Nettie under her breath, impatiently 
 thinking to herself. '^Why will men always bring their 
 bad news home at meal time?" 
 
 Pausing and following with his ej'os Nettie's mute 
 sign, Robert saw Laura standing in the door-way list- 
 ening to his news. 'I'hen without a word she (piietly 
 came in and in n dazed sort r^f way sat down at the 
 head of the table. She iiover onco Inokoil ut \\\\\\. t!mt 
 great robust nmn who sat and gabbled between gulps 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 53 
 
 of tea and huge mouthfuls of food, gabbled of his sor- 
 row at Allan's death, sandwiching between food and 
 drink his foregone prophetic opinions, lacerating the 
 bursting heart of that wretched woman who sat oppo- 
 site him for the express purpose of replenishing his 
 
 teacup. 
 
 Sometimes she looked steadily into the blue eyes of 
 Una thf^ -Uiust child, her white lips moving faintly, 
 and ar ng all demands for '"nothor cup o' tea" with 
 
 silent compliance. 
 
 Robert asks if she'll '"ave some meat," but seems 
 not to notice that she pays no heed to his question. 
 She is not even disgusted or shocked as in former 
 times at his marvelous feats in devouring huge quan- 
 tities of food. She sits quiet, gazing stonily into va- 
 cancy, sometimes raising her eyes when one of tho 
 children speaks, but always quiet. 
 
 Nettie notices that there is not even a flutter of tho 
 eyelids, not a quiver of the lips, and she wonders with 
 inward terror if her sister is going mad, for she knows 
 that for all the quiet manner Laura is suffering deeply. 
 She watches her intently, furtively gut tho corners of 
 her eyes, and is sure that she is controlling herself by 
 a great effort. 
 
 Robert was comforted for tho loss of his cousin by 
 a hearty supper Tlum he went down after supper to 
 spread his news. His wretched wife was glad to hear 
 his heavy step go out tli(>. door and go crunching off 
 down tho gravel walk. Her heart said. "I'm glad he is 
 gone;" her palo lips forebore to uttci such disloyal 
 words, even in the silence of hrr own room to which 
 she had dragged hir weary, trembling limbs, almost 
 sinking down upon tho stairs. Uut she wanted to get 
 away Ijy herMcH. Sho htd kopt up so far with thoBQ 
 terribluwords ringing in her uars,nn ' that man's crunch- 
 
 
 m 
 
 Jil 
 
54 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 ! 
 
 il 
 
 ing jaws and disconnected gabble jarring upon her heart- 
 strings. Now she sinks down and all her pent-up grief 
 bursts forth in a passion of tears. Thank God for tears! 
 they have saved many a breaking heart. 
 
 Robert entered the sitting-room that evening at nine 
 o'clock, with some hesitation. His whole manner was 
 subdued. With the feeling as of one just awakening 
 from a troubled dream or nightmare, he had sought 
 his office and there pondered over the strange appear- 
 ance of his wife as he had seen her standing in the 
 doorway. She was so white that he should have feared 
 a complete collapse if she had not been so calm all 
 through the supper. He knew that she felt badly, and 
 he told himself that he was soft-hearted not to resent 
 her evident grief for his cousin. How bad she felt he 
 could not tell; one never could tell the depths of a 
 quiet woman's grief, and she had grown so very still 
 and quiet of late. There was no knowing what she 
 would do, but she would get over it. He would not 
 worry her, else he might make her worse. He resolved 
 to go home and ask Nettie ; she had seemed to under- 
 stand Laura perfectly. So he retraced his steps and 
 when he entered the parlor he was relieved to find Net- 
 tie alone. 
 
 The cliildren had been put to bed early, thanks to 
 Nettir'9 forethought, and Nettie was there to meet 
 Robert and answer such questions as he choso to ask 
 concerning his wife. 
 
 "It was frightful to see her, K'obert, standing thero 
 so white and liorrificd, and she never shed a tear. I 
 co\ild hardly keep from crying myself, at the news, and 
 you know I never liked Allan much. But to be shot 
 down in battle! Owe must have a heart of atone not 
 to feel sorry for the poor fellow's sad fate." 
 
 "Ves, yes, hit's too bad for A), but that's the fortune 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 55 
 
 hof war. Didn't Laura say lianything before she went 
 
 hupstairs?" 
 
 "Not a word, just left the room in that strange, quiet 
 way of hers that has been growing upon her for some 
 
 time." 
 
 '"ow long before she first began to read the papers? 
 She used to 'ate newspapers, once she wouldn't look 
 
 hat one." 
 
 "She's been reading the^apers ever since you brought 
 home the news of his going to the States. Seems as 
 if she expected something, and she hadn't laughed a 
 hearty laugh since. Indeed, she seldom ever smiles." 
 
 "Does she never say lianything ? Never talk of Allan 
 
 to you?" 
 
 "Once I asked her if she had ever heard anything 
 about him, but she asked me in an icy tone, "why she 
 should know anything about Allan?" since then 1 have 
 kept still about him." 
 
 "Where is she now?" 
 
 -In her room. She's been there since you left the 
 
 house." 
 
 Robert started toward the door, then paused, came 
 back an 1 sat down, saying in a troubled way: 
 
 "I guess I'll not disturb 'er. If she wants to cry 
 halone, tears won't 'urt 'er, and tlicy can't bring 'iui 
 back. I knew she liked 'im before we were married." 
 
 -And she hasn't got over it yet, Robert, be sure of 
 
 that. " 
 
 "I s'poso not; though I've tried by kindness to win 
 'er from all thoughts of 'im. But she was desperately 
 in lovo with 'im at one time. S'pose hit all came back 
 when she 'curd he was in danger, poor girl I and Rob- 
 ert concluded with, a sigh that told how much he felt 
 his failure to win. iht- uudividyd love oi his idolized 
 wife. 
 
 111 
 
 K\ 'I 
 
 P 
 ft 
 
 f[ 
 
 11 
 
 f,:i 
 
 i 
 
 '11; 
 
56 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 lii 
 
 He stood gazinff moodily into the fire-place for some 
 time, evidently ill at ease. 
 
 "1 wonder if I had better go up and see her?" asked 
 Nettie. 
 
 "No, no. Don't do that. She won't like hit, I'm 
 certain, only make matters worse. I'll go soon if she 
 cares to see me. Hif not, well I'll wait; all I can do 
 I s'pose. Can't make a woman like me against 'er 
 will," said Robert a little bitterly for the first time. 
 
 "They say time will heal all griefs. Perhaps she 
 will get over this when she sees there's no help for it, 
 that he is gone and she can't see him," said Nettie con- 
 solingly, though she did not believe it. Robert did not 
 answer.he was thinking of his love for that silent woman, 
 that unloving wife who was breaking her heart for an- 
 other man ; and here was a woman whose eyes followed 
 him constantly, full of devotion. 
 
 With all his faults Robert Morton possessed a warm, 
 generous heart, ready sympathies ihat brought the tears 
 to his eyes at mere thought of his wife's unavailing 
 love and sorrow. So he resolved to be patient and 
 kind to her whose unswerving loyalty in every outward 
 wifely duty had so blinded him. When he thought of 
 all the past, over four years, that she had lived with 
 him, with this love burning into her heart, and had yet 
 been dutiful and faithful to him and his children, now 
 as he reviewed it all, his heart felt not one pang of 
 unreasonable jealousy of his dead rival. He pitied her, 
 if she had loved Allan all through those years, yet 
 never once mentioning his name except in the most 
 commonplace manner, and never once failing in her duty 
 as wife and mother, he could trust her; perhaps, God 
 knows, lie might win her yet to forget Al when time 
 had iionied her nching heart. 
 
 So full of the tender charity so rare under such ci^ 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 57 
 
 cumstances, Robert lumbered up stairs and knocked 
 timidly at the door of their chamber, listening vainly 
 or an answer. Opening the door softly he con ronted 
 the tear-stained face of his wife whose eyes fell under 
 his close though kind scrutiny. 
 
 "I'm sorry you take Al's death so l^adly, Laura. 1 
 thou'^ht you -ad gotten over hall that." He moved to 
 her side and laid his arm kindly around her shoulder, 
 vet she remained silent. 
 
 •■Can't you hcver get hover it? You mu.t know .t 
 h'ain't very easy for me to see my wife gnevmg for 
 hanother man. Can't you try, Laura, for the dulJren s 
 sake, and your own, if not for --' 
 
 His voice was tender, even lAseccuiub 
 to break the icy barriers that had bouiul her heart- 
 strings, and with a gasping sob she cried out : ^ 
 
 •'Oh' I have tried all these years, and thought x had 
 succeeded, but it all comes back again. I'm not fitto 
 be your wife, Robert, but I can't forget Allan, yet 1 
 
 His hand dropped away from her shoulder at this 
 confession. It was true enough. He had hoped that 
 she would bo able to deny it. But she loved his cousin 
 hopelessly and though his own love was as hopele.s 
 as hers for Allan, he nni.t yet love her -l^^^'^l' 
 He knew that tears would not hurt her. I that icy 
 calmness returned again it might kill her, and believing 
 that she wanted to be alone he said : 
 
 '•You are best luUono to-night. I'll he down on the 
 
 sitting-room lounge, and you'd better give hup and go 
 
 to bed hat once. If there's anything 1 can do for you. 
 
 you can let me know." r^r „„ 
 
 Ho saw with deep humiliation the look of relief on 
 
 her face us she uirnod away without answering him. 
 
 Hn knew that she was glad to be alone, for she was 
 
 all unstrung and trembling with repressed gnci. 
 
 e 
 
 !1 
 
 fi: 
 
 1 I 
 
 m 
 
 
 hi. 
 
 1 1 I 
 
 
58 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 Laura was glad to hear liis lioavy step descend tlie 
 stairs. She had not thought that, with all his kind- 
 ness, he would permit even the grim spectre of his 
 dead cousin to fill his place, so uncomplainingly. She 
 deeply felt her unworthiness of his patient forbearance. 
 
 Robert Morton was never so much a gentleman, as 
 when he left that room in which he had a royal right 
 to remain, his recreant wife hugging to her heart the 
 picture of his dead rival. This tender charity and self 
 abnegation refined away much that was commonplace 
 in his nature which had been so offensive to his un- 
 happy wife through ail her married life. She felt so 
 humiliated, yet grateful for so much, to be let alone to 
 cry her heart out and gain the mastery over herself 
 before another day should demandher constant pres- 
 ence below. 
 
 So Robert mercifully left her alone to battle with her 
 grief and overcome it if she could. It had been a hard 
 fought battle, the hardest of her life, it had been the 
 saddest night of her life, too. She had wept and prayed 
 and cursed by turns, cursed with glittering eyes and set 
 teeth the fate that had severed her from her young lover 
 in those old days ; cursed herself for her faithlessness, for 
 well she knew that Robert's money had accomplished 
 it all. Sometimes in her wrath she was glad, yes, glad, 
 t'lat he knew of her love for his cousin, and she would 
 taunt him with it! OhI she cared nothing for his feel- 
 ings. His feelings indeed! what were his feelings to 
 hers? Hor heart would burst with its load of grief! 
 
 Then she grew calmer again and sat tearless and 
 thoughtful. Remorse for what had seemed to be an 
 unpnrdonablc and dishonorable weakness had overcome 
 her, and tearful prayers had succeeded wrath. 
 
 So the night had passed. Sometimes she heard a 
 mulBed footfall upon the floor outside her room, and 
 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 59 
 
 once or twice she had heard a heavy, lumbering sound 
 as though a big dog were lying outside the door on 
 the mat. Was it Robert? And she had cursed him 
 for tempting her with his money ! Robert whose strong 
 arm she had shrunk from, caring little for his sympathy 
 so long as he left her alone with her grief, and Allan's 
 picture. Robert, her own husband, her childen's father! 
 Had it been he who, tired and no doubt sorrowful 
 at her grief, was lying there in the cold, and she, poor 
 weak wretch, disloyal and almost criminal, was break- 
 ing her hear', over a dead lover? 
 
 So the morning had dawned and found her calmer, 
 and humiliated by her own weakness, yet with a new 
 resolution in her heart to be a better, truer wife. 
 
 Robert made a great show of attention to the chil- 
 dren while talking and laughing immoderately at the 
 most unlaughable things. He took but the merest 
 notice of his wife for which she was grateful. She had 
 been so accustomed to his kind solicitude that she could 
 scarcely understand this new phase. What did he 
 mean? Had he cast her off. 
 
 Then she submitted to the caresses of the little ones 
 who were trying to make amends for their father's 
 omission. Butshemissedsomething,something that had 
 been of great value to her in her narrow life ; something 
 that had grown to be a want, a necessary ailment of lier 
 nature, something which, from the very surety of it in 
 the part that had been a staff upon which she had un- 
 consciously leaned, though she hud held another image 
 in her heart the while. 
 
 She remembered an old saying of her mother's: "Be- 
 ware of the anger of a patient man." Was he "angry 
 at last?" He liad once told her that there was a limit 
 to his endurance. Hml ^he gone beyond the limit 
 when she had told him that she could not forget his 
 
 II 
 
 111 
 
 %\ 
 
 III 
 \\ 
 1' 
 
 i'l 
 
 4,1 
 
 'it 
 
 . t; 
 
 ! I 
 
 4 
 m 
 
6o 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 cousin? Had he not known it all tliese years? Had 
 he been blind to her coldness? For some time she had 
 been so weary of her bonds that she must have shown 
 it in her manner. 
 
 So with these thoughts that helped divert her mind 
 from that other grief, she was awake to external influ- 
 ences, and, consequently seemed to have roused herself 
 to the needs of the hour, and the performance of her 
 usual duties and observances of her place. And thus 
 she had gained control of her feelings and appeared 
 calm to Nettie and Robert on the morning after the 
 news of Allan's death, and as the day had worn away 
 and she had betrayed no great agitation in either man- 
 ner or look, they wisely concluded to say no more 
 
 about it. 
 
 Thus it came about that what Laura believed to be 
 the result of jealousy upon Robert's part was kind con- 
 sideration, perhaps kinder because blinded by her calm- 
 ness to a sense of the real depths of her grief for his 
 cousin. Had Robert half divined the strength of Lau- 
 ra's will, the power of self-control, and realized that 
 in just such proportion was her power to love and hate, 
 knowing that she did love his cousin, he might well 
 have trembled at the possible results, were his cousin 
 alive. But he never took the trouble to analyze her 
 manner and looks, to attach any significance to them 
 beyond the fact that she was quiet, did not talk much, 
 which he believed as near to a state of perfection as 
 woman could possible attain. 
 
 But Robert was sure of one thing, Allan was dead 
 and could be only a memory, after all, and feeling sure 
 as to the correctness of the office reports of his cousin's 
 death, hp wisely put on a brave face, thinking that in 
 treating the whole unpleasant affair lightly, he would 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 61 
 
 divest his wife's grief of half its bitterness, dignity, and 
 
 sacredness. 
 
 Sensible man! instead of looking unutterable things 
 and swearing vehemently and noisily to leave her,or send 
 her back to her mother, he never referred to the 
 matter, seeming as cheerful, perhaps more cheerful 
 than ever, kinder if possible to the children, more lavish 
 in his provision for the household, and, according to 
 his life-long faith in the power of money, he put several 
 new coins in his wife's never empty purse, saying to 
 himself, "money will 'elp 'er to forget hit all. 'e never 
 'ad any. I've got plenty, and money will tell." 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 Laura's struggle 
 
 And my soul from out the "shadow 
 That lies floating on the floor 
 Shall be lifted— nevermore.— Poe. 
 
 For a few days Laura avoided her old father's keen 
 eyes and quiet remarks that somehow probed to the 
 bottom of her heart. No one could see as he had seen, 
 and no one could lay bare her weaknesses and failures 
 to her own eyes as well as he, and so she avoided him 
 even when her heart told her tiiat his sympathy would 
 be so patient, tender, though uncompromising. She 
 knew that he would bid her root out the worse than 
 folly from her disloyal heart, and she could not, she 
 had tried but she could not. 
 
 A few days afterward, when people had found noth- 
 ing new to tell her of Allan, nothing new to guess or 
 imagine, or invent, because they were tired of the sub- 
 ject, Robert brought home and left upon the table quite 
 inadvertently, another paper, a Chicago paper. 
 
 11 1 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
 
 4il 
 
62 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 flu 
 
 That paper not only contained reports of certain 
 prospects in real estate, stock reports, grain deals, etc., 
 all of which Robert was watching with great interest 
 with an eye to the future, but it contained a late and 
 full account of the charge of Allan's company, dwelling 
 upon his unusual daring and courage, of the manner in 
 which he met his death, dwelling upon the details of 
 Allan's small company against hundreds of the foe. 
 
 Laura did not go down to supper, but that evening 
 when Robert had gone out and x-Iett'e had settled down 
 to a new novel, and when she thougnt her parents were 
 asleep in their old home, she stole to the old arbor 
 and amid its dusky shadows cowered in dreadful an- 
 guish that would not be smothered. And as she cow- 
 ered and moaned, heedless of time o: event, a iaitering 
 step tottered down the walk and approached the arbot 
 door that now always stood open because it refu'-ed to 
 close. 
 
 So nothing hindered him from hearing her piteously 
 pleading and calling upon the dead, "AlLin, comeback 
 and forgive me! come back! come back just once and 
 touch my hand in token of forgiveness. Out of the grave, 
 or in the hands of the enemy, dead or alive comeback! 
 Oh, my love, I am true to you! I will be true till 
 death. Only come back, dead or alive!" 
 
 Struck almost dumb with surprise and horror the 
 old man could only gasp out : 
 
 "Why, Laura! what's the matter, child?" 
 
 "You know, father. You've heard Allan was shot by 
 the Indians in the States, and I have killed him. I've 
 killed him just as truly as though I had shot liim my- 
 self." 
 
 "The Lord pity ye, ye poor misguided child! the 
 Lord pity 'nd forgive you 'nd heap on my old sitiful 
 head the weight of his wrath for your love for nother 
 
 I 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 63 
 
 man as ain't vour own husband! Come, set down, child, 
 ye'U wear yourself out. Sit down; yer can't help it 
 nohow, and maybe we can reu.oa 1 : all out together. ' 
 "Don't talk to me of reason! You -now 1 loved him 
 always. Why did you let m- itarry ::aat brute— "^ 
 
 "Hush! child, not a word aga U3^ yer husband," her 
 father exclaimed severely, intenupting her as she flung 
 out the hot words in bitter denunciation. 
 
 "What is he, then? My tyrant, and 1 hate him, I 
 hate him. I loathe him, the brute!" and she hissed 
 out the words with fearful venom. 
 
 There in the dusky shadows the old man's dim eyes 
 saw her passionately clinching her hands and swaying 
 back and forth in her mingled sorrow and fury. i3ut 
 he did not condemn her. How could he deal harshly 
 with Lhis remorseful soul? She was his child, his best 
 loved, and just now she was back again as in the long 
 ago, his little one, needing his love, his sympathy and 
 patience. And in the dimness the sight of ir s; grief 
 and sound of her broken voice bridged the long lapse 
 of silent years that had made her coldness grieve his 
 fond old heart. 
 
 Groping his way blindly through the mist of tears, 
 and tb - shadows of the arbor, he bent over her in infi- 
 nite pity and yearning. 
 
 "It's all my fault, all my fault, every bit! not any- 
 body elj^c. Just blame me, I can bear it, only tell yer 
 old pa all about this thing as has been worryin' ye. 
 I'll not blr-me ye and maybe we can think it all out 
 
 together." 
 
 He was bending above her, tenderly stroking her 
 bowed head, in the gloom. He was glad of the shad- 
 ows, friendly shadows to thus shield her honor from 
 
 chance curiosity. 
 
 And when in broken sobs and tears she hud told him 
 
 f f 
 
 li 
 
 1 I 
 ! t 
 
 ill* 
 
 .■I 
 
 M 
 
 ! 1' 
 
64 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 II ) 
 
 of the years of ceaseless strife, trying to be patient and 
 endure; trying to root out of her heart the old love; 
 hoping against hopelessness that she might succeed, 
 failing often and renewing her efforts, then the shock 
 of the first news of his departure for the States, the 
 long silence, now his death at the hands of the cruel 
 Indians; his death was her fault, she had killed him. 
 
 With dim eyes Mr. Bassett knelt at the feet of his 
 daughter and poured out his heart to the forgiving, 
 infinite God for help and pardon for her, his little one. 
 But she heard it not. She chmf? to the memory of 
 her love, and though she stifled her sobs to listen, yet 
 she heard it not. But she grew calm, and did not re- 
 fuse her father's offer to walk home with her. 
 
 Laura's secret was hers no longer. She had given 
 it to her father, whose sympathy, after all was very 
 comforting. He was patient to talk with her and to 
 "think it all out together," and he was a safe confidant, 
 she was sure of that. 
 
 He bad touched the most vibrant chords in her heart 
 when he had spoken of her ch'dren. She must be a 
 good mother to them : they must never have cause to 
 blush for tiieir nu)ther. 
 
 Then her pride came to her rescue and she resolved 
 to take up the necessity of living outwanlly as serene 
 as though there were no grim wraith of bitter memory 
 stalking forever in her pathway. She must go on liv- 
 ing and doing ji -t the same. 
 
 In her sanest moments she was heartily ashamed of 
 the thought. But tr late now, her kind old f,.ther 
 knew it, anti she could no' retract or make him forget 
 wliat he had seen and heard down in the arbor. She 
 blushed withshame at the reeollec tionof it.andresolved, 
 jtifit as Kben Hassrtt mtend. ! -Ave should, to ^ivc \wx 
 children no cause to be ashamed of their mother in tho 
 
 III I 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 65 
 
 future. She would bury her sorrow out of sight, and its 
 wraith should not rise up and tempt her again to exhibit 
 her folly before human eyes. Living or dead it hould 
 keep it out of sight. 
 
 So she went on doing and undoing; believing and 
 disbelieving; strong to-day and weak to-morrow; de- 
 ceiving herself by some outward form, when fully 
 aware that down in her heart it was all a pitiable 
 mockery. Yet she was brave now in her cowardice; 
 an abject coward in her sublime heroism. In the small- 
 est details of her domestic affairs doing exactly the 
 thing to be done; never shirking a duty to mope in 
 the silence of love-haunted places; sweetly kind and 
 gentle to every one, and even to Robert to whom this 
 new phase in her manner was enchanting to the last 
 degree, and had the effect of extracting many another 
 gold coin from his purse, if money would make her 
 so gentle and altogether lovable, she should have it. 
 
 She tried to listen to his coarse jokes and pointless 
 wit, and even made herself believe after a fashion tliat 
 she had succeeded in the efforts. She never read "Locks- 
 ley Hall" now. Helen did not know long ago when she 
 had referred her to that poem that it had been Allan's 
 favorite and that he had lovingly told her that "he 
 must grow better for her dear sake if she was to grow 
 like him, in their sweet futurity." Now it was her 
 life giving duty to forget all that, and appreciate Rob- 
 ert and of course grow like him. 
 
 Certainly this was heroism, to hold to one's heart 
 the thing that above all others is most repugnant bo- 
 cause it is a duty, aurcly this is heroism. 
 
 But a new thought was of late taking posMWion of 
 
 her. Way down in her heart was growing a new hope. 
 
 What if after all he was not dead? What if there was 
 
 ,1 mistake in the official r.-jH.rtH? The first frport she 
 
 i\ 
 
66 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 did not see. It mifiht contain some clue by which she 
 could build hope ; or he might not be dead, only wound- 
 ed This thought had come into her heart, like a 
 whisper from some unknown messenger. Thus two 
 weeks went by. 
 
 II; 
 
 . t 
 
 * \ 
 
 CHAPTKR VI 
 
 FIGHTING THK INDIANS 
 
 It was night in lower California. The Sierra Nevada 
 Mountains looked majestically down into tiie valley 
 where a cluster of tents had been pitched that very 
 afternoon. Within the tents all is silent as the grave ; 
 even sleep is not deep enough to permit dreams or 
 heavy breathing. Without, a solitary picket paces wa- 
 rily to and fro, with keen, restless eyes piercing the 
 gloom of the sombre valley. Occasionally he paused 
 by the smoldering fire to stu.ly by its fittul glow a 
 picture that he draws from an inside pocket. Closely 
 he studies the picture, lovingly pressing it to cheek and 
 heart, passionately ki- ing it again and again, then 
 placing it back carefully in his pocket, he resumes his 
 
 beat. 
 
 Sometimes he paces back and forth for a few minutes, 
 then he listens with close attention to some sound, or 
 echo of a sound that may be but the rustle of leaves, 
 or the hoof beats of the company's h.^rses that are 
 tethered in a gully close by. Thus an hour passes. 
 
 Sud.h-nly the picket hears nn unusual noise among 
 the horses, and speedily and cautiously makes for the 
 gully, only to liu.l them crowding close to each other 
 
 trembling nn<^ nervous. . . , . ., 
 
 div built horse, whuh by the 
 
 noin5< up to :• p 
 
 IWl 
 
 starlight we sec is i 
 
 lark or bbu k. the picket lights a 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 67 
 
 match, and holclmg it to the animal's face, sees there a 
 look of fri^,'ht in his eyes as he restlessly paws the earth. 
 He pets and caresses him, talking in a low voice with 
 his mouth close to the animal's ear, stroking his neck, 
 drawing his head upon his shoulder and soothing hiai 
 by every possible means, then passing among the rest 
 with gentle touch and kindly voice. 
 
 After he had succeeded in quieting the horses, he 
 Started to return to the tents. When within a few r^-ls 
 he sees a figure skulking away under cover of a low 
 clump of bushes He levels his Derringer, fires, the 
 figure bounds in tlic air and falls. 
 
 Instantly the canp is alive: the men have been awak- 
 ened by the pistol-shot. Going to the spot where the 
 man fell and aga'n striking a match to see by its tran- 
 sient blaze his face, the picket, after one quick glance, 
 mutters, "Apaches." 
 
 The Indian is dead, or nearly so, and going back to 
 the tent the picket reports the event. 
 
 Though the company, to a man, is wide awake, yet 
 the silence of night continues unbroken. With batid 
 breath, tense nerves, eyes keen and step wary, the i)icket 
 alternately paces his beal, or pauses to listen to the 
 voices of the night, or the thud, thud of the restless 
 horses' hoofs. So the night passes. Noliiing more 
 occurs through the rest of the "watch." At I .eiik of day 
 the camp is in motion ; the horses are visited and cured 
 for and the dead Indian closely examined. lie is found 
 to be dressed in all the trappings of war ; in his quivers 
 arc poisoned arrows, a Winchester, new and heavily 
 loaded, lies by liis side; ammunition in abundance is 
 strapped about his person. 
 
 Dy the evidence gleaned, the captain is ronvim <-d 
 that a close struggle is at hand. 
 
 Hasiiiy preparing their bfeukiast, the soldiers prcpairc 
 
 4)' 
 
 
 II 
 
 ' t 
 
 > >i 
 
 
 if, 
 
 ' '1 
 \ 
 
gg GOLD DUST 
 
 for the fray. They bring their horse, close to the 
 
 ents each man guarding his o«n, uh.le a scout, he who 
 
 r, picket duty through the last half of the n.ght, ts 
 
 cnnt nut to reconnoitre. .^ . i i 
 
 AbJit nine o'clock the shar,, report of a r.fle ,s heard 
 down in the valley, and because the -out has nt- 
 turned his comrades are getting anxious. The captam 
 1" restlessly pacing before his tent. An hour passes 
 «na the picket fails to return. 
 
 Bu a. last, about eleven o'clock, he reenters he 
 cm ^ th the news that a band of Indians are fur.he 
 do in the valley preparing for an attack. Atuong 
 ,::: is .he great warrior, Bald Eagle, <-;<;"- °'; 
 vvhite settlers in lower Cahforn.a, an.l the featcsl 
 fifthtf" in the Apache tribe. 
 
 ''. e' the ring-leader in the border .roubles ex- 
 claimed the captain. "If we can get h.m he re t 
 weaken. He leads them all mto m.sch.ef. 1 d m^ = 
 my commission to capture him!" , ;„ ., |„w 
 
 "I'd give my life!" responded the scon, .n a low 
 
 "the n,cn were cnunanded to prepare tor bard f.ght- 
 
 '"^;,Tnec::Lv Pt'-ations .re n,ade, and once n.orc 
 .ho scou. is sen. out .o reconnoi.re, w,.h orders not .0 
 
 Ko (nr from camp. i,„„m, rUnn^r 
 
 High noon, and .ho m.^n are ca.n.g n hasty dmncr 
 wl n .he SCO ,. suddenly bo.nuls in... . .e,r m-ls. w,.b 
 U Lr.ling in.elligence tha. "- ^r^"", """■".;; ; 
 and almost before .hey have h"ard .he words, the a.r .. 
 , ; a sound .ha. for blooU-cu.dling ferocxy can no 
 bo e,p ailed-, .he Apache war-whooP nngs «!.">., 1 .he 
 wood., frightening .he l.orso., br.ng.ng every man o 
 his feet, and the s-Wier, f..A .hemselve, surrounded on 
 bU sides by « horde of painted savages. 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 69 
 
 Surrounded as they were, a hand-to-hand fight was 
 the result. Some of the Indians were mounted, some 
 were on foot. The soldiers leaped into their saddles, 
 nerving themselves to fight for life, urged on by the 
 clarion voice of the scout who with dauntless courage 
 seemed to divine the command with the company's 
 captain, as with a perfect indifference to bullet or 
 arrow he cliarged into the very midst of the red-skins, 
 cheering on his men in that unecpial conflict. 
 
 Figliting his way step by step, recklessly charging his 
 black horse among the enemy, hewing a path for the 
 soldiers, now firing with the pistol in his left hand, 
 now cutting right and left with the glistening sabre in 
 
 his right. 
 
 In superstitious awe the savages fall back, and by a 
 preconcerted plan he takes sole command. On he 
 charges. Arrows fly about his head; bull'^ts whiz by 
 him. Still he is unharmed and he sees with triumph 
 they are gaining upon tlieir enemies. 
 
 One Apache, a powerful and fearless warrior, is 
 holding his own. He sees his braves falling or fleeing, 
 and it maddens him. He alms for the leader of the 
 Koldjers. He is met more than half way, for as though 
 simultaneously tiie soldier reining his horse along- 
 side, charges at the big chief. His ,abre glistens for 
 a moment in the bright sunlight, the chief's toma' '^ k 
 describes a circle, but l)cfore it descends upon the bare, 
 blonde head of the scout, hia sabre cuts the air, he 
 raises himself in his stirrups, leans toward his antag- 
 onist, and plunges the gleaming blade into his body. 
 
 He has won a victory ; he has slain the great Apacho 
 chief, Bald Eagle 1 
 
 "Go<ls! if there were many such fiery young heroes! 
 What .vender that the savages turned and fled!" said 
 jiis admiring comrades. Ever in the thigk of the fight, 
 
 \w 
 
 ,j 
 
 i'L il 
 
 31 
 
 
 k\ 
 
 II 
 
 Wi I'll 
 
!i 
 
 I 
 
 ft ! 
 
 J^ 
 
 70 
 
 G:(7Z/? i^f^^"?^ 
 
 leading not following, charging 
 ins fo.;, v;hat wonder that a we^ ' 
 
 at the fighting or flee- 
 ll aimed bullet found him. 
 
 He dia not falter or shrink or n;n. 
 
 but onward he 
 
 horse, black because a womrm hac 
 5 ho had had his choice, and tins 
 
 auf 
 
 Bpurrod his black 
 
 tVip <;ound of mu?h':try ana um ^ 
 
 "g fiercely over .he dead anddyng, f"''; « ^f .d 
 ... ,,, crronminc in his tury, nt: i><^^ 
 
 of bristling guns and tomahawks, clear 
 "'^tt^MierUadapurpose.....^^^^^^^^ 
 
 "'HThld triuvnphedi then «hi.. came a bullet, and 
 darkness followed. ^ # * ♦ 
 
 Wl'a. a tcr'rible sic! close by «.!« '""-^ '^""'"'.fi^, 
 ,.,^„e eblc, completely ---';;, ^^ ^J^^ 
 
 'r-'='''7^-,^,r,w fa . clba.ants. He bad 
 the Struggle of the two i.u soldier, saw 
 
 seen the chief aim the tomahawk at the s«l"'^ ' 
 
 felt his horse smkmg under 1"" '.^^'^^^> ^ , ,,.^ ,,,^3 
 
 falliPLr foe. In the next n^oment the ^'^'~''-^'^][ J 
 »^'^"--' - iyinu ,11 a confuscU mass- 
 
 conquered and coiMiueror w( 
 The Indian's hoJtio was 
 
 shot dead, while the black 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 71 
 
 hr--,e in Its death struggle was fast crushing out what 
 life remained in his master. 
 
 They took the wounded or dead soklicr to the cap- 
 tain's tent, whereafter an hour's probing the army sur- 
 reon succeeded in finding the murderous bullet ^^ 
 
 "He may live, can't tell yet, he's lost so much blood, 
 answered 'the crusty surgeon to all anxious inquiries. 
 "He's black and blue from head to foot from his horse 
 rolling over him. Guess he'll pull through unless he's 
 lost too much blood: ain't got much left. Take good 
 care of him ; he's an Englishman, tell by his complex- 
 ion." Then the surgeon passed on to the next suf- 
 ferer 1 T 1 
 "What saved him from being ground to a pulp, l^oru 
 only knows," growled a comrade. "Zounds! how he 
 'ou'^ht. I've been a soldier many years; was through 
 ihe" civil war, and J never saw the like of his fighting. 
 He did not fear them Apaches: guess they'll remem- 
 brr him some time. Poor boy! Ah there, Jimmy, be 
 gentle with the brave fellow. We'll get a f^ask of 
 whisky from the orderly's tent: that'll bring him 
 
 round.' i.- i-r t 
 
 "Gad! I'd give him my life blood to save his life, 1 
 don't forget how he tended me through the fever!" 
 
 "And I'll not forget that he took the shoes off his 
 feet 10 give to mr when my feet were blistered from 
 wearing them cursed cowhides the government pro- 
 vides. His were too fine for soldiers and they were 
 in- the thing for sore feet like mine, so the lad would 
 not take no for an answer, but dumped me on a log 
 and exchai.grd shoes with me, laughing at the sorry 
 look of his trade." 
 
 "Hoys," said a listening comrade, "our comrade will 
 be happier it U« never wakcr, aeain, lor, u« *- 
 
 
 'i 
 
 \ f4 
 
 frj 
 p ft 
 
 'ii 
 
 
 11 
 
 X 
 
73 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 would to hide it, I know he had a terrible pjrieL^ Poor 
 fellow, some faithless woman played him false." 
 
 "Damn the women! they're always in the muddle!" 
 exclaimed a comrade as he stood Ra/.ing down at the 
 motionless face of his comrade. He did not mean the 
 fierce denunciation, for he loved the memory of a mother 
 and sister. But he was smitten with grief at the sight 
 of his fallen comrade and this was a good vent to his 
 feelings, and it did no harm to the women. 
 
 Just then the plucky wife of the orderly was an- 
 nounced, who with certain others had arrived from the 
 head(iuarters to ascertain the truth of the recent en- 
 gagement in which her husband had taken part. After 
 giving each of the living a brave, cheery greeting, she 
 passed on to the "hospital." 
 
 "I wonder if he's living or dead," said the sweet- 
 voiced woman to herself as she placed a finger upon 
 the patient's pulse and bent with womanly tenderness 
 above him, looking steadily into his face. 
 
 Her question seemed to stir his feeble pulses. He 
 tried to speak, but only by the flutter of his eyelids 
 could she at last be sure he was not quite dead. He 
 had heard her question, "living or dead?" and some- 
 thing from out the past, something potent enough to 
 loose the liold of death, gave the soldier back to life. 
 
 His wounds proved not as serious as had at first 
 been feared. He was badly bruised, but there were no 
 bones broken, and under the skillful treatment of old 
 surgeon Hinsdon and the faithful nursing of his com- 
 rades his wounds healed rapidly. Youth was in his 
 favor, and the health and strength of an athlete were 
 not exhausted in the process of convalescing. 
 
 Every attention was shown him, for America knows 
 a brave soldier and this young lion whom the bullet of 
 the Indians could not intimidate, was after a month's 
 
 I 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 73 
 
 invalidism, clamoring for loloase from the humdrum 
 
 hospital life. , . 
 
 He was well, he insisted, and demanded pormission 
 
 to rejoin his regiment. 
 
 The surgeon growled about his recklessness, threat- 
 ened him with imprisonment and a physical collapse, 
 but could put him off from day to day only by prom- 
 ising to watch his case, and the moment he felt sure 
 of his patient's safety in the transfer, he would "turn 
 him over to the Indians." 
 
 "They'll make quick work of you next time. They 
 owe you one for killing their chief," said Hinsdon laugh- 
 ing in mock ferocity. 
 
 "He must be patient: there arc heroes in the hospital 
 as well as upon the battlefield," the orderly's wife told 
 
 him. 
 
 **♦**,** 
 It was night; reports had come that the hostilcs 
 were uniting about live mfles away for a desperate 
 struggle. The orderly's wife sits bravely by the side 
 of her husband, for the last time, though she does not 
 know it, and su.ilingly accepts the news of the mor- 
 row's parting, though her heart is full of dread. The 
 boys are looking from one to another, wondering what 
 the conditions of the morrow will be. The sick are 
 wishing they were well or dead. Up and down the 
 path outsi ' the hospital the restless picket paces ner- 
 
 "Givc us a song, old boy, you ought to contribute 
 more than a measly Injin chief to our comfort," said 
 a poor f 'low who was lying in his bunk inside, with 
 one leg ; )ot away. 
 
 "A sonRt a song!" c-.me from a score who had often 
 before been charmed by his sweet voice. 
 
74 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "What shall I sing? That's all J m fit for, it seems," 
 he answered impatiently. 
 
 '"Annie Laurie!' give us 'Annie Laurie.'" 
 
 They suw him start and quiver as though stung by 
 a scoridon, 
 
 "LU not sing that : I'll sing something better for 
 Yankee soldiers," and he sang a comical ditty that had 
 the effect of rai^iing a laugh, a good thing always for 
 a sick soldier if he is not positively death-struck. But 
 that night he was more restless than ever. 
 
 Rumors were circulated through "convalescent's row" 
 that some were to bo weeded out, a few discharged, 
 and a few sent to rejoin their regiment. 
 
 Rumors among soldiers spread like wildfire even in 
 a hospital, and this one, very much against surgeon 
 Hinsdon's wishes, soon reached All m Moifon. 
 
 "Then I'm off to ' " frou^ " he < claimed. 
 
 "Got your 'permit' Uom Hinsdon?" asked a hopeless 
 case, a victim of arrow poison who dreaded tlie time 
 when they should be ,aiied to giv up the ■ omrade 
 who had led tliat fearful charge, and hoped he mi^ht 
 stay at least while he lived. "Got y-ui permit?" 
 
 "I'U get it or take it ; don't r. ter wliich, so long as 
 I'm out of this bog. If I stay y iger it's for \ our 
 Pake,Ted," he answered kindly lyii'b a hand on the 
 p lid brow of the dying man; then seeing the surgon, 
 Slid, "There's the old man now, I'll ask him about it." 
 
 "Want to go, do ye? You might as well sign your 
 death-warrant. There's going to be some ugly fighting 
 that will need all your strength and pluck." 
 
 "That's what I want : I can't stand this any longer." 
 
 "Well, off with you, yon can go. You start to-mor- 
 row, you'll be cut lo pieces in less tliun a week, or 
 they'll make kindling wood of you: them Apaches 
 don't forg(!t!" and Allan Morton got his transfer. 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 75 
 
 That night he sang for the sick boys with flashing 
 eyes and ringing voice, pacing the long walk before 
 the tents with quick or slow, soldierly step as the spirit 
 of the song dictated. 
 
 At last some one dem; led a last song. 
 •"Annie Laurie' to remember you by!" and he did not 
 refuse them, but sang with tender pathos: 
 "Maxvvelton's braes are bonny 
 As early fa's the dew; 
 An' 'twas thort! that Annie Laurie 
 Gie'd me her promise true. 
 Gie'd me her promise true, 
 An' ne'er forget will I; 
 An' for bonnie Annie Laurie 
 I'd lay me down an' dee." 
 Til following morning he was transferred to another 
 comp;. iy under Howard and was soon following on 
 the trail oi the redskins. 
 
 In a few days reports came back of his death. "Shot 
 through the heart, Allan Morton." 
 
 CHAPTER VH 
 
 FIVE YEARS AFTER 
 
 Five years have passed over the inmates of Robert 
 Morton's home and have brought apparent peace and 
 prosperity. Robert had become more and more in- 
 grossed in his business. The love of money had in- 
 tensified as the y> arn rolled by. Year after year, grad- 
 ual though not pronounced.-distance" was growing be- 
 twcrn himself and wife. This was due more to his 
 entire absorption in money-making than to any actual 
 outbreak between them. 
 
 But the keen poignancy vi self-conviction, which to 
 a nature so highly sensitiv- • Laura's is maddening, 
 
 ''I 
 
 m 
 
76 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 hat! been softened to a dull, wearisome remembrance 
 by the lapse of time, except under unusual mental de- 
 pression ; at such times the old shadow haunted her 
 remorselessly. 
 
 She sometimes wondered if God had comprehended 
 her prayers that time down in the arbor, when she had 
 promised atonement if only he would spare Allan's life. 
 She meant never to see him again ; yet only if he 
 might live so that she would not be a murderer, she, 
 the mother of those two innocent children! 
 
 How she had prayed, day after day, at work, or at 
 walk. Night after night by her children's bed, hours 
 and hours she knelt there, beseeching the Lord to spare 
 Allan's life and save her from crime ; she was so young 
 and thoughtless when she had sent him away! 
 
 But the days and weeks and months had fled, until 
 five years had buried her hopes in oblivion. Oh! 
 nothing was so discouraging to hope as the silence that 
 had engulfed the past five years. She never mentionad 
 it to Robert, and Nettie had never spoken of the mat- 
 ter to her since those old dark days, and had seemed to 
 forget that period of her fatilty, wayward life. Her 
 children had been too young to remember that event 
 which one evening five years ago the papers had an- 
 nounced. So they could not rebuke or torture her 
 quivering heart by allusion to their dead relative. 
 
 Thus we find her one lovely afternoon in the fall of 
 '84 sitting in the pleasant parlor at Woodlawn, the 
 new house Robert had given to his wife according to 
 a promise that he had made that other Robert five 
 years ago. 
 
 The mental strain had had an aging effect upon 
 her. She had grown severe and sedate in many ways 
 in those five years. The lines about her month were 
 tensely drawn, and the look in her eyes was not a 'lappy 
 
 I 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 77 
 
 one, sometimes sad, sometimes stern, but never a happy 
 look. She had grown more stately in manners and 
 more womanly in form. There was a marked change 
 in disposition, too; she was more thoughtful of others 
 and kind to the erring and unfortunate. She seemed 
 now to have a keen sympathy for poor condemned 
 criminals who thronged the police courts, or, if fortu- 
 nate enough to escape, were chased beyond the grasp 
 of the law. She had sometimes suffered keenly at the 
 lashing of criminals by the press. What were their 
 crimes to hers? She had driven a man to death. They 
 had, perhaps, only taken a loaf of bread, one poor lit- 
 tle loaf of bread to save life, while she had deprived 
 a man of the hope of a life-time. She had been pun- 
 ished for that. She knew what hopelessness was, she 
 had no hope that her prayer had been heard, but she 
 must from sheer force of habit continue to pray, to be- 
 seech. Oh! would the Lord never hear? 
 
 She had changed in tastes, too. From the old love 
 of finery and costly dress she had gone to the otlicr 
 extreme and now, in spite of Robeit's protests, dressed 
 in the gravest colors, devoid of all ornaments. 
 
 Robert had just returned home, a thing unusual for 
 him out of business liours. But business sent him, 
 he promptly explained ii reply to his wife's looks of 
 inquiry. He wanted some papers that he had forgotten 
 in the morning, and now he would sit down and visit. 
 Everything was rich and costly, everything but the 
 dress his wife wore ; that looked like the garb of a poor 
 man's wife, it made him indignant at Laura for not 
 adding to the elegant look of the room by dressing 
 
 better. 
 
 "You'll be turning nu^v or going as 'osnital nurse 
 yet. You 'ave just the necessary qualifications for a 
 good nurse ; sober, sedate and low- spoken," and he gave 
 
 
 
 J 'I 
 
78 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 his wife a look wliich slie did not fail to understand. 
 The subject of dress liad often been discussed between 
 them. But she never capitulated. Now she only 
 smiled faintly and asked in a gentle voice: 
 
 "Do you think so?" It was not the the words so 
 much, but the look in the eyes, a far away, yearning 
 look as she gazed out over the distant fields. The 
 smile faded as her glance continued. 
 
 "Tell you, Laura, when I join the harmy hover in the 
 States you may go has nurse, 'ow'd you like that?" 
 
 "I should like to be a hospital nurse in the army if 
 I had no children," she quietly answered much to his 
 surprise. 
 
 "Cffisar! what would you do has harmy nurse?" 
 
 "Take care of the sick and wounded r,oldiers," she 
 answered promptly, and looking her husband calmly 
 and searchingly in the eye, asked : 
 
 "What would you do as soldier?" 
 
 "O, I'd figlit, what's a soldier for b'lt to fight. But 
 you, you'd faint at the first sight of blood." 
 
 "Perhaps, but I'd come to, and get u$et' to it like 
 every other unpleasant or hard tiling, "she replied firmly. 
 
 "You 'aven't nerve enough, 'as she, Nettie?" 
 
 "I think slie has; she has more nerve than half the 
 men ever dreamed of having; almost too much when 
 I cut my finger this morning," answered Nettie, laugh- 
 ing. 
 
 "Why, didu't she pity you?" 
 
 "Oh, she looked as though cut fingers didn't hurt." 
 
 "Suppose it didu't bleed much or she'd collnpsed ;" 
 he seemed determined to rnlse a laugh, or perhaps he 
 was only skirmishing arouiul to get her opinion. "Why 
 didn't you go down and take your first lesson in nurs- 
 ing the wounded when Mike McNally was 'url? Eh, 
 Laura?" 
 
 II. 
 
GOLD DUST 79 
 
 "I was busy at another house," she answered quietly. 
 
 "Where?" he asked in surprise. 
 
 "Mrs Davis- little Willie had his foot crushed badly 
 and they had to au.putate it. Mrs. Davis was sick. 
 1 assisted the surgeon. I did not faint either and she 
 met his look of surprise with a little pardonable pride. 
 
 "1 didn't know that," answered her husband, Hush- 
 ing a little beneath her proud, quiet look, that sonu 
 how made him feel so inferior to her. 
 
 "So you see 1 have one more qualification for an 
 army nurse," she continued with a smile of triumph. 
 
 "You 'ave hevery qualification, but we won t decide 
 the matter just now, will we, Laura?" he said, with a 
 look of fond pride in his eyes. He was so proud, when 
 he took time to think of it, of this stately, beautiful 
 
 woman. , ,., ^ 
 
 •Nothing to decide. Only I should like to go as 
 
 army nurse; that is decided already." 
 
 "I '11 get you a position hif you want to go ; give you 
 the best recommendations," he answered in a banter- 
 
 ing tone. ^ i • .. 
 
 "I must take care of my children ; my first duty is to 
 them." answered Laura as though accepting his offer 
 
 in earnest. , ., r r n ■ i v 
 
 "What about me? What hif I fall sick? 
 
 "What to be sure?" she was waiting for a reply. 
 
 •'1 3'poso 1 would 'ave to 'ire a nurse hif my wile 
 was in the 'osi^ital taking care of others." 
 
 "Yes, I suppose so : nurses can be had for pay. 
 
 "But'l want the best when I'm sick." 
 
 " \ good nurse, the b.^st cun be had fo. good pay, 
 and Kobert Morton is a good payn.aster, none better 
 and money wiU buy any material Uinig, even to good 
 nursing. 1 suppose you Know that?" 
 
 Nettie had left the room. Something tuld her there 
 
 
 H 
 
 1*5* 
 
III! 
 
 80 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 
 was an undercurrent of meaning in the conversation 
 between Robert and his wife that ought to ba private. 
 But Laura called her back. 
 
 "Nettie, will you hold this skein of silk?" 
 Now, though Nettie was housekeeper in Robert's 
 home, yet every one could see that Laura was mistress, 
 and that a royally imperious mistress she could be as her 
 manner had indicated. As Robert was on his way back 
 to the office he encountered the servant Lizette at the 
 gate. She had been sent out upon an errand for the 
 house, and paused, waiting for Robert to step aside 
 and let her pass upon her way. As she tripped through 
 the gate, which Robert her master held open for her, 
 she flashed a coquettish glance from her coal black 
 eyes and thanked him, very prettily for a servant girl. 
 Lizette knew that she was very becomingly attired, 
 that the bright plaid suit and turban with the scarlet 
 feather were wonderfully becoming, and she knew that 
 the master was dissatisiied, because his wife did not 
 dress in gay colors and wear fine jewels. She knew 
 that and many other things that were unusual about 
 her mistress. She knew that her mistress was a very 
 beautiful woman, but so cold, so proud and always wore 
 that detestable nun's dress with not a ribbon, not a 
 jewel, And the master was so fond of her, and would 
 give her all tlir* money she wantet!; and as for jewels, 
 ''• ' she not get a peep into madam's jewel-case when 
 she was sent to madam's bureau for her (an? Madam 
 was very careful of her Imreau. What did it contain 
 that madam should keep it under lock and key? Did 
 she care for her jewels? Then why did she not wear 
 them? Was she afraid Lizette would steal them? 
 Was there something clsr in the bureau that madam 
 was afraid to lose? Some time, when madam was gone 
 she would slyly taky another peep. Madam sometimes 
 
 wsmSi 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 8i 
 
 for-ot to lock her bureau. What harm in just looking 
 at t°he bright jewels? She would not take them. She 
 was honest, she would not so much as want to take 
 
 them. , . , 
 
 But such sport to see if there was somethmg else. 
 It would be her little secret all to herself, and secrets 
 were worth a price, sometimes. 
 
 Lizctte was a French Canadian who had been in the 
 employ of the Mortons but a short time Not over 
 scrupulous, an arch hypocrite, she had already employed 
 her eyes and ears to some account, for she had discov- 
 ered that "madam" had jewels, and that she did not 
 care for them, and yet, strange to say, she kept her 
 bureau tightly locked, though she did sometimes for- 
 get and leave the key in the lock, and madam was not 
 afraid of thieves either. 
 
 Li/ette had been at Woodlawn about a month when 
 she one day discovered the key in the lock of the mis- 
 tress's bureau and so, honest girl, she peeped in; but 
 had barely enough time to sec the couients of the lovely 
 jewel case when her mistress returned and almost 
 caught her primping betore the kLvss with a lovely 
 necklace around her while throat, a pair of bracelets 
 on her plump arms, and hor hands decorated with sev- 
 eral costly rings. 
 
 They were just what Lizette in her inmost soul de- 
 cided she must have some day, especially those "lovely 
 bracelets," those she must have. But how? Patieiur, 
 Lizette. She must not steal. Had she not said that 
 
 she was honest? 
 
 So honest Li/.etto hastily put the jewels back into 
 the case and had just turned the key upon their tempt- 
 \nv glitter, when she heard her mistress's voice calling. 
 This honest girl went below with the smile of an angel 
 upon her face, and was all altcntion to her mistreWs 
 
 
 
 iS>' 
 
 J*/ 
 
82 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 i 
 
 wants. In fact, she was more than usually attentive. 
 Was madam tired after her ride? Would she have 
 a cup of chocolate? Only a moment and she would 
 bring it, everything was ready. And away the honest 
 girl flew to prepare the chocolate for her mistress. 
 
 "What inspires Lizette, I wonder? She is so very 
 kind to-day and thoughtful," said Laura as she sat 
 waiting for the chocolate. 
 
 "I never can get quite used to those French Cana- 
 dians, they're tricky, I believe," answered NeUie as she 
 swayed slowly back and forth in her chair. But per- 
 haps Lizette is difierent," she added by way of apol- 
 ogy for her severity. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 A VISnOK AT WdODLAWN 
 
 The afternoon sun was fast sinking behind a great 
 crimson and gold cloud that lay above the tree-tops in 
 the forest west of Woodlawn. An unusual hush had 
 followed the busy hum of the working hours. Nature 
 seemed in a waiting attilu.le, inclining her ear as it 
 were, to catch some souiul, resting her great heart that 
 had grown tired with the incessant throb ol the day's 
 crush and while, holding her fevered breath for very 
 joy. Nature is a tender teacher, a sympathet.c mother, 
 who. when we arc restless lulls us to sleep by the ryth^ 
 inic beat of the rain upon the roof, or the gentle mur- 
 mur of the breezes among the leaves. Or when tr..ubl(;d 
 by the battles of lif<', she soothes our tumultuous feel- 
 ing.4 by a counter irritant in the wild winds that go 
 shrieking about (mr oars, or by a display of hreworlo, 
 and booming of heaven's artillery, thus mother-like 
 1. verting our minds from our worries. Then, when wo 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 83 
 
 are deeply, breathlessly glad, she too, in sweet sym- 
 pathy holds her fluttering breath to listen for the sound 
 of silvery voices and rush of hurrying footsteps. 
 
 Woodlawn was very quiet and peaceful this after- 
 noon, or rather evening, for already twilight was serenely 
 following the flying footsteps of the busy, rushing day. 
 Just at this hour and this moment, when the sim is 
 disappearing behind those stately trees in yonder forest 
 that skirts Woodlawn, just as is seen the last smile 
 upon old Sol's rosy face, so rosy that it promises a 
 lovely day, just then from "down the road" Robert, 
 standing at the gate hears the riimble of wheels. 
 
 "I suppose I'll know it if hit's hall 'umbug," he mut- 
 tered to himself. "Looks like a sensation. Sounds 
 like 'im, just and "Lord McGull like" as ever; calls 
 'imself the prodigal son! Pretty lofty prodigal that! 
 Well I don't begrudge 'im his life. I guess 'e's all 
 right now. 'E's old enough, Lord knows, to 'ave some 
 sense hif 'e hever will 'ave. Humph! some one hin 
 that carriage, sure. Guess it's 'im." 
 
 Then he watched the tall, well-built man alight from 
 the carriage, as with tenfold more dignity and his old 
 accustomed case Allan Morton came up the walk to the 
 gate, extending his hand in smiling pleasure. 
 
 After looking into each other's faces for several sec- 
 onds, Robert. found voice to articulate: 
 
 •Welcome back, Al," in a queer, choked voice that 
 cost him some effort to control; Allan in firm, well 
 modulated tones answered: 
 
 "And I'm back to stay, for a time at least, ' after 
 which they slowly walked toward the house. 
 
 When Laura had first received the intelligence that 
 Allan was alive and on liis way to Torot.to, it had par- 
 tially stunned her.thougluihe received it quietly enough, 
 making no nunments upon it. She hud sat in her 
 
 ■m-^- 
 
fl 
 
 84 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 room starin^r into vacancy for two mortal hours but 
 she d\Ci not faint, or groan, or rave, though two hours 
 of retrospection is likely to leave their impression upon 
 one's visage. Then she seemed impelled by some pow- 
 erful incentive, an irresistible longing, for she suddenly 
 threw up her hands in a hopeless sort of way, and 
 quickly rising, crossed the room and knelt before the 
 bureau. But she did not open its drawers, only 
 crouched before it, and leaned against it while the 
 tears fell fast upon her white cheeks. 
 
 When Laura had grown calmer, because she had wept 
 away all retrospective tears, she prayed for strength to 
 meet the man whom once she had preferred. But she 
 knew that she wanted to do right, to be true. She had 
 prayed all those years to be made guiltless of crime 
 and the pitiful father had inclined his ear to listen and 
 had heard. Ah! she was innocent of that crime, her 
 hands were not the hands of a criminal! She was free 
 She could once more put on the garb of gladness and 
 that would please Robert. O, she would be so faiihfu 
 to him. so true a wife, so good a mother! Ah, God 
 
 was good, good! 
 
 With all the changes which circumstance and time 
 must bring about, Allan was not prepared for so com- 
 plete a metamorphosis in Laura. In his moments of 
 bitterness he had imagined a short, dumpy woman with 
 hair drawn tightly back and twisted in a pug at tlie 
 back of her head ; eyes dim and face faded and perhaps 
 querulous; dowdily dressed incomplete contrast to the 
 carefully alt.red. dainty girl of his former dreams ; she 
 wf dd salute him in a voice like the twang of an old 
 hand-organ, or r«sp,ng l.Ue a spit-saw. thr short, 
 "handy" skirts would expose slipshod ff^et as stubby 
 IS the red ham!*, that ! kept nail«. status and all 
 
 would be extended to w. aomc bad. "A'" the love of 
 
 ! 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 85 
 
 her sweet, false girlhood. All this,of course, was in con- 
 formity to the life she mnst live with Robert, for "as 
 the husband is the wife is." He was nearing the house 
 as the lines of Locksley Hall filed through his mind, 
 and the master of Woodlawn without ceremony ushered 
 him into the ample hall, saying : 
 
 "I guess I'd bettor take you hinto the parlor, and 
 Laura cai: -" then he paused uncertainly. 
 
 "O, anywhere," said Allan coming to his rescue. "I 
 hope I'm not to be treated as a stranger ; that would 
 seem hard." 
 
 "O, no, honly I let Laura do the entertaining. I'll 
 bring 'er. You sit down ; make yourself at 'ome," then 
 he left the room. 
 
 "This is a strange welcome," thought Allan, "but it 
 
 is the effect of the new home. Money always brings 
 
 about a more formal style of living," then he rose to 
 
 meet the lady whom Robert v^as leading through the 
 
 door. 
 
 "No need to hintroduce cousin, I 'ope," said Robert 
 
 in a queer jerky voice, "I guess you know each bother. " 
 
 "Can this be Laura," asked Allan as he bent his 
 handsome hiuid and smiled down upon her. 
 
 "1 am glad you are alive, Allan ; we are .ill glad to 
 see you again," and she placed her slender liand in his 
 own with such inimitable grace tiiat he could only 
 answer in an absent way: 
 
 "I'm glad to get back again alive." 
 
 \\\ one glance ,\llan saw a tall, slender, stately woman, 
 attired in a well fitting dress of pearl gray, the soft 
 folds of which swept the carpet in rich profusion; the 
 stately glance of th(jse clear gray eyes charmetl him 
 into forgotfulness of his customary drawingrootn cour- 
 tesies, those shapely white haiuls were not rough' 
 nailed and stubby, that smile was like the warming 
 
 ''\A 
 
 
 \ 
 
lii 
 
 I 
 
 85 GOLD DUST 
 
 glow of the morning skies, and her voice, ''low and 
 sweet," already broke down the barriers which discre- 
 tion and pride had erected. . , „ i * 
 'Til bring in Nettie hand the children," said Robert 
 
 as he left the room. 
 
 "I'm thankful for your kind greeting, Laura. \^ hile 
 absent I've tried to redeem my youthful errors, said 
 Allan as his cousin left the room. 
 
 "And I'm glad beyond expression to be able to__gree 
 you in the flesh. That you are alive is enough, said 
 she again giving him her hands. Her voice was low 
 and sweet in her earnestness and he was misled by her 
 
 ""Tdid not think that my life was of any value to 
 any one. I'm happy to be set right if I was mistaken 
 he answered smilingly, clasping the soft white hands 
 that were extended to emphasize Laura's statement. 
 
 "It was a mistake. Your death or the report of your 
 death was my keenest sorrow," said she sweetly. 
 
 Again he misunderstood her, believing that her old 
 love prompted the words. He forgot for a rnoment all 
 the long separation, forget that she uas another s wife. 
 She was here before him. He was holding her hands, 
 looking into her eyes and listening to her voice Oh, 
 it was perilously sweet! In tones trembling with emo- 
 
 tion he said : , t n fV,r. 
 
 "Heaven could not have recompensed me for all ttie 
 
 years of wandering like this assurance." 
 
 "That you are alive is enough. Of course, I am glad 
 to see you again; you are my husband's cousin, and 
 
 mine too, now." . 
 
 He dropped her hands that in his earnestness he had 
 retained, just as his cousin came back bringing Ins two 
 little ^irls followed by Nettie. Laura wondered at a 
 .sudden change in his manner, but soon forgot it. 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 87 
 
 IF 
 
 With all his assurance Robert could not quite be 
 himself in Allan's company. He could talk of his 
 children; not of his wife; of his business in general; 
 not of his money. So he found upon every side little 
 things that interrupted free fellowship. He was accus- 
 tomed to talk freely of his money, his success, his wife, 
 to all his guests, but not to this man who knew him 
 so well and who "had come back to stay," and who was 
 "a deuced sight 'andsomer than he was years ago." 
 Robert did not quite overcome the feeling of restraint 
 all the evening, in spite of the extraordinary interest 
 with which Laura entered into conversation, and in 
 her gracefid way followed Allan in his talk upon his 
 travels, and his engagement with the Indians. 
 
 Robert who had little taste for news that did not 
 bear directly upon the business of money-making, was 
 
 ill at ease. 
 
 And this was Laura,the woman of ice! Robert felt very 
 ignorant by comparison, yet he was prouder of her than 
 ever before. She was his wife, and to see her thus ably 
 and wittily conversing with his erstwhile rival filled 
 him with admiration. Al could see how valuable was 
 the prize he had won! 
 
 Laura was now seated at the piano in response to 
 the request of Allan, whose hands had not lost their 
 former skill in tinning the leaves of ».er music. 
 
 There was no singing of the old, sweet songs upon 
 which their hearts had thrilled in the olden times, but 
 their voices blended in the grand old war songs, the 
 battle-cryof the States. SoiMCt mos Laura's voice was 
 full of tears, sometimes her hf < '9 trembled upon the 
 ivory keys, but never did her , irpose waver, neither 
 did her pure heart grow weak. She knows there is a 
 terrible ordeal before her. The dayn to come will be 
 days of keenest conflict with this u-ari at her side, at 
 
 I 
 
 ■pi 
 
 *■♦■ u 
 
 ■ \ 
 
 1:1 
 
 .1 
 
 
 . 1| 
 
 . . I 
 
88 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 ;5 ' 
 
 her command, an inmate of her house, tlie lover, be- 
 trothed husband of her old, sweet girlhood. 
 
 .( 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 A HARD FOUGHT BATTLE 
 
 If music be food, play on. 
 Give me excess of it, that surfeiting, 
 The appetite may sicken, and so die. 
 That strain attain! it had a dying fall! 
 O, it can-.e o'er my ear like a sweet sound 
 That brej'.rui'a upon a bank of violets, 
 Stealii..;-; -■'"l givingodorl—Twelfth Night, 
 
 Allan continued u remain at Woodlawn. To Robert 
 the advent of spring brought the conclusion that his 
 cousin "was a pretty sensible fellow." It came about 
 
 in this way. 
 
 Allan had been a guest at Woodlawn for several 
 weeks. He had soon after his return proposed going 
 to a boarding-house, and also getting a permanent situ- 
 ation. The latter, with Robert's help, was easily ob- 
 tained, but Robert would not hear to a change in resi- 
 dence. 
 
 "What's the use of your roaming habout hany longer: 
 might has well marry and settle down : you'll be 'appier 
 and better. Why don't you, Al— let youthful mistakes 
 and worries rest. Begin hagain. Bury the past. Marry 
 hand settle down, Al?" 
 
 "Nettie," continued Robert, answering Allan's look 
 of inquiry, "and she'll make you a good wife,too. Come, 
 I'll set you hup in 'ousekecping. What more do you 
 want?" and Robert beamed as though he had brought 
 about a very gratifying result. 
 
 "And Laura thinks hit will be the best plan hall 
 .around," continued the schemer. "Then you'll be in 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 89 
 
 the family, and hall that, and hit's better for you. Of 
 course, you're to understand you're to rr this your 
 'ome until you 'ave a 'ome of your own, continued 
 Robert with a smile. Robert felt very generous just 
 now ; he could afford to, for contrary to his fears, Allan 
 had been a model of propriety since his arrival, and 
 had not transgressed the bonds of cousinly friendship 
 toward Laura. 
 
 When upon his arrival Allan had proposed finding 
 a boarding-house, Robert had not listened to it, though 
 Nettie had argued that it would be best for all. 
 
 "Nettie, hif a burglar wants to get into my *ouse to 
 steal 'e'U find a way. No use of bolts and bars: 'e'U 
 get in, spite of all the bolts and bars in Christendom," 
 answered Robert wisely. 
 
 Allan had manifested toward Laura at all times re- 
 spect and distant courtesy, but never under any circum- 
 stances going beyond that. 
 
 Did she still care for him, or had she overcome it? 
 The question constantly found lodgment in his brain, 
 and its alluring possibilities filled his heart, for he 
 believed that she welcomed him to Woodlawn with 
 the breath of love upon her lips, and the light of love 
 in her eyes. She might call it by any other name, 
 friendship, interest, cousinly regard, anything that 
 suited her fancy and served to delude others from whom 
 it only screened her real feelings; but he believed that 
 in her inmost soul Laura was true, "Living or dead 
 she would always love him and be true." Those strong, 
 tender natures love deepest and most faithfully, and 
 he had been amazed at the proofs of the strength of her 
 will. He had believed her a willful girl, but not of 
 strong will under continued opposition. But he had been 
 amazed to see her control everything and every one 
 around her. She gave orders ; every one sprang to 
 
 ! ( 
 
 I 
 
1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 1.25 
 
 1^ 
 
 lb 
 
 2.8 
 
 32 
 
 1 4.0 
 
 1.4 
 
 2.5 
 2.2 
 
 2.0 
 
 1.8 
 
 1.6 
 
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 NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS 
 
 STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL 1010a 
 
 (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) 
 

 6^(9zz> /^^/.^r 
 
 obey ; even he had obeyed her tacitly implied wish, or 
 command, to maintain a decorous regard for her wife- 
 hood. 
 
 But his heart hungered more and more for her 
 sympathy, and, as the days passed, close acquaintance 
 disclosed the beautiful symmetry of her character to 
 his gaze; so he more vigilantly watched for some sign 
 or token of the coveted boon, but failed to see aught 
 that could be interpreted favorably. She was kind in 
 a distant way, nothing more. 
 
 If only she would just tell him in the old way that 
 only the bonds fettered, that in spirit she was true, 
 though in the same moment bidding him be true, he 
 could live on until the end of time with even so small 
 a comfort. 
 
 But to be coolly set aside, almost totally ignored, 
 though in his heart he knew the course she had pmsued 
 was the safest and best, made him grind his teeth in 
 impotent rage and disappointment. 
 
 One morning Allan was passing through the hall 
 when, hearing the soft tinkle of music, he entered the 
 parlor where he found Laura seated at the piano. Me 
 looked at her slender, graceful figure as she sat with 
 her back toward him, and folding his arms as was 
 habitual when listening, he stood mute and silent, while 
 the music swayed and surged through his brain, hiiing 
 hitn with regret and unrest. 
 
 He knew that she was not aware of his presence, for 
 suddenly the time changed and the air of "Annie Lau- 
 rie" filled th'^ \,om and made him set his teeth in his 
 struggle for self-control. She had never played it be- 
 fore since his return. She sang the first stanza, then 
 as the last words of the second left her lips slit bowed 
 her head upon the piano and gave way to a passion of 
 tears. 
 
 Ill 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 91 
 
 111 a moment Allan's strong arms were alxnit her, he 
 had drawn her head upon his slioulder and his kisses 
 fell upon her quivering lips and sunny hair. 
 
 It had been years since she had sung that song. She 
 religiously rejected it from her repertoire, but now its 
 words and tender chords stirred her heart, and broke 
 down the icy barriers which her strong will and good 
 intention had built. 
 
 With the strength of years her affection for Allan 
 had increased in spite of husband and children. She 
 did not know how mighty, how resistless its power, 
 until at this hour, unmasked, she no longer repelled 
 his caresses, no longer froze him into silence by cold 
 looks and forbidding manner, but like a little child she 
 wept in his arms. Oh! it had been so long since her 
 weary head had been thus pillowed while his kisses 
 fell upon her lips and soothed her troubled spirit! 
 
 Suddenly she reeled and would have fallen had he 
 not caught her swaying form and laid her upon tiie sofa. 
 He did not kiss her unconscious face, that, somehow, 
 was forbidden him. Ho did not try to restore her, but 
 rang the bt^l and told Lizette, that her nnstress had 
 fainted, was ill perhaps; then he dashed out of the 
 
 house. 
 
 Li/.ctte watcluHl Allan Morton until he disappeared, 
 then turned from the window to her mistrc^ss who lay 
 unconscious upon the sofa. Lizette looked keenly 
 into her pale face, and critically examined her hands 
 and eyelids, in a cool, calctdating nuiuuer, evidently 
 in no fear or liaste. Then sho stood still with folded 
 arms and firmly shut lips, and seemed to be thinking 
 deeply, for she did not hear the door open. But us 
 Mr. liassett looked in upon lier and said: 
 
 "What's the matter with her?" sho instantly threw 
 up her hands and gave a shrill icrca.n. of well feigned 
 
92 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 surprise and friglit, but was hastily sup]iresse(l by the 
 keen-witted old man wlio liad little faith in her sud- 
 denly acqnired pity for his daughter. 
 
 He had had enough time to see Lizettc as she calmly 
 and very critically stood surveying the unconscious 
 woman, for she had unwittingly left the door ajar and 
 thus he had made no noise when he crossed the thresh- 
 old. 
 
 He had never seen the wily "kanuck" in her present 
 aspect, and lie sternly demanded: 
 
 "What's the matter with her? What yer doin' to 
 her, you viper?" 
 
 "O, my sweet mistress! who haf killed her? She is 
 dead! O, Mon Dieu! Mon Dieu!" 
 
 "Shut up yer yellin' an' git the doctor: o.e's sick," 
 he snarled, as pushing the girl aside he bent over his 
 daughter an instant. As he did so the truth dawned 
 upon him: she had fainted. 
 
 The fond father bent over her and discovered no trace 
 or sign of life in his darling. Instantly she was his 
 child again, back in the old days when in some sudden 
 illness incident to childhood she had appealed to him 
 for loving pity. Or, when rushing to him in an agony 
 of grief over the death of a bird or the loss of a pet, 
 he had gathered her in his arms to soothe and caress 
 the sunny head that so trustingly pillowed itself upon 
 his breast. Instantly she was his "little girl" again 
 needing his care. Very tenderly he gathered her in his 
 arms, kissing her pale face and tmsmiling lips, calling 
 her by the old pet names that had given expression to 
 his love for her in other days. Still she heard not his 
 voice, neither answered to his caresses, and driven to 
 the verge of desperation he bore her to her room, stag- 
 gering under her weight, up the long flight of stairs. 
 Placing her upon her bed he half frantically locked the 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 93 
 
 door just as Nettie came to inquire into Lizette's sud- 
 den flight for the doctor. 
 
 After dismissing Nettie with a "nobody wants yer. 
 Kin take care o' her myself," he hastily applied such 
 restoratives as he found upon her dressing-case. An 
 open window afforded fresh air, and she slowly revived, 
 just as voices outside the door demanded admittance. 
 
 "She don't v^ant yer, she's all right, ' as the doctor 
 witi\ conscious authority pounded upon the door, think- 
 ing, of course, that the door would hastily fly open to 
 science. "She don't want yer, she don't need yer 
 neither : d'ye hear?" 
 
 In vain both Nettie and the doctor called and knocked 
 
 and rattled the door-knob, they were refused admit- 
 ance. 
 
 "I tell yer she's all right, an' she don't want to be 
 pestered with no damned quack nor chattering women, 
 neither, nothin' 'tall. G'way! She's tired out'n yer 
 can't git in, I say. Go off!" with that he further bar- 
 ricaded the door with the commode, after which he re- 
 turned to Laura's bedside feeling safe from intrusion, 
 but muttering anathemas against people's intrusive 
 curiosity. 
 
 Knowing that they could not shake the old man's 
 determination they left the door, and as Mr. Bassett 
 listened to their reteating footsteps he gave a satified 
 nod in their direction and turned his attention to Laura 
 who now liad fully recovered consciousness. 
 
 She had not opened her eyes, but he knew that she 
 was conscious, for when the doctor's peremptory knock 
 had been heard, she liad slowly turned lier face to the 
 wall, by which ho understood that she dul not wish to 
 be disiurbeil. As lie took her weak hand and was re- 
 assured by tlie gentle pressure she gave his knotty lin- 
 
.j,tSj«s«Sl!«SjftJ**(i 
 
 I ^11 
 
 \ 
 
 94 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 gers, he knew tliat she was in trouble, but, though 
 anxious, he forebore questioning her. 
 
 "Yer ain't one o' the fainty kind'n I guess yer clean 
 tuckered out, so you'd better be quiet a spell'n a I'll 
 keep the rest from meddlin'. " 
 
 He asked no questions, but he understood her ; she 
 wanted rest. Yet he hoped that she would open her 
 heart to him as in other days. It would be safer for 
 her, and he could help her with counsel, and sympathy; 
 knowing that her trouble, whatever it might be, would 
 lose half its poignancy if she would share it with one 
 whom she could trust. So, it was with no idle curi- 
 osity that he said, looking into her face with tender 
 pity : 
 
 "Can yer ole pa help yer, Laura? 'cause yer know 
 nobody'd never know nothin' 'tall about it." 
 
 Her silence convinced him that her trouble was be- 
 yond him, unspeakable. She lay with closed eyes giv- 
 ing no sign to his question, save by the spasmodic 
 clinching of her small hands that liad always been a 
 sign of desperate resistance which he understood. But 
 his heart sank as he found for the first time that she 
 refused to share her sorrow with him. It was as bad, 
 nay worse than standing by her new-made grave, there 
 seemed such a gulf between tliem. 
 
 So leaving a fond kiss ujion her check he left the 
 room just in time to find Lizette, as lie opened the 
 door, scurrying away at a fearful rate. 
 
 "Here you, Frenchy, what yer want?" She paid no 
 heed, but disappeared into the room beyond. 
 
 He stood waiting a few moments to see if she would 
 rettjrn, but concluding that she was too cute for liim 
 he went down stairs into the sitting-room to find Net- 
 tie. 
 
 His mind was not easy about Lizcttc, though he 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 95 
 
 could not be certain that she had been listening at the 
 door. She had a sly, curious way about her that con- 
 vinced him that she was equal to any mischief and 
 would made a good spy, a paid spy. He did not be- 
 lieve that she would take the trouble to pry into such 
 secrets, or sacred mysteries [or the sole satisfaction of 
 idle curiosity. It was hardly consistent with her natu- 
 ral characteristics. No, she must have some object in 
 listening at key-holes, or cunningly watching the play 
 of the countenance that reveals so much to the keen 
 observer. What then was her object? In whose em- 
 ploy and interest? For whom was she hunting down 
 this poor tortured soul who lay on her bed with closed 
 eyes, pallid and haggard, taking no notice of even her 
 dearest friend? 
 
 He stood pondering the subject a few minutes, wait- 
 ing for the appearance of Nettie or some one else. But 
 as no one came he started to go back and see Laura 
 once more before he left the house, and was amazed to 
 find Lizette just coming out of the room. 
 
 "What yer want? What ycr doin' here?" he de- 
 manded shari)ly, stamping his foot and glaring at her 
 fiercely. "Now I tell yer to keep out o' that there 
 room 'n that's 'nough, too." 
 
 "I thoxight I heard my mistress calling," murmured 
 Lizette ready with an answer for any emergency, "the 
 father need not rebuke me, I am afraid that my sweet 
 mistress is sick, she is so still and white," and the 
 wily girl's face was full o£ sympathy that did not har- 
 monize with the glitter in her eyes. 
 
 "She don't want yer if she is sick; she want's ter be 
 alone 'thout yer botherin' her, too, remember," and he 
 went into the room locking the do^r after him. 
 
 "Humph!" ejaculated Air. Bassett as he paused, look- 
 ing at the closed door that iuul just barred out the un- 
 
.4**«,;w»Sft!*ai(,«>« 
 
 If 
 
 rfp™'"™'*'''*"™ 
 
 |. 
 
 ) 
 
 96 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 pleasant ^ face of the French girl, "Don't see how she 
 can help bein' mean *nd low down: got snake eyes and 
 hisses like a snake. Shouldn't wonder if she can bite 
 like one, too, on the s\y. One thing sartin I can't 
 leave Laura in the clutches of that "'bomnible kanuck" 
 — blast her picture! 'blieve she'd pizen her if I did. 
 Net's ez slow ez m'lasses in January. Lord! what fools 
 some folks be, most on 'em. If I say boo to Hanner 
 'bout it she'll be paddlih' off down here an' worryin' 
 the poor child to death. I know she don't want Bob to 
 git an idea 'bout her faintin', cause he'll be mistrustin', 
 or somethin', men always are, likewise jealous men be: 
 hain't got no more sense." Then he went into Laura's 
 room and was delighted to find her sitting by the 
 window. 
 
 "Well, how're yer feelin'? gittin' stronger?" 
 
 "Yes, I'm stronger, but my head aches, and I'm tired. 
 Will you tell them below I don't wish to be disturbed. 
 I want one day to myself, to rest all day," said she 
 wearily leaning her head against the window-sill and 
 closing her sad eyes. 
 
 "Yes, yes, child, they shan't disturb you, you kin rest 
 all you want to if that's all; only, don't let them white 
 hands lay idle too long, 'cause you know there's an 
 evil one alius fills idle hands, an' his work is damaging 
 to the soul. Clean hands is most alius busy with some- 
 thin' ruther, if it's only doin' and undoin,' just like 
 knittin' up yarn, an' ravelin' it out again. I've seen yer 
 gran'ma Dassett do that long time ago. I don't ask no 
 questions, child, but I can mind you of your duty to 
 yerself and family: that's my duty to you." 
 
 "Have I failed in my duty, father?" Laura turned her 
 solemn eyes full upon him with a look that rebuked 
 him severely. 
 
 Not's I know on, child, not's I know on," he hastily 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 97 
 
 answered, "an' the Lord grant ye never may; but ye 
 mus'u't min' yer ole pa so's to git put out at him. " His 
 eyes were dim and had a beseeching look that melted 
 the ice around her heart as he stepped to her side and 
 bent over her with yearning tenderness. 
 
 She closed her eyelids to shut back the tears, for she 
 was yet physically weak, and his tender voice melted 
 her resentment. 
 
 "Now, Laura, I'm goin' home'n jist want to say one 
 thing by way of warnin', though it aint none of my 
 business to meddle with your 'fairs. But it's my candid 
 opinion, that thar girl o'yourn, that consarned kanuck 
 is ez full of the meanness o' satan, ez the old feller, 
 himself. She's a sly one'n you'd better git rid o' her." 
 
 "I can't father without a good reason," said Laura 
 wearily, "and I ha\e none yet." 
 
 "Well you'd better be careful'n keep yo ■; own coun- 
 sel. She's full o' mischief," and he shool his head 
 emphatically. 
 
 "How do you know, father? Have you seen anything 
 that would make you think so?" asked Laura languidly. 
 
 "Yis, I have. She was listening at your door'n I 
 know she was listening for no good" 
 
 "She thought 1 called her: that was all." 
 
 "O, she's glib enough with reasons, but I don't believe 
 half she says, an' you'd better not trust lu;r neither," per- 
 sisted her father much to Laura's annoyance. He 
 seemed to see tiiis and sought to overcome the feeling 
 of resentment that she might hold against him. 
 
 "Course, I don't mean no harm. She's your hired 
 girl'n it's your house: but I'm 'feard you trust her to 
 much, Laura, 'n I don't. I hale the sight o'her!" 
 
 Mr. Bassett left his daughter's room with a sad and 
 troubled heart, and it did not ukmuI matters any when, 
 upon going down into the kitchen, he found Lizette 
 
■■'mi,'^^4J^^ii^^^ ft*Ksf=>U£;i«»s'« 
 
 f 
 
 i 
 1 
 
 ^ 
 
 i 
 
 98 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 standing in the back door in earnest conversation with 
 a dark, evil-looking man, evidently a foreigner. 
 
 The old man's quick eyes caught the glimmer of 
 gold when she hastily plunged her hand into her pocket 
 as the man left, and their haste and confusion con- 
 vinced him if nothing else could, that she was a dan- 
 gerous person. The face of the stranger left an un- 
 wholesome impression upon Mr. Eassett as of some one 
 whom he had seen before. 
 
 Surely he had seen him somewhere, and so forcibly 
 did the matter take hold upon his imagination that the 
 good old man studied over him for days afterward. It 
 was as though in a dream, sometimes vaguely, some- 
 times distinctly, he saw the dark, evil face loom up out 
 of a crowd. The black eyes were flashing fire, or some- 
 times looking keenly, searchingly at him from beneath 
 beautiful black brows. He wore his long hair brushed 
 back from a broad, low forehead, and his feaures woie 
 a white, set. stern look, while beneath a black mus- 
 tache his white teeth gleamed between cruel red lips. 
 His face though stern was faultless in every outline, 
 
 a clean-cut, cruel face. , , ,. , 
 
 Mr Bassett had not heard him speak, yet he believed 
 him to be a Bohemian or Italian. In vain did the old 
 man ransack his brain; nothing helped to solve the 
 mystery. Sometimes he almost grasped a clue, but it 
 was gone again in an instant. 
 
 The stranger's face haunted him asleep or awake, ana 
 tormented him at all hours, and wherever he went 
 Sometimes he was so sure of the man that he would 
 open his lips as though to call him by name. 
 
 He went so far as to ask Nettie and Robert, but re- 
 ccivcd no satisfaction ; th.'y had seen no one and were 
 not particularly interested in Lizette's beaux. 
 
 The old man ^o far overcame his honest nature as 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 99 
 
 A\\ 
 
 ^i' 
 
 to resort to stealthily watching the house, and to that 
 end he found a sheltered nook up in the loft of Rob- 
 ert's barn, from which he could command a full view 
 of the back and sides of the yard. In fact it was an 
 excellent position in which to see the several approaches 
 to the house. So a few days after the above events, 
 he climbed up into the loft and sat waiting for the ap- 
 pearance of the stranger and Lizette. 
 
 "Looks dummed mean to be spying around like this, " 
 said he to himself as he crept into his hiding-place, 
 "but I vum I'm goin' ter find out sumthin' 'bout that 
 blackamore ef it takes me inter wus places 'n this. Guess 
 there's nothin' wus here than cobwebs'n spiders'n sich 
 like: they don't hurt. Jiminy! that's jist what that 
 girl's like; a little black, shiny spider; one of the 
 bitin' kind, pizen too. There, guess I'm ready to take 
 an inventory of that feller if he puts in an appearance. 
 I'd just as lief s ; \ere anyhow if he don't, cause it's 
 still'n I shan't be disturbed. Hanner is unusually curi- 
 ous and pryin' lately ; seems to think I need a sight of 
 watchin' an' 'tention. Humph! sech a thing as havin' to 
 much 'tention from curious folks. Ef I was as dummed 
 curious as some folks I know I'd put my heau to soak! 
 Jiminy! there he comes sure's I live, an' there's the 
 kanuck, too ; see him bow to her ez if she was the 
 queen! He's got an ax ter grind an' he wants a sharp 
 edge on't too. Guess she's the one to do the job! 
 Consarn' em !" 
 
 They remained in earnest conversation for a few min- 
 utes and the man again placed something in her nantl 
 and she hastily transferred it to her pocket just as the 
 door of the house opened and Nettie appeared. 
 
 Instantly the upright form of the foreigner took the 
 bent, bowed appearance of infirmity or sickness, and 
 his whole manner was that of a supplia^^. However. 
 
 tf,i 
 
loo GOLD DUST 
 
 Nettie soon re-entered the house, the stranger resinned 
 his erect attitude with a mocking bow toward the r.oor 
 and they seemed to proceed in their interrupted con- 
 versation. ^ 1 4.1, 
 
 Mr. B-assett saw him in an excited manner take the 
 girl roughly by the shoulder, and she, shrinking under 
 his rough grasp, seemed assenting to his request. She 
 clasped her hands and seemed protesting, even im- 
 ploring for life.but again the rude grasp of the stranger s 
 long, slim, white fingers brought her to the required 
 state of submission. He then turned away, but again 
 returned for a minute and shook a menacing finger at 
 her after which he walked away quickly, erectly as 
 one' born to rule and be feared rather than to be ruled 
 and to fear the eyes or power of men. 
 
 Lizette continued to stand by the door a few min- 
 utes, evidently in deep dejection, but seeing Allan 
 Morton coming up the walk she hastily went into the 
 house. u. * * 
 
 "Laura, I believe we shall move to Chicago," 
 Robert one evening soon after the above events, 
 would that suit you?" 
 
 "What is your object in moving to Chicago? 
 
 "Well, several things. I've been thinking of hit for 
 some time ; 1 didn't think hit worth while to say hany-- 
 thing habout it, huntil I was sure. Of course, hit s the 
 breaking hup and getting settled in hanother place that 
 bothers me. But I'm going into a business that will 
 take me there hall the time, so I guess we might has 
 well move hand be done with it. I can sell the 'ouse 
 hany day ; got a chance to make a big bargain. ' 
 
 "What of father and mother," she asked with a 
 
 cl'-'iKlrd face. 
 
 "0, we'll take them right halong too. I can rent » 
 
 said 
 '•'ow 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 lOI 
 
 cottage near us, hand they can be just as comfortable 
 as 'ere- .nore so for Chicago is going to be the livest 
 city hin the States. It's positively necessary for me to 
 be there, hand of course I want my family with me;" 
 he looked up inquiringly. 
 
 "I suppose so," she answered gently, feeling called 
 upon to say something. Yet her heart resented his 
 past selfish disregard of wife and children in his eager 
 pursuit of money, so she could not be very enthusiastic 
 over this new plan. 
 
 ""ow do you feel habout going? 'ave any hobjec- 
 tions?" he asked, being sensitive to the chill in her 
 voice. 
 
 "O, if you think best, 1 am satisfied." She did not 
 look satisfied and he knew it was but another proof of 
 her stiong will, this indifference to the subj.ect in ques- 
 tion. "Of course, I hope father and mother will go ; I 
 should miss father so," her voice trembled slightly, 
 and Robert, immediately relieved that she should con- 
 sent so readily, vowed inwardly that they should go, for 
 he would hold out such inducements that they would 
 be unable to refuse ; so he told Laura his decision, and 
 was greatly dslighfed to see her evident relief. 
 
 "I don't want to leave them, and if they will go will- 
 ingly, I think I should be glad of the change." 
 
 So Robert talked the matter over with the old folks, 
 and was delighted to find them so tractable. 
 
 Mrs. Bassett, like all old mothers, was loth at first 
 to leave the spot upon which she had lived so many 
 years, but her old husband believed it was just the 
 thing : of course, he would follow his own children. He 
 believed, too, that the change would be good for Laura, 
 and told her so. He secretly hoped, but did not tell 
 her, that she would discharge the "kanuck," and then 
 her black follower would be left behind, too. 
 
 Yes, altogether it was a good plan ; he'd go, 
 
! I 
 
 xoa 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 I 
 I' 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 WALLIE AND DONNY 
 
 In a down-town office, No. 256 St. in Chicago. 
 
 up two flights of stairs, which, by the way are seldom 
 used, owing to that modern invention of chmbnig sky- 
 ward known as the elevator, sit two men neither of 
 whom will bear the closest scrutiny if one is particu ar 
 about such little matters as frank, candid eyes, whole- 
 some laugh, honest, clean speech, in fact, honest;, and 
 cleanliness in heart, brain and habits. 
 
 These men were as unlike as the antipodes, but it 
 might be for that very reason they agreed so harmoni- 
 ously ; if they ever disagreed it was because they agreed 
 to disagree. So harmoniously did they live, that while 
 in No 256 they breathed and worked as one man, and 
 that one man might be called for convenience Samuel 
 Donovan or Jason Waller, it mattered littje which. 
 
 Tust at present these two worthies were deeply inter- 
 ested in a paper which they held in their hands. I say 
 they, advisedly, for each held a corner of the sheet, and 
 both were endeavoring to deciplier its contents. 
 
 Though they were known as Samuel Donovan and 
 lason Waller, with an Esq. after each honored appella- 
 tion, yet. familiarly, alone in their office, they were ten- 
 derly, confidentially, "Donny" and "Walhe." 
 
 Samuel Donovan was a big, pompous.red-faced. sandy- 
 haired, yellow-cycd, pug-nosed individual, who dressed 
 gorgeously and sported diamonds enough to cover with 
 glory a half do7,en fashionable belles. His companion. 
 Jason Waller, bachelor ostensibly, was tall, thin, with 
 iron-grav hair, piercing black eyes, heavy, black mus- 
 fache, roman nose, wide, rhin lipped t^oMth, whoso 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 103 
 
 hatchet face portrayed benevolence, or cruelty and 
 craftiness as the mood or tense might be. 
 
 Benevo'ent, he certainly was, in the big church where 
 he worshipped, and to which he liberally subscribed, 
 beside paying for a high-priced pew, for he was a firm 
 believer in the creed that had been made for just such 
 as he: 
 
 "He that giveth to the church lendeth to — Jason 
 Waller." 
 
 Then, too, it was eminently respectable to give lib- 
 erally to the church. His name headed every list and 
 became a synonym for all things good and desirable. 
 Indeed, many a man joined Waller's church, because, 
 when looking about for a correct and exclusive place 
 where he might worship respectably, with credit and 
 comfort to himself, he was told in glowing colors that 
 "our church has upon its lists such men as Jason Wal- 
 ler, you have doubtless heard of him, millionaire, 
 aristocrat, very benevolent ; lives in an elegant suite 
 of rooms in the biggest hotel in the city: choose this 
 church. Good music, everything fine, select families. 
 Just the church for people of the best class; nothing 
 common here!" 
 
 No one could accuse Samuel Donovan of being "pi- 
 ous," as he called it, yet he, too, was a liberal subscriber 
 t(5 various churches, and certainly his returns were 
 ijuinense. 
 
 In iiis younger days he had been dubbed Don Juan, 
 becuise of his careless search for a wife, one that he 
 could, or would, keep. Sometimes, too, ho had been 
 called a "Gay Lothario." There might have been some 
 connection between this and his troubles about his 
 wives, but to his friend he was Doniiy. 
 
 Just at the present time when we find tlu'tu in their 
 offtce, thos«j two fritnidg have agreed that tlic letter in 
 
 li 
 
 B^iy 
 
 il 
 
■^msmimm^mi^^P' 
 
 104 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 \\A 
 
 their hands contains a chie by which they may, thanks 
 to their astuteness, gain a coveted point. 
 
 "Now, this is ours, Wallie, between ourselves, we 
 understand," said Donovan, looking very profound 
 through his little yellow eyes, "ye see, we'll need to 
 spend a heap of money this winter." 
 
 "If we're permitted," interrupted Wallie with a terse- 
 ness about the mouth and a sneer curling the nostrils 
 of his hawk nose. 
 
 "We'll be permitted, Wallie, and don't you forget it." 
 
 "Can you make a river run up hill?" asked Waller. 
 
 "Why not, with sufficcnt power? They run trains up 
 hill ; why not a river?" answered Donovan bringing his 
 fist down upon his big knee with a heavy thud. 
 
 "You'll break your knee-pan, Donny, if you get ex- 
 cited, and then I'll have to waste my sympathy on you, 
 and it will exhaust the stock, there is so much of you." 
 
 A hearty chuckle that presently ended in a boister- 
 ous laugh was all the answer Waller got from his big 
 friend, as for a few moments lie eyed him in mock se- 
 verity. 
 
 "N' "hing but jealousy: nothing at all. I'll have to 
 get a new partner," and again Donovan exploded in 
 laughter. 
 
 "You can't do without me to keep you respectable, 
 you know you can't, Mr. Donovan," replied Waller 
 grimly. 
 
 "Respectable! ho! ho! ho! 'Spectable! he! he! lie! 
 You'll kill me yet, yo»i old sinner you!" roared Dono- 
 van. "There ain't enough of yo>i to make a respectable 
 man. Ha! ha! ha'" 
 
 "There's too much of you, Donny, you'll excite the 
 cupidity of the soap manufacturers," answered liis flesh- 
 less chum in droll humor. 
 
 A gurgling laugh followed tliis monstrous wit whidi 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 105 
 
 was interrupted by the entrance of the office boy bear- 
 ing in his hand a card that he gave to Donovan. 
 
 Wiping liis eyes with the thumb and forefinger of 
 his left liand, lie read the name upon the card, with a 
 nod of satisfaction, gave it his partner, saying: 
 
 "What will we do? See him? ' 
 
 "Have to, I guess. Does it pay to refuse him?" 
 
 "Not obliged to see him if we don't want to," quickly 
 answered Donovan blinking fiercely through the mists 
 that still made his glance uncertain. 
 
 "The gentleman is in haste," respectfully announced 
 the office boy. 
 
 "Let him wait," said Waller, curtly. 
 
 "And lose that man's assistance?" asked Donovan, 
 looking over his shoulder at his partner. "The man 
 has money ; we shall need his money, he wants power ; 
 we want the help of just sucli men, even without a 
 dollar. Belter not let him wait too long, unless we 
 have all the money and assistance we shall need in the 
 future." 
 
 Donovan h.id not counted in vain upon the induence 
 of the last remark. Waller consented to see him, but 
 it puzzled Donovan why his friend seemeil so loth or 
 careless about admitting the stranger. 
 
 "Show him in: I don't care," said Donovan, "What 
 do you suppose he wants this time?" he asked his 
 
 friend. 
 
 "Money, I guess," tersely responded Waller, without 
 shifting his glance from the wintlow before which he 
 stood staring at some object below. 
 
 "Well, we ha-'- some to let, of course," said Dono- 
 van, curious to >.aow what contrary spirit had in)sses- 
 sion of his friend. 
 
 "We have some, or none, ns the cuso may be," suiU 
 
 Waller. 
 
 . 
 
 A 
 
■ -4< ,|ll^iSi^^'*ft9^8fs4^»?^*wfei.«tK^^^^^^^ 
 
 1 06 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "Shall we have some then? Do stop your staring at 
 that window and attend to business, what's the matter 
 
 with you?" 
 
 Jason Waller turned coolly and answered in a drawl- 
 ing tone, "Why, if he gives good security, we may loan 
 to him; but we shall need to control large sums of 
 money from time to time this winter. Do you think 
 we can do it, if we lend to this man?" 
 
 "Guess we can. I shall be handling a large amount 
 independent of the firm's money. You know your own 
 resources, don't you?" 
 
 Before Waller had replied to Donovan's question, 
 the door opened and their visitor entered the room. 
 
 "How de do! sir, glad to see you," said Donovan, 
 as he grasped the hand of Robert Mortoi-. in a friendly 
 way, and in the most cordial manner gave him a seat. 
 
 "Business has usual," said Morton, briskly, by way of 
 salute, surveying his host's table piled high with let- 
 
 ters, papers, etc. 
 
 "Never was out of business," answered Donovan, nod- 
 ding his head wisely, "just now we have the biggest 
 thing we ever had on our h.\nds." 
 
 "A big thing in money-making. I'll venture," rejoined 
 their guest half quizzingly and with a shrewd look in 
 
 his eyes. 
 
 "It will yield money, or I wouldn't spend my time 
 over it," was the answer of Donovan, with a cautious 
 yet off hand dash in his voice. 
 
 "Money will tell," answered Morton, "and hit's the 
 honly thing in God's green earth that will tell!" and 
 he nodded his head emphatically at Jason Waller, who 
 h.id. except for a brief salutation, kept silent. Now he 
 responded by an assenting nod, though from a lofty 
 henght. answering piously as became a man with a 
 cluistian reputation to sustain: 
 
i'lS 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 107 
 
 "Yes, true enough, but money is only |;iven us to 
 put to good uses." 
 
 "Just lent us by tlic Lord," echoed Donovan, strok- 
 ing down the muscles of his face, for fear their natural 
 tendencies should betray him to their visitor. 
 
 "Well that's hall right, but your time's precious, I 
 take it, and I may as well be brief with my business," 
 answered Morton, who was not in sympathy with the 
 last remarks. 
 
 Being assured bv his hosts that he had not made a 
 false estimate of the value of their time he, proceeded 
 to negotiate for a loan. After some haggling and many 
 questions by way of due caution on their part, they at 
 last granted "as a personal favor," the sum of $25,000, 
 for a certain time, at a certain per cent, after which 
 Morton went away. 
 
 "What do you s'pose that man's up to now?" as-.ked 
 Donovan, as their visitor's footsteps died away in t!ie 
 corridor outside. 
 
 "Up to money-getting," laconically answered Waller. 
 
 "Wallie, iiave you got any news to tell?" chuckled 
 the big man of the firm. 
 
 "I shall be able to tell you some news later," was 
 the cool answer. "Meantime I'm going to call on that 
 needy female down at '126' that you liave so heartlessly 
 neglected. She wants some help: What sluill be tlic 
 figures? twenty-five per cent?" 
 
 "'Bout that, twenty- five percent for sixty dajs only. 
 I promised to call there myself, but I hate calling on 
 indigent females ; they always have a sad story to re- 
 late, and that upsets me for business." 
 
 "You haven't any of the spirit of self-sacrifice, I see. 
 Doubtless, she would be overwhelmed to see you," 
 facetiously answered Waller, as he brushed an imagi- 
 nary speck of dust off his coat-sleeve. "However, I hope 
 
mnnmiiwpiw!^«PHHP 
 
 t 
 
 108 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 
 she'll be brief and prompt with business, fur I luite 
 tears and a scene as much as you do, but I can stand 
 them if it serves my purpose. A case of this kind isn't 
 
 promising." 
 
 "Wallie, you have no appreciation of lonely widows. 
 I guess I had best go after all. You'll be sure to make 
 
 her cry." 
 
 "You don't seem to be informed about my feelings 
 for the widow, Donny. She is a charge of our church, 
 sews for Mrs. Van Tassel, who don't even know her by 
 sight, but asked me to permit the widow to remain in 
 her room a while longer as a personal favor to herself, 
 and insists on paying me with her most fascinating 
 smiles and an invitation to her party next week, eh, 
 
 Donny?" 
 
 "Good enough! Wallie, do vou know who s going to 
 
 be there?" 
 
 "Everybody and his wife, if he can get a card, I sup- 
 pose," answered Wallie nonchalantly, as he drew on 
 his gloves over his long, slim, dark hiuuls. 
 
 "But this one hasn't a wife," pursued Donovan, ex- 
 ultantly. . , „r 11 
 
 "Then he has my sympathies," replied Waller, in a 
 
 mock sorrowful voice that convulsed his friend. 
 
 "To save your life. Wallie, I will tell you that it is 
 youi royal foe." 
 
 "Allan Morton?" 
 
 "Yes Allan Morton, he's a lion now. Poor as a 
 church'mouse, but a hundred per cent better than his 
 
 cousin." 
 
 "1 hate him," Hercely hissed Waller. 
 
 "Thoughtyou likotoknow;he'llbetherc, no doubt; 
 but what surprises me is that Robert is asked, too." 
 
 "Humph! can't you see 
 card," replied Waller, sneer 
 
 ? His lovely wife in th 
 
 in 
 
 «!>'■ 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 109 
 
 "How in heaven's name did she come to marry that 
 man?" 
 
 "Beauty and the beast. Satan always manages such 
 marriages. He'll manage theirs!" with which, Waller 
 rose to go out. 
 
 Eyeing Waller's sallow face that had taken on a 
 cruel, rigid look, Donovan saw that which restrained 
 his ready laugh, an honest sacrifice on his part. 
 
 After Waller left the office, Donovan sat for a few 
 minutes still whistling softly, for he was too loyal to 
 laugh at Waller in the man's present mood while even 
 his footsteps echoed outside in the corridor. But as 
 the last sound died away in the distance, he burst out 
 in a hearty guffaw and winked and blinked and nodded 
 at the door that had just closed uoon the form of his 
 friend. 
 
 "Sly dog, that Wallic! smart's a briar. Makes otliers 
 smart, too. Ho! ho! ho! I must tt;ll tliat to Wallic: 
 won't he snarl! Ho! ho! ho! How ho hates Allan 
 Morton! Can't more'n half tell why. Shouldn't won- 
 der if there's a woman in the case : always is, bless 'cu" ! 
 He don't tell even me what makes him so spiteful 
 against that man. I'll ask him. H he don't tell me, 
 I'll watch him. I have my opinion, though. Wallie 
 mustn't have secrets, it's against our interests. If he 
 has secrets, I can't trust him. He'll be no good. He's 
 deep, is Wallie. Ho! come." 
 
 Again the office boy came in bearing a card which he 
 gave to Donovan, as Wallie, for whom the card was 
 intended, was out. Donovan read tlie name: 
 
 "Leon Illardo. What does he want?" 
 
 "Don't know. He wants to see Mr. Waller." 
 
 "Mr. Waller's out. Tell him to call again." 
 
 After the boy went out. Donovan cat a few in! 11 utt^s 
 and pondered over the name on the card. Another 
 
110 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 secret, perhaps, and he hated secrets between them, 
 vent to an exclamation more emphatic 
 
 f his superior business con- 
 
 Presently giving 
 
 than becoming to a man o 
 
 nections, and going to a small secretary that bore upon 
 
 its silver plate the name of Jason Waller, he opened it 
 
 with an odd-looking instrument which bore no more 
 
 rec-^mblance to a key, than Donovan himself did to a 
 
 good man and a gentleman, and taking from one of its 
 
 small drawers a sealed letter, he compared the name of 
 
 the address with the one on the card. They were just 
 
 the same. "Leon Illardo, No 37 St." 
 
 "CcEsar' I saw him writing that letter yesterday. 
 Why didn't he post it? Why didn't he tell me; if 
 it's business, I ve a right to know. Wallie mustn't have 
 secrets that concern the firm of Donovan and Waller.' 
 
 Now, does it not seem a little one-sided that Dono- 
 van should exact the utmost candor from his partner, 
 while he, himself, was possessed of a secret which well 
 might have startled Waller, had he but known that his 
 partner had in his pocket an instrument that could re- 
 veal to its possessor the contents of his. Waller's, pri- 
 vate secretary? • , .1 
 
 Before closing the secretary, Donovan copied the 
 name and address in his note-book, and then carefully 
 placing the letter in the drawer just as he thought he 
 had found it, he shut the lid, which fastened by a spring 
 lock, and resumed his seat just in time to meet Waller 
 smilingly, though his mind was full of the mystery of 
 the card which bore the name, Leon Illardo, No. 37 
 
 St. . , 
 
 "Had company?" was the first question that put to 
 
 flight his remaining self-possession, as Waller seemed 
 
 to eye him with unusual keenness. 
 
 "I haven't, but you have," answered Donovan, trying 
 
 to speak smoothly, but only partially succeeding. 
 
 

 GOZjy BUST 
 
 III 
 
 "What name?" 
 
 "Leon Illardo, but there is the card," and he threw 
 it upon the table vexed at his thoughtlessness in hold- 
 ing it in his hard but still watching covertly the effect 
 of his words. 
 
 "Humph! Leon Illardo! Did he state his business?" 
 asked Waller, stolidly looking at his watch, then seat- 
 ing himself by the table began writing, and waiting 
 a reply with evident composure. 
 
 "I did not see him," Donovan replied. "He wanted 
 more cogenial company." As Donovan failed to get 
 an answer to his small attempt at pleasantry, he asked 
 impatientl)' : 
 
 "Who is the man anyhow? I've never seen him, 
 never heard of him before. Who is he, Waller?" 
 
 "He is just what his card purports him to be, Leon 
 Illardo. Let us attend to our mutual interests," an- 
 swered Waller, blandly yet firmly. 
 
 "O, then, I'm to understand that Leon Illardo is 
 none of my business. You sly dog! I'll set a trap 
 for you. No secrets here if you please!" shaking his 
 finger at Waller. But he did not laugh, a fact which 
 attracted the attention of his partner, who looked at 
 him in a cool, critical way, and only asked by way of 
 rejoinder, not wishing to make Donovan uneasy as he 
 seemed to be: 
 
 "How have you employed your time in my absence? 
 Have you been ferreting out my secrets?" 
 
 But Donovan was on the defensive in an instant and 
 answered with a brave air: 
 
 "You have no secret can't keep ;'iy: you're too 
 thin," at which ap})lication of the popular slang, the 
 big member of the lirm roaretl and shoutud :ui(l fj;^urgled, 
 until from very sym})athy, Waller, too, suffered a relax- 
 

 112 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 ation of the muscles about the mouth to replace the 
 grim austerity of his sallow fa«.'^. 
 
 This so delighted his friend that he gazed at him in 
 rapt admiration for a few moments, then went off into 
 another roar that brought the office boy to inquire 
 mildly, if anybody called or was hurt. 
 
 Assured by Waller that no one but Mr. Donovan was 
 suffering, and that, owing to his extreme youth and 
 lack of muscle he had not been called, the boy departed, 
 believing that "Mr. Waller was a queer one, but that 
 Mr. Donovan was the jolliest lark!" 
 
 "Now I'm prepared to relate my 'experience' while 
 I was out this morning, if you are sufficiently recovered 
 from your last attack of idiocy to listen intelligently," 
 said Waller, relapsing into raillery as the best method 
 of disposing of confusion. 
 
 "Go on, I'm all right. Sober as a deacon in a prayer- 
 meeting." 
 
 "Don't cast slurs at the prayer- meeting," was the 
 sarcastic reproof of Waller, "don't you know they are 
 the gathering places of angels? Now let's descend to 
 earth again." 
 
 Then they opened letters and were soon absorbed in 
 the coming winter's ventures, which no doubt were 
 very promising. 
 
 "Now what we want is to get Morton to help us; 
 he's so crazy for money that he'll work like a beaver. 
 We must be able to control a million, or several mil- 
 lions, if necessary. Once launched there is no drawing 
 back. Morton is one of those live, magnetic men who 
 carries a crowd with him. Money will got him every 
 time." 
 
 There was no levity now, either in tone or manner. 
 The firm of Waller and Donovan had settled down to 
 business. In that aspect we see them as they are, most 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 113 
 
 intensely individual, alert, active, grasping, unflinch- 
 
 ing. 
 
 Laughter, nonsense, raillery, were as natural to Don- 
 ovan as mlrthlessness, sarcasm, caustic wit, and stern- 
 ness were to Waller, yet upon the peal of Uie door bell, 
 the tick of the clock, the flash of an eye, both could 
 turn to business with a oneness of purpose that was 
 perhaps the great underlying secret of their mutual 
 success, for each was bent upon the scheme of a life- 
 time, to be rich and powerful. 
 
 These two men had sprung from poverty. Donovan 
 had once been an errand bey; Waller had lived by his 
 wits in New Orleans. They did not refer to these times 
 in the par'ors of their rich friends of the present day. 
 There might come a time when they would stand be- 
 fore a crowd whose assistance and votes were neces- 
 sary to their acWancement and, witii success, resurrect 
 their plebeian ancestry as attestors to their devotion 
 and sympathy to the people whom they were pledged 
 to serve ; there might come a time when they would 
 seek glory in boasting of the old days of starved and 
 naked boyhood, the better to attest to their sympathy 
 for the down-trodden masses whose condition they 
 were trying to elevate. But now to the rest of the 
 world they were Samuel Donovan, Esq , and Jason 
 Waller, Esq. In their office at this present moment they 
 are Donny and Wallie, with their heads low over the 
 same letter which was of vital interest to them. After 
 reading it over and over again, Jason Waller said 
 with a decisive compression of his thin lips : 
 
 "We must do as this letter requires to satisfy them. 
 We must get the inside track of the working classes, 
 and in order to do that we must impress upon their 
 minds our interest and devotion, our wealth which we 
 will devote to the cause, the elevation of the labor- ; 
 

 114 
 
 GOLn DUST 
 
 man. Once get their confidence, and they will pour 
 their wage money into our treasury. They are igno- 
 rant ; many of them neither read nor write : we must 
 get the help of some of their own nationality, too. 
 They are in deadly opposition to the native-born Amer- 
 ican. We shall need such men as Morton, slaves to 
 their greed for money, to work for lis. Morton would 
 scout the idea, but he would sell his soul for money. 
 He does not know it ; I do know it. He is just the 
 man. We don't want a mm with a conscience alive 
 to every pin prick of public opinion ; when we have 
 done with him there will be ample time to feel sensi- 
 tive to wasp stings." 
 
 "Morton is keen, Wallie: don't lose sight of that and 
 underestimate him," said Donovan, fearing that his 
 friend did not fully appreciate the character of the 
 man whom they wished to employ. 
 
 "So am I: never forget that: I know the man, he 
 loves money. His favorite maxim is 'Money will tell.' 
 Don, there are just two things I will have, by i;v;> ni*^ans 
 if I can, but have them I will. I will be *:u i> - . ^.or 
 of a million at least, and the fairest woman on the face 
 of the earth. I don't care how I get her, she must be 
 
 •" ■ne. 
 
 , hi? intensity Waller had pushed back from the 
 ta! 1. '.a J a. lie hissed out the last words, the tempest 
 withi:> h!Mi glowed through his black eyes, and crim- 
 soned his usually ^allow face, while his long, dark fin- 
 gers writhed and twisted about each other as though 
 they were strangling some poor, troublesome wretch 
 who dared oppose him. 
 
 This was a new phase in Waller's personality that 
 astonished Donovan and left him no disposition to 
 laugh. He couhl only stare in surprise at the excited 
 pian and wait further d.-vclopmont'S. TJo had never 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 115 
 
 seen him in the character of lover, and had no adequate 
 conception of his vindictivcness toward a rival, although 
 he knew him to be an implacable foe. lie was on 
 thorns to know all about it, but he knew Waller too 
 well to ask about his private affairs. The fierce rlitter 
 in his eyes made Donovan nervous. His own easy- 
 going nature would have preferred a smoother court^^hip, 
 without hate, rage, jealousy, perhaps even more for 
 Waller had plainly meant that if there was an obsi icle 
 in the way to his obtaining the "fairest woman" he 
 would not hesitate to remove it. So thinking tin se 
 things over, Donovan stared at his friend, but vouch- 
 safed no reply. 
 
 Conscious that he had lost the mastery over himseif 
 to a dangerous degree, W^aller arose and went to the 
 window, and remained looking down upon the crowd 
 until he had become calm again; then with an evident 
 purpose he souglit to lead his friend's mind away from 
 the subject tliat had excited him. 
 
 Donovan understood this, and saw Waller start and 
 clutch the window-sill as a look full of passionate hate 
 filled his eyes. Donovan was more surprised than 
 ever at these new evidences of a nature that had beom 
 seemingly so foreign to the man. He had always ap- 
 peared cold and self-possessed. 
 
 "What do you see in the street?" asked Donovan. 
 He wanted to talk business and it bothered him to find 
 Waller so absorbed in a matter which he knew 
 nothing. 
 
 "I see," said Waller, drawing liimself together again, 
 but yet scowling fiercely, "I see a crowd." But this 
 was what Jason Waller saw: Looking out upon the 
 crowd below, he had seen a lady enter the store oi)po- 
 site. Outside stood her carriage. He recognized the 
 Morton carriage. Tiie horses were uneasy and restive. 
 
'^f^mtumiHIMtUM 
 
 ii6 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 
 i ' 
 
 li: 
 V 
 
 The coachniai) could with great difficulty restrain them 
 from dashing off down the street. Presently he saw 
 Mrs. Morton come out and endeavor to get into the 
 carriage alone. He saw her step back as though afraid 
 of them, for they were fast becoming unmanageable. 
 Then he saw a dark, well-dressed man step to her side, 
 and touching his hat politely offer his assistance. 
 
 She smilingly accepted his offer liand and again 
 essayed to enter the carriage, but with no better success 
 than before, even less, for had she not stepped quickly 
 back, partly upheld by the man's supporting arm, she 
 must have been jerked off her feet, for the horses, ren- 
 dered more furious by the angry voice of the coach- 
 man, were now plunging violently. 
 
 It was at that time, that with a scowl of hate, Waller 
 saw Allan Morton ride hastily up, and throwing his 
 reins to the terrified coachman, with a grip of steel 
 hold the plunging animals absolutely still. 
 
 Don')\'an had taken in the situation, having been 
 been attracted to the window by the looks of Waller; 
 he saw Mrs. Morton take tiie hand of the waiting 
 stranger who politely assisted her into the waiting car- 
 riage, and wns driven away; saw Allan Morton mount 
 his horse hastily, watching them until they turned the 
 corner, then dash on after them. 
 
 Donovan saw the handsome dark stranger watch until 
 Allan had disappeared, then glancing nj) at the window 
 a moment, pass up the street. 
 
 Looking at Waller just at the moment of that up- 
 ward glance, Donovan saw a gleam of recognition flash 
 momentarily into his eyes. 
 
 "Who is that man?" he asked, as Waller turned his 
 giiltcring eyes in the direction the carriage ami horse- 
 man had disappeared, "he scums to know you. who is 
 hu?" 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 117 
 
 "Leon Illardo, " quietly answered Waller. 
 
 "Leon Illardo! wh)', that man is a gentleman," said 
 Donovan in surprise. 
 
 "Leon Illardo claims to be a gentleman. We are 
 all gentlemen in broadcloth," was Waller's sarcastic 
 reply as lie turned away from the window and resumed 
 his seat by the table, and again taking up the subject 
 of the letter referred to in the beginning of the chap- 
 ter, said, as though his mind had been upon it all the 
 time : 
 
 "Now this is just what we want. We must keep this 
 letter to refer to at any time, for it furnishes the assur- 
 ance without which we would not be justified in going 
 into the thing. Hear this: 
 
 "'They will not promise what you want, neither will 
 they trust you unless you promise to co operate with 
 us against the city police force. These men are all 
 Germans, Poles and Bohemians, sworn foes to the 
 police force who are all Irish, or nearly all. These 
 men must have the assurance tluit you will work in 
 their interest: then tliey will collect their forces and 
 follow you as their friend.' 
 
 "What do you think of that, Donny? Here's a big 
 chance for a strong, well-balanced mind to take hold of 
 this thing. These men have practically no head, no 
 chief, and are in a constant ferment over what they be- 
 lieve to be a scheme of the capitalists to dci)rivc them 
 of their rights, the right to big wages for little work. 
 Warden must be nominal head or chief: he is one of 
 them and is a dangerous man who don't care so much 
 for money as power, self nggrandizement, wants to hold 
 oflico and boss the rest. They will pour their wages 
 into his trtiasury until wo want it, the f<>ols! 
 
 "This hu(! and cry of theirs would be simply ridicu- 
 lous were it not the l)uttle cry of u dangerous people; 
 
 J,Ij 
 
 •mm W' 
 
 % 1 
 
 ■f " 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 „ 
 
 
 1 
 
m 
 
 
 3: I 
 
 Ii8 
 
 but I 
 
 to hi 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 imor them for a time, let them have 
 
 propose 
 
 their own way and some time they shall pay me well 
 for it. Meantime to control, hold in check, and govern 
 thousands of mad beasts inflamed by strong drink, 
 whose ignorant instincts are alive to the desire to ap- 
 propriate the weath gained by educated minds, is no 
 small task; but I can do it. However, all this is small 
 matter to you and I, Donny, so long as we succeed. " 
 
 "Yes, the little fishes, contrary to custom and habit, 
 may swallow the big fishes. I'll hold the bait," said 
 Donovan who had permitted his partner to talk on 
 uninterrupted, hoping thereby to hear something of the 
 dark stranger, Leon lUardo. But as Waller seemed 
 to steer clear of that subject, Donovan at last went out 
 on business. 
 
 Almost before Donovan's footsteps ceased to echo 
 outside in the corridor, Waller was standing before his 
 secretary, and hastily unlocking it, glowered down into 
 the drawers with frowning face and flashing eyes, mut- 
 tering to himself: 
 
 "It has been opened. That letter was placed face 
 downward. Who's so curious about my affairs? Mr. 
 Donovan? He had better be careful ; curiosity is dan- 
 gerous. I didn't think that of Don." 
 
 However, upon examination he found the letter had 
 not been tampered with, and smiling sarcastically he 
 put it in his pocket, saying : 
 
 "Donny wants to know Leon lUardo: so do others. 
 I can't humor their curiosity yet. My mysterious aid 
 must remain a mvstury for a while. " 
 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 IK 
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 AI.I.AN GOES 'I'O CHICAGO 
 
 Allan was possessed by the same spirit of unrest that 
 had actuated him years ago to leave Toronto. A little 
 event in which he was but a cipher influenced him to 
 push on to Chicago, 
 
 As the train was leaving Toronto he had seen Lizette 
 in close consultation with the same dark, handsome for- 
 eigner whom he had seen upon two or three occasions 
 at the back door of Woodlawn. 
 
 He thought it very strange, for the man was plainly 
 of the upper classes, while Lizette was a servant born 
 and bred. Lizette's manner was humble and submis- 
 sive, even meek and altogether unlike what it had been 
 at Woodlawn. 
 
 She had just given him a letter or flat package, Allan 
 could not quite make out wliicli, and disturbed by his 
 own thoughts he diil not then care which, but still he 
 continued to look on as the man tore open the letter. 
 
 Allan had never liked the appearance of tlie girl, and 
 now wondered what had induced the handsome foreigner 
 to call at another's back door, when he was evidently 
 accustomed to be received at the front entrance. 
 
 He saw the man fling himself upon the rear platform 
 of the train just as it was starting, thus conveying the 
 impression that they had talked until thn last minute 
 of time, so the case must have been important. Then 
 amid the gathering gloom Allan saw a rough-looking 
 fellow slouch up to Lizette's side, and speaking to her, 
 was mutely motioned toward the train which he hur- 
 riedly boarded while it was moving out. 
 
 He saw Lizette step back into a corner and watch 
 closely until the train was fairly started, then ttirn 
 
 ! 1! 
 
 m^mm *.«■ 
 
120 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 away with bent head. All this he could 
 
 coiikl see from hi 
 window in the car. llis attention was now fixed upon 
 the men who came into his car and sat down in the 
 seat nearest the stove. Though it was somewhat shaded 
 he could see thej' were busy talking with their heads 
 bent low over a paper that absorbed their attention. 
 From where he sat he could see and not be seen by 
 them, or not plainly seen. 
 
 There was such a marked contrast between these 
 two men as they sat in their corner deeply absorbed in 
 their letter, or paper, that one must have noticed them 
 from time to time glancing furtively about, though 
 looking more often at the door. 
 
 Allan was not upon the road to Detroit for any other 
 reason than to get away from Woodlawn. He might 
 as well have taken some other road. His desire was to 
 get as far away from Toronto as possible ; to go had 
 been his main object in boarding the train for Detroit; 
 what he should do wlien he got there he did not know, 
 and cared less. 
 
 When they were approaching Detroit, Allan remem- 
 bered that he had better see how Sultan his horse was 
 bearing the trip. He arose and passed back to the 
 box car. While there engaged in soothing Sultan into 
 submission, the train pulled into the station. 
 
 He hurriedly returned and found, much to his cha- 
 grin, that the two men had left the car Hastily pass- 
 ing to the next, which as we have before said was the 
 rear car, he ascertained that they were not there. 
 
 Glancing out of the window at tlio crowd, which had 
 just poured from the train, he discovered them upon 
 the platform n little apart from the crowd, and in close 
 conversation with a tall, dark, colorless, well-dressed 
 man, with dark, deep-set eyes and a hawk nose. Ho 
 Baw this man distinctly, for he had just stepped for a 
 
 immr^ ».iir.«"Mfc*w 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 I2T 
 
 moment by a lamp-post to read a letter that had been 
 given him by Lizette's handsome friend. Evidently 
 the letter contained a disappointment, for the man 
 crumpled it impatiently in his hand and thrust it into 
 his pocket. The handsome foreigner seemed protest- 
 ing, and anxious to conciliate him, while the third 
 party stood by with his hands in his pockets and waited 
 for a few moments, then with an ugly leer on his face 
 was turning away when he was recalled by the hook- 
 nosed man, and something that gave satisfaction was 
 placed in his hand. 
 
 Allan determined to hear their voices if possible, so 
 pulling his hat down over his eyes and his collar about 
 his chin, he strolled by them, contriving to keep within 
 the shadow of a train that stood near by on the track. 
 He was soon rewarded by hearing the third party say: 
 
 "I'll be on hand if it's a go. You can count on me 
 for that sum : not a d d cent less. " 
 
 "I'll count on you. I'll go on to Chicago to-night. 
 Look out for cders." 
 
 "All right, I'm your man," responded the tough, and 
 started away. Upon inquiry Allan learned that the 
 next train would start in twenty minutes. He had yet 
 to transfer his horse aud get his gripsack, so he went 
 about it with all possible haste. This he found no 
 easy ching, for Sultan resented being driven or lead 
 into another car where he must suffer the close prox- 
 imity of other less favored of his species. So it re- 
 quired all his master's persuasiveness and some threats, 
 beside consi.ming the entire twenty minutes of time 
 to get him up the steep plank walk and into llie last 
 stnll of the box-car. Even then he pranced without 
 fear of threatened whi|)pings. or regard for his master's 
 promise to leave him behind. 
 
 Allan was put out of sorts by the delay caf.sed by 
 
122 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 J 
 
 Sultan's obstinac}^ for he wanted to be sure of the 
 hook-nosed man, and also of the handsome foreigner. 
 
 It 
 
 mtes before he 
 
 lid leave Sultan 
 
 was some i 
 
 when he sauntered through car after car in his careless 
 search for a good seat, he was disappointed in seeing 
 nothing of either of the two men ; but being on the train, 
 and careless as to what direction he really went, he 
 concluded to go straight on to Chicago. 
 
 As the train sped on its waj', and he now no longer 
 had any particular object with which to divert his mind, 
 his old troubles again intruded their mocking faces 
 upon him, and like Bancho's ghost would not down. 
 
 Now as he had time for reflection, his mind quickly 
 surveyed tiie past few months since he had been an 
 inmate of Robert's house. He carefully laid each 
 successive day upon the colorless canvas of his mem- 
 ory, and critically surveyed every hour's happenings, 
 subjecting each act and look and word to the most crit- 
 ical analysis. He did the same by every grown mem- 
 ber of Robert's household, even including Laura's par- 
 ents in the process, not omitting Lizctte and the hand- 
 some foreigner and consetpiently the two other men who 
 had talked with him in the de])ot at Detroit. He told 
 himself they had nothing to do with the case. But 
 still the evil faces of those men would obtrude them- 
 selves upon his fancy, and while liis mental gaze was 
 fixed upon the canvas, would mingle with the faces 
 of those whom he liad left at Woodlawn, making an 
 unpleasant cong'.inieration of dear and hateful, lovely 
 and ugly, good and bad faces that nearly drove him 
 wild at their unpleasant juxtaposition. Do what he 
 would he could not separate thorn. He was not a fan- 
 ciful man. He had seen too much of hard, practical 
 fact to bo visionary. Why upon earth could that for- 
 eigner, who was no doubt Lisette's lover, or that vil- 
 
 — ■«•«'■ .,iip» 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 123 
 
 lainous, hook-nosed individual, much less that low plug- 
 ugly, why should, or could they ever possibly meet 
 Laura? 
 
 Yet, though Allan scoffed at himself, and even swore 
 between his teeth, yet that canvas, with its strangely 
 contrasting faces stared him in the eyes through the 
 entire night, or what remained of it and the following 
 morning were still staring at him, when "Chicago" yelled 
 the brakesman, and a moment later he stepped out 
 upon the platform only to come face to face with two 
 of the haunting "subjects," the man with the hook nose 
 and the handsome foreigner. 
 
 Allan for a moment stood dumbfounded. But hast- 
 ily recovering himself, for it was no part of his inten- 
 tions to seem to be interested in them, he crossed to 
 the other platform. Keeping an eye upon them as 
 they stood in close conversation, he contrived to pass 
 a policeman. The free masonry that is conveyed by 
 an intelligent look was quickly understood by the officer 
 who followed Allan as he started on after them. They 
 were evidently going to leave the station; what more 
 natural? 
 
 Hastily writing upon his note-book these words: 
 "Get name and address of two men ahead," Allan 
 dropped it carelessly behind him to be picked up and 
 instantly read by the intelligent officer. 
 
 A moment later he passed by Allan with an answer- 
 ing nod and was soon passing the two men who had 
 again halted in an uncertain way to talk. They evi- 
 dently wanted some information. The officer immedi- 
 ately called another to their aid. He seemed to recog- 
 nize the h()i)k nosed man, and smilingly addressed the 
 other who stood by awaiting the result of his friend's 
 inqtiirics. 
 
 When he had seen the two disappear in the distance 
 
 
 I 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 
 . S i 
 
 .a»k, .m<^m m ■wm-- 
 
II 
 
 124 GOLD DUST 
 
 with their guide, who was an odd-looking fellow, the 
 policeman sought Allan who was waiting for him in the 
 friendly shadow of a corner. 
 
 "Well, did you learn their names?" 
 
 "What do you want to know for? Of course, I can 
 tell you, but what do you want to dog their footsteps 
 
 for?" 
 
 "What is that to you?" asked Allan, sharply. 
 
 "Just this. What do you want their names for. Of 
 course, I can tell you all I know about them, but you 
 must give your reasons. You are a stranger here, or 
 you'd know him, the man with the beak nose," answered 
 the officer firmly. 
 
 "Is it money you want first?" asked Allan. 
 
 "No, sir. I asked you what you wanted to know their 
 names for, that's fair," persisted the officer. 
 
 Looking into the honest eyes of Thomas Denan, Al- 
 lan told him what had excited his suspicion, and why 
 he wanted tne names of those two men, beside giv- 
 ing him as good a description of the third party left in 
 Detroit as he could. 
 
 'The hook-nosed man is Jason Waller, a millionaire, 
 aristocrat, big gun in a big church, way up in business 
 circles ; if you were not a stranger here you would have 
 known that much; the other, he introduced as his friend 
 Leon Illardo from Europe. That suit you?" asked the 
 officer, smiling. 
 
 "Yes, so far as it goes. How long has that Waller 
 lived in Chicago." 
 
 "O, I don't know for certain, can find out; but some 
 time, I think." 
 
 "Well, I hope for the good of the city there are not 
 many like him. I don't believe in Jason Waller and 
 I don't like his friends," said Allan, fierc^^ly a^ ho saw 
 a droll look come into the officer's eyes. "I'll stake 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 125 
 
 my life that he's a liar, rogue, and scoundrel if he is 
 prominent in church and business circles!" 
 
 The policeman smiled broadly at Allan's ferocity, but 
 said with an emphatic nod : 
 
 "Well, if I understand your style you're life's worth 
 too much to stake on such small fry as Jason Waller. 
 I know the man, and he knows me. Catch him intro- 
 ducing his friends to any common officer on the police 
 force, but Tom Denan! I know him. He's afraid of 
 me, too, or of what I know about him, but he's just 
 where I can't touch him!" 
 
 The sight of the officer's face that had grown dark 
 and frowning did not tend to re-assure Allan, who 
 asked with some dread of the answer : 
 
 "You know this man? What do you gather from 
 what I have told you? What do you think he's up 
 to?" 
 
 "I guess you'll hear from him before long ; though it 
 may be first in connection with some big scheme for 
 saving the heathen, or to release the "distressed" in 
 this country; perhaps he'll be giving a temperance lec- 
 ture or two, just to keep his hand in and his name be- 
 fore the public. You'll be seeing him on some future 
 occasion as big as life walk up the isle of one of them 
 big temperance halls, by the side of the most prominent 
 female reformers in the country. Ah, but she'll be 
 thinking she's highly honored by the looks of Jason 
 Waller, but if she'd catch the looks of certain men and 
 women down in the pits she'd blush red for shame, 
 and be after being escorted by one of them wharf rats 
 instead! Ah I sure and ye'U hear from him : he's up to 
 some deviltry! ye may be sure." 
 
 "I want you to watch the man for me. I'll spend 
 every cent I have to pay you for your services, for I'm 
 afraid he will make trouble for my friend." 
 
 if hI 
 
 % ,f 
 
 m 
 
 r W 
 
 iS 
 
 1' 1 
 
126 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 f 
 
 
 "I don't want yonr money. I'm no friend to that 
 man. I'll help you all I can. when I'm off my heat. 
 D n him, he's a scoundrel that I'd like to see pun- 
 ished." 
 
 Allan thought that this man must have some good 
 reason for hating Jason Waller as he looked into his 
 gleaming eyes and watched the play of his strong, 
 good, honest face. 
 
 "It was pure luck and chance that I had a day off?" 
 the officer informed Allan as they sat down in the 
 depot to talk a few minutes. After you get something 
 to eat, and you'd better be gitting it now, then I'll 
 show you about the city, we can do a good bit of sight- 
 seeing in one day. Then this evening I want you to 
 go with me and meet some of the boys. If you want 
 work, they'll help you to get your living, and watch 
 that fellow, too. You'll be wanting a nice job I'm 
 thinking, but you'll not be out of pocket to get any 
 little work the boys can put into your way, till you 
 can do better." 
 
 "I'll answer for it, it'll be honest work, too. I'll be 
 changing this rig for citizen's clothes after a bit. 
 We'll go over to my room when j start out. I can 
 go about with more freedom." 
 
 After a hearty breakfast in the depot restaurant they 
 sallied forth upon their tour of sight seeing. 
 
 By palaces of stone, brick, and marble, upon broad 
 avenues, streets alive with business, and streets made 
 notorious as the abiding-pbce of infamy, where honor 
 and virtue were bought and sold, where from the insa- 
 tiable saloon poured forth a stream of reeking, stagger- 
 ing, whisky-befuddled human beings; through back 
 alleys, diving down into dark, damp basements, and 
 exploring tenements, on they tramped with a quick 
 business-like step, none knowing why, or whither, 
 
 
 |; 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 12^ 
 
 pausing occasionally before some particular open door 
 to snatch a hasty glance into its vileness and jot down 
 its number and street. 
 
 "I can't take you home with me," said the officer as 
 at last when the shadv)ws were falling they brought up 
 down on the lake shore. "I wish I could, but I've got 
 no home since my wife died, I've boarded. But I can 
 get you in where I am if you like, unless you'd rather 
 go by yourself. " 
 
 "What do you think? Can we work as well together 
 if we board in the same house?" asked Allan. 
 
 "No, we can't. You'll be spotted on my account in 
 less than an hour. You had better go to some place 
 near by me. Do you expect any one to join you?" the 
 question came suddenly. 
 
 "No, I'm alone and always expect to be," answered 
 Allan, grimly 
 
 "Just as well for you at present," responded Dcnan 
 emphatically. "I tell you, Morton, it's mighty hard, so 
 it is, to rush away from tearful eyes and clinging hands, 
 knowing that the chances are ten to one you'll never 
 be seeing them again, and a chance, too, of being 
 brought home on a shutter. I wish there was a law 
 against married men joining the police force. I've 
 been there, I know what it is." 
 
 Allan did not answer. Denan saw that Allan was 
 disturbed, and with his characteristic frankness said : 
 "You'll have to tell me enough of yourself, your past 
 life, to prevent my making blunders. I don't want to 
 do so, but you know, Morton, no two lives are just 
 alike, and I had a good wife once, and I miss the little 
 woman, yer right I do!" 
 
 The two nam stood alone upon the shores of Lake 
 Micliigan, alone with memory, one saddened by the 
 thought of the blue-eyed wife he had buried three years 
 
 1! 
 
 'i 
 
: **§«**(!(*»!«»<'■• 
 
 128 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 before ; the other embittered by the loss of the woman 
 who was to have been his wife. 
 
 After Allan returned to his room that night at eleven 
 o'clock, he asked himself, as he sat reviewing the full 
 day's sight seeing and the evening's interesting happen- 
 ings : 
 
 "How can such things be allowed in this country? 
 It's bad enough for London or Paris, but here!" 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 A NEW HOME 
 
 When Laura fully realized the question of moving 
 away, in all its bearings, she felt a positive relief. To 
 leave the scenes of her trials, even though they had 
 been the seats of joys and conquests, was to her the 
 only positive surety against the constant recurrence of 
 similar trials. 
 
 It was a part of Robert's plan to live in style in 
 Chicago, so Laura entered into the business of selling 
 off the furniture, and packing up with extraordinary en- 
 thusiasm. In feverish haste she hurried on the work, 
 giving herself no time to think. In vain her mother 
 and Nettie told her she was wearing herself out, yet 
 she would see to everything, even to the sending away 
 of those things which had been sold. Of Robert's 
 plans she approved, even to the selling of her piano; 
 she wanted a new and better one. When the matter of 
 discharging help was brought up, Laura decided to 
 take Lizette : she hated to change and get entirely new 
 servants, and Lizette had grown so capable, and wanted 
 ver}- much to go with her mistress. She had not ac- 
 complished this without being obliged to confront the 
 opposition of her father who as a last resort told her of 
 
GOLD DUST 129 
 
 the foreigner. He had not meant to do so, but upon 
 the very evening of their departure the old man had 
 seen the dark stranger in close conversation with Li- 
 zette at the back door. 
 
 Mr. Bassett felt it to be her duty to break it up, but 
 Laura thought the man might be a lover, and compress- 
 ing her lipsa trifle thinner she told her father sharply: 
 "Let her have him. Let her enjoy her love while 
 she may, without fear or favor; she will soon lose him. " 
 In vain the old man attempted to convince Laura 
 that Lizette ought to go ; Laura was firm, she knew no 
 reason for discharging Lizette and would not be guilty 
 of meddling with her love affairs. 
 
 It was about the middle of November when we find 
 the Mortons again established in a home of their own. 
 It had been a laborious task, selling out, packing up, 
 moving and getting settled again, and it took several 
 weeks to make the change. 
 
 We find them living on one of the best streets which 
 is flanked on either side by a line of fine residences. 
 Handsome equipages convey hither and thither richly 
 dressed people ; there are grave and gay, good and bad, 
 but all are rich, or have the appearance of wealth, which 
 is just as well for our story. 
 
 The Mortons had taken a large, showy house, one of 
 the best in the street, furnishing it elegantly, and now 
 Robert fancied himself his neiglibor's equal. He had 
 brought Laura's parents with them, and in one of jiis 
 generous moods, when the sight of the big house, and 
 the showy equipage that stood out at the door half of 
 the time, made him feel like a rich man, he rented them 
 a flat a mile distant, but easily accessible by street 
 car, and set them up in housekeeping. He had hoped 
 tliat Allan would return and marry Nettie, bui his 
 hopes were vain. 
 
 % 
 
 ^m 
 
 i: 
 
^ wmnm$^7^.\.:mmmmm 
 
 \(^ ^ ra* 
 
 130 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 He thought to make partial amends by assuring her 
 a home in his house. So she was retained as house- 
 keeper in the elegant house on Street, while the 
 
 erstwhile kitchen girl and maid-of-all-work was pro- 
 moted to the position of lady's maid to her incautious 
 mistress, a change that was highly satisfactory to her. 
 
 During the busy days of packing and getting settled 
 again, Laura had had no time to think, or would take 
 none. What she would do when the last ]ncture was 
 hung, the last closet put to rights, the beautiful new 
 silver and china sufficiently admired to suit Nettie, and 
 the costly furnishings sufficiently admired to satisfy 
 Robert, was a thought that made her knit her brow. 
 
 She was not so much elated over the change as the 
 family thought. Just l)efore they left Toronto, Laura 
 was satisfied that she had succeeded in leaving this im- 
 pression in their minds that she was pleased with the 
 
 cliauge. 
 
 Everything was too new to please, and too strange to 
 charm. Furniture, house, silver, pictures, all were good 
 and costly, but they did not respond to her admiration. 
 The piano was a better and costlier one than the one 
 she had at Woodlawn, but its nmsic was not half so 
 sweet. She missed, already, the friendly look of ac- 
 quaintanc(!ship that had greeted her upon every side 
 from childhood in the old home in Toronto. This old 
 acMiuaintanceship she had taken with her into her hus- 
 b.uul's home. The liousekecper, governess, servants, 
 all were so perfect that they were monotonous. 
 
 One evening Robert came home with an unusually 
 alert, active ring in his voice, and a new light in his 
 eyes that reilecled two parts pride and one part love. 
 
 He had been slniuliug upon the side-walk with two 
 men, before a certain office out of which they had just 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 III 
 
 stepped, when a carriage rolled slowly by which con- 
 tained an elegantly dressed lady. 
 
 Robert knew the lady, though, as she did not look 
 toward him, he did not seem to recognize her. ]Jut 
 the others, pausing in their absorbing conversation, liad 
 gazed until the carriage rolled out of sight; then one 
 of them, a showy, big, red-faced fellow exclaimed : 
 
 "Who can that be? She looks like a picture of the 
 Madonna." 
 
 "She's the fairest woman on earth. I've seen her 
 twice before. She's a stranger, I think," answered the 
 other, never taking his eyes off the carriage until it 
 turned a corner. 
 
 They had asked each other, and being unanswered 
 had turned to Robert Morton with their faces full of 
 admiring curiosity, not knowing that a stranger could 
 enlighten them. In proud triumph, Morton answered : 
 
 "That lady is my wife." 
 
 "The deuce!" exclaimed the big man, with a low 
 whistle. 
 
 "Yes, sir: that lady is Mrs. Morton, my wife!" re 
 iterated Robert with a shifting from one foot to the 
 other, and a swelling out of his big chest that made 
 liim look not unlike a big turkey cock. 
 
 "Then I congratulate you; your wife is very lovely," 
 said the VaWvx of the two, grasping Morton's hand 
 firmly in his long, dark fingers with an ardor tli.u 
 warmed the Canadian's heart, and he sai<l the mxi 
 moment: 
 
 "Come home with nie, and I 11 introduce you t(j Mrs. 
 Morion: she'll be glad to meet my friends ; Imlwavs 
 is." ' 
 
 "Thank you very much, but I'll call in the evening 
 and take you and your wifo to— what shall it be. mtisic 
 or tho drunm?" 
 
 I 'i\ 
 
i I 
 
 132 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "Music by all means," answered Morton, quickly, 
 feeling that now he should gain his point with this 
 man. 
 
 "Then we will hear Patti. I'll call at 7:30. Thanks 
 for your kind invitation to call. And about that little 
 business, we'll sec you to-morrow," and with a cordial 
 hand-shake, they separated. 
 
 So it was that Kobrrt.had come home with a new 
 light in his eyes, and a new activity in his manner. 
 He had been proud to hear his wife called the "fairest 
 woman on earth" and "like the picture of a Madonna"- 
 by such men as these two kings, Donovan and Waller. 
 
 Wallie! the most fastidious, unapproachable and 
 most difficult to please of all western Gotham's leaders, 
 and the very one to introduce them into the circle that 
 he meant to cultivate. Just the thing! and so he 
 beamed all the way homo. 
 
 Laura was somewhat surprised to be told that she was 
 to receive and accompany one of Chicago's society 
 lead'TS that evening. She did not brighten, or seem 
 particularly pleased with the announcement, or the flat- 
 tering remarks which followed, as kissing her with 
 unwonted fondness, he .'•aid by way of emphasis : 
 
 "'M says you're the 'fairest woman on earth.' The 
 otiier compared you to the picture of the Ma.lonna, 
 whocvtrr she may be, and hall tiiat sort of thing. Eh, 
 Laura!" 
 
 "I don't feel in the least flattered by that," said she 
 with cool indifference, "thottgh," she resumed, trying 
 to make an)ends to Robert who had seemed so elated 
 and gratified, of course, I shall like to see yotir friends, 
 and shall enjoy the opera. Yes, we will hear I'atti if 
 you tliink best." 
 
 "Of course, we'll go to 'ear Patty! tli.il's ball right! 
 Fatty'n hail tlss rage now. You iJ5U3t look your best 
 
 li 
 
 i 
 
% 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 133 
 
 
 
 I want to show them a deuced sight 'andsomer woman 
 than they hever saw before," and the great overgrown 
 giant drew her toward him with such a fond h)ok in his 
 eyes, that Laura clinched her slender hands which had 
 been clasped behind her, exclaiming to her better self, 
 "I will love him, yes, I will." 
 
 Then a little shiver passed over her as he pressed 
 his heavy mouth on her passive lips in a loud smack, 
 kissing brow, cheeks, and hands in the same boisterous, 
 ardent manner. 
 
 Laura was somewhat surprised when, as she came 
 down into the parlor dressed in a light evening silk to 
 receive their guest, a tall, middle-aged, dark, eagle- 
 eyed, hook-nosed man, dressed in a faultless evening 
 suit of black, addressed her in the most polished lan- 
 guage, in soft, persuasive tones, and with an exceed- 
 ingly elaborate bow. She was silent from sheer sur- 
 prise. She had expected to meet some free-ana-easy 
 individual, like Robert himself, who would grasp her 
 hand like a vice, and talk horse, or business in the 
 next breath after flatly complimenting her on her good 
 looks. But quickly recovering herself, she responded 
 politely enough, though in a voice so frigid that Rob- 
 ert chafed in disappdintmeut. 
 
 But ho was re-assur(.>(l a few mirmtos later to see a 
 smile so bright and charming play about her moutli, 
 that he gazed upon her in proud forgiveness of her 
 recent offense, thinking to himself: 
 
 "Of course, the man's no beauty ; but 'e's rich, a 
 leader, one hof the big bug,«?. Just tlie one!" 
 
 When the Mortons entered the Chicago Opera House 
 every eye followed the trio, and many an opera glass 
 wa'A leveled at them as they entered the box with Jason 
 Waller. 
 
 Robert was proud of hiti buautiCui wife and smiled 
 
 *»»m #* 
 
ilg^0^p^r 
 
 134 
 
 GOZn DUST 
 
 and bowed in proud and delighted self-congratulation. 
 
 Laura's attention was so absorbed in the singer that 
 she failed to notice the entrance of a fourth party, 
 until she heard her name spoken by Robert. To be 
 sure, the curtain had dropped, but she was thinking, and 
 her brain and soul were full of the sweet sounds of that 
 rare voice which was driving all the world mad. Now 
 she started, to hear : 
 
 "This is a surprise, surely, I didn't expect to meet 
 my cousin in Chicago," and she was looking up into 
 Allan's face in bewilderment as ho took the hand she 
 held out to him. She had no time to mask, and so the 
 glad flush of joyous recognition flamed up into her face. 
 
 Allan was presented to Jason Waller, between whom 
 and himself a mutual hatred took root, the more so, 
 when Robert immediat'jly added in proud self-compla- 
 cency : 
 
 "Mr. Waller was good henough to invite us to come 
 with 'im into his box. First time we've been out of an 
 evening, either to a theatre hor concert, lior anything, in 
 fact, been so busy getting settled. But we must 'car 
 the great Patty, an' it's a deuced sight better hup 'ere 
 than sitting in the gallery, or down in the body with 
 all them truck." 
 
 Allan p'tied the proud woman at his cousin's side. 
 
 "If one can appreciate good music and is fortunate 
 enougli to hear Patti, one need not so nmcli mind the 
 small difference between a box and the gallerv. I see 
 several of Chicago's biggest men in the parquet. To 
 hear, is enough. Pm sure Mrb. Morton could appre- 
 ciate Patti even in tlic gallery," and he bent his smiling 
 eyes upon her protully, as if only repeating some old 
 story that she could not fail to understand. She looked 
 up with ever so slight a smile, 'laying sweetly : 
 
 "Pve scarcely heard any one else," but she had been 
 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 135 
 
 sayinpf to hcrself,rcpcating it as a sort of prayer, "I will 
 love Robert, 1 will be true!" and this answer to Allan 
 was the outf^rowth of her thoughts. 
 
 Allan remained only a few moments, and took his 
 leave after promising Robert to call soon. Laura did 
 not seem to notice his half-waiting half-assenting an- 
 swer, for she continued to look upon the brilliant 
 throng below. 
 
 Every seat was full at the opera that evening, and 
 many an eye was turned to the box in which they recog- 
 nii'-ed the dark face of Jason Waller, and knew tiiat 
 the peerless woman by his side had kept him from dis- 
 tributing his valuable attentions more impartially. 
 
 As Laura stood before the glass that night, taking 
 down the long coils of hair, and laying away tlu; jewels 
 that had sparkled upon her neck and arms, Robert who 
 was delighted with the admiration bestowed upon his 
 wife that evening, more especially by Waller, came 
 and stood behind her, peeping at the fair image in the 
 glass. 
 
 "You were the beauty to- night, Laura!" said he, fondly 
 kissing her white shoulder that gleamed above her silk 
 dress. 
 
 She did not turn away from his caressing lips, and 
 sliudder this time, but delighted his heart by laying 
 her head back upon his broad shoulder, saying in a 
 weary, pathetic voice : 
 
 "Take care of me, Robert. I'm so tired of it all!" 
 He thought the evening's rush and whirl had been too 
 much for her, and so said, fondly holding her closer to 
 his breast : 
 
 "It's late, you need rest; l)ut you *ad a good time, 
 didn't you?" 
 
 "Yes, tlie niuiic was ffood, but, Rohort, don't bring 
 any one here again. I don't want any one but you, Kob- 
 
 :l 
 
U: ri 
 
 136 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 ert, only yon : not that man, nor Allan, nor any one 
 but you, Robert." 
 "O. n 
 
 !"h 
 
 :laimed, half roughly, but k 
 
 , onsensc ! iio exclaimed, tialt roughly, hut Kiss- 
 ing her again," the music's hupset your nerves. Wal- 
 ler's hall right. No great beauty, but 'e's a big gun in 
 'is church, one of the biggest men in Chicago, level- 
 headed, too. Got lots of tin. I wish I ha^' his pile! 
 He'll call soon, don't snub him, Laura. I want 'is 'elp. 
 An' Al, too, 'e's my own cousin what would folks say? 
 Of course, 'e must come. Just treat him like all the 
 rest; 'e's all right 'nough. Treat 'em all 'like, Laura; 
 safest way," and the big man considered it all settled 
 and unanswerable. 
 
 ■'Very well, if you desire it," answered Laura, forcing 
 herself to speak. But she turned her face away and 
 would not look into the mirror that reflected the satis- 
 fied breadth of his face beside her own pale visage with 
 that look of disappointment in the tired eyes. 
 
 Robert should be gratified. She would not refuse 
 to see his friends. She would go and come at his beck 
 and call. His friends should be her friends. But she 
 felt that her chains were drawing her in among the 
 dangers, and the dangers would drag her down among 
 the deeps in spite of her desire to uplift herself and 
 be true ; in spite of her flight from Toronto and the 
 rest and safety it promised. Now, here by her side, 
 forced upon her attention was that evil man of the 
 world, Jason Waller; on the other hand, Allan. 
 
 "You don't look 'alf so bright as you did at the con- 
 cert, guess concerts don't agree with you haftcr hall." 
 
 "It's near twelve, Robert. I nnist see the children 
 before I retire," answered she wearily, as she turned to 
 leave the room, but pausing on the threshold, asked 
 without Innkine at h.in!: 
 
 "When will Mr. Waller call?" 
 
 ■«*'«#' ,» 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 137 
 
 "O, maybe to-morrow. Right away, I guess." 
 
 "I'll meet your friends as you wish," said she, in a 
 submissive voice. 
 
 "Of course, that's hall right," her husband answered, 
 as with a satisfied grunt he plunged into bed and was 
 snoring in less than three minutes. 
 
 After she had visited her children, she returned to her 
 room, but was too restless to retire. Robert was sleep- 
 ing too heavily to wake easily, so wrapping a soft woollen 
 shawl about her, she opened a window and stepped 
 out upon a small balcony that overlooked the street 
 below. 
 
 It was a cold, clear, November night, but she had 
 wanted to get out where she could breathe, regardless 
 of cold, or late hours. 
 
 The great city lay asleep, the spires glittered in the 
 moonlight sbout her. Beneath lay the street amid 
 shadows. Directly under her feet lay the miniature 
 front-yard that her father had measured with contempt 
 that very day. Was that the wind whispering among 
 bricks and mortar? 
 
 Her jyes pierced the gloom beneath and clearly saw 
 the figures of a man and woman standing under the 
 parlor window. 
 
 "What are you doing there at this hour?" she demand- 
 ed, sharply. At the sound of her voice the woman dis- 
 appeared around the corner of the house ; and the man 
 stepped over the low iron fence and started leisurely 
 off across the street. 
 
 The following morning, upon being questioned, Li- 
 zctte denied all knowledge of the affair, and nothing 
 could bu learned of the midnight visitors. 
 
 
 \ ; i 
 
 I ! 
 'Ill 
 
 m-»'* 
 
138 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 CHAPTER XII I 
 
 REVELRY AND SORROW 
 
 A few days after, there was quite a conclave held in 
 
 the big parlors of the House, over which Jason 
 
 Waller presided with his usual suavity. 
 
 He had given a dinner in honor of his friend Robert 
 Morton. Waller knew how to oil the machine whose 
 revolving wheels should bring him success. He knew 
 just to a turn of its great machinery how far to go, 
 and when to silence its thud and throb. There were 
 other "alive" faces among the guests, but his was most 
 alive, most vigilant, most intent. It was his secret 
 that he could assume an interest instantly. It was 
 his adaptiveness that made him popular as a leader. 
 No matter what the man's own private misgivings 
 about a project, he could instantly become apparently 
 so earnest from conviction, that his manner would in- 
 fuse life and create trust where before there had existed 
 bnt the gravest doubts and misgivings. 
 
 It is a fact, no matter liow galling to our wounded 
 pride afterward, when we have been forced to retire 
 into familiar obscurity, that we are an easily flattered 
 mob, too readily dosed into a state of gullibility. Such 
 prominent men as Waller knew it : there are many Wal- 
 lers, and there is always a vast gaping crowd of the 
 common herd to snap at the bait they so skillfully throw. 
 Morton had been honored by a seat at Waller's right 
 hand, so he was, figuratively speaking, seated at the 
 right hand of every man at the table. 
 
 Every eye took in the Canadian's splendid physique, 
 and handsome face. Every man laughed at his too fre- 
 (luent attempts at wit, and winked ai iiis boisterous 
 assertiveness. 
 
 r 
 
 .m: mw.^ 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 139 
 
 Every man believed that Robert Morton was as ricli 
 as Crcesus, judging from his position at table. 
 
 It was a small, but very exclusive banquet, at which 
 was served a very elaborate menu that required frequent 
 compliments from Waller's distinguished guests to do 
 it justice. The men really liked the good-natured 
 Canadian and were ready to laugh at his pointless wit, 
 or endorse his earnest assurance that "money will tell" 
 when he was called upon for a speech. 
 
 The wine had affected his head a trifle, and when 
 Jason Waller proposed the health of "the fairest woman 
 on earth, Mrs. Morton," it was too much for him, he 
 was completely overcome by his feelings, and then and 
 there, swore undying loyalty to his generous host. 
 
 Of course, the big member of the firm of Waller and 
 Donovan was present, and was satisfied to take a seat 
 at the foot of the table, from which he could command 
 a good view of their guest, but at an early hour he had 
 collapsed into a state of gurgling, gasping quiescence, 
 having seen so much in Morton's wit and effervescenses 
 to laugh at, that he was laughed out, so to say. 
 
 The banquet was but a side issue, a means, to help 
 lubricate the wheels of the famous Waller machine. 
 
 The fine menu and costly wines were powerful agents 
 to influence men of Morton's stamp: they cost an enor- 
 mous sum, and they were to bring in good dividends, 
 too, for he was Waller's devoted ally. 
 
 Robert thought it was because tliey were good-luMrted 
 fellows and bright enough to discover his value. But 
 among the rest there was a secret understanding that 
 the banquet itself was not the only issues of the even- 
 ing, not the most important. 
 
 It vvas their intent to test the man whom they wished 
 to employ, lie was a comparative stranger. Waller 
 desired to know what he would do under certain con- 
 
 
 9 
 
 I 
 
 ■M»-m: mm.f* 
 
k^ 
 
 ,l 
 
 i 1 1' 
 
 1 u. 
 
 ^ I.". 
 
 IH' 
 
 |. ■ 
 
 ll 
 
 1 ''^ ■■ 
 
 ill 
 
 140 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 ditions, atul \vli;it cffrct it wdiild have upon liiiii before 
 they intrusted liini so far as to lt;t liini into tluit nuij^'ic 
 circle. The fact that he had lost his head through 
 wine was not against him so much; they wanted to 
 know what he would do, if he was loose-tongued or 
 close, shrewd, imder the inlluence, and so, skillfully 
 they applied the test, which, with a keenness as sur- 
 prising as it was satisfying to Waller, Morton sustained. 
 
 This little exhibition seemrd to amuse the oldest 
 member of the company, Mr. Mark Van Tassel. He 
 said very little, but kept his keen little eyes wide awake, 
 though his amusement found vent in grins of delight, 
 rather than boisterous laughter. When Robert informed 
 them wisely that he always knew a dollar when he saw 
 it, Mr. Van Tassel said that he, Robert, was a keen one. 
 
 It was generally understood that in some way Morton 
 belonged to his host: in some way, for some reason out- 
 side of the mutual interests of the circle, so he was 
 made much of in deference to Waller, and very gener- 
 ously invited to be one of them. If Jason Waller took 
 up a man the}' could afford to indorse him. 
 
 Before the banquet broke up there was another little 
 strategic move made by Donovan, in which he discov- 
 ered that already Waller and Morton were on very good 
 terms, and had been together with Mrs. Morton at the 
 opera. Donovan cared so litle for music tliat to hear 
 Patti was no inducement, and lie did not envy them 
 their joy; but W^illie was getting mysterious of late, 
 and so he thought to steal a march on him by leading 
 Morton on to get the whole story from him when they 
 were standing before a picture on the far side of the 
 room. So skillfully did he manage it that Morton 
 invited him to call, too, and received his promise to do 
 so at an early date. 
 
 That night Robert returned home in a slate of de- 
 
 n<tM' •#■#■ 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 141 
 
 moralization. Laura shrank from his kiss. His man 
 ner and hinj^uage plainly indicated that he had drunk 
 too freely of Jason Waller's wine. Stung to the quick 
 at sight of his red face and watery eyes, and not caring 
 to answer his rough, coarse language, she went to an- 
 other room; this act defined more clearly her feelings 
 toward him in his present condition than the most 
 vindictive language. She said nothing the following 
 morning when they met at the breakfast-table, but the 
 distant look in her eyes forbade any tenderness on his 
 part. In shame-faced silence he drank a cup of coffee, 
 after which he went down town as usual. He did not 
 return to lunch, but ate at a restaurant instead. Re- 
 turni-g at six o'clock he met his family at dinner. He 
 was humble and sorry for what he had done, and he 
 saw plainly by the haughty lift of Laura's head that 
 she was drawing herself away from him again as in 
 the past years. 
 
 She had been so sweet and lovely for weeks, even 
 months, that he grew suddenly very desperate as he 
 thought of a possible reciurence to their former way 
 of living. He had not then noticed it so mucli, he had 
 been so busy in his own way ; but now, he would miss 
 it sadly. Hang Jason Waller's wine! he'd let it alone 
 in the future! 
 
 He humbled himself to tell Laura so and promised, 
 though she did not require it, that he would never 
 taste another drop. Laura hoped that his promise 
 would be kept, for she had a horror of Jason Waller, 
 and his wine was especially evil in its effects. She 
 hoped he would remember his promise for the sake of 
 their children. 
 
 With this last thouglit n new rcsolvG filled lier lienrt • 
 she would be a better mother and not let lier duty to 
 Robert so engross her mind and life. Those two little 
 
 If I 
 
 
 ■*f.«f ■mm' 
 
 \ 
 
142 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 itil llii 
 
 girls did not come to her with red faces, watery eyes, 
 and breath reeking with the fumes of tobacco and wine; 
 
 thei 
 
 It gh 
 
 like the flower in the field 
 
 mocent glance was 
 their very presence was a benediction. She would care- 
 fully watch and guard them in the future ; but as a duty 
 she would try and be a good wife to Robert, though 
 she could not like his new friend. So that evening 
 she was zealous in her efforts to make up to him for 
 her coolness of the morning ; and when again peace 
 had been restored between them, she, believing it best 
 and wishing to devote her time to her home and family, 
 said : 
 
 "Robert, I wish we might not go to that ball. Must 
 we go?" 
 
 "It will seem mighty rude not to go, though you 
 needn't if you don't want to," he answered half sullenly, 
 "you're ready hain't you?" 
 
 He felt that she was taking advantage of his recent 
 humiliation and it provoked him. 
 
 "I'm ready so far as my dress is concerned; but — 
 very well I'll go, it won't matter much, perhaps." She 
 saw that it was impossible to avoid meeting Waller 
 for whom she had a positive horror and loathing. But 
 she must go to the ball. 
 
 Robert had given her carte-blanche to array herself 
 as became his wife, and she promised to do so. He 
 spared no expense in the matter of broadcloth and 
 patent leather, for he was to open the ball with Mrs. 
 Van Tassel. It was to be the greatest event in his life 
 and he was in a perpetual state of inflation. 
 
 Donovan called in the afternoon and left a good im- 
 pression upon Ni'ttie, and a gilt-edged card for Laura 
 wlio was "not at home." Jason Waller had assured 
 him tliat it was a mark of distinction to be invited by 
 the Van Tassels, and us they strolled down Michigan 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 H3 
 
 Avenue, arm-in-arm, frequently meeting some of the 
 "big" men, wlio tipped hats, or fashionable women who 
 smiled sweetly, Robert felt all the old, serene self-satis- 
 faction return to him. 
 
 Waller had that day asked him to join the firm of 
 Waller and Donovan, hinting very boldly at his ven- 
 tures in the near future which must yield a rich har- 
 vest and unlimited influence. 
 
 Money had always been the idol of Robert's heart, 
 but since he had come to know Jason Waller, he felt 
 that "influence" was the power behind the throne. To 
 be influential meant to b • sought after, to be powerful 
 as well as rich. Su this proposal of Waller's made him 
 feel that now he was in his proper and true sphere, 
 soon to be a rich and influential citizen of Chicago, 
 and he regretted the years wasted in Toronto. 
 
 The evening of the ball arrived. Mr, Van Tassel 
 had advised his fashionable wife to give this ball, 
 counting off on his little fingers the names of those 
 whom he particularly wished invited. Robert Morton 
 and wife were among the number, while upon her list 
 was Allan's name. 
 
 She had met Allan at a theatre party where he had 
 been introduced to her husband as "the young man who 
 killed the Injim." Now she had a great admiration 
 for dash and courage and, like all womankind, worshiped 
 heroism, so she "took him up" after the fashion of all 
 leaders in fashionable circles, personally requiring his 
 attendance, and urging as a good and sufficient reason, 
 that she had invited his cousins, the Mortons, her hus- 
 band's friends. 
 
 She was determined to get him into her husband's 
 office to help him up in the world. She liked him and 
 everyone else should like him also; but she liked best 
 the idea of so delightful a prot^gd. Allan had been 
 
 i 
 I 
 
 \ I 
 
 \ i 
 
 %%\ 
 
 1 ;; 
 
 
144 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 recognized by the leading papers as the Indian fighter 
 and hero, and was sought out by those whose chief 
 aim in life is to shine in other's glory and parade other's 
 popularity in their own parlors before an admiring, 
 fashionable crowd. 
 
 He was a sort of fad just now, because people must 
 have fads; his courage in a hand-to-hand fight with the 
 Indians, the honor and distinction then won, together 
 with his fine personal appearance, handsome face and 
 winning address ni :de him a lion in a month's time, 
 so that already it was a question who should secure 
 him first. 
 
 As often as possible he absented himself from their 
 houses, but as he had gotten a position in Mr. Van Tas- 
 sel's office he could not well decline to attend their 
 party. 
 
 "And remember you are to dance the lancers with 
 me, I'll count on it," was her injunction. So he must 
 go, and if he danced with her, and Laura siiould be 
 there, of course, he must, through courtesy, ask her to 
 dance also. 
 
 It was eleven o'clock when Allan arrived at the Van 
 Tassel mansion that night. He had been in a very 
 different place, with very different people, upon a vastly 
 different errand all the evening. He had kept an ap- 
 pointment with Tom Denan and learned that which 
 made his heart stand still fcr the safety of his cousin's 
 wife. The rc^ports might be idle rumors, malicious 
 gossip, but Robert was no protector. He himself must 
 go to that house and watch his chance to warn Laura. 
 He must tell her of her danger, and Robert, too, if she 
 never spoke to him again. 
 
 When h(! entered the parlor and sought the hostess 
 to pay his respects to her first, she was one of many 
 who iufiued a little circle around LaUfu Morton. 
 
 A 1 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 145 
 
 lan's heart stood still for a moment at the vision of 
 loveliness that met his eyes as the circle parted to 
 admit him. Jason Waller stood at her left, though she 
 seemed not to notice him; she had a way of hauglitily 
 ignoring any one she did not wish to meet. She gave 
 Allan her hand : with a grave, gentle smile, thou^di not 
 a word to him, she continued to talk with the others. 
 This might have been meaningless, or it might have 
 been full of trust ; but the smile and hand-clasp were 
 too gentle to be meaningless. Allan took her card and 
 wrote his name opposite the only vacant waltz and re- 
 turned it without a word. A moment afterward he saw 
 her led away by Jason Waller, after which lie claimed, 
 or was claimed by, Mrs. Van Tassel for the lancers. 
 
 Allan saw that the big man of the firm of Waller 
 and Donovan was very attentive to Robert, who had 
 hovered conspicuously near Mrs. Van Tassel when lie 
 came in. In Donovan's manner tiiere was so much that 
 was coarse and repulsive that he could with difficulty 
 be even polite to him, while to Waller he was merely 
 civil and did not disguise the fact. lie did not believe 
 that Donovan was cute enough to be dangerous, but 
 he was convinced that Waller was a sly, scheming ras- 
 cal. How he wanted to throttle the man as he led 
 Laura awny to dance, though as his eyes followed her 
 in the pauses jietween the ftgurtjs and he saw how dis- 
 tantwas her manner toward lier partner, he took heart. 
 
 After supper, when their waltz was soon to be cnlli d, 
 he sought Lama who was standing under a bright 
 chandelier; in the strong gaslight she presented a pic- 
 ture of startling loveliness. Slie was attired in a p.ilo 
 green salin with creamy lace draperies, while upon netk 
 and shoulders were pearls, and in her beautiful hair 
 thrit was dressed high upon her head had been dexter- 
 
146 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 ll 
 
 ously woven by the cunning hand of Lizette the same 
 lovely jewels. 
 
 "Madam is beautiful to-night!" the maid exclaimed, 
 as she gazed in rapture at the work of her hands. 
 
 "CjEsar, you'll make a sensation!" proudly declared 
 Robert as she came down from her room dressed ready 
 to go to the ball. 
 
 "She is divinely beautiful!" whispered the charitable. 
 
 "She is dangerously beautiful!" responded the "sour 
 grapes" of the gay company. 
 
 Allan, too, saw how beautiful, and in his heart de- 
 plored the dangerous beauty that was accentuated by 
 a too fashionable style of dress. The bare white arms 
 and shoulders, though beautiful as Parian marble, were 
 far too fair for such men as Jason Waller to gaze upon. 
 These low dresses wore an invention of Satan, and 
 Laura must never wear them again! Allan said this to 
 himself, with a knitting of the eyebrows into a positive 
 frown which still lingered upon his face and darkened 
 his eyes fs he sought her side a few minutes later to 
 claim his waltz. 
 
 "This is our waltz, I believe," he said, briefly and 
 looking over lu-r head. A moment later the band struck 
 up a favorite air, that, strange enough, they had danced 
 louK ago, a slow, lazy thing that rtHjuired little exertion 
 and brought no weariness. Together they circled away, 
 one couple uf ihe many who kept step to the be- 
 witching strains of the dreamy, passionate wait/. Their 
 unguarded feet carried them off into a dangerously bcati* 
 tiful country. They recked not of the return from its 
 fascinating, rose blooming vales. They soartul like the 
 bird of freedom upon shining wings tip to the summit 
 of Bun-kiascd mountains. On they circled witliottt a 
 word, occasionally Allan looked dowti tipon her fair, 
 jUpturned, peaceful face. Once Sb the eftish !>ec;:inju 
 
 n 
 a 
 d 
 
 a 
 
 ■ 
 ii 
 
 mm^.^' 
 
ll 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 H7 
 
 more difficult she seemed to cling closer to him as 
 though seeking to prevent a collision which might 
 separate them. He looked into her tender, happy 
 eyes, and saw that a happy smile hovered about her 
 gentle lips, and it required all his strength to crush 
 back speech, but he shut his teeth and would not say 
 a word. 
 
 She sc med to have left the state of existence in 
 wh- ' ■) long she had lived and suffered, and now 
 li^ : .. an ideal embodiment, altogether new and satis- 
 fying, which left her nothing to desire. In clinging 
 hands and smiling, speechless lips, and unguarded 
 glance of tender gray eyes Allan at last read his answer. 
 She was true to him. A faithful wife as it was in her 
 power to be, and i devoted mother she would be always, 
 but she was true to him, and he was content. In that 
 moment, unconsciously, she had answered him by every 
 instinct of her pure, faithful heart, she was true, but it 
 was the trullifulness of a faithful first love that will not 
 be killed, nor disowned, but must be allowed a little 
 niche down deep within the most silent resources of 
 the heart. A presuming second love must be satisfied 
 to take a second jtlacc and possession. 
 
 They luid paused an instant, while Laura gathered uj) 
 her train, when tluy were surprised to see her father 
 making his way in desperate energy toward her. As 
 he came up to them the look of anxiety and concern 
 that liad filled his eyes gave place to one of confusion 
 and indignation as ho saw how she was attired, and 
 after one horrified glance at the barv- arms and shoul- 
 ders of his daughter he dropped his head and in a low 
 angry voice, said : 
 
 "I had to come for ye: Dot's sick," after whicli he 
 stalked out, leaving I. aura half stunned by his startlinir 
 intciligeiite. 
 
 i:j 
 
 M m^n «• 
 
148 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "Dot sick? she had never had a sick day in her life, 
 and she was well when I went to the nursery just before 
 I started. O, I must go home!" 
 
 "I will conduct you to the dressing-room and quietly 
 call Robert. I think we can manage to slip out with- 
 out attracting unnecessary attention," said Allan, in a 
 low voice. 
 
 In pale affright Laura suffered herself to be led to 
 the dressing-room, from which she soon came dressed, 
 and was soon on her way home. 
 
 Morning dawned with little hope for the sick child. 
 The disease that at first was a case of simple croup, 
 showed a disposition to become membraneous. All 
 that day the doctor continued to combat the disease, 
 until a council of physicians was called, if but to satisfy 
 the friends. However, the learned specialist only re- 
 iterated Dr. Baxter's diagnosis; as a last resort an 
 operation might, but probably would not, give relief. 
 The last resort was brought into requisition and failed, 
 as did every other remedy. Human love and skill were 
 of no avail. 
 
 All that day Laura sat by her child with a stony 
 look on lier face and in her eyes. She heard every 
 word the doctor said, but she could not be prevailed 
 upon to leave the bedside for a minute. They liad 
 brought her breakfast, lunch and <linner successively, 
 l)ut she had left them untasted, and cuuliiuuHl to watch 
 her cliild in speechless horror. The governess or phy- 
 siciat) administered the medicines, Laura sitting by 
 in silence, not a tear, not a sigh, no questions, no com- 
 plnints. She seemed frozen to deatli. 
 
 Early in the morning she exchanged her ball dreai 
 for n soft wliite cashjuere, witlxuil leaving iIk; room or 
 hercliild's bedside^ Now it wns dark nuuin.. -awA litihlM 
 were brought. Two dnrtnrs sat watchful and at ten- 
 
GOLD DUSr 
 
 149 
 
 tive by the patient's side, from time to time indicating 
 by look or sign the progress of the disease. All day 
 Robert had paced back and forth over the great house 
 in boisterous grief. Occasionally the old grandfather 
 would tiptoe softly to the side of the little grandchild, 
 and after a hasty glance at the sufferer would creep 
 back to the parlor again to confer with "Hanner, " and 
 moan out his loving sorrow and protestations at "them 
 doctors' ignorance." So the day passed. 
 
 It was midnight. The doctors told them that their 
 patient could not possibly live until morning. 
 
 Midnight! and Laura sat there still, white, stony, 
 with great eyes trying to read the mystery of death in 
 the pinched little face upon the pillow that but yester- 
 day had been so rosy and smiling. Nobody could lead 
 Laura's heart; nobody could hear her pleading for one 
 word or look of recognition from little Dot. 
 
 When they thought it was all over, when in tlie silence 
 of that death-watch they ceased to hear the rustle of 
 shining wings, Dot suddenly stirred, opened her eyes 
 and held up her tiny hands toward her mother, saying 
 just three words, "Mamma take Dot," and in an instant 
 Laura was clasping the little form to her heart, while 
 great sobs shook licr like a tempest. 
 
 But little Dot lay in her mother's arms only a pale 
 broken lily, smiling and silently happy. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 NEW rUKTOSES 
 
 After it was all over, and Httio Dot was left in the 
 Kiloncc of liur narrow bod. and tli' irreat, lonesomu 
 house resounded no more to the happy, laughing voice, 
 
ISO 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 the world moved on just the same for all the sorrow 
 at the Morton mansion. 
 
 Laura did not envelop herself in crepe: Allan had 
 told her that for her own sake as well as that of Una's 
 she had better not, and Robert hated black; so once 
 more she put on the soft gray dresses that she had laid 
 aside so short a time. 
 
 Quiet had settled down over the house of Robert 
 Morton after the funeral of his child. A great many 
 letters of condolence were left at their door ; a great 
 many called, but failing to see Mrs. Morton left cards 
 of fashionable size and color, bearing the proper expres- 
 sions of sympathy, which, after being read, or passed 
 by unheeded, as the case might be, were consigned to 
 the card case, to be made much of by Robert, who saw 
 in those small bits of paste-board signs and tokens of 
 his own financial and social standing. But his wife 
 cared less for them than for a comforting word from 
 her father. 
 
 Laura's grief for Dot was quite unobtrusive. She 
 went about the house clad in her plain, gray dress, 
 hungry-hearted, unsatisfied, silent. Dot was gone, dead 
 they had called it. Only Una left ; this meant much, 
 for Dot had been sweet, affectionate ; Una was a cold, 
 placid child ; Laura missed the clinging arms, and 
 bright, artless prattle, the winning ways and caressing 
 lips of her lost child. 
 
 Robert, too, was changing since he had joined the 
 firm of Waller and Donovan. Sometimes she did not 
 sec him for a whole day; he went out in the morning 
 before she came down, and always lunched down town 
 at ft restaurant, frequently not coming home for six 
 o'clock dinner. 
 
 From the Robert of old times, with his jolly liiugh 
 and boisterous way of giving and receiving caresses, ho 
 
ttt:«»iM*tUI»!«Ci><»£)>nMiM«l ' 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 151 
 
 had grown glum and more than ever absorbed in busi- 
 ness. The nature of this business she did not know, 
 though he had hinted about large "deals" in real es- 
 tate. 
 
 She knew that he was in the firm of Waller and 
 Donovan, and having no faith in either, she had the 
 gravest misgivings for his success, as well as for his 
 personal welfare. But he would brook no interference 
 from any one. 
 
 She asked Allan a few days after the funeral of Dot, 
 and he had told her of Waller's reputed bad character, 
 not omitting his own private opinion of the man. This 
 opportunity to warn Laura of her danger and also of 
 Robert's was what Allan had desired, and this done, 
 he kindly told her that unless she should need him, 
 that he should not call again. Laura had come to 
 depend upon him in the last few days, and had been 
 impressed to an unusual degree by his kind though 
 distant thoughtfulncss, so that now she listened to his 
 words with a sinking hcatt. She should miss him so, 
 why need he go? why not call often? There were tears 
 in her eyes when she put the question. 
 
 "Don't give up to your sorrow, you have Una; let her 
 comfort you. If I could bear all for you that you have 
 endured the last few days, I would most willingly do 
 so ; you know that, Laura. " 
 
 "But it is so lonely, po desolate without her, my 
 baby Dot. Oh! she's gone, and now you are going 
 away, and the silence will kill me!" wailed the stricken 
 mother. 
 
 "Laura, you must not think that. If you could look 
 into some other mother's home, you would see how 
 much brighter and lovelier the passing away of little 
 Dot, than the cruelty by whicli they have been deprived 
 of theirs. I know it is no time to compare griefs, 
 
152 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 yours is so recent and so hard ; I know tliat, Laura, 
 but you liave one left. Not far from here a poor 
 mother has lost three, and has not even the comfort of 
 friends. O, if you could see the sorrow and distress 
 that I've seen within the last week, even you would 
 soon bury your sorrow in sympathy for others. " 
 
 "Where have you seen this trouble? Where is it?" 
 she asked. 
 
 "All about us. You need not go a great distance, 
 not within the houses of the rich, theirs is made more 
 endurable by the help oi money, the absence of poverty 
 privation, and want. But there are thousands of homes 
 where there is not enough this hour to keep soul and 
 body together j where the mother has to go out wash- 
 ing or sewing to earn bread for the little ones, and 
 while she is gone disease creeps in, death stalks after 
 to await her home-coming at night. There is no money, 
 no money with which to pay for a coffin, no bread for 
 supper, and the living creep away cold and supperless 
 to a bed that would scarcely satisfy the swine, while 
 the poor, wretched mother watches in the silence of 
 death and poverty and absolute darkness through the 
 long hours of the night. Look! see the difference be- 
 tween your life and theirs." 
 
 "Will you do me a favor?" she asked, when he had 
 finished. 
 
 "Certainly; if I can, most willingly." 
 
 "Take this," said she extending her hand that held 
 a small purse. "Do what you can for that poor woman. 
 Tell her I'm sorry for her trouble ; it is greater than 
 mine," and her voice dropped way into a sobbing 
 whisper, as she sank into a chair and buried her face 
 upon thr cushion. 
 
 "Your gift will make her trouble lighter, I'm sure, 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 153 
 
 said Allan in a low voice, "and the giving will do you 
 good, too. " 
 
 "Come to me when you need more, and as often as 
 I can I will help you ; but don't tell Robert, he don't 
 like to have his money go to the poor. But, Allan, has 
 this woman you spoke of nothing to do with; nothing 
 to eat; nothing comfortable to wear, Allan?" 
 
 "Nothing, positively nothing." 
 
 "Let us go to her," she said. 
 
 Allan saw the look of confidence in her eyes, and 
 consented; it was arranged that at 3:30 they, with the 
 governess, should go on their mission of charity. 
 
 Later as they entered the dark, dismal passage-way 
 that led to Mrs. Walton's rooms, Allan was gratified 
 to see how interested Laura had become. 
 
 From shrinking from strangers she had assumed a 
 more peaceful look, and quietly followed him up the 
 long dark stairway, sometimes looking around her in 
 stern disapproval, sometimes pausing to look at the 
 gloomy place, but not with any apparent shrinking or 
 hesitation. 
 
 There seemed to be a new adjusting herself to the 
 necessities of the case and the new work at hand. It 
 was as though she had left all her sorrow, timidity and 
 uselessncss at home, and was bent upon doing, regard- 
 less of self. He saw her frequently pause and look 
 about as though trying to become familiar with the 
 location. 
 
 At the farther end of the corridor they paused, and 
 Allan knocked at a dark heavy-looking door. A shuf- 
 fling sound within assured them that some one was 
 coming. At last the key turned in the lock, the heavy 
 door swimg open and they were confronted by a bold- 
 faced young girl of perhaps si.xteen, who in a confused 
 
154 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 way told them, in answer to their inquiries, that her 
 mother was out, but would be in soon. 
 
 There was a look of desperate hardness in the girl's 
 face, which, though handsome, yet even at her extreme 
 youth was lined, and no longer fresh and girlish. Dark 
 circles under the large, dark eyes were made more 
 prominent by the pallor that replaced the first flush of 
 confusion. 
 
 "We have called," said Allan, as the girl seemed 
 waiting for some explanation, "to see if we can make 
 your mother more comfortable, if she, Mrs. Walton, is 
 your mother? We want to see the little child that 
 died this morning." 
 
 "Are you the Mr. Morton who came here this morn- 
 ing?" asked the girl, having fully recovered her wonted 
 assurance. 
 
 "I called here this morning, but did not learn that 
 your mother was going out to work to-day. However, 
 we can do quite as well if she is not here. If you will 
 permit we will see the little child now. We have no 
 time to spare." 
 
 Laura had brought a large bundle of clothing, and 
 a basket of ready cooked provisions. The latter brought 
 a look of satisfaction into the bold face of the girl as 
 she took it thanklessly from Allan's hand. 
 
 As Laura proceeded to open the bundle, Allan was 
 surprised to find she had brought some of her children's 
 clothing. 
 
 "These were little Dot's; she don't need them now," 
 Laura explained, as she met his inquiring glance. 
 
 "You are a very brave woman, Laura," was his quiet 
 reply as they set about the work of shrouding the dead 
 body in Dot's garments of soft material and dainty 
 make. 
 
 "See, Allan, my baby called herself 'Pitty Dot' in 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 155 
 
 this," said Laura holding up a miniature dress of lace 
 and linen lawn that she was going to put upon the 
 little form before her. For one moment she looked 
 through falling tears at the pretty garment, then pas- 
 sionately kissing its little unfilled sleeves she buried 
 her face in its folds and sobbed like a child. 
 
 Very soon, however, the storm passed and Laura 
 proceeded with her work, which was soon complete 
 and as they were leaving, Allan informed the girl that he 
 would order a coffin which would be there very soon. 
 
 "Guess it don't matter, the others didn't have none 
 to speak of: just a rough box fer both of 'em," she an- 
 swered. "Committee said that was good enough for 
 paupers, 'nd put 'em in just as they were. Good enough 
 for paupers! I'd like to know who made us paupers! 
 We didn't! Mum works: so do I when they let me. 
 Pap got work sometimes, 'nd drank it all, 'nd a heap 
 more besides, fast as he got it till it killed him. I 
 had work in a store, selling fancy notions. Too slow ; 
 I lit out. Then I went to work for the biggest bug on 
 Wabash Avenue. They said I stole, ' rA hauled me up 
 fer stealin'. I didn't steal not a thing! I sassed the 
 judge and told him I could git all the duds 'nd money, 
 too, I want without stealin'. He sent me up for thirty 
 days, just fer tellin' my mind 'bout rich folks ez call 
 'emselves Christians. If they be Christians, I don't 
 want no Christians around me. I'd ruther hev sinners ; 
 got more decency. Be you Christians? 'cause if you 
 be, ye can git out; i hate Christians!" 
 
 Laura avoided direct reply to her question, but asked: 
 
 "Can't you get work?" 
 
 "They all say I steal," answered the girl, angrily. 
 "No one won't give work to a thief. They say 'Let 'cm 
 starve or get work the best they can.' Well, I gets 
 
 \ 
 
 ■•«•* mm-r- 
 
156 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 work the best I can. I don't steal, and I won't starve: 
 you bet!" with a confident toss of her head. 
 
 "Where have you been?" asked Allan. 
 
 "Been away, visiting," she answered, after some hes- 
 itation. 
 
 "Well, you will stay here to-day and help your moth- 
 er," he said, as they turned to go, "will you not?" 
 
 "O, I'll stay to please you ; you bet ! " the girl quickly 
 replied, with a look in her bold, dark eyes that made 
 Allan knit his brows, and hartily turning away he drew 
 Laura and the governess out of the room. 
 
 As Laura turned to go she dropped her handker- 
 chief. The girl's quick eye discovered it, and touch- 
 ing Allan's arm as he turned to close the door she gave 
 it to him, saying : 
 
 "Here, sir, your wife dropped this, I don't want it." 
 
 "Thanks," said he, coldly. 
 
 "Don't want no traps set here!" she said, shrilly, with 
 a pert toss of her head. 
 
 They rode home in silence, but just as they were 
 driving up to the door, Laura said : 
 
 "I'm not sure how much I shall be able to do, but 
 when you need help in a case of this kind, let me know 
 and I will do all I can." 
 
 "I'm afraid that I should have to call on you very 
 often," he said, looking into her eyes with a grave, earn- 
 est smile. 
 
 "Is this a common thing, this want and suffering, 
 and that girl's story?" she asked, in tones of wonder- 
 ment. 
 
 "Very common," he answered, earnestly. "This is a 
 mild case compared to what I've seen." 
 
 "How do you learn about those things? Of course, 
 there are the papers ; but how do you learn of these 
 special cases?" 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 157 
 
 "In many ways," he answered, after a pause, "yet there 
 are special means." 
 
 "But how do you ge. the irne to see them?" she 
 persisted. 
 
 "I have days and houi: off ft ;m the office. I shall 
 soon give all my time to : ^e work. Chicago is a large 
 city, there is plenty to do." 
 
 Laura had never seen such a grave look upon his 
 face. 
 
 "If you care, I will call soon again and tell you more 
 about it. Just now I have not the time: I must go to 
 the undertaker's and you must rest; you are tired," 
 and he smiled again in a sort of brotherly way that 
 had none of the old passionate longing, adding by way 
 of explanation; 
 
 "I have found my vocation at last and I am no more 
 empty-handed," then touching his hat he hurried away. 
 
 Laura set about finding out what mear- he had at 
 her disposal, and in what way she might assist. Money 
 she had none, except as it came through Robert's hands. 
 Would he help the poor? She might induce him 
 to give her money, but it must never pass through Allen's 
 hands : she was sure of that. Yet Allen of all others 
 was the safest and best ally in this work. But how was 
 she to help him? How was she to carry food, fuel, 
 light and clothing to those poor, destitute creatures 
 whom Allan told her about? What could be worse 
 than the condition of the Waltons? She could give 
 Mrs. Walton warm clothing, a good bed, and food also, 
 yes, and light, but think of the thousands of destitute 
 ones to-night in the great city, without a crust to eat, 
 or a pound of coal, or even light, sitting in darkness! 
 Oh, that waf=. horrible! .And Laura shuddered and 
 cowered before the open grate, spreading out her hands 
 to the warmth of its coal fire in an ecstasy of satis- 
 
 11 
 
 i^ 
 
 i; 
 
 •*; mm: 
 
158 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 faction. It was getting dusky in the great house and 
 the maid was lighting the gas. 
 
 As Laura descended the stairs, and passed through 
 the long hall, and ample parlor, and into the warm, 
 brightly lighted dining-room, she felt a new and keener 
 appreciation of the comfort which these things brought 
 her. 
 
 When Robert came to dinner that evening, he was 
 surprised at the change in the general appearance of 
 things. Delight and approval shone upon his face 
 and in his manner toward his wife ; as for the first time 
 in several days he kissed her, saying: 
 
 "That's right, Laura: don't sit moping. Light up. 
 Nothing like bright rooms to raise one's spirits." 
 
 The bright, warm room and well filled table, and 
 the beautiful face of his wife before him, made Robert 
 forget whatever of business worries and perplexities he 
 may have had through the day. Robert had a heart, 
 and under the influence of his surroundings, he said 
 wiHi sudden ardor: 
 
 "'What wouldst thou, Qii en Esther? And what is 
 thy petition? and I will give hit thee unto 'alf of my 
 kingdom,' or, in good sound Yankee, I'll do all \ can 
 to gratify your dearest wishes." 
 
 "Then I may ask a favor, Robert?" she ventured, 
 thinking of the need of it, of its enormity, with a quak- 
 ing heart lest he should oppose her share in it, as well 
 as his own i. the giving, 
 
 "Anything in my power," he aawored, good-naturedly 
 as though talking < a willful child, "What is it?" 
 
 "After supper will d ; then I want to talk with you, 
 upon the strength of your promise." 
 
 He looked at her for a moment, then threw up his 
 chin, saying: "All right, then changed the subject to 
 6nc icss tnystctious. Lut r tcw iTionicnts aitsr tiisy 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 159 
 
 had repaired to the parlor, he suddenly wheeled around, 
 and said with a forced laugh that had none of the ante- 
 dinner ring in it: 
 
 "Well, hout with it. I see you've got something 
 hon your mind to say; now's your time." 
 
 Then with much fear and trembling she began by 
 drawing his attention to their own warm, bright home; 
 of her useless life of selfish ease, gradually growing 
 braver as she saw his eyes become humid during her 
 description of the home of Mrs. Walton. The tender 
 look which came over his face when she spoke of the 
 dead body and its appearance dressed in Dot's dainty 
 clothes, encouraged her to proceed in her story to the 
 end. 
 
 After it was all over, and she paused, flushed and 
 tearful, with no favor to frame in so many words, because 
 the story-telling carried with it the weight of a mighty 
 request, he said, for the moment feeling the force of 
 the plea : 
 
 "Well, what do you want to do for them ; of course, 
 there is some hobject in your telling me hall this?" 
 
 "I want you to help me, Robert." 
 
 Jusi then a ring at the door bell was answered by 
 Robert, with an expectant look upon his face as he 
 ushered into the brilliant room, Jason Waller. 
 
 Laura felt that the man was the bane of her life and 
 with cold dignity, excused lierself and sought her own 
 room, feeling disappointed and resentful: She had been 
 hopeful of Robert's co-operation in her plans, but now I 
 In her disgust she could not be patient with Waller 
 for interrupting her work, but having nothing else to 
 do, she ordered Lizctte to bring her jewel case. 
 
 With mruvelous alacrity Lizette plac(>d the vrlvct 
 case before lur mistress, and with the assurance of her 
 cliiiis paused to await fuillier orders, 
 
 • 
 
 iJ 
 
i6o 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 As one after another Laura held up each of the glit- 
 tering jewels, garnets, diamonds, and pearls, silently 
 computing their value, Lizette took a new attitude ex- 
 pressive of different degrees of admiration that to an- 
 other would have been ridiculous, but to her mistress, 
 only enhanced the value of her possessions, and made 
 the scheme in her mii"J. more promising. 
 
 ■'Madam is happy to have so fine jewels. O, if I 
 should be so fortunate to possess so fine jewels!" 
 
 "Sec, Lizettel aroxi't thc-y beauties?" and Mrs. Mor- 
 ton held them up to the light, watching the effect upon 
 the delighted girl. "But I shall never wear such costly 
 gems again. I'd rather have their value in money for 
 better things. Which do you like best," she asked 
 
 kindly. 
 
 "My mistress is so kind to ask her maid to give an 
 opinion. She is the best judge : but if I must judge 
 for one so amiable, so kind, I—" and Li/.ette paused, 
 and continued, "but if I must judge, I must say the 
 bracelets with the garnets. Oh, Mon Dieu!" and Li- 
 zctte was overwhelmed by her own feelings. 
 
 "You have bcc.i very faithful to me, Lizette," said 
 her mistress, with a kind smile. 
 
 "My mistress can command me," said the girl, with 
 
 effusion. 
 
 "We will put the jewels away to night, Li/.ette, and 
 
 look at them another time." 
 
 Tl\e next afternoon Allan called and was glad to find 
 Laura brighter, and evidently under none of the un- 
 pleasant influences caused by tlic visit of the day btfore. 
 
 After he had quite fully explained the nature of the 
 work which they had before them, slu? sent for the 
 jewel-case, and pliuing it in Allan's hands, said: 
 
 "T,ool<. see what this will do for us." 
 
 "Wh.it do you nu an. Laura?" ho asked huii bcwil- 
 
GOLD OUST 
 
 i6i 
 
 dered by their beauty and the inference he must natur- 
 ally draw from her words. 
 
 "I tiluill never wear them again, diamonds, pearls, 
 rubies and all the rest; I shall sell them. I will not 
 wear them, while in this city there is so much suffer- 
 ing. Don't discourage me, Allan, i want to help you 
 in this 'vork. " 
 
 "Oh! I'll not discourage you, Laura," said he, meet- 
 ing licr .shining eyes kindly, "but do you realize wliat 
 you are doing? These are valuable jewels; I ditl not 
 know you had such fine diamonds. I never saw you 
 wear thope rubies," and he examined the jewels more 
 closely. 
 
 "Robert gave me <:!iose since we came here. He 
 said lie should never (piestion my right to them. Rob- 
 ert must be making a great deal of money, for he said 
 they were very iine, worth a great deal." 
 
 "But he'll noi want yuu to sell them. You must 
 certainly ask him about it, I think," answered ho, 
 gravely. 
 
 Just tluMi Li/ette announced ladies in the parlor and 
 Laura excused herself for a few minutes, leaving Allan 
 alone. 
 
 Immediately afterward Una came in and together 
 Allan and Una examined the contciits of the case, as 
 one by one he tried them upon her neck, wrist, and 
 fingers, in quiet delight watching her eyes dilate with 
 surprise pnd pleasure at the effect. 
 
 IIu took no notice of the maid who frecpiently passed 
 through the room, but was relieved when Laura re- 
 turned, and sent her away with the case, after promis- 
 ing to get liobert's consiiit before selling them. 
 
 "V*K^ you think tliat your maid will take care of your 
 jewels?" he ubkod, as Lizette left tiie room. 
 
 ii 
 
l62 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "Oh! yes, she is very trusty," answered Laura, con- 
 fidently. 
 
 "But don't you trust her too much, is it not a temp- 
 tation?" he persisted. 
 
 "Oh! no. I think not. If it is, she has withstood it 
 a long time; but I think she is trusty." 
 "Have you never missed anything?" 
 "Why, nothing but a few small things such as hand- 
 kerchiefs," she replied, wondering what Allan meant; 
 but determined to re-assure him, she continued: "and 
 even those small losses are due, I'm sure, to careless- 
 ness in the laundry. Oh! no, Lizette is strictly honest 
 and devoted to me." 
 
 The evening before Robert had gone out with Wal- 
 ler, and did not return until late. Laura had not seen 
 him for more than a brief goodbye that morning, and 
 as he returned to dinner and signified his intention of 
 remaining at home, she gathered together her wits and 
 her failing courage by the thought of that story of des- 
 olation that Allan had told her, and after it was all 
 told she flung herself down upon the sofa beside her 
 husband; he suddenly startled her by saying: 
 
 "That's just what Waller says; 'e says it's quite the 
 fashion now for ladies hof the best circles to belong 
 to benevolent societies, and missions, and hall sort of 
 things. Oh, yes, it's hall right. Waller says it's the 
 best thing; builds a man right hup to 'ave 'is wife in 
 Buch things. Waller will like that immensely!" 
 
 "IJut it doesn't matter to me what he says; it mat- 
 ters what you think, Robert," said she, feeling the 
 beauty of her plans marred by the influence Waller had 
 over her husband, She had never noticed it so much 
 boforo. but the more she thought of it the less was she 
 pU-acei! at W:>l!rr'H evident power ovef Uob<rt. Yet 
 she felt that she nuist endure it for the sake of thq 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 163 
 
 help that she hoped to obtain from him. "That's hall 
 right," he continued, "hall right! Mrs. Van Tassel 
 was telling me the hother day that she's in the work 
 all the time. You go hon ; I'll back you in hany rea- 
 sonable hamount. Why one 'as to do these things to 
 get to the top of the 'eap! I'm going to get there. 
 Ha, ha, my beauty! 'ow would you like to be Congress- 
 man Morton's wife? Eh, Laura! Yes, you go hon, 
 I've been been talkin' to Waller, and he says go 
 ahead! it'll 'elp me." 
 
 No doubt Robert had some brilliant scheme in his 
 head. Laura did not feel the charm of brilliant antic- 
 ipation that seemed to elate him. She saw that already 
 he had nearly forgotten the little grave at Graceland, 
 and the vacant place so near his own at table. Ambi- 
 tion had stalked in and taken up her abode in his heart; 
 death and sorrow could have no lasting effect upon 
 him. His next remark rendered her almost dumb with 
 a sense of outrage to her so recei\tly wounded heart, as 
 after .canning her critically, he said: 
 
 "You'd ought to wear crepe, too, Laura,a crepe veil ; 
 Waller sa_)'s it would hadd weight to your benevolent 
 work, to go about in your carriage drt^ssed in mourn- 
 ing. I 'ate the stuff, but hi' ;t's the best thing for us, 
 why hof course hic's the tiling to do," 
 
 Laura quietly answered : 
 
 "It's too late to make any change in mj- dress if I 
 would, and I certainly would not do so to please Mr. 
 Waller. I liave dressed to suit my own feelings and 
 with reference to your own wishes." 
 
 Nothing more was said upon tlie subject, but Laura 
 felt that she had damaged her caijse by refusing to put 
 on crepe in deference to Jason Waller's opinion. 
 
 Kubert soon rose to go out, urging a suddenly xv^ 
 inrtuberud engagement down town, and as Lauru fol* 
 
 1. 
 
«%^J! 
 
 164 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 lowed him into the hall, she was surprised to see him 
 pui upon his head a hat that was trimmed witli a broad 
 
 band of crepe. . . 
 
 "1 had not noiiced that before," she said pointing to 
 
 the sable deccation. 
 
 "I think it proper and worth while to respect public 
 opinion." lie anF.wciod, bn-.squely, and passed out ^,hut. 
 tin" the door wivh a savage bang, leaving his wife 
 hall sick and wholly discouraged at what seemed tlu- cer- 
 tain failure of her plan for obtaining his co-opera^on. 
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 A ROnKEUV 
 
 Robert Morton did not return home that evening, nor 
 that night, a matter which gave his wife much uneasi- 
 ness and kept her awake until after midnight. After 
 that she had slept until sunrise, but arose tired and 
 despondent and with her mind full of a vague dread. 
 
 As she descended to the breakfast-room a letter from 
 him was placed in her hands, telling her that he had 
 been suddenly called away for a day or two, and as he 
 had no time to spare before starting he took that way 
 of informing her. He di-l not explain the nature >t his 
 
 business. 
 
 After breakfast t,-., concluded sho woul ' lo. over 
 the contents of her .'drobe, but was surpr--d ♦ dis- 
 cover an unusual look about things, as tho 'h some 
 one ha.', been careless about hanging up hor -jvsses 
 and some of them had fallen down again. Where v «re 
 those that she meant to sell? Had Li/.etto p em 
 
 away without orders, knowing that her mistress would 
 
 „ a-,- ntfj-M'i T>.-n^'ib^' W(!ll. she would 
 not v\rnr thciii agdui; i.ti-.u..,. 
 
 look over her jewels again, and decide which ones she 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 165 
 
 would dispose of. Lizette would soon be in and she 
 would then ask about the dresses. She had not spoken 
 to Robert about the diamonds yet, but she would look 
 at them again. 
 
 Opening the drawer she ran her slim hand under a 
 large pile of linen and failed to find the jewel-case. 
 One after another with trembling hands she laid the 
 contents of the drawer out upon the carpet, but could 
 not find the jewel-case. She summoned Lizette. 
 
 "Where did you put my jewels?" she demanded in 
 an excited manner, pointing to the empty drawer at 
 her feet, "Lizette, where are iny jewels?" 
 
 "Always I put the jewels where I am bid," she an- 
 swered, looking down at the pile of linen and other 
 things which her mistress had thrown upon the carpet. 
 
 "Look! find them for me if you can, Lizette, help 
 me ; or stay, you are sick, my poor girl ! I'll find them, 
 only tell me where you put them. Perhaps you put 
 them in another place, in anotlier drawer," and Lawtra 
 drew out the second drawer. "Perhaps they are in this 
 one." 
 
 "No, no," Lizette cried emphatically, "I put the 
 jewels wh'-.re I am bid, always, in the bottom drawer 
 under the big pile of linen. But," continued she, with 
 a nod of the head and an evasive look in her eye; "I 
 say to madam it is not a safe place for so costly jew- 
 els. " 
 
 "Evidently not, for they are gone," answered Laura, 
 much chagrined at her own carelessness. "And, Lizette, 
 where are my pretty dresses hung?" 
 
 "In the blue room closet, nuidam," answered Lizette, 
 with some dignity that was not lost upon her mistress, 
 who flit unliamed for asking her trusty maid such a 
 question, A 'ir)i to the girl's mind, at such a time, 
 must convey an insinuation. 
 
1 66 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "O, that was right; they were not in my wardrobe 
 and I wanted to see them. But what do you think 
 has become of my jewels? Are you sure that you put 
 them in that drawer? Think, Lizette; did your head 
 ache last night? that makes one confused sometimes, 
 you know, and maybe you forgot where you put them. 
 
 urced Laura, kindly. 
 
 "No „or> reiterated Lizette i "in the lower drawer, 
 
 right hand, nnder the big pile of linen, jnst as the 
 madam bade me. I will help madam move everyth.ng 
 and together they searched the room thoroughly, but 
 tv"th no better success than before, unt.l suddenly she 
 looked under the dressing-case and saw the object of 
 
 her search. , ., j :«. 
 
 -Witn a little cry of delight she hastdy opened . 
 only to find that the diamonds and pearls and several 
 rings were gone ; the garnet bracelets were left, togeth- 
 er with some other things of small value. 
 
 She looked at Lizette, who gasped out: 
 
 ■•Mon Dieu! the bracelets are safe!" 
 
 "But my diamonds are not," exclaimed her m.stress, 
 excitedly. "Lizette, some one has stolen my J.amonds 
 Tell me where are n,y jewels- tell me at ouce! Tell 
 mo or I will call the officers and have the house 
 
 '"■Td'f not know where madanfs jewels are, but madam 
 will not call the police if 1 tell her what 1 tunU, and 
 The black eyes of the girl glowed as >f w.th msulted 
 
 •""What do yo.. think? Tell me, if your opinion is 
 so valuable," demanded Laura, with a s.nk.ng heart 
 ■The madam commands me i listen," repl.ed the g,r 
 
 Impressively ; "You loft the case of jewels on the table 
 veLrday afternoon while you vis.l ..i the parlor se= 
 i;: cousin look many times at the bracelets, look close- 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 167 
 
 ly. He should not do so in the madam's absence." 
 "What do you mean, Lizettc ? Do you mean to accuse 
 my husband's cousin of stealing my diamonds?" asked 
 her mistress sternly, yet with a cold horror creeping 
 over her as she thought how completely Mian was in 
 the girl's power unless the jewels were found. 
 
 "I accuse no one. I say what 1 see. I have not the 
 jewels. Madam may search my trunks, the house, every- 
 thing, it matters not. Madam can call the police, they 
 ask questions. Ask Lizette questions, I must speak 
 true. Lizette will be honest if madam send her away 
 to-day," and the girl's haughty face and flashing eyes 
 expressed more than her words how thoroughly she 
 appreciated her power over her mistress. 
 Laura saw this and hastened to say: 
 "Lizette, I'm not accusing you. Forgive anything 
 I've said; I'm so worried, but tell me what you think." 
 "If madam desire to know, I can say. But madam 
 will be anger," said Lizette, reluctantly yet with dig- 
 nity. 
 
 "Tell me just who you think has stolen my diamonds, 
 persisted Laura, determined to get the girl's opinion. 
 "I think, if madam must know, I think most certain 
 the grand monsieur, the fine cousin, stole the jewels. 
 Lizette haf no more to say until the law bids her talk," 
 andwit'^ "-i injured air the wily girl was about to leave 
 the ro' i 
 
 "Stay, Lizette, I see yoii can do my husband's cousin 
 a great injury by your stories. I know tliat he is inno- 
 cent : he is too good a man to steal. But you believe 
 this ti ng of him and can hurt him. Sit down, I want 
 
 to thiuK." 
 
 Laura saw Mian's danger. L. ette felt aggrieved by 
 what slie supposed was an accus'uion, .»r if she had a 
 private grudge against Allan, ..; . mi^ht try t' %et sat- 
 
 I fi 
 
 I vn 
 
i68 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 isfactioii by swearing away his good name. Such 
 things had been and might be again. She hated the 
 thought of purchasing the girl's silence, but she must 
 save All -n from suspicion. So she looked keenly into 
 the steru face of the maid, and said : 
 "Lizette, will you do me a favor?" 
 "I am madam's maid," answered she, coldly. 
 'Yes, I know that; but lay that as de. Will you try 
 to consider how much you may harm Mr. Morton if 
 you tell what you threaten? He is my husband's cousin. 
 My husband will not believe yon, but he is gone, 
 and I must do what i can. Lizette, I need not call the 
 police. Oh, Lizette, will you promise to keep still if 
 you are asked about this? Of course, I shall tell my 
 husband about it when he comes bom ■, but 1 want you 
 to say nothing! Wil' • ou j.'-jmise, .izette?" 
 A shrug of the shouiuers v/as the answer. 
 "What will induce you to 'say nothing about my 
 loss? i may find the j. we,s and the'^ you would only 
 be harming an innocent man." Laura looked keenly 
 into the girl's face and saw that whir! aiade her des- 
 perate. 
 
 "What shall 1 give you, Lizef' I know. You 
 
 admire tb.^ garnet bracelets so rr...eh. ou shall have 
 th'. ;.: if you will promise me to saynothingaboutwh.it 
 you saw, for it ^eally will be doing a great injustice." 
 Laura had talked rapidly, almost incoherently, yet 
 the girl understood her, and the sight of the long cov- 
 eted bracelets, as her mistress held them up before her 
 eyes, was too much for her honesty. 
 
 "The bracelets! Oh! Mon Dieu !" she exclaimed, 
 clasping her hands ecstatically, "madam may command ; 
 Lizette will say notliiug. Not anyone shr.li hear one 
 word, never! Lizette see nothing, hear nothing, know 
 nothing, never!" 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 169 
 
 Of course, Laura knew what this meant; she was 
 bribing this girl , but she must keep her silent. Allan 
 must be saved if innocent: if guilty-she could not 
 think of that! All this i^ \ more passed and re-passed 
 her mind. Suddenly she asked: 
 
 "Tell me all you saw, Lizette, I must know what 
 makes you judge him." ^ 
 
 "M >dam can judge, for what I see. Monsieur Allan 
 Morton take the diamonds, look very closely, a long 
 time. He is great joy to put them on the Una. They 
 haf fine sport. He look at the other jewels, pearls, 
 - irnets, all, but most at the diamonds and pearls. He 
 .00k a great many times at the door, only when he haf 
 the .1 monds and pearls in his hands. He look what 
 you L ai anxiety at the door. When you open the 
 door he quick, lay down the jewels, and fold his arms, 
 so," and Lizette stood up straight, in exact imitation 
 ofAMan's erect attitude, with folded arms. 
 
 Laura saw how her maid might injure Allan, and 
 smothering her self-coutempt she said : 
 
 "And if I give you the bracelets will you v.oar to 
 keep it a secret, swear on that black cross you wear 
 abont your neck?" 
 
 "Madam ask a great deal." 
 
 "Not too much. You must do this thing or I 11 sell 
 these bracelets within an hour. I was going out to-day 
 {or that purpose. Will you, Lizette, will you swear?" 
 "I will swear," answered Lizette, after a few moments 
 of deep thought, and producing the cross she repeated 
 aftcM her mistress, a vow of eternal secrecy, concerning 
 what she had seen, or thought, and as she proceeded, 
 Laura growing desperate at thought of the girl's power 
 over Allan- demanded in a stern voice: 
 "Now kiss the cross." 
 
 M 
 
lyo 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "I cannot, cried Lizette, shrinking back as though 
 dealt a fearful blow. 
 
 "You shall : kiss the cross. I command you," sternly 
 demanded her mistress, "kiss the cross, or I'll sell the 
 
 bracelets. ' 
 
 "Oh, Mon Dieu! so shame to sell so fine jewels for 
 so little. Ah! I am madam's servant," and the girl 
 hastily pressed her lips to the black cross, then held 
 out her hands for the coveted bracelets and grasping 
 them greedily she rushed away, much to the relief of 
 her mistress, who now that she had proved the girl 
 pervious to bribe, hated her, though she, herself, to 
 save Allan had been a party to the transaction. 
 
 Allan did not call that day ; of this Laura was glad, 
 for do what she would she could not overcome the feel- 
 ing of dread that had taken possession of her. 
 
 So the day wore away in doubt and foreboding. 
 Fearful and nervous about the issues of each successive 
 hour, she was glad when Robert returned at evening. 
 
 Business for the firm was his excuse, and she ques- 
 tioned him no further, so relieved was she to hear his 
 hearty voice, and to feel that she was not alone in the 
 house. 
 
 That evening after she told Robert of her loss, he 
 called one after another of the servants and subjected 
 them to the closest examination. Lizette was the last. 
 Allan called while she was complacently and with great 
 dignity answering her master's questions. 
 
 This was the first he had heard of the robbery, and 
 as he listened to the special points in the case, so 
 greatly was he startled and shocked, that thought was 
 confused and speech came to him slowly. He listened 
 to the conversation between Robert and the servants, 
 with an occasional word thrown in by Mr. i issett, 
 with ail intense regret, not so much at the loss of the 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 171 
 
 money's worth as at the act itself. The points in the 
 case that startled him most were, that the jewels were 
 stolen in Robert's absence, at night, by some one who 
 knew just where to go for them, how to get them with- 
 out waking Laura. He heard Robert say this, and 
 vaguely remembered having heard Laura tell him just 
 where she kept them. He saw how unprotected she 
 had been at the time of the robbery, alone in the great 
 house, at the mercy of the servants, Lizette included. 
 He said nothing, but was interested at the questions 
 Mr. Bassett flung at Lizette, the only one who seemed 
 to have any interest for the keen old man. 
 
 Finding that he could make nothing out of the inves- 
 tigation among the servants, Robert asked his cousin 
 to remain, while he went out on business, hinting that 
 Laura was nervous and half sick. 
 
 Soon he returned, bringing a man who was evidently 
 a detective. Together they searched every nook and 
 corner of the house, and questioned and cross questioned 
 the servants, but with no better result than before. 
 The man advised Robert to keep quiet: he would un- 
 dertake to ferret out the burglars. 
 
 During all this tim:-, from the moment Allan came, 
 and during Robert's absence and the detective's inves- 
 tigation, Laura had maintained a quiet that was at this 
 time a little strange, and in marked contrast to the 
 anxious, eager look upon his face. She answered all 
 questions that Mr. Wakeup put, with a measured tone 
 of voic(^ as though she felt the importance of each word. 
 But siic scarcely looked at, or spoke to Allan. 
 
 When Robert had said in an off-hand way, "I came 
 near sending for you, Al, to come and stay with the folks 
 till T "ot back but ha<ln't time; had to make the train 
 jiretty lively," and when Allan had answered, "I wish 
 you had, I did not know that you were going away, or 
 
172 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 1 might liavc offered what protection my company in 
 the house might have attorded," Laura looked at him 
 keenly, for a moment with a strange, questioning look 
 in her eyes. Allan saw this, and to him her actions 
 were a riddle. Robert believed that burglars had 
 stolen the jewels, and gave the matter into the hands 
 of the detective, who after gathering all the facts pos- 
 sible at hand took his leave, accompanied by Allan who 
 asked the privilege of walking back with him to the 
 
 office. 
 
 "Robert, were the diamonds so very valuable?" asked 
 Laura as the door closed upon Allan and the detective. 
 
 "Well, there you 'ave me. It depends upon what 
 you call valuable," answered her husband, evasively. 
 "I didn't pay a big sum in so much money. Tiiey 
 might cost another man a mighty sight more than I 
 paid for them, but they're worth enough to make me 
 want to get 'em back, hif it don't cost too much money. 
 Fact is I got 'em by way of business, an' that's just as 
 good to you, isn't it? Got 'em in trade, you may say." 
 
 "Will it be a loss to you if we don't find them," she 
 asked, looking into his face anxiously. 
 
 "Why, not much. I shouldn't be hapt to i>ay for 
 such another necklace or ring every day, and might 
 never get such a bargain. What you want to know 
 
 for?" 
 
 "Robert, if it's only for my sake, I had so much 
 rather let them go, than to be worried by strange men, 
 and all the rest," she answered, wearily. "1 woidd 
 rather do without them, than be bothered, if yoii don't 
 
 miml. 
 
 "Well, that's a querr notion," said Robert, looking 
 keenly down into her face. He saw she looked hag- 
 gard and worn, "(mess this thing has worried you 
 until you're about played out, ain't you?" 
 
 , 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 173 
 
 "I'm so tired," answered his wife, with a little gasp- 
 ing sob that went straight to the big man's heart as 
 she came and stood beside him, leaning her head upon 
 his shoulder. 
 
 "Well, hif you don't care enough about the things 
 we won't mind 'em. I suppose hit's all a waste <^ 
 time and money anyway. Whoever's got 'em is be- 
 yond the reach of the law. Just as you say, any way; 
 if you've a mind to do without 'em, I don't care," and 
 he drew her closer to him, forgetting that only twenty- 
 four hours before he had felt so savage about the mat- 
 ter of mourning. 
 
 "And will you discharge that man, the detective? Do, 
 Robert, quick. He'll be here at all times of day, and 
 I < an't bear the thought!" and she sluuldercd visibly. 
 "Well, well, I'll see 'im in the morning and tell 'ini 
 to go 'bout his business, he needn't bother 'bout it. 
 Wdl that do?" and he laid his ruddy cheek against her 
 head. The caress swept away the years of wreU hcdness 
 and she lifted her head, inteniling to touch her cpiivi^r- 
 inglips to his check; but his next remark banished her 
 thought. 
 
 "After all, there's no money in them diamondfi, no 
 
 great loss, or, of course I couldn't let 'em go so easy." 
 
 "I would not wish you to lose any money," she said, 
 
 In a cold, disappoit\tcd tone and slipiung out of his 
 
 encircling arn»s. 
 
 "Oh! that's all right!" he ass\n-ed lui, clueifully, not 
 noticing tlic sudden change in her countenaiu:e ami 
 manner. "I guess I'll step out a few minutes; may bo 
 I'll 9cc Waketip, hand I'll put a stop to all that racket; 
 then he won't be coming round 'ere in the mornin'," 
 and ho left the house, though it was nearly ten o'clock. 
 
 iSfi'i 
 
 , 
 
 ttmnrrTMiiil ■ 1 lai 
 
174 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 
 ALLAN AS ERRAND BOY 
 
 A few days after the events in the previous pages, 
 Allan was walking down Wabash Avenue, when he saw 
 the Van Tassel carriage being driven rapidly toward 
 
 him. 
 
 As Mrs. Van Tassel, who was its only occupant, smil- 
 ingly waved her hand to him, he touched his hat and 
 would have hurried on, but she signified her desire to 
 speak with him. 
 
 As the carriage drew up to the curbstone she made 
 room by her side for him, saying: 
 
 "Step in, 1 want to talk with you, we can talk belter 
 in here than on a public street. " 
 
 "My drive with you must be very short, for my time 
 is so limited this morning," said he, as he took a seat 
 beside her, "and I shall have to return soon." 
 
 "O, how busy we always arc," she exclaimed, as they 
 were whirled away toward the lake shore. 
 
 "I believe you wished to speak with me," he said, 
 smiling. "O. yes, if one must count the minutes we 
 will proceed to business. I simply wish to know two 
 things, whicn I think you can tell me: first, why will 
 not your cousin's wife be friendly with me; second, 
 who is that dark, handsome stranger whom we saw 
 talking with Mr. Waller the other evening? You saw 
 him comc< into Waller's box, of course, for 1 saw you 
 look daggers at him " 
 
 "To your first question I have no answer, for 1 have 
 no right to question Mrs. Morton's wishes or motives, 
 and she is not apt to confide in me, or any one else, 
 for that matter. The second qtiestion I will answer as 
 best and us briclly as \ cm. The man's name is 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 175 
 
 lUardo, Leon lUardo. He is an Italian and socialist 
 of the most pronounced type. He does not belong to 
 the common, but rather to the uncommon class, and 
 he believes he is obeying the Divine law to "become 
 all things to all men:" if he can help his cause. He 
 is a remarkable character ; under certain conditions a 
 dangerous one." 
 
 "How long have you known him?" 
 
 "I have no personal knowledge of or acquaintance 
 with him, but I have seen him a number of times ; 
 a few times before I came here." 
 
 "And you lived in Toronto?" 
 
 "Yes. I saw him on the cars, once ; and now if you 
 please, I must ask to be carried swiftly back, for 1 must 
 go to the office." The truth is, he did not want to an- 
 swer her questions and she was shrewd enough to know 
 
 it. 
 
 "Mark tells me you are going to leave the office soon. 
 
 What for?" she asked. 
 
 "Yes, I leave in a day or two." 
 
 "But why? Can you do better?" she persisted, in 
 no way heeding his growing impatience. 
 
 "If it was a (piestiou of money, no. As it is 1 can 
 
 do better." 
 
 "I never saw a n^an care so little for money as you 
 do. I think it is well you are unmarried," and she 
 laughed lightly, as she bade t»ic coadiman drive back. 
 
 "Do you think I would 1« t a wife starve?" he asketl. 
 
 "O, no ; but she would believe you were right anil 
 live to please yoii, tliat is. live in a 'Vu, acid dress like 
 a qiinkcr. " 
 
 "I think the quakers havo the best of it," he said, 
 smiling and touching his hat. 
 
 "Arriving at the t)ffico of his employer ho was not a 
 little surprised to find that Mrs. Van Tassel had reached 
 
176 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 there before him. She was evidently waiting for some 
 one. He bowed slightly, saying: 
 "You traveled fast." 
 
 "Yes, I did. I started out on business, just think of 
 it, business for a fashionable woman, and I mean to stay 
 here until I can be in a measure successful," giving an 
 emphatic tap with her foot upon the floor, and contin- 
 uing, "If your time were not so very precious I need 
 not go further," and she waited half questioning with 
 look and attitude. 
 
 "My time is at your service now that I must wait for 
 Mr. Van Tassel to return," he answered, politely. 
 
 "O, thank you. It had occurred to me that in your 
 work among the poor you may have learned something 
 of a family by the name of Walton." 
 "Yes, I have heard of one, a widow." 
 "She rents of Jason Waller, I believe." 
 "She did," he quietly answered, but she paid no \\v.vx\ 
 to his correction. 
 
 "I asked him to let iier stay in her rooms and 1 would 
 give her sewing to take home. I really felt sorry for 
 her, and I paid him out of my pin money for her rent. 
 Didn't she lose a child not long since?" 
 
 "She lost three," he answered, gravely, "but she paid 
 him for her rooms, when I didn't, since I came here. 
 Perhaps you gave him money, but it was not pcr- 
 miiled to cancel her rent." 
 
 "The scoundrel! I certainly paid hiiu quarterly, in 
 advance. And arc you sure slie lins paid him, too?" 
 
 "Certainly, for I gave hor money on two occasions for 
 that purpose, and know she gave it to him. Not lik- 
 ing the way he treats her 1 got lier another place. I 
 say, I got the place, I mean, I was sent out to do so ; 
 I was but an agent." 
 "And you say she has lost thrco children?" 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 177 
 
 "Three, and the fourth, a girl of fifteen, is worse 
 
 than dead." , , ,i.t n 
 
 "Three dead, and the fourth ought to be ' Waller 
 did not tell me of more than one, though she seemed 
 to be very needy." 
 
 "Didn't you see her, your sewing woman? he asked, 
 looking aslant at her, but avoiding her last remark. 
 
 "No, it is not necessary ; my housekeeper tends to 
 that; only plain sewing," she said, convincingly. 
 
 "Perhaps if you should hear her story without any 
 coloring as she would tell it, it might make a friend 
 of you ; she needs friends. " 
 
 "Why, what is so distressing and different in her 
 case from any other?" she asked, subdued by his grave 
 
 look and manner. 
 
 "I prefer you should ask her ; she will tell you, I m 
 
 sure. It's a sad story, and a hard one." 
 "Will you go with me to see her?" 
 "No. I think you had better see her alone." 
 Just then Mr. Waller entered the room and seemed 
 
 in no haste to leave when he wat; told "Mr. Van," for 
 
 whom he incjuircd, was out. 
 
 "We were just speaking of Mrs. Walton when you 
 
 came in the room," said Mrs. Van Tassel, eyeing Wal- 
 
 ler keenly; "Mr. Morton says she has a grievous story 
 
 to tell, and he wishes me to hear it, what say you, Mr. 
 
 Waller?" 
 
 "I'm not enough ac(iuainted witli the Waltons to 
 decide, "was hi-, answer. "The stories of that class 
 are pretty much alike, all poor, improvident, many 
 lazy, shiftless, a bad lot; crime and drunkenness run 
 
 riot, and-" 
 
 "Allow nic." interrupted Allan with a stern look on 
 his face and a nuick flash in hi3 eye. "of whom are you 
 speaking, Mrs.. Walton or hrr dauf/!iter?" 
 n 
 
 
178 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 There was no doubting Allan's meaning; it was sig- 
 nh.cant. b.t.ng, personal, though it might have been 
 ill-timed, impolitic. He did not think or care for that, 
 lie thou-dit only of that heart-broken mother, alone 
 with her grief for her dead and l^^r more terrible sor- 
 row for her wayward daughter. He thought o those 
 things and his face grew stern. He was looking at 
 the man before him with the concentrated h.ie of a 
 life-time of staunch integrity for such a conscienceless 
 scoundrel as he knew Jason Waller to be. A fiery 
 gleam came into Waller's black eyes for an instant, 
 but with a meaning look he replied, politely bowing: 
 
 "I have not the honor or the pleasure of so exten- 
 sive an acquaintance with people of that class. I leave 
 that to good-natured philanthropists like Mr. Morton, 
 then he bowed himself out. _^ 
 
 "You are not a friend of Mr. Waller's. I see, said 
 Mrs. Van Tassel after he had gone. _ 
 
 "I hate him," was Allan's savage reply, as 1 hate 
 
 all his ilk." , 
 
 "Why? Jason Waller is a sort of monarcli here. 
 You must bow the knee to his royal Highness, when 
 you go to 'our church' any way," said she with a mock- 
 ing laugh and enjoying his ferocity immniscly 
 
 "Then I'll stay away for a long time, for 1 U never 
 fail to show my contempt for su<h a fraud." ^ 
 
 "O, well, the world is full of frauds. I suppose he s 
 no worse than anv other: not half as dangercus, because 
 no' half n. han.lso,uc or agreeable to the eye as some 
 
 of tJH'in." 
 
 "l)o vou believe that?" I\r a'^Ui-.l in surprise. 
 
 "Certainlv What i^ more- dangerous than n hand- 
 some rake? What more perilous than to stake ones 
 happiness upon a false hearted bca-ity?" she asked tin 
 
 ' . , . 1 :,,,..,.. . "\ ,in A f.mhionablu 
 
 question • '" 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 179 
 
 , ( 1 
 
 woman: I choose to be. I am a leader of so called 
 fashionable society ; my husband's money helps me lead. 
 But that does not blind my eyes. That man is every- 
 thing vile and false under the sun, but his face is a 
 mirror; it tells the whole miserable truth about him. 
 He may pive money to missions and churches: he can 
 afford it, he is the greatest gambler and thief in Chi- 
 cago ; and I know him, too. But," she continued, 
 with a sarcastic smile, "he is not dangerous to people of 
 average intelligence. Now tell me what he meant by 
 his sneering laugh when he left." 
 
 "I can't tell, but he meant nothing to my credit," 
 Allan answered, with forced calmness. 
 
 "O, he never does, but as he's least dangerous when 
 he threatens, so when he is quist.calm, smiling, beware! 
 Do you know that man don't believe in honest, sincere 
 friendship: believes that all friendships culminate ac- 
 cording to his own approved methods." 
 
 "Seliishness, wreck and ruin," said Allan, counting 
 them off on his fingers. 
 
 "Yes, scUishncss for him, wreck and ruin for others. 
 I tell you, Allan Morton, I may be fashionable, but 
 I -have a heart and conscience, and I wouldn't have if 
 I could tolerate that num. Now, I'm coming to what 
 I've got to say; you know a woman always does, if 
 you give her time enough and don't mind the condi- 
 tions. That man tried to make me hate Mark only a 
 year ago, too. Oh! the wretch! Actually told me, 
 had the assurance to tell me Mark was poor and faith- 
 less. As though 1 cared for poverty ; if it come8, I'll 
 stand it side by side with iny old lord just as I've 
 spent his money, with his permission, and by his side. 
 Mark is an honest man in my sight, and let any one 
 dare to say to the contrary. I may tolerate them for 
 a purposr, for my husbunU's interests, l)Ut not for their 
 
i8o 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 own, not for my own, of course. Now, I am, or want 
 to be a friend to Laura Morton. She hates me, why, 
 I don't know. Well, let that pass. I won't beg of 
 her But you must put her on her guard. Waiier will 
 make trouble between them, and Robert Morton will 
 settle with him in his hot-headed way of making set- 
 tlements. I like them both. Morton is not to blame 
 if he has fallen among rogues ; rather to be pitied. He's 
 your cousin, but I know that you don't quite like him. 
 Oh' I know it," said she, when he looked up in sur- 
 prise at her frank accusation. "He likes you better 
 than vou like him. But he's a good man in the main, 
 and I like him. I'm going to stand by him, too, for if 
 I'm not mistaken he 11 need a friend in less than a 
 month. Of course, I mean Mark and me both. Mark 
 
 likes him; so do I." 
 
 "I see and I am glad to hear it," answered Allan, 
 feeling called upon to respond. 
 
 "The trouble of it is, Allan," she continued, in her 
 direct way of coming to the point, "Robert Morton's 
 divinity is too divine, too fine-grained, too delicate in 
 taste and sense, for such a great uncouth bear as he is. 
 so thoy grow apart year by year, if indeed, they were 
 ever any nearer. Did you know them before they were 
 
 married?" 
 
 "Yes, rather before," was the equivocal answer. 
 
 "Why didn't you?- iium— yes, I sec - hum- m. I 
 wish-Mark would ever get here when I want him. 
 Here he comes now," and much to her relief her husband 
 trotted briskly into the office.followed by Robert Morton 
 who was talking in an animated manner. 
 
 Allan had felt the hot blood mounting to his face and 
 knew that, in spite of his heroic efforts to appear calm 
 he was the picture of conscious confusion. Mo glanced 
 hastily at Mrs. Van Tassel, and she, too. seemed to be 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 i8i 
 
 disconcerted. Of course, he understood her last remark, 
 though so broken and disjointed. He knew that she 
 was vexed with herself for stumbling upon the truth 
 concerning his love for Laura. There was an awkard 
 though brief pause, as Mark Van Tassel looked from 
 Allan to his wife. He was going to make some jocu- 
 lar remark that might be ill-timed, but the quick-witted 
 lady parried it off by knitting her black eyebrows and 
 giving him a knowing look. 
 
 "Now you needn't fly into one of your jealous rages, 
 Mark: you're much too old and too sensible; but just 
 give me a check for a cool thousand this blessed min- 
 ute. " 
 
 Considering the perfect confidence Mark Van Tas- 
 sel reposed in his wife, her charge of jealous rage was 
 ridiculous, and delighted the old man immensely ; un- 
 derstanding her side long glance from under knitting 
 brows, he readily fell into the same line of conversa- 
 tion and answering with mock severity : 
 
 "Not a dollar to spend for jim-cracks for that ball." 
 "But I want a perfectly gorgeous dress, and must 
 have lots of things beside." 
 
 "Yes, lots of things, to deck yourself out with. Oh, 
 no, Elinor Van Tassel, you're dangerous enough now 
 shining around all the young men! 
 
 "Now I protest! Mr. Morton, isn't he stingy?" 
 "Yes 'e is certainly, an' if 'c don't give you the dress 
 I will," answered Robert much amused by her gayety. 
 I wish my wife would want new dresses, she don't 
 dress 'alf has gay has I wai.t ; r to. I like to see a 
 woman look well." 
 
 "Only a very beautiful woman, i>\ the Madonna order, 
 can wear those soft gray dresses wit!) clianniug effect," 
 said Mrs. Van Tassel. "Your wife kn.ks like an angel, 
 and charnis like a— woman in evorytliing she wears, 
 
 ,1? 
 
! i 
 
 182 GOLD DUST 
 
 but I think she is loveliest in light gray (she was 
 looking at Allan now)." "She is not half as lovely m 
 bright colors, or black. She must never wear black. 
 Thanks, for small favors," and she took a roll of bills 
 from her husband's hand. "Now I'm going to spend 
 my money, five hundred for myself, and the rest to 
 quiet my conscience," and she swept gracefully outof 
 the room followed by the twinkling eyes of her dotmg 
 husband, who chickling proudly as the door was shut 
 after her, said *o Hobert Morton: 
 
 '■Do you knnu ',vV,ere the half of that money 11 go? 
 No? well, she'll c;ive it to beggars. The spendthrift! 
 But she's cute, Elinor is, cute as old Nick! every time 
 she gives a party, or gets a stunning new gown, she 
 Kives as much to the poor as she gives for her party 
 and dress. That's what I call keeping debit and credit : 
 she calls it quieting h.:-.r conscience." _ 
 
 "Pretty costly business," said Robert, grimly. 
 "Why. what's a thousand dollars to me? I made fifty 
 thousand the other day in that last deal. My money's 
 hers and she spends it wisely, and I get the biggest 
 sort of interest. I get peace of mind, because I make 
 my wife happy in her own way, and she makes nie the 
 happiest old coon in the city. See the point? _ She 11 
 come to me to-night and show me the corner, ]ust the 
 corner of some rich stuff and tell me to wait till the 
 dress is done. Then she'll sail down into the parlor 
 on dress parade, so that I may admire her before any 
 one else does in her new gown. But she'll never say 
 anything about the conscience money till I question 
 her right smart ; I know it's all right; that's enough 
 for me: it's her money's well as mine. We know all 
 nbout where it goes." . 
 
 All this time Allan had been waiting for a private 
 talk with his employer. Kobcrt was fidgety and ill at 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 1R3 
 
 ease, yet evidently had some purpose 'n being there. 
 Mr. Van Tassel cleared the way for ert by saying: 
 
 "Allan, I want you to do an errand for me ; go down 
 to Tinsel's and give him a letter. He'll show you a 
 pair of bracelets that I want to see. Tell me what 
 you think of them. May get 'em for Elinor if we like 
 'em. Come back soon and I'll see you later. Do you 
 know, Morton," said he as the door closed after Allan, 
 "my wife thinks that man is about as good as they raise 
 this side of the pond. I'm sorry he's going to leave 
 me; don't know how to get along without him." 
 
 "What fool notion 'as he got into his head now?" 
 asked Robert, impatiently. 
 
 "O, he's going to do something or other in some sort 
 of a scheme to look after the poor people, I guess. That 
 ain't quite it, but it's something in that line." 
 
 "Oh! 'e's going to deal hout other people's money, 
 and bring about a sort of millenium," said Robert, 
 with a savage sneer that caused the little man to look 
 
 up in surprise. 
 
 "Well. Elinor says it's always best to bring about the 
 most good to the largest number of people ; that's when 
 she's arguing me out of an unusually large sum of money, 
 and I ain't sure but it's true. I'm sorry your cousin is 
 about to leave us. Elinor's taken a notion to him." 
 
 "Most women do," said Robert, laconically. 
 
 "I thought it would please Nell to have him choose 
 the bracelets," continued Mr. Van Tassel, seeming not 
 to hear him, "and I'm going to get them on the sly for 
 her to wear with her new dress. Then I'll have to give 
 the worth of them to the poor kids around town, or she 
 won't wear 'em. O, she's a tartar about this business," 
 and he bowed Robert out just as Allan returned with 
 
 the jewels. 
 
 "What do you think of them," asked his employer. 
 
 mil 
 
 If 
 
 
1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 1.25 
 
 tiitM. 
 
 1^ m 
 if i^ 
 
 1.4 
 
 2.5 
 2.2 
 
 20 
 1.8 
 
 1.6 
 
 MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART 
 
 NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS 
 
 STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL 1010a 
 
 (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No, 2) 
 
184 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "I am not much of a judge; but they are very beau- 
 tiful. I like the setting better than an\' I ever saw, 
 but you must not depend upon my judgment, for I 
 know very little about diamonds!" 
 
 "Guess we'll keep them," answered the old gentle- 
 man, 
 
 "I'm surprised that he didn't want a guarantee of 
 my honesty," said Allan; "I thought he was very un- 
 wise to let me carry those jewels back and forth: he 
 don't know but I'll decamp with his property." 
 
 "You wouldn't get far. Those folks have private 
 men to guard their interests: they don't trust any 
 man." 
 
 Allan remained talking with his employer for an hour 
 or more, then after receiving wiiat was due of his sal- 
 ary, he prepared to leave the office ; softened by the 
 old man's evident regard for him, he was inclined to 
 grant any favor that Mr. Van Tassel might ask of 
 him. Just as he was leaving the door he volunteered 
 to take the jewels to his employer's wife. 
 
 "You can do tliat for me, Allan, and it will please 
 Elinor; she likes you and don't want you to leave; so 
 take these jewels to her if only to make your peace," 
 and the little man cliuckled in fatherly good nature. 
 
 "O, I guess it won't make much difference who car- 
 ries them to her, if you don't. I suppos.. I'll do as 
 well as any one for errand boy," Allan said, laughing, 
 
 "You young dog! If Elinor wasn't so level headed, 
 I'd be jealous of her. She's always sounding your 
 praises. Go 'long ; and mind you come often to see us, 
 artv! 11 you ever get into a corner come to Mark Van 
 Tassel. Hear?" 
 
 "Yes, I hear, an<l am grateful for your kindness. I 
 have none too many friends to forget you," said Allan, 
 iooking into his employer's keen eyes. 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 185 
 
 As Allan pursued his way toward the Van Tassel 
 residence, he was subdued by the strength of his old 
 employer's friendship for him, and under the inlluence 
 of the thought he walked with bent head, and with a 
 half sad, half anxious look upon his handsome face. 
 
 He was not conscious of any one's approach, until 
 Robert's voice arrested his attention. 
 "Hello, A), where you going?" 
 
 O, I didn't see you coming. I'm going to Mr. Van 
 Tassel's. " 
 
 "All right, thought maybe you was going over to 
 the house." 
 "Not to-day." 
 
 "All right," was the terse reply, as Robert hurried 
 onward, and Allan pursued his way. 
 
 A few minutes later he stood in Mrs. Van Tassel's 
 parlor, in the presence of other guests who were com- 
 ing and going constantly. 
 
 He was not a little surprised to find Jason Waller 
 among the number, and was relieved to have an excuse 
 for coming, so without any preliminaries he gave her 
 the case of jewels, saying in a matter-of-fact way: 
 
 "I'm sent with this package for you. It has been a 
 pleasure to me to bring it ; hope it may give you a 
 greater pleasure," then he would have taken his leave, 
 but was somewhat detained by the entrance of others. 
 "You're in high feather, young man," said Waller in 
 a meaning voice stepping to Allan's side. "Hope you 
 fully appreciate your importance and advantages." 
 
 "I'm not aware of any special importance, or advan- 
 tages: unless it be in attending strictly to my own 
 affairs," was the young man's curt answer, as with a 
 darkening face he left the parlor. 
 
 Allan was intensely annoyed by the evil look of 
 Waller, and as he hurried away the frown upon his face 
 
 
 ■'v>m:mrmw^ 
 
 
 wmmmwi^,^ 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 i. 
 
 if ; 
 
 i ! 
 i I 
 
 I ■.' 
 
 ! 
 
i86 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 \ r 
 
 became a scowl of hate. But as he hurried on away 
 from his hated enemy's presence, happier thoughts 
 crowded out of his mind the unpleasant impressions 
 occasioned by Waller's language, and the scowl faded 
 from his fine face under their softening influence, until 
 not so much as a line remained between the frank eye- 
 brows. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII 
 
 UNDER A SHADOW 
 
 The following morning Chicago rang with the news 
 of the boldest of all robberies his time Mrs. Van 
 Tassel's diamonds given her L;. the day before. She 
 had said not a word to anyone about them, intending 
 to appear in them in all their glory at the forthcom- 
 ing ball. After her guests had left, she had gone to 
 her room and there upon opening her package given 
 her by Allan, had first discovered the lovely jewels and 
 divining her husband's intent had put them in her 
 jewel-case without even the knowledge of Iier maid, 
 to whom she usually showed all her possessions. The 
 following morning when she first discovered her loss, 
 she straightway notified the police, being a woman of 
 prompt action, and they had set about making diligent 
 but (]uiet search. 
 
 Yet in spite of precaution, the story, somehow, leaked 
 out, and by nine o'clock the papers were full of the 
 
 robbery. 
 
 Allan read the news in one of the papers, and in 
 some perturbation hurried to the ofTice of his employer. 
 Not finding him in he immediately sought the home 
 of the \'an Tassel's. 
 
 Arriving there, he found many others who were filled 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 187 
 
 with curiosity to know all about the robbery. But the 
 strangest part of it was Mrs. \'an Tassel's icy compos- 
 ure and utter disregard of their frequent queries. She 
 seemed determined to lead them away from the subject, 
 and failing to do so, at last requested them to forebear 
 further mention of the affair for it was of little moment 
 to her. 
 
 Her manner toward Allan was not quite as cordial 
 as it had been, but this he attributed to her worry about 
 the jewels. 
 
 As he rose to go she reminded him, however, that 
 sho should expect him to lead her out for the Lancers 
 at Vessage's. 
 
 Upon the next day Allan was walking rapidly down 
 State Street, when he was abruptly accosted by a stranger 
 who told him that Mr. Van Tassel wanted to sec him 
 at once. 
 
 "I'll go round in a short time," answered Allan. 
 
 "He's waiting at the ofiice by this time." 
 
 "Tell him I'll bo there in a half hour, must make 
 another call first. Important, or I'd go right over. I'll 
 be there soon." IMuch surprised, Allan hurried on his 
 way. At the appointed time he stood before his former 
 employer's door, but just as he was going to tu ■ the 
 knob the door opened and Jason Waller came out. 
 
 Allan quickly entered the ofiice, where he was warmly 
 greeted by his old employer whom he found restlessly 
 pacing the floor. 
 
 "I'm glad yoti've come. I wanted to see you, and 
 sent for you. Glad you came so quickly," said the old 
 man, kindly but soberly. 
 
 Allan noticed he looked worn and haggard, and kindly 
 
 said: 
 
 "I came as cpiickly as I could, I had another errand 
 to df'- firKt. Us'.t wh.at can. I do for you?" 
 
 r > 
 !. 1 
 
 1 
 
 'I i 
 
 i , 
 
 I I 
 
 I I 
 
i88 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "O, it's a whim, I s'pose it's just to ask a few ques- 
 
 tions." 
 
 "Certainly.ask me anything," quickly answered Allan, 
 more than ever mystified by the unusual earnestness of 
 Mr. Van Tassel's manner. 
 
 "Allan, my son, who was in Tinsel's yesterday when 
 
 you got those jewels?" 
 
 "Why, several altogether, I don't know just who ; I 
 have the impression there might have been eight or 
 ten, I didn't recognize any one. Why do you ask? 
 
 "Well it troubles me about the thief ; they went so 
 mysteriously, and I thought, perhaps, you might help 
 us ; some clue, ever so small, would help us out. 
 
 "I wish I could, but I dcn't remember a soul that 
 was there ; never remember having seen one of them 
 before I was careful to avoid displaying the jewels 
 and so dealt purposely with the senior Tinsel. I told 
 him that you would report to him immediately, I hope 
 
 you did so?" , r. r 4.1, 
 
 "Yes yes, I drove around there after you left for the 
 house, ' said the old man as he continued his restless 
 walk up and down the room. 
 
 "Haven't you any clue yet?" asked Allan troubled 
 by his old friend's unusual excitement. 
 
 "Not a clue. Elinor says 'drop it.' She won t let 
 me continue the search." 
 
 ••Why, that's strange ; just so with my cousin s wife. 
 I thought Mrs. Van Tassel was the first to inform the 
 
 ^'°"She did Now she says she won't run him down ; 
 and I won't!" and as the old gentleman made the re- 
 markable statement he looked keenly and kindly into 
 the face of the young man. who saw what struck h.m 
 an.„b with astonishnunt. a tear slowly coursing down 
 his wrinkled check and his thin lips convulsively quiv 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 189 
 
 ering as lie walked to the other end of the office and 
 looked out of the window a few minutes upon the court 
 below. Returning presently, he had grown calm again, 
 and seating himself before Allan he asked in the same 
 kind tone: 
 
 "Allan, have you plenty of money?" 
 "Nearly all that you paid me yesterday," he answered 
 promptly, wondering what impelled the question. But 
 seeing that his old friend was evidently withholding 
 something, he said: "Is there something else I can 
 do for you?" 
 
 "No, I guess not," was the hesitating answer. But 
 as Allan rose to go Mr. Van Tassel took his hand and 
 said in an earnest voice from which every whit of its 
 customary ring had fled, leaving a subdued trcmulous- 
 ness that was as surprising as it was new to Allan : 
 
 "My son, if you ever need money come to me; don't 
 get it any where else, or I'll never forgive you, never. 
 Don't beg, borrow nor steal ; come to Mark Van Tassel ; 
 while he has a cent you shall have it," and he relin- 
 quished the hand that he had been giving little grips 
 by way of emphasis, and turned abruptly away to the 
 window again. Allan considered the interview was 
 over, and confused by the unusual display of emotion 
 in one who had never hinted a capability of it, he left 
 the ofTice like one in a dream. He was deeply affected 
 by the old gentleman's evident interest in him, and was 
 grateful for a friendship which he believed to be hon- 
 est and disinterested. It was not until he had allowed 
 an hour or so to clr.pse to steady his nerves and clear 
 his brain, could he become in the smallest degree ana- 
 lytical. The result was startling, to say the least, and 
 so horrible that he put the thought out of his mind as 
 unjust and unworthy his old friend's generous kind- 
 ness. If Mr. Van Tassel did suspect any one he oijglit 
 
 •' i< 
 
 ;i 
 
 p \\ 
 
I go 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 I I 
 
 to inform the police, make an arrest, and give him a 
 chance to clear himself. 
 
 So back he turned and walked into the office again. 
 
 Not finding Mr. Van Tassel in, and being informed 
 by the office boy that he had just gone home tired and 
 sick, Allan hurried to the Van Tassel residence, con- 
 scious only of the desire to stand clear before this man 
 whose friendship had suddenly grown so valuable to 
 
 him. 
 
 As he was shown into the parlor, he asked for Mr. 
 Van Tassel and was informed that the master had not 
 gotten home, too early in the day. 
 
 Allan was about to leave the house, when Mrs. Van 
 Tassel came gliding noiselessly down the stairway, and 
 motioning him back into the parlor, she seated herself 
 by his side on the sofa without even a word. He could 
 not understand the dumb show of mystery, and quietly 
 waited for her to speak. 
 
 "I wanted to see you, Allan, before you left, for now 
 there's no one here. I'm 'not at home' to-day to any 
 one else. They may think what they please, the geese! 
 I can't be at their beck and call all the time ; I'm tired 
 of the whole flock!" 
 
 "I called to see your husband," said Allan, thinking 
 most of his errand, "and the servant told me he hadn't 
 got home yet. But down at the office the boy told me 
 he left for home feeling tired and sick." 
 
 "Mark sick! Oh, no; he's only tired. He's up stairs 
 now, but the bell-boy don't know it. Like myself, 
 Mark's tired of talking about the robbery. Allan, isn't 
 it strange? Don't you think it strange the diamonds 
 sliould be stolen so quickly after I got them?" she 
 asked the question in a broken and flurried voice, anx- 
 iously and keenly looking into his face as though 
 seeking comfort in his answer. 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 191 
 
 iJ. 
 
 "Yes, it is strange, beyond question. It is of this 
 matter 1 want to see your husband. I don't know 
 what to say, or how to say it, but I'll risk a square 
 question in good English," and he smiled brightly, 
 looking her frankly in the eyes, to which she responded 
 by a smile so white, so anxious that it seemed but a 
 niockery, yet there was an eager, expectant look in her 
 
 face. 
 
 "Do you, or does your husband, have any idea who 
 
 is the thief?" He purposely emphasized the last word, 
 
 and saw her wince as though struck a heavy blow, 
 
 then she rallied and answered quickly : 
 
 "I don't have ideas; you must ask Mark about his," 
 
 and she laughed harshly. 
 
 "Well, I'll ask another question. Do you believe from 
 
 anything you have seen or heard hat /have anything 
 to do with the robbery?" He was not to be put off: 
 
 but bhe was ready for his question, and rising haughtily. 
 she said in a clear and incisive voice: 
 
 "Mr. Morton, I am not in the habit of receiving a 
 thief as my honored guest and friend." But she did 
 not meet his glance; instead, she continued in ? more 
 cheerful voice: "Now drop this tiresome, hateful sub- 
 ject, and never mention it to me again ! Hush! I won't 
 hear a word! remember, never unless I broach the sub- 
 ject. Stop, I command!" and thus she silenced him. 
 Then with a true woman's tact she tried to put him at 
 
 ease. 
 
 She led him to talk of his work among the helpless 
 of the great city; of his earlier youth, in short, of every- 
 thing that was of moment to him. And thus two hours 
 
 slipped by. 
 
 Allan was astonished and out of patience with him- 
 self at the fliglit of time. He had meant to make his 
 call extremely shot I, and had been seduced into a visit. 
 
 iMJ 
 
 iii!' 
 
i! \ 
 
 192 
 
 GOZn DUST 
 
 But in spite of the loss of time his spirits had risen 
 remarkably during those two hours in the Van Tassel 
 parlor. He came feeling fierce and rebellious : he left 
 the door brightly smiling back a good bye at his host- 
 ess, and as he turned to descend the steps Jason Wal- 
 ler passed by, and must have heard him respond in the 
 affirmative when Mrs. Van Tassel bade him come often 
 as he used to do. 
 
 After Allan had left, Mrs. Van Tassel quickly, and with 
 the step of a conqueror, ascended the stairs to her room 
 and without ceremony pounced upon her husband in 
 the most uncompromising way, saying : 
 
 "Mark Van Tassel, don't for heaven's sake make such 
 a goose of yoi^rself and me again as to do so much as 
 hint or look suspicious agai.ist tliat man! It's a crime 
 against good sense and decency, and honor, for there 
 is such a thing after all." 
 
 "Why, Elinor! what's the matter? What's the rum- 
 pus now? What d'ye mean? What man?" queried her 
 husband, startled almost out of his senses by her vehe- 
 mence. 
 
 "O, you needn't tell me! You've been as good as 
 suspecting Allan of stealing my diamonds. Allan! just to 
 think of it! Oh! of course, you didn't say so, in so 
 many words ; better not! But just let me hear a breath 
 and I'll make it hot for every one concerned! Pretty 
 friend you are! Calling him 'my son,' and telling him 
 to come to you for money, and—" 
 
 But her husband made no reply. So getting no con- 
 solation from his grim silence she bounced up spite- 
 fully, and in her wrath sent her chair spinning over 
 backward as she loftily sailed toward the door, saying 
 in her most cutting tones : 
 
 "Humph! I wonder if the county insane asylum has 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 193 
 
 given up all its inmates? I'll go over to Morton's and 
 see if they have any there." 
 
 She ran down the stairs and rang the bell fiercely 
 for the servant. 
 
 "Harness Zip to the phaeton, quickly! I'll drive." 
 
 A short time after, she stood at the door of Robert 
 Morton's home in bright eyed impatience. When the 
 door opened she was informed by the servant that Mrs. 
 Morton was not able to see company. Much incensed, 
 she re-entered her phaeton and drove hastily away, 
 muttering to herself "another lunatic." Wherever she 
 called that morning she was met by the usual "Oh-ings" 
 and "Ah ings" of polite society over her most serious 
 loss, "a few dollars worth of jewelry." Such remarks 
 as "I heard Mr. Morton carried the jewels to you" and 
 "Young men are so fast now days!" "Such a nice 
 young man!" "Yes, I quite liked him," etc., to all of 
 which "I'inor Van Tassel could only fume and fret in- 
 wardly, and in some cases give sharp, cutting answers, 
 that contained scathing rebukes. 
 
 Suddenly a bright idea seized her and she was dash- 
 ing in the direction of Tinsel's. She, no doubt, had a 
 very satisfactory interview with le senior Tinsel, for 
 when she drove away Napoleon Bonaparte might well 
 have hesitated before daring to risk an encounter, so 
 triumphant and so determined was the look on her face. 
 * * * * * * * 
 
 When Allan left Mrs. Van Tassel's door he was an- 
 noyed at the evil look with which Jason Waller con- 
 fronted him, and still more so, when a few steps further 
 on he passed the Morton carriage and received but a 
 cool bow from Laura, its only occupant. 
 
 Why he should be so unreasonably annoyed at these 
 
 two trilling circumstances he could not tell, but so it 
 
 was. However, as the smile iipon his lips and in his 
 13 
 
 ill i] 
 
194 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 l> .1 iV 
 
 II Ji; 
 
 eyes had not faded out entirely, let us hope with him 
 that Waller had not the power to utterly destroy his 
 happiness by an evil sneer; Allan would let that pass; 
 and, as to Laura, she was sad with good reason ; was 
 no doubt low-spirited. Of course, he must call there 
 before another day's end. 
 
 On his way down town, Allan met several former 
 friends who seemed unable to give him the necessary 
 time for the customary, cordial handshake, but instead 
 passed hastily by with a stiff "Good morning, sir," or 
 Good day,sir," that chilled the blood around his heart a 
 little, although he was not conscious of it at the time. 
 They' were a very busy people in Chicago, and it he was 
 going to stay in Chicago he must be busy too, else he 
 would be swept aside and off his feet. 
 
 So he contentedly hurried on, only half noticing the 
 brief and somewhat chary greetings, and in his uncon- 
 sciousness, admiring the bustling city for its business- 
 like activity that would not permit even friends to 
 waste their time in useless cordiality. So everywhere 
 he went the same look and manner greeted him. Drop- 
 ping in at a young men's reading-room, and meeting 
 some of those w i th whom he had had friendliest exchange 
 of courtesies, he was met by averted looks and pre-oc- 
 
 cupation. 
 
 Little groups were formed in various corners Wuo 
 talked in low voices, immediately changing tone and 
 look upon his appearance. 
 
 He then walked over to the station to see his trusty 
 
 friend Denan. 
 
 The unusually kind greeting of the policeman warmed 
 the young man's heart, and under its genial influence 
 he forgot much of the cold formality that had met him 
 in tlie other pi rices. 
 
 Grasping Denan's hand, he said; 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 195 
 
 "Glad to see a man this morning who isn't pressed 
 for time to answer a question, or give a fellow an 
 honest greeting." 
 
 "Chicago is on the rush to get to the top of tde heap," 
 was his friend's laughing answer. Then a few words 
 from Denan in a low voice brought the "boys" who were 
 at the farther end of the room, with cordial greetings. 
 Though Allan did not feel any special interest in the 
 others, yet for Denan he entertained a warm friendship. 
 
 "I think both Robert's wife and Mrs. Van Tassel are 
 doing wrong to give up the search," said Allan, as their 
 talk quickly drifted toward the subject of the robberies. 
 
 "They don't realize that this will bean inducement 
 to other crimes; and some other person will not be as 
 lenient, but will, in trying to save his property, forfeit 
 his life. I'd like to see the thieves captured." 
 
 "You want to see justice done, do you? So do I," 
 said Denan, promptly. "Women are too tender hearted. 
 Wakeup says he can spot the thief in the Morton case 
 any minute, and the robberies are so much alike that 
 to get one thief is to get the other. But Morton's 
 wife has bound her husband by a promise not to con- 
 tinue the search ; and Mrs. Van Tassel says she'll set 
 the dogs on the first officer or detective that meddles," 
 and the big policeman laughed in a hearty way that 
 infected Allan by its jollity. "Do you know if the two 
 women are friends?" asked Denan, suddenlj'. 
 
 "I don't think they are: that is, Mrs. Morton don't 
 seem to take to Mrs. Van Tassel, though there is noth- 
 ing marked in it, for she is not over cordial to any 
 one; is, in fact, rather reserved and cold to everyone, 
 and extremely so to me, at times. Mrs. Van Tassel, 
 however, only the other day declared her regard for 
 Mrs. Morton. But they are not intimate. Laura's 
 fault I'm sure. Why?" 
 
 ii" 
 
 iili 
 
 iil 
 
 illli] 
 
jpf'^^nW.'^^SiA' ii^wrr'''-^''^'^'^''''''^^''" 
 
 196 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "Why 1 asked is that it seemed as though they could 
 make it up between them to have nothing done to save 
 somebody they like. You know women do queer things, 
 sometniies, and Mrs. Van Tassel is rich and a mighty 
 independent woman." 
 
 "Yes, but money shomdn't save a thief, nor false 
 sentiment either," was Allan's answer. 
 
 Then they branched off on other subjects of interest. 
 
 "Did you hear the Walton girl has skipped?" asked 
 
 Denan. " . . 
 
 "No, she was there yesterday. I was sent there with 
 aid for her mother. I didn't see her, but I heard her 
 
 voice." , ., 1 ♦! 
 
 "Well, she's gone ; went last evening while her mother 
 
 was out." 
 
 "Have any idea where she is gone? asked Allan. 
 
 "O, it's commonly believed among the police force 
 that Waller's spirited her away. Afraid of his repu- 
 tation He needn't be scarf, there ain't enough of the 
 man's reputation to make it worth while for even Nell 
 Walton to make any ado about, except among a certain 
 class She's gone and I'll bet there'll be another blow- 
 out soon. He'll give another spread. Ye see, she threat- 
 ened him. Seems as if she 'got an idea from some 
 "white" folks that she might reform and live a better 
 life • guess your cousin's wife took her in hand, and so 
 Nell, poor thing, thought that Waller ought to keep his 
 promise and marry he: she says he promised long ago 
 to marry her and make a lady of her ; she says that was 
 when he was a 'Christian.' Of course, she's bound to 
 make him keep his word, she says it's the only chance 
 for her, or she'll make it hot for him. Ob! he s got 
 her fxway. Now about next Sunday you go around to 
 •our church.' and he'll be there in alibis glory, sancti- 
 monious ns a saiut. Hut his latest go is an nltrmpt to 
 
i^:,:-:>>mmm»»^mmmmii'-mmmmm^9M^m^^'-^ 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 197 
 
 1 1 11 
 
 get in with the laboring class. Don't know how true 
 it is, but I hear he's going to put your cousin up for 
 Congress, him and his clique." 
 
 "Impossible! Why, Robert hasn't the first idea of 
 American politics, and ought to have sense enough to 
 keep to h'- old business, money-making," answered 
 Allan, muL.. disgusted by the information. 
 
 Much that Dcnan had said to him he had but half 
 heard. He had noticed one remark, "guess your cous- 
 in's wife took her in hand," and he had been thinking 
 of the pure, strong soul of the woman who had gone so 
 soon from the grave of her child into that crime-dark- 
 ened home, and helped to rescue an erring sis'er. So 
 the policeman had talked on until his reference to Rob- 
 ert's running for Congress struck his attention and held 
 it. 
 
 "Well, you have it as cheap as 1 do. Maybe it's 
 only a story, but I was told by one of the boys at the 
 station yesterday, and one that's good authority, too. 
 Hoffman told me. " 
 
 "O, I don't believe it, Denan : it's only a scheme to 
 make money." 
 
 "Yes, to make money ; build up their fortiines out 
 of the rest," answered Denan, bitterly. "Waller is the 
 cutest rascal alive, and if the hnucst, hard-working 
 classes don't know him, they shall, if I have to publicly 
 denounce him." 
 
 "I'll back you with any evidence that has come to 
 my notice," said Allan. "I think 1 can bring him to 
 his senses in the Walton case. Her mother told me 
 more than I cared to hear. " 
 
 "Now I tell you, Morton, I'm y(nir friend, and I tell 
 you that you'd better let me fix that business: it's none 
 too clean and he's got a grudge against you and he'll 
 turn the tables, sure as preaching! Just you keep out 
 
 i 
 
■rv.lr.a. 
 
 198 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 of his clutches, or he'll ruin you. Mind! Don't say a 
 word oat loud unless I tell you. I'll let you know 
 when I want you. I want a chance at him : I'll make 
 him remember Tom Denan, then I'll die happy!' 
 
 "All right, just as you say," said Allan, wondering 
 at the strange, dark look that came over the frank face 
 of Denan whenever he spoke of Waller. "AH right, 
 but it must be done! Don't let him go too far: that is 
 all. There's going to be a big mass meeting down at 
 the hall to-night, shall you be there?" 
 
 "Can't to-night, but you go and keep me posted. 
 There's some mischief on foot. I've got another mat- 
 ter to-night. At six, must meet the boys at head- 
 quarters. I've only got sixty ^ minutes, just while 1 
 ought to be eating my supper." 
 "How do you get in?" 
 "Oh! I'm not Denan then, but a rabid anarchist, 
 
 "Risky, isn't it?" 
 
 "Yes, but some one's got to go. I want to. I ve 
 got a plan that's going to bring down our game, and I 
 must go myself for fear of losing some valuable point 
 by another's seeing and not giving a correct report. 
 But I tell you this much, that Illardo is bound to hang 
 vet Yes, just him," seeing Allan's look of surprise. 
 "He'd just as lief shoot a man as eat ; believes it s all 
 right for anarcliy's sake." 
 "How do you know this?" 
 
 "Why they had a meeting down at the Vcre.n and 
 their language was red enough to set Chicago on fur. 
 I reported promptly, but nothing seeais to awaken ho 
 people Why, they talked of blowing up some of tho 
 biggest places in the city, and swore vengeance against 
 some of the most prominent business mem. They alked 
 qJ bon,b- d-umite. pistols. Now that Illardo s not 
 
.■■^yjmfimm«m^^»mu^^^i^»^i^^M-^s^^'i^»? 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 199 
 
 ignorant; he's well educated and he's very smart, but a 
 dyed-in-the-wool anarchist, and he's led by Jason Wal- 
 ler." 
 
 "What! is Jason Waller an anarchist?" was Allan's 
 
 surprised inquiry. 
 
 "Oh ! no, Jason isn't anything in particular, but 
 eveything in general, for money. But he's got lUardo, 
 body and soul, and it's only in that way he can get him, 
 by helping or seeming to help anarchy. You mind 
 what I tell you, in less than a month Chicago will see 
 a sight to test the strongest nerves." 
 "What will it be, do you think?" 
 "God knows, and he don't tell us except by signs ; 
 them are pretty plain just now." 
 
 "You ought to keep the chief and mayor informed," 
 said Allan, impressed by Denan's words. 
 
 "1 do; but Mayor Harrison don't seem to wake up. 
 No one believes it half as bad as I know it to be; they 
 think I'm off. They'll see. But who will suffer? The 
 policemen who must protect these same men against 
 their own folly and stupidity, the police who must 
 protect the city when the storm breaks, if they die for 
 
 it." 
 
 "I hope it is not as bad as you fear," said Allan. 
 "Keep mc posted, Tom, and don't fail. I'll do the 
 same, I'll stand by you in the trouble, if it comes." 
 
 Then they clasped hands and separated. 
 
 Turning the first corner Allan saw Illartlo talking 
 with Li/ette. He was sure it was she; the same mo- 
 tion of hand and head, the familiar general look were 
 hei'^. Ho now bent his steps toward Robert's house, 
 believing that there might come a time when his serv- 
 ices would be acceptable, and he wmdd not make it 
 unnecessarily difficult for Laura, shoidd she need him, 
 by staying away too Iohl;. 
 
 It' ! 
 
 h 
 
200 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 He was soon waiting in the family parlor at Morton's 
 with some nneasiness. There was a stillness, a sombre 
 air abont the place that became oppressive. He had 
 been admitted by a strange girl, who went to inform 
 her mistress of his desire to see her. He was soon 
 relieved by the appearance of Lanra herself, but she 
 was so haggard and worn, that he conld only look 
 silently into her face that bore the traces of care and 
 sorrow. A tension abont the mouth, and an evasive, 
 haunted look cut him to the heart. 
 
 "Lanra, tell me what is the tronble, for 1 know some- 
 thing nnusual is worrying you. Yon are suffering." 
 Allan forgot his own small worries in his distress at 
 
 seeing her. 
 
 "Many things, Allan, since Dot left us," she said, 
 
 wearily. 
 
 "Tell me all about them," and giving her a chair lie 
 drew up another and seated himself before her. 
 
 "What has kept you away so long? That has wor- 
 ried me a little," she said, with a little quiver of her 
 
 lips. 
 
 "I have been very busy, and I tliought that yon did 
 
 not need me," he answered, quickly. 
 
 "I do need some one often," she answered, a trifle 
 bitterly. "It would be different if Robert were more 
 
 responsible." 
 
 "Robert! is he less responsible than formerly?" 
 
 Laura hesitated a moment before replying, then with 
 sudden eiu^rgy said, as she quickly rose to her feet: 
 
 "Come and see for yourself," and she led the way to 
 the library and there, lying across the table was his 
 cousin. On the table was an almost empty decanter 
 which Allan discovered had contained mixed wines. 
 
 "Wlio has been here with him?" he asked Laura. 
 
.»^.6^v*s«W«!S#»f,aW!W*«SSiM*^»**WKi!*«^ 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 201 
 
 "Jason Waller. Who else?" she answered with a 
 
 sneer. 
 
 "Does this thing happen very often?" 
 
 "Very often, indeed!" then she startled him by lock- 
 ing the door. Returning to his side, where as they 
 stood they could look directly upon the red, bloated 
 face of the sleeper, she said with the passion of des- 
 pair, pointing her finger toward her husband: 
 
 "This, this is what I sold myself for long ago! This 
 is what I took in exchange for hope, happiness, every- 
 thing! Am I not well punished for my perfidy? You 
 do not answer. Are you enjoying the exhibition of my 
 honors, the wife of a drunkard, and worse? I could 
 not forgive you that once, long ago, you took too much 
 wine, though he triumphantly told me after it was too 
 late that his hand mixed the drink. I must continue 
 to submit and endure while that man is steeped in 
 
 whisky!" 
 
 "Your eyes were dazzled by his money then. But 
 let us talk no more of these things. Let us forget them, " 
 he answered, kindly. 
 
 "Yes, yes, my eyes were filled with gold dust," she 
 answered, not heeding his closing remark. "But it drove 
 me wild then, that yoTi should fall to the level which 
 that man occupies both by habit and nature. I have 
 discoviMcd, to my sorrow, that he had not far to fall; 
 you would have traversed unparalleled distances in the 
 descent to have reached the depth of his degradation. 
 Oh. no, he had not far to fall!" 
 
 "What, is there more than this— intemperance?" 
 asked Allan, in surprise. 
 
 "More than this?" she re-iterated, vchcnuMiily, "this 
 is not half! Under the influence of whiskey a man 
 will commit any crime in the calendar." 
 
 i 
 
 I 'li 
 
 "I 
 
 :\h\ 
 
C-T''^'fr""'ffl*i''"^'"-' 
 
 202 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 II 
 
 i:r.ll!l 
 iiiii 
 
 "Come; let's go out of this; it isn't a fit place for 
 you," and he turned to leave the spot. 
 
 "I have to endure it. I had my choice, and choos- 
 ing that thing, must abide by my folly! Oh, I ought 
 to love, honor, and obey him!" and she laughed a hol- 
 low, mocking laugh that chilled the blood in her list- 
 ener's veins. 
 
 He believed her mind was giving way. 
 
 "Come out of this room, any way; the air is not fit 
 to breathe," said he, moving nearer the door. "Where 
 
 is the key?" 
 
 "O, I have it. I did not choose to let the servants 
 share' in my honors," she replied, with another harsh 
 
 laugh. 
 
 He did not answer, except to take the key from her 
 hand and unlock the door. Seeing that she was ex- 
 tremely pale he motioned her to precede him. Like 
 a little child she obeyed him, and they went to the 
 parlor. Fearing that she was really ill, he prevailed up- 
 on her to go to her room. 
 
 Upon inquiry he learned that Nettie had taken Una 
 upon a visit to Helen's, so he dispatched a servant 
 for Mrs. Bassett, after which he went for a doctor. 
 He was soon back and was met by the terrified girl 
 who had first admitted him to the house, and who now 
 told him that her mistress was dying. 
 
 Without hesitation he followed the girl and found 
 Laura lying in a semi-conscious state, from which she 
 partly roused when he spoke to her, and muttered in 
 her delirium, "I'm true, living or dead. He's drunk! 
 A v" mkard'svvife! My jewels gone! Who stole my 
 jewels? Allan? No, no! dead, dead, living or dead. 
 Gold! gold! that's what I got! Dot dead, no, Dot's 
 gleuping. I'll be tnu' living or dead!" 
 
 VVilira heavy dread in his heart, Allan listened to 
 
. ..m^0^^f^ii^M!imMMi>mm>l 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 203 
 
 her wanderings, as she tossed from side to side upon 
 her pillow, and was glad when Iier parents, followed 
 by the physician, entered the looni. 
 
 After making a few inquiries which Allan alone could 
 answer, the doctor hastily diagnosed the case, shaking 
 his head gravely over its complications, and hinting 
 at brain difficulty aggravated by a sudden shock. 
 
 Allan left the room reluctantly, promising to come 
 early the following morning to render any assistance 
 that might be acceptable. 
 
 As he stood by her bedside he again caught his 
 name and heard her mutter : "Steal? Never! no hope, 
 no happiness! Gold! Gold! They shall never know! 
 Allan a thief? Never!" 
 
 Her mutterings furnished a clew to the mystery of 
 her late conduct toward him. Her manner had been 
 cold, distant, and full of anxiety. The secret was out. 
 She had connected the loss of lier jewels with him. 
 Why had he not thought of that before? In her deli- 
 rium she had vowed to keep it a secret. In Ik r loyalty 
 she might not have hinted it to anyone rise; but now 
 when she could not control the wandering tongue, her 
 attendants must gain a knowledge of this, and share in 
 her suspicions, if indeed, they had not done so already, 
 and he would be under the suspicion of the whole 
 family, including Robert, his enemy. 
 
 He saw that Robert was sleeping heavily and would 
 continue to do so for hours, so t'^at he could be of no 
 help all that night nor the next day, perhaps. He 
 knew that 'his presence was necessary elsewhere that 
 evening, so he could not return until the following 
 
 day. 
 
 He lingered a short time in the parlor, loath to leave 
 the house until he again saw the physician, who told 
 him lliat Mrs. Morton was sleeping and would no doubt 
 
 . ! 
 
 
 ■' 1 
 
li J^i[^'iii5a.*a;Sa&iE>:« 
 
 204 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 be better in the morning. Greatly relieved Allan hur- 
 ried away. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 IN THE SLOUGH OF DESPOND 
 
 As Allan left the honse, he hnrried to his room and 
 found a letter marked "Important," from Denan, telling 
 him to call around as soon as possible. 
 
 A half hour after as he stood before his friend he 
 was surprised to see him evidently laboring under 
 great excitement. 
 
 "Well, Denan, what's up? I got your letter. 
 
 "Morton, I've got something to tell you; it cuts me 
 to the lieart to have to do it, but it had bettter come 
 from me than a stranger," answered the policeman, 
 grasping his hand warmly, and looking kindly into his 
 
 eyes. . , •. 
 
 "What is it, Tom? I guess I can bear it from you, 
 said Allan, in a re-assuring voice, though his heart gave 
 a thump that nearly took his breath. 
 
 "Well, it seems Waller, the scoundrel, has been slur- 
 ring you with regard to Mrs. Van Tassel's jewels and 
 Mrs Morton's also. He don't say anything definite, 
 iust hints and slurs, and it's gaining ground, too. Mor- 
 ton, I hate to tell you, but you'll have to hear it from 
 some one, and I want you to keep your wits --^ '0^;t 30u. 
 
 "You are sure that Waller is the one?" asked Allan, 
 
 ' Yes, he's the man." Denan was surprised at Allan's 
 
 coolness. 
 
 "When did you hear it first?" 
 
 "Yesterday. Ye see, in the case of the Van Tassel 
 
^k4^^is^i^l^:^m'»s*SMm'iwmi^p^^M*$M^ 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 205 
 
 jewels, you took them to her and she didn't let a soul 
 know she had 'cm beside you and her husband. Some- 
 how it's leaked out. We went to see old 'Van' and he 
 says it's all a lie, and he'll prosecute Waller. Mrs. Van 
 laughs, though she looks so mad, and says she's got a 
 "surprise for all hands and will serve it up at the ball 
 at Vessage's. " 
 
 "Does she hint what it is?" 
 
 "Not a hint; but she's cute. That ball comes off 
 
 next week. " 
 
 "Yes, I believe so. 1 don't keep much track of such 
 things now, though I used to like parties and dancing 
 well enough," answered Allan, moodily. 
 
 "Well, now I tell you, Morton, you'd beter keep in 
 with your friends, the Van Tassels. They're solid, 
 and a man can't tell how soon he may need friends." 
 
 "You talk strangely, Tom; what has occurred to make 
 you take such a gloomy view of life?" 
 
 "Oh! many things. That Waller and all his crowd 
 are getting solid with the very class that we'd like to 
 help, and they'll run against us some day. lie was 
 down at the hall yesterday, after I saw you, and he 
 harangued the boys upon keeping a brisk watch of the 
 reds. Yet, I know that he's in with them anarchists. 
 He's playing a double game, and through his men he 
 can carry it on a good while yet, in spite of us. He's 
 your worst enemy. " 
 
 "Denan, do you think that I stole tlie jewels? An- 
 swer me point-blank," asked Allan, suddenly facing him. 
 "No, 1 ''■ ^'t!" shouted his friend, "I never thought 
 SO." 
 
 "Then what shall I do?" 
 
 "Nothing, nothing at all, until some one else does 
 something. If there's nothing done—" something 
 choked Denan, and he coughed. 
 
 Il»l 
 
 J" 11 
 
 if 
 
2o6 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "No arrests mad^-, I suppose you mean," put in Allan, 
 
 ^"■Yes, no arrests made, time will prove. Meantime, 
 I'm going to work on the case myself, in spite of them 
 foolish women,- declared Denan, emphatically. 
 
 "Yes, foolish and no mistake! Their toolishness 
 gives me no chance to clear myself," replied Allan, bit- 
 terly. , 
 
 "Morton, tell me all about the affair as far as you 
 know it; I've never heard it yet," said the officer, as 
 though a bright idea had struck him. 
 
 It took him but a short time to go over each case as 
 far as he knew about them. His listener took notes 
 of the facts as fast as he related them, and at the con- 
 clusion, putting on a more cheerful look he said lightly: 
 "It's plain enough to me that Allan Morton isn't the 
 thief ; guess they'll have to look somewhere else, though 
 it won't create quite so much of a sensation," and he 
 laughed in a grim way, that had no pleasure in it. 
 
 "There's no doubt that some one is working against 
 me, though," responded Allan, "for wherever I go, every- 
 one lacks the cordiality that was manifest before." 
 
 "Well you just go on and don't mind. Ace as for- 
 merly, and we'll see if Jason Waller is going to run 
 everything in Chicago," and thefiercelooksof the police- 
 man's eyes convinced Allan that he would not want him 
 
 as an enemy. 
 
 "You remember, do not let on, no matter what you 
 see or hear. There is one against you, and it all de- 
 pends whether they find a weak spot in your coat; if 
 they do, vou are lost." 
 
 Then they parted to go, one to the east and one to 
 the west, so to say, for their missions lay as far apart 
 
 as 
 
 the rising and setting of the sun. 
 
!fesei««*^i«*is»^*-^se*^^#;^»<&*,«:»Wid«si^s*^ 
 
 as 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 207 
 
 All the first part of the night Laura continued to 
 talk incoherently, and her language furnished to her 
 attendants a clue to her recent mental disturbances. It 
 was fortunate for all concerned that only her nearest 
 friends were by her beaside. About midnight she be- 
 came quieter and sank into a disturbed sleep that lasted 
 several hours, from which she awoke clear, though very 
 
 weak and ill. 
 
 Of this Allan was told by the servant who had met 
 him, when he called the next morning. He was glad 
 to hear even so favorable a report of her case. He 
 lingered a short time in the parlor, hoping to get some- 
 thing definite concerning her, but as he could see none 
 of the family, he left and was hurrying down the steps 
 when Mr. Bassett came around the corner of the house 
 and said, briskly: 
 
 "Mr. Morton, will you come down to the barn? I 
 want to show you something in the way of horses." 
 
 "I can't this morning : am pressed for time ; another 
 day I'll be glad to," said Allan, wondering what new 
 whim possessed Mr. Bassett, who had never taken to 
 
 him kindly. 
 
 "I guess you can. This horse is an uncommonly 
 interesting critter, and you'd better come ; aiiother day 
 won't do," urged the old man, with a sagacious look 
 
 in his eyes. 
 
 Allan saw that there was a hidden meaning in his 
 request, and half smiling, he signified his willingness 
 
 to go with him. 
 
 "Now, Mr. Morton," said he, as he closed the barn 
 door and led the way to a distant corner and faced his 
 companion abruptly, "I just want to say a few words 
 to you without no circumlocution or round-about non- 
 sense. 1 f you know anything about whu oubles Laura 
 
 M, 
 
 'I 
 
 )1 
 

 ^.'■jif '~< . , 
 
 208 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 •■■X and 
 
 and don't do your share to hender it, yer an 
 out scoundrel, so you are!" 
 
 As the old man paused for an answer, Allan wnose 
 amazement began to" give way to anger, said in a voice 
 
 full of disgust : 
 
 "You don't imagine that I mean 10 take upon myselt 
 any blame for your daughter's illness, do you? Go 
 into the library and see the cause of the shame and 
 sorrow whi^'n your choice has brought upon her, and 
 which has worn her out." 
 
 "I know all 'bout Bob, the skunk. But where's them 
 jewels o' hern? who stole 'em?" 
 
 "You know as well as I do," answered Allan, sternly ; 
 "if that's all you have to tell me I'll go." 
 
 "What yer hangin' round these parts fer? Yer know 
 yer only makin' trouble," demanded the irate old man. 
 "You made the trouble years ago by selling your 
 daughter for money. She got the money, now she has 
 the man. And let me tell you that if you w^re not an 
 old man, I would settle v -. you or yom aisulting 
 
 language." 
 
 Both men were in a white heat by this time. 
 
 "What business is it o' yourn, Al Morton, who my 
 daughter married s'long as she didn't marry you? What 
 did yer follow her here fer?" 
 
 "• came here first by several weeks, and am free to 
 remain here as long as I see fit." __ 
 
 -Unless the constable lugs you o« to jail! roared 
 the old man, almost beside himself with rage. 'Ye 
 done 'nough mischief; ye've been the pest o' her life 
 so ye havc'nd you ain't got manliness 'nough to go on off 
 about your business and let her be. Shame on ye, ye 
 
 white livered cur!" 
 
 Allan saw his disadvantage, and Mr, Bassett's chance 
 to make a case against him. Stung to death at the 
 

 GOLD DUST 
 
 209 
 
 insulting abuse, he turned and without a word left the 
 barn, and hurried away from the stinging taunts of his 
 accuser's following voice. 
 
 He wa? now convinced that the whole family shared 
 in Laura's distrust, and now that she was better he 
 would stay away from the house. So with gloomy fore- 
 bodings he hurried away from the scenes of his humili- 
 ations. Again as on the day previous, wherever he 
 went he met the averted face, or brief nod and crisp 
 speech of former friends. 
 
 Convinced that matters were reaching a climax, he 
 concluded to call once more on his oil employer, but 
 upon doing so found to his disappointnent that he was 
 out of town and would be absent sever;! days. Wher- 
 ever he went he met coolness and distruFt. He decided 
 to give up trying to face the world as ai innocent man, 
 and to keep away from those who evidently lost faith 
 
 in him. 
 
 "One is always welcome at home," he muttered, bit- 
 terly as he entered his room a few mini "es later, and 
 looking about him thought how desolate a home it was, 
 compared to the one that his cousin had the power to 
 make a paradise instead of the prison it was. As he 
 advanced toward the centre of the room he saw a letter 
 lying upon the table. Hastily opening it he read as 
 follows : 
 
 "Mr, Morton: A^; n friend, I am v/riting you to help 
 you and save you tro e. If you want to avoid the 
 shame of being asked to resign your place in the 'Aides,' 
 withdraw upon some pretext at the next meeting. Ru- 
 mor has it that certain reports connected with missing 
 diamonds and the fair owners thereof are the reasons. " 
 (Signed) "A Friend. 
 
 Sick at heart Allan read and re-read the anonymous 
 epistle, and sitting alone in his cheerless room that he 
 H 
 
 !§*■ 
 
 I'lK 
 
 m 
 
 '■^^sf*; 
 
l^^&jj BB^MlM '^J^^ ^« ' W"^** '* ' 
 
 ,,„ GOLD DUST 
 
 had occupied but a few days, he thought with gloomy 
 foreboding of the chances against him. _ 
 
 That was perhaps the blackest hour of Allan s life, 
 and he had seen many, for he felt that public opinion 
 had branded him a thief without giving him chance to 
 clear himself, and he was powerless to act even m self- 
 
 defense. , . r 
 
 To leave the city he dared not; that would confirm 
 suspicion. No, he would remain and prepare to act 
 on the defensive should anything come of this growing 
 
 distrust. , . J 
 
 Allan had little ready money, for in his zeal to aid 
 others he had given up a good position in Mr. Van 
 Tassel's office as private secretary. He might become 
 re-instated, but perhaps the old gentleman had shared 
 in the public distrust ; and he hated the thought of 
 returning to his employer disheartened and penniless. 
 He had paid for the month and had yet three weeks to 
 stay. A small sum of money must keep him until he 
 could get work, for he must resign his place m the 
 "Aides" upon the next evening ; it might be a prema- 
 ture thing to do, but he was sick at heart and desper^ 
 
 A sleepless night left him haggard and care-worn, 
 yet filled with restlessness and anxiety to know liow 
 Laura was. and eager to read his fate in the faces of 
 his whilom friends, he started out. 
 
 The warm, bright sunlight cheered ami brightened 
 the earth and the fresh air revived his drooping spirits. 
 Almost the first person he met wa5. his cousin. He 
 would have passed him with a formal good-morning, but 
 Robert stopped him by saying in a domineering way: 
 
 "•Old hon! I want a word with you ; it miglit has well 
 be said now has any time." 
 
 "Very well; I'll listen," said Allan. 
 

 GOLD DUST 
 
 211 
 
 '4 
 
 "You went over to the 'ouse yesterday, hand made 
 yourself altogether too fresh about my affairs." 
 
 "You are mistaken, sir ; I'm not in the habit of taking 
 liberties of any kind ; neither do I permit them. Good 
 morning,sir," and Allan stepped away from his cousin's 
 side. 
 
 '"Old on, sir, you can't go until I give you a piece of 
 my mind!" putting himself in Allan's path in a menac- 
 ing attitude. "You're too halmighty fresh, and I want 
 you to stay away from my 'ouse, d'ye hear?" 
 
 "I hear, and now clear the way," and Allan's gleam- 
 ing eyes and set teeth convinced his cousin that his 
 blood was up, so he stepped aside. Yet the moment 
 Allan had passed he shouted after him : 
 
 "O, d— n you! I'll spoil your beauty for you. If 
 you wasn't my cousin I'd send you to jail!" The next 
 instant he lay sprawling in the dust. 
 
 Allan had passed on, but heard his last shout more 
 distinctly than the one to "spoil his beauty." He had 
 not hurried away from his tormentor; instead, had 
 walked leisurely enough, so as to be able to catch his 
 meaning. He was satisfied that Robert meant to brand 
 him a tliicf. Of what other crimes he accused him he 
 could not tell. So when the threat struck his car the 
 hot blood leaped to his brain, and with a bound he had 
 brought his clenched list under Robert's jaw and sent 
 him rolling in the dust, where he lay shouting the 
 most brutal threats and vilest epithets. Against his 
 cousin Allan felt the old enmity filling his heart as it 
 had done in former years. So great was his desire to 
 return and choke tiu; breath out of him that it was with 
 difluulty he continued his course. 
 
 To Allan it was now obvious that Robert had been 
 present dtiring Laura's delirium, and thus had goltm 
 ins impressions by licr disconnected revelations. Of 
 
 % 
 
 i'l 
 
 I 
 
 J'_„. 
 
T-J' '!#"■ i*'-^"S''-^-'*T"^* -' ■ 
 
 212 GOLD DUST 
 
 this he was certain, because in that way alone had her 
 father been influenced against him : the old man had 
 upon the evening of the examination of the servants by 
 the detective plainly suspected Lizette. Such indeed 
 was the case with Mr. Bassett ; such was not the case 
 
 with Robert. , 
 
 He had just come from a confidential talk with jason 
 Waller by whom he was furnished with "undeniuble 
 proofs of Allan's guilt. " After he had sworn solemnly 
 not to divulge the name of his informer he was advised 
 to "run him out of town," as the best means of secur- 
 ing freedom from further raids, and also of preserving 
 the unsullied lustre of his, Robert's, own good name. 
 Robert was further informed.quite confidentially,that 
 Allan was a frequent visitor at the rooms of Mrs. Wal- 
 ton who had a handsome, unprincipled daugnter. She 
 had recently disappeared, perhaps Allan could tell 
 
 where. .,-. i r 
 
 Robert was further made aware of the attitude of 
 certain clubs and societies toward Allan, and the dc serv- 
 cdly unpopular situation of the handsome young villain. 
 In great cnnfidence, and warming to his subject under 
 the stimuhiting efffcts of good port wine and the flat- 
 tering aciuiescense of his listener, Waller, as a friend, 
 talked of Robert's business and importance in the best 
 circles and of the immense responsibility he must feel 
 protecting himself from everything that might lead to 
 the destruction of that interest. He could see the 
 necessity of keeping a clear record in order to rise 
 creditably in public life. A clear family name was the 
 best pass port to good society. Chicago, in spite of 
 her rapid growth and western location, was a city 
 strongly marked by caste. Of course, Robert knew 
 what that meant to a man of his lofty aims and aspi- 
 vntions, abilities, and tastes. 
 
m 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 213 
 
 Small things were of the least possible importance 
 to him, Robert Morton, and so after a few more glasses 
 of wine, a few more doses of flattery skillfully admin- 
 istered, there followed a little business as a side issue, 
 during which Robert being very much inflated with 
 wine and egotism signed another paper that was cov- 
 ered with, to him, incomprehensible characters, but 
 which his faithful friend Jason Waller was sure would 
 bring him, Robert, money and honors. 
 
 Then to the satisfaction of Waller, who had no more 
 use for him, Robert left, strongly determined to see "Al, 
 and run 'im hout of town," a feat which he was destined 
 to undertake very speedily; we have seen how he suc- 
 ceeded that morning. 
 
 :li 
 
 ill 
 
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 TRUE FRIENDS 
 
 All the elite were out again in full feather upon the 
 night of the ball at Vessage's. Inside the spacious 
 mansion, bright lights, exquisite music, choice exotics, 
 rich furnishings, made a "setting" for the crowd of lav- 
 ishly dressed or undressed belles and tlnnr elaborately 
 suited or non suited escorts. 
 
 It was a Utile late when the \'iin Tassel carriage drove 
 up to the scene of mirth and revelry. But then Mrs. 
 Van Tassel never did hurry to a ball, and she did not 
 see fit to depart from her custom, just to appease the 
 appetite of Damo Ruim)r and her court. She knew they 
 would be there, every one of them, and she knew to a 
 jot how they would occupy much of tlieir time between 
 the dances, forming little clitpies to talk up the last 
 luscious bit of gossip, the loss of the Van Tuasel dia- 
 monds. 
 
 HI 
 
 1 
 
214 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 She had managed it about the invitation for Allan 
 Spiteful wretch, that Mrs. Vessage, to cut him without 
 an' invitation to her partyl But she had adroitly man 
 aged it all; and three days before, a card with a Ic te 
 of regrets that his name had been overlooked reached 
 AUan'who tossed it impatiently aside, and meant never 
 to acknowledge it either in person or by card. 
 
 But Mrs. Van Tassel had expected this, and pursued 
 him for four blocks that very day before the ball, and 
 when at last he paused long enough for her to over- 
 take him, she took him into her phaeton, and earned 
 him ofl home with her, upon the pretext of wanting 
 his help in planning a surprise for Mark. 
 
 Once home, in her own parlor, she unceremoniously 
 demanded the cause of his long ^^^^'.""^^^ 
 days ; of his lean, white appearance and his plans for 
 
 ''Iflan "ould not evade the strong-willed woman who 
 so ruthlessly trampled upon his reserve. With a rue 
 woman's tact she ordered a generous lunch spread in 
 her private parlor, declaring that sh. was as hungry as 
 a wo'lf- and denying herself to callers, the two had a 
 long, uninterrupted talk. Over a tlurd cup of co«ee 
 All 1 unburdened his heavy heart toh.s generous fnend 
 who more Hum once dashed the tears from gleam ng 
 " es. and with her clinciied list made the pretty d.shes 
 on the luncl> table dance in her fierce vehemence, 
 when he told her of Waller's connection with his trou- 
 
 ^'^••h's the most diabolical ph-t that ever Satan invent- 
 cd'" she hissed between her teeth as he concluded h.a 
 story. "Now there's one tiling for you to do, and she 
 patised, "you must go^ to-that-ball." 
 
 "Impossible!" he answered. 
 
 "You must go, and with us, Mark and me. 
 
liiMimMMiMMKMiMMiM 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 215 
 
 "No, no, Mrs. Van Tassel ; I've no right to humiliate 
 you, and you will be sorry if you take Allan Morton, 
 the suspected diamond thief, to the Vessage ball." 
 
 "Fiddlesticks! Allan, don't make this thing unnec- 
 essarily hard. Help me to help yourself. Do as I 
 want and the way is all clear. I'm a few years older 
 than you, and Mark is many. Mark Van Tassel is my 
 husband; what he bays is right and proper, even you 
 can't question it. We shall call for you. Mark isn't 
 feeling very well, I believe he's pining for his secre- 
 tary ; it was a downright cruelty for you to leave him. 
 But if he isn't able to go, I'll send for my brother in 
 Milwaukee. We'll call for you, at what hour?" 
 
 "Not until late, if I mus'^ go; I must be at another 
 place until ten at least." 
 
 "Important?" she asked, eyeing him keenly. 
 
 "Yes, very; it could not be more so," he answered, 
 
 gravely. 
 
 She wondered at the importance of an engagement, 
 *o a man who was out of business, almost friendless 
 and cast down to the depths of despair. But she did 
 not seek to solve the mystery by questions. In con- 
 clusion, after waiting to see if he would explain why 
 so important his next evening's engagement, she asked, 
 
 briskly : 
 
 "Where shall I find you?" 
 
 "Where?" he echoed, dubiously. 
 
 "Allan, come here; then I'll be sure of you." 
 
 "Will nothing convince you that it is a rash charity 
 to take me with you?" 
 
 "Nonsense! don't you see I'll get a good partner for 
 one good whirl; otherwise, I'll have to waltz with sticks 
 and poodles. O, I'm nothing, if not politic," and she 
 laughed triumphantly. 
 
 Shortly afterward AHh" took las luave. That same 
 
 i|\| 
 
 ■j I 
 
 n 
 
 
 fi 
 
2l6 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 evening a note was sent to him requesting him to call 
 on Mark Van Tassel, at his office. The following 
 morning at an early hour he presented himself at the 
 familiar door and was soon standing before his old em- 
 ployer. He was surprised to see him looking worn 
 and ill, and upon inquiry regarding his health, the old 
 man with a wistful smile strangely in contrast with his 
 former brisk cheerfulness, extended his hand eagerly, 
 
 saying: 
 
 *T guess you'll have to take pity on me and come 
 back; everything is at sixes and sevens." 
 
 After a long consultation it was decided that Allan 
 should resume work the day after but one. 
 
 "And Elinor wants you to go with us to Vessage's 
 jamboree," said Van Tassel, as Allan rose to go. 
 
 "I might as well tell you that it will be impossible." 
 
 "Why, what's the matter? Nell will be terribly put 
 out," exclaimed his employer, much disturbed. 
 
 "I see I've got to give my reason. I promised Mrs. 
 Walton to see that her rent was paid until she got able 
 to work. She's not able yet to do much. Her rent 
 fell due last Monday, and her present landlord isn't 
 much better than Waller was. Not being able to re- 
 deem my word, for I've severed my connection with 
 the Aides, I did the next best thing, pawned my dress- 
 suit. She's safe another month, and I don't care enough 
 about parties to regret the act." 
 
 You young dog! Won't Nell rave when I tell her 
 this?" exclaimed his listener, between little gulps and 
 chuckles, "you promised to come to me for money." 
 
 "Don't tell Mrs. Van Tassel, women don't under- 
 stand, the best of them don't. She will think I'm a 
 fool, no doubt, for doing it." 
 
 ISo doubl. I don t uiaaic n-i mucfi 
 
 tell her. She'o such a merciless quiz that I'd have to- 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 217 
 
 He like a pirate to get rid of her. Now look here, 
 you take this, and get your duds and go with us. D ye 
 
 ^'•^Itter wait until I earn it," answered Allan, repell- 
 ing the offer of a month's salary in advance 
 
 '•Take an old man's advice and go to that ball. 
 Elinor knows best and she wants you to go." 
 
 "I'd rather not," maintained Allan, but seeing that 
 his refusal brought disappointment he took the money 
 and with a lighter step left the office. 
 
 ******* 
 Thus it was that Elinor Van Tassel appealed among 
 the brilliant throng at Vessage's in all the glory of a 
 splendid dress and regal personality. The royal robe 
 of old gold velvet trailed after her, as she swept the 
 spacious parlors. A new and exquisite fan that she car- 
 ried in her hand attracted attention, and led the 
 wandering eye to fasten quickly upon the sparkling 
 bracelet i^pon her right arm, which the short, tight- 
 laced elbow sleeve exposed. . ^ ^ a .„,i 
 
 She had entered the room between her husband and 
 Allan, never so haughty, never so regal and vmcom- 
 promising. She had declared to them both that they 
 n u t o with her if they walked over bot plough shares 
 When she swept down into the parlor of he^ele^gant 
 home, in her -perfectly gorgeous dress." and he d up 
 her white arm. to Allan's astonishment decorated with 
 the diamond bracelet, she silenced liis inquiry by a 
 brief, "They that hide can always find. 
 
 tt so in Mrs. Vessage's parlor she freely flirted her 
 fan, displaying her much talked-of diamonds to the 
 astonished crowd, who after the first shock hastened to 
 
 do her homage. , 
 
 ■•Wl>erc did you find it?" "How glad we are lor 
 youl" "Did the detective get it back?" etc., were some 
 
 i!l ill 
 
 

 mm^^ 
 
 218 
 
 GOZn DUST 
 
 of the characteristic remarks which she did not hear, 
 or adroitly parried with laugh and jest, or scathing 
 sarcasm, half concealed under brilliant badinage. 
 
 With a smile of proud triumph she beheld Allan re- 
 instated in the good opinion of Chicago's society devo- 
 tees, and as the music struck up, with a look of her 
 flashing eyes she had the satisfaction of seeing him 
 bow himself away from their midst to offer her his arm. 
 "How they will hate me?" she exclaimed, exultantly, 
 as they whirled away to the strains of a popular waltz. 
 When the music ceased with a loud blare, they halted 
 before a group which contained Jason Waller and his 
 prot^g^e, Leon lUardo. 
 
 It had been a mystery to many how the latter had 
 gained entrde into the most select circles; but Elinor 
 Van Tassel knew that for some reason the man was 
 useful to Waller, and thus, through his influence, the 
 handsome Italian was seen in some of the most exclus- 
 ive houses. 
 
 Mrs. Van Tassel had not recogni/.ed Waller the last 
 time she had met him ; but with the assured tyranny 
 of an acknowledged leader she concluded to be gracious 
 to-night, and so beckoned him to her side. 
 
 "Congratulate me," she said, with her most winning 
 smile, "I've found my bracelet." 
 
 "Congratulate you? it has cost you dear to find it. 
 Say, rather congrattilate the thief upon his cunning. I 
 wonder what was his modus operandi to so successfully 
 elude justice. Ferliaps he appeared to the generous 
 Mrs. Van Tassel," and with a cruel sneer, Vv^aller glanced 
 toward Allan at the other side of the room. 
 
 "Perhaps no one can explain the modus operandi 
 better than Jason Waller himself," and as she fired 
 back this shot, licr black eyes flashed a defiant accu- 
 sation that for a moment compelled silence. 
 
m^^mmmvm^wsmxmm^mmm 
 
 ipnnp! 
 
 B5«i*%»sfe 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 219 
 
 "My friends must look to their filthy lucre, if I am 
 a robber bold," laughed Waller, scornfully. "But inti- 
 mate friends have a better opportunity of purloining 
 one's wealth and jewels, than a stranger can ever find." 
 
 They had moved away and stood a little apart from 
 the rest of the dancers. She wheeled now and con • 
 fronted him. 
 
 "Speak out, Jason Waller, say what vile things are 
 in your mind," demanded Mrs. Van Tassel, with fury 
 gleaming from her eyes. 
 
 "Elinor Van Tassel, you can shield your handsome 
 thief! I know where and when you got that bracelet! 
 It is a very good imitation of the first," and he smiled 
 in malignant triumph that roused her to fury. 
 
 "Indeed! how do you happen to know so much of my 
 affairs? I should suppose you would find your time 
 fully employed in looking after the prospects of Nell 
 
 Walton." 
 
 "Observation helps me; we can all see with our eyes 
 open," he answered, with the same mocking smile, and 
 totally ignoring her last attack. 
 
 "Ah! Does his Satanic Majesty make his chief ex- 
 ecutive omnipresent?" 
 
 "Ha, ha! he laughed, derisively ; "I saw you when you 
 ordered the bracelet upon your arm. Are you con- 
 vinced now?" again smiling maliciously. 
 
 "No doubt you saw who stole the other," she hissed. 
 "Perhaps Mr. Allan Morton can account for them," 
 he replied, with a vicious sneer. 
 
 "Coward!" she exclaimed under her breath, "you are 
 scheming to ruin an innocent man, but I'll spend every 
 cent I own to bring you to justice!" 
 
 "You may not be able to spend a large sum. Allan 
 Morton ought to be very grateful for the devotion of 
 so distinguished a lady!" and with a meuainy smile, 
 
 m 
 
 ■is -"I 
 
 II 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 .- 1 
 
 '^H 
 
 1" 
 
 
 (•, 
 
 
 i? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ,1 
 
 1 
 
 'Bl 
 
 l!fl 
 
220 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 ightilyand moved away 3"st 
 
 as 
 
 Allan 
 
 Van Tassel went to her --;'«' X', trst ene.y 
 by the tormenting ''^°"g' ^*^.\, ' „ „ttet all? Wal- 
 knew too much. Had she helped Allan alter 
 
 ler was rich and innuent.al. ^ ^.^^^ 
 
 ••And. Mark, wha d,d he meanP ^^,^^ ^^ 
 
 not be able to spend a lart. sum in 
 
 justice." You'd better avoid 
 
 ■■Oh! he's trying to sca^you^ You ^ ^^^.^^.^ 
 
 Waller: he's -. '^yP°"f't' ^eep quiet and this thing 
 trouble with him. Let AUan keep q ^^^^^ ^^ 
 
 will all blow over soon. The «°"« „ 
 
 him as usual, and Waller's fj-; ^^ .^tnnections 
 ••Mark, I wish you'd sever all bus.n^-.s ^^ 
 
 with Waller. 1 hate mm, though I m 
 
 "^r. going to get c- -■- ;- -rrZ":^-'': 
 reidy"c::crs-::^rhr:eUt, but wisely said no 
 
 niore about it. . ^^ ^ select 
 
 upon the following day -"^ !"; °'^ ' .„„3e in- 
 
 few tor another banquet at Wf " ='/"';?i^,^ .„e new 
 
 vited were the Van Tassels and Allan W ^^^^ 
 
 3eheme was ^^ ^^^^^^^it banquet; 
 invitations. Another J'""" j,,,,, ,^^, to be a 
 
 a dinner to a few intimate f";'"^^; ^^^ ^■^^ „,,e in- 
 ,„iet affair and to which Rob^t nd h s w. ^ ^^^^ 
 
 ;;ited. In fact, with the "'d " >^^«/ <;;^ ,„ ^^ ,„y 
 
 , Httle perfumed -— l] " ;f„": \ ',3. Morton'= re- 
 
 ._. „p(i onif^t in consideration oi ^xr-iipr 
 
 select anu i^i--- , ,i ci-mnatlietic vvuiier 
 
 cent affliction. «">'« -t^J" ^^ t now he was 
 could become when he chose, anu j 
 

 
 ! 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 221 
 
 repulsively so. Laura tore the note into fragments, 
 and threw them into the fire. 
 
 Robert had accepted the invitation without consult- 
 incr his wife, and when the hour came he defiantly set 
 ^ff\lone, not caring evidently, whether she went or 
 ttiot He was welcomed with effusion by his host, and 
 plied with wine and flattery, and later, with brain mud- 
 dled and speech uncertain, he was sent to h- dishon- 
 ored home and shame-sick wife. Just now the Mor- 
 ton name was not an illustrious one Alan was yet 
 under a cloud, in spite of his friends, the Van Tassel 
 and Robert was rapidly sinking deeper and deeper into 
 the pit which he had once dug for his unwary cousm. 
 Allan resumed work in Mr. Van Tassel's office the 
 morning after the Vessage ball. He knew that it was 
 the best thing to do for the present, though it was wUh 
 the understanding that at any time he comd resigm 
 Discrust at his failure to make anything of his life, and 
 tired of Chicago, he determined to go back again into 
 the army ; there, at least, he would not intrude upon his 
 only relative and would jeopardize no one's good name. 
 '•Chicago will make an out law of me if I stay here 
 much longer," he said, as he was talking over the sub- 
 ject with his employer. "I'm half that now. I find 
 myself in strong antagonism to the nice distinctions 
 that forbid a man retaliating for a deadly injury If a 
 man destroys my good name, the best of me, I want 
 to destroy his life, the most valuable possession such 
 a fiend can have, and I've a right to. In the army 
 there's some redress for wrongs; I'm going back : I m 
 not fit for this sort of thing. It grinds to be the butt 
 of another's malice." 
 
 Thus he had declared that morning when he resumed 
 work. He was stung to death by the insults and accu- 
 nations of Mr. Bassett; enraged at Robert's brutal way 
 
 ih 
 
 ill 
 
 II il 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 of denying him his house ; revengeful, but not reckless 
 at Waller's malicious attempts to blacken his charac- 
 ter ■ but, above all, wounded and hurt by the gulf that 
 was growing deeper and broader each day between 
 him and his cousin's wife. Why should she deny him 
 friendly recognition, without giving him a chance to 
 prove himself an honest man? He seldom met her, 
 but when he did, she never more than bowed distantly. 
 She was colder and prouder than ever, and seemed to 
 have withdrawn herself from all social intercourse. 
 Rumor said that she was becoming a devout church- 
 woman. Yes, Mrs. Van Tassel was right; Waller's 
 sneers and inuendoes, after all, were not so danger- 
 ous as Laura's cold, averted face and unfriendly eyes. 
 But the days had passed by and Allan had continued 
 to remain in Van Tassel's office. He had found plenty 
 to do, for close investigation had brought to lightsome 
 glaring discrepancies in certain transactions in which 
 Waller and Donovan, as well as several others, had fig- 
 ured conspicuously. 
 
 At first Mr. Van Tassel declared that Allan must 
 be mistaken. But with the assistance of an expert who 
 better than any other could uncover the intricate 
 machinery of a ring, they soon convinced their em- 
 ployer that he was on the brink of disaster. 
 
 In the meantime Robert was becoming more and 
 more infatuated with Waller and his clique. His hours 
 were no longer so closely devoted to schemes for money- 
 making. He preferred the convivial companionship 
 of such as himself, men who loved cards and wine. 
 Beside this he was a frequent visitor at certain gam- 
 bling saloons, known only to a "certain class." The 
 old time affection for his family had been, to all ap- 
 pearances smothered out of existence, for now he sel- 
 dom paid them the least attention, frequently spend- 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 223 
 
 mmffif'^'WP 
 
 
 ing day and night away from home. When, as occa- 
 sionally was the case, he came home sober, or remained 
 home to recover after some unusual debauch, upon 
 coming to himself, his manner was that of one labor- 
 ing under some great burden of anxiety, and evidently 
 harassed and depressed ; he again flew to his only 
 solace, the wine cup. 
 
 Laura knew that disaster must overtake them at some 
 future time, though in what hideous shape the mon- 
 ster would present himself, or how soon, she could not 
 be certain. 
 
 Determined to be in a measure ready for it she com- 
 menced cutting down expenses by discharging her gov- 
 erness and the girl who for a few days had taken the 
 place of Lizette, who had disappeared under annoying 
 circumstances. 
 
 The girl had desired to return to Canada, being very 
 homesick. Later, her mistress had seen her talking on 
 a street corner with Leon lUardo. But as servants had 
 to be paid, and Robert was no longer liberal in his 
 housekeeping allowances, Laura concluded it was all 
 just as well. The orders that had been given so pom- 
 pously at the beginning of their residence in Chicago 
 had not been countermanded by him, and so all orders 
 at butchers and grocers were promptly filled ; but much 
 of the former lavishness had disappeared. Robert did 
 not notice the change, or, if he did, apparently did not 
 
 care. 
 
 But it was all the result of a conference that Laura 
 had with her father. He did not believe in their lav- 
 ish way of living ; his own simple habits required no 
 splendidly furnished house, no elegant carriage, fine 
 horses, liveried coachman ; no sumptuously spread table 
 presided over by a richly dressed mistress, attended by 
 
 i 
 
224 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 a liveried butler whose wages alone would have paid 
 the expenses of his own simple home. 
 
 Robert did not talk of retrenchment in his sober 
 moments; when his tongue was unloosed, he yet boasted 
 royally of "big deals," stunning sales, and ventures 
 which "only such cute men as me and Waller dare 
 monkey with." 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 WALLER nESTROVS THE PROOFS 
 
 April, the month of smiles and tears, had come and 
 gone. Allan had found plenty with which to occupy 
 liis time in the office of Mr. Van Tassel. 
 
 Investigation had brought to light some glaring 
 schemes of Waller & Co., to swindle Mark Van Tassel ; 
 schemes that in some cases had failed, in others had 
 been proven against them on this the last day of April. 
 Allan seldom met Laura, but in the lapses of tmie 
 between each chance brief meeting there grew to be 
 Ipss of that glittering iciness in her look and manner, 
 though she simply bowed and moved her lips, as 
 though whispering his name to herself. F.ut there was 
 a pathetic look in her eyes that would have won any 
 other to her; Allan was a soldier; he would die in lus 
 cause, but he would not falter. 
 
 The kindness of his employer, and the strong, 
 womanly encouragement of Mrs. Van Tassel that was 
 shown more in action than word, had served asastim- 
 ulous to contend against all the opposing forces of 
 popular opiniou, though he was gla<l when the currents 
 changed, bringing back to him the friends whom he 
 
 valued. 
 
 He had been asked at thcif last meeting to resume 
 
M jj B ji 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 225 
 
 his place with the Aides. He declined, however, as 
 he desired to work alone, and resolved to be hampered 
 by the restrictions of no society or club. 
 
 He occasionally saw his cousin coming out or going 
 into a saloon, and almost always in the company of 
 Waller or some of his friends. He noticed, too, that 
 if Waller was one of his companions, the saloon out 
 of which they came was of the lowest order, and while 
 Robert evidently had been drinking, Waller had always 
 abstained, or had the appearance of abstinence. 
 
 One afternoon Allan obtained leave for a half day 
 from the olTice. He met Denau a little later and as 
 the later had a few moments to spare, they paused upon 
 a street corner to talk. Allan asked him the news of 
 the strikers. 
 
 "Ah, the strike's a big thing and will probably lead 
 to something worse. Ten days ago the Arbeitcr Zeitung 
 advocated assassination. They say it's humane and just 
 to shoot and burn. Things are approaching a crisis. 
 They're arming and drilling to oppose the police and 
 blow up some of the biggest business houses with dyna- 
 mite. But we arc ready for them at a minute's notice. 
 They're threatening to make trouble for the non union 
 men, too. Things are getting serious. All the traders 
 are going on a strike to-morrow, and the end will soon 
 come. The trouble has been brewing so long, that it 
 will call out police, and state militia, too, I'm thinkin', 
 
 to quell it." 
 
 "Do you really think there will be blood shed, Tom?" 
 asked Allan, anxiously watching his friend's restless 
 
 eyes. 
 
 "As sure as you're standin' there. I'm going to do 
 my duty ; that means to shoot if I nujst, and us they 
 are arming for the same purpose, there's going to bu 
 
 blood shed." 
 »5 
 
226 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "And if you are there, Tom?" and Allan laid his 
 hand on the burly Irishman's shoulder, in friendly pro- 
 test at the prospective engagement in which he might 
 
 be involved. 
 
 "I shall be there, by St. Patrick! no one ever saw lorn 
 Dcnau shirk a duty yet!" was the quick reply. 
 
 "I wish I could be with you. Why can't I get on 
 the force as special police?" 
 
 "All right, we shall need special police, so the chief 
 says. I'll tell him and we'll give you a chance : be on 
 
 hand early." 
 
 "I'll be there," quickly replied Allan, who saw some- 
 thing akin to a soldier's life in the coming days. 
 
 Just then a messenger came scurrying up with orders 
 for Denan to report to his chief at once. 
 
 In silence they clasped each other's hands an instant, 
 and looked keenly into each other's eyes. 
 
 "Ye'll be there, Morton." 
 
 "I'll be there, Tom," and the next instant the ofTicer 
 was rushing away to obey orders. After watching the 
 tall form of his friend pass out of sight, Allan turned, 
 and with a feeling of reluctance left the spot. 
 
 Wherever he went that day, he heard men talking 
 togotlier excitedly in groups: some were evidently of 
 the law-abiding citizens who anxiously discussed the 
 serious outlook of affairs; others were friends of the 
 strikers, who conversed in lower voices with heads bent 
 close together, now and then darting fiery glances at 
 a passing policeman, or hissing venomous threats if 
 perchance a handsome carriage filled with well dressed 
 ladies and gentlemen dashed down the strwet. 
 
 About that time, passing over to an opposite corner, 
 Allan saw his cousin coming toward him. He was, as 
 usual, accompanied by Waller and a stranger. Ho 
 knew that it would bo worse than useless to speak to 
 
'MM^iis^'- 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 227 
 
 Robert upon the subject which he had discussed with 
 the Van Tassels, so watched them till they passed by 
 the group of strikers. He saw the men follow Morton 
 and his companions with threatening glances and angry 
 
 nods. 
 
 Reports had come to him frequently of their discon- 
 tent, of which Waller and his friends were the cause. 
 As Allan watched to see the result of the angry demon- 
 strations, one of their number came over to where he 
 stood, and ouching his hat respectfully, said in broken 
 
 English : 
 
 "Mister Morton, I likes to spheaks mit you. You 
 be pesser to gits your cousin oud of dem gompanies. 
 1 tells you drue. Sometimes, putty quick, right away 
 he gits troubles for goming to some blace vot is not 
 his jiizness, Heigh !" 
 
 "Where does he go?" askeu Allan, wondering what 
 induced the man to come to him, a stranger. 
 
 "Blcnty blaces; he lies like all dem gapitalists!" 
 answered the man, fiercely. 
 
 "I don't know what I can do to prevent it, my good 
 friend. He won't listen to me; I wish he would." 
 
 "Veil, I tells you drue; so sure he stays not away 
 dem union meetings, he gits ter tyful, now putty quick, 
 right away 1" and the flashing eyes and brandishing fists 
 emphasized his threats. 
 
 "Why don't you tell liim? He is the one to talk to," 
 then seeing the rest of the group crossing to where they 
 stood, he said, "I have no control over him ; 1 wish 1 
 could have; but my cousin is his own master." 
 
 The men were all strangers, yet tliey seemed to know 
 him by name, and saluted him with respect. 
 
 "My men, what is the matter?" he asked, as the old 
 dutchman subsided, and a tall, thin, dark-eved man 
 Stepped toward Allan as t^pokesman 
 
 t\ 
 
228 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "I will tell you, Mr. Morton; your cousin is in with 
 our enemies; Waller and his crowd are a pack of liars 
 and thieves. Robert Morton is with them. When 
 one lies, the rest swear to it. Jason Waller's days are 
 numbered; his friends had better save themselves." 
 Then the speaker turned and walked quietly away, fol- 
 lowed by his companions, who, after crossing back to 
 the opposite corner, scattered in all directions just as 
 a couple of policemen were seen coming up the street. 
 They always kept out of the way of the police, when 
 their numbers were small. 
 
 There had been but few moments of time consumed in 
 the above conversation between the strikers and Allan; 
 indeed he had not been given time to answer the last 
 speaker, so quietly did the men leave the spot. Allan 
 felt that the man's angry words were a message sent to 
 him by some one who meant himself no harm. He 
 believed the laboring classes were all his friends, so 
 he had no fear for his own personal safety; but for his 
 cousin the storm was gathering. 
 
 In a short time he presented himself at Robert s 
 office door, but was informed that he had just gone out. 
 He then directed his steps toward Robert's home, but 
 when within a half-do/en rods of it, he suddenly 
 wheeled about and walked quickly in another direction 
 with the words of his cousin upon tlie occasion of their 
 last meeting ringing in his cars. He would not intrude 
 upon them yet; he would , rst be sure of a welcome 
 Turning a corner he suddenly cnme fare to face with 
 Mr. Bassctt, who taken unawares, exclaimed ; 
 
 "Land o' Cioshon! Where you goin' to.Mr. Morton?" 
 
 "Nowhere in particular , that is, I was going some 
 
 where, but I've changed my mind," answered Allan 
 
 wlth.out seeming to notice 
 
 the friendly look in the old 
 
 man's eyes as he hurried by hi 
 
 im. 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 229 
 
 "Well, if you got any doubts 'bout it you'd better 
 turn back'n make sure," his late antagonist called after 
 
 him. 
 
 "I've no doubts; I'm sure enough," answered Allan. 
 
 "Sure of what?" 
 
 "Sure that I'm not wanted in Robert's house, and will 
 go where I am," and so saying, Allan walked quickly 
 
 away. 
 
 As though possessed of the demon of unrest, A. .an, 
 walked rapidly in the direction of the McCormick fac- 
 tory. He had not been there since the strike, and the 
 men were daily becoming more vehement in their threats 
 of vengeance. 
 
 Arriving there he found groups of strikers gathered 
 in earnest conversation. Stepping up to some of the 
 more vociferous, he listened and gathered the trend of 
 their talk; extermination to capitalists and the police 
 force seemed the burden of their threats; eiglit hours 
 work, or advanced wages was the burden of their de- 
 mands. While as the result of the teachings of anar- 
 chists, they demanded that the wealth of the million- 
 aires should be divided among them. 
 
 Having some knowledge of the present state of affairs, 
 he joined in their conversation and was soon able to 
 gain and hold their attention. He then endeavored to 
 persuade them to peaceable measures, urging them to 
 remember their families, and avoid anything like vio- 
 lence, which must only re-act upon themselves and 
 might bring them none of the desired results. He 
 placed himself in the ranks of bread-winners, but as 
 one who would not make the innocent suffer for the 
 transgressions of the guilty. Thus by persuasion he 
 induced many to go home and wait the adjustment of 
 their claims. 
 
 As he left the place he learned that the reported gen- 
 
 II 
 
 I' 
 
230 GOLD DUST 
 
 eral strike was surely to take place the next day He 
 also learned that there was to be a big meeting at Nett s 
 hall that evening, and determined to be there if possi- 
 
 ^^ I't was now six o'clock and he hurried back to his 
 restaurant for supper, after which he started in the 
 direction of the hall, where even at that early hour 
 crowds were already assembled. 
 
 Keeping in the line of the crowd that was pouring 
 into the hall, he passed in through the open door, and 
 slipping into a corner, he was able to see and hear al 
 that might be said from the speakers' stand, without 
 bein- discovered. The most prominent speaker was 
 one already made notorious by anarchy. He was 
 haranguing the crowd of enraged and excited peop e, 
 which was largely composed of the most illiterate Poles 
 
 and Bohemians. 
 
 Threats of dynamite and fire were freely made, cries 
 of revenge were mingled with the names of prominent 
 capitalists. Waller was execrated as a thief and traitor, 
 who had gained possession of their money by false 
 promises. Cries of "Down with Waller and h.s accom- 
 plice, Bob Morton!" struck Allan as confirming the 
 assertions made to him by the men upon the street that 
 
 ^\x^i at that time a voice, shrill, defiant, and harsh 
 cut the air nnd rose high above all other sounds, "Death 
 to Waller, the scoundrel and destroyer!" and Allan 
 recognized the voice of Nell Walton, but could not see 
 her for the angry crowd, which seemed maddened by 
 
 the girl's words. . 
 
 Then there followed instructions by the principal 
 speaker to make bombs, and arm themselves with guns, 
 pistols and knives ready tor the police on the foUowmiJ 
 day when t)ic general strike should occur, 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 231 
 
 As the mob was becoming more and more excited, 
 Allan quietly and with great caution made his way 
 toward the door, and with tact and presence of mind 
 gained the street without being discovered. 
 
 Determining to warn his cousin at all hazards upon 
 the following day, he hurried away from the scenes of 
 contention, and was soon in his room. 
 
 Upon the following morning of May ist, occurred 
 the greatest strike in the annals of Chicago, and the 
 immense number of idle men, and the extent of the 
 dissatisfaction, furnished excellent opportunity for in- 
 culcating dangerous doctrine. The anarchist leaders 
 saw their chance and improved it. 
 
 Again Allan got leave of absence from the office for 
 the day, and went out upon the streets to gather re- 
 ports and as early as possible to see Robert to warn 
 
 him of his danger. 
 
 The news-boys were rushing about the streets, pro- 
 claiming, "All about the strike!" to the thousands o 
 eager, excited pedestrians, and a walk down one of 
 the principal thoroughfares showed clearly the temper 
 and condition of the public mind. 
 
 All business was suspended. Strangers exchanged 
 bits of news, and under breath asked each other if they 
 hadn't better make a hasty exit from the turbulent city. 
 Gentlemen who had never before met certain other 
 gentlemen, and upon any consideration would not have 
 spoken without the formality of an introduction, now 
 talked excitedly and with unfeigned interest to each 
 other, while their wives and daughters were in their 
 rooms packing up. Groups of men gathered at the 
 corners ; crowds assembled at the lake front. 
 
 Going down town as usual, and not being able to 
 find Waller in the office, Robert had returned home 
 remaining there all the rest of the day, cio.ely iockcU 
 
232 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 within his library. He was trying to get a little light 
 upon the events of the past few days, as well as iipoii 
 a letter that he held in his hand. He is clear enough 
 to see that the writer knows what he writes. Robert 
 thinks he knows the chirography. The fact is, Allan 
 had written the letter, but dared not sign his own name 
 for fear that Robert's aversion to him would destroy 
 the influence of the warning it contained. So the 
 writing was familiar, he had seen it somewhere long 
 ago. The letter warned him to avoid all possible col- 
 lision with the strikers. Threats are freely made to 
 take his life, implicating him with Waller & Co., in 
 defrauding them out of large sums of money ; Robert 
 probably knows what is meant. No accusation comes 
 from the writer, only a warning for the sake of his 
 family to keep clear-headed, be more cautious and re- 
 main sober. 
 
 Robert had remained shut up in his library, reading 
 over and over the letter and papers, hopeful that the 
 storm would pass and leave him untouched. 
 
 While Robert is in durance vile, none the less un- 
 pleasant because self-imposed, let us peep into No 256 
 and sec how Waller & Co. take the strike. 
 
 The company is not present ; Waller is alone. He 
 is at present engaged in assorting papers, some of which 
 he places in an envelope before him, the rest he des 
 troys, after glancing up to see that the blinds are 
 closely shut. A step is heard outside, and quick as 
 lightning, with the gliding step of a panther he springs 
 the noiseless bolt into its place, noiselessly returning 
 to his scat, and before the steps die away in the cor- 
 ridor he is again busy among the letters and papers on 
 
 his desk. 
 
 Having completed this ta^k hn looks through the 
 things in the table drawer, keeping some small articles, 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 233 
 
 and burning the remaining ones. Of all the papers, 
 letters and documents that his office contained, only a 
 small package held in a four-by-ten envelope was per- 
 mitted to escape the flames. With a smile of fiendish 
 glee he watched one after another of the various papers 
 reduced to ashes, and when with the poker he had 
 made sure of their complete destruction, he rose and 
 going to the secretary locked it securely, putting the 
 
 kev in his pocket. 
 
 Now the secretary was completely empty, having 
 been rifled to furnish food for the fire just kindled 
 upon the hearth ; but locking it gave it the appearance 
 of being used ; and appearances had been some of the 
 principal agents employed in building up the external 
 man, Jason Waller. 
 
 Presently the low, soft mew, like the cry of a kitten, 
 struck his ear, and turning down the light, he softly 
 slides back the bar, unlocks the door, and confronts 
 Samuel Donovan with whom he descends the stairs. 
 
 Meantime, like a tiger couchant, anarchy lies ready 
 to spring ; like a tiger licking her chops, her red tongue 
 lolling; her fiery eyes rolling; her white, cruel teeth 
 flittering fiercely in the faces of her victims; her voice 
 low and snarling. Upon whom will the blood-thirsty, 
 monster fasten her sharp, cruel fang.. Whose tender, 
 quivering flesh shall writhe under the agonies of her 
 merciless claws? 
 
 Let history tell all that it may; it has not told the 
 
 half. ... 
 
 But while the hungry beast, anarchy, is waiting to 
 
 spring, on the night of that eventful y^ of May, in 
 
 the office of the Arbeiter Zeitung, a tall, muscular, 
 
 cruel-faced man is rapidly dashing off the circulars 
 
 that begin, "Revenge! Workingmen, to Arms!" and 
 
 closed with, "To Arms, we call you to Armsl' 
 
 ^ 
 
 i ,; 
 
 ( 
 
234 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 CHAPTER XXI 
 
 GOLD i>usr 
 
 The great city listened with bated breath, resting 
 as slie must on the strong hearts, and muscles of steel, 
 of her brave faithful police, who continued to pace 
 their respective beats, waiting the call of duty. 
 
 That night, while the city held her breath, while 
 the police waited the command, while the stars shone 
 in the heavens serenely, and the zeph.yrs swept an 
 anthem across the white tipped waves of Lake Michi- 
 gan, in the office of the Arbeiter Zeitung the tall, mus- 
 cular, cruel-faced man sits gloating over the effect of 
 the circulars that began: "Revenge! Workingmen, 
 to Arms!" and closed with: "To Arms, we call you 
 
 to Arms !" 
 
 That same night, while the blood-thirsty leaders of 
 anarchy were glorying over their hold upon the sub- 
 servient masses of human putrescence dumped upon 
 America's shores from another land, viewing with fiend- 
 ish satisfaction the prevailing discontent, hearing the 
 responsive shouts of "Revenge! death to the capitalists 
 and their miniens, the police!" issuing from lips that 
 might be to-morrow writhing in self imposed death- 
 agonies. 
 
 While all things wait, Leon Illardo is traversing the 
 streets, keen-eyed, alert, vigilant, intense, with mind 
 concentrated upon one thought, one aim, to find Jason 
 Waller whose treachery he had but that day discov 
 ered. To find him and bring him before the crowd of 
 revengeful anarchists for pimishment. 
 
 While the handsome Illardo is prowling about the 
 
 home of the Mortons, the master 
 
 haunts of Waller, in 
 
 the h 
 
 was sn 
 
 feh' and snugly locked within the library. 
 
GOLD DVST 
 
 235 
 
 He had told Laura to keep the doors locked ; to 
 admit no one upon any i)retext whatever, "for fear ot 
 the anarchists, who she could see by the papers were 
 going to kill all the big men in the city," and he for 
 the first time drew her attention to several columns in 
 a leading daily paper devoted to the anarchists. He 
 told her, too, with a ludicrous mingling of fear and 
 self-importance, that it was the penalty he must pay for 
 being inlluential and among the upper crust, but that 
 she must carry her head as became the wife of one of 
 the big men, and not admit any one ) that was the way 
 they did it ; just keep the doors locked. So things 
 continued all that 3rd day of the strike and until the 
 afternoon of the 4th of that memorable May. Filled 
 with anxiety, Laura had obeyed his commands until 
 that afternoon Allan had called, and being denied ad- 
 mittance had left a note which the mystified servant 
 delivered to her mistress, while the writer remained 
 waiting outside. 
 
 Remembering her husband's antipathy to his cousin, 
 she hesitated about giving the note to him, but at length 
 concluded to risk all and do so, though fearful of the 
 consequences of a meeting. So she opened his door 
 just in time to see him in the act of hiding a flask of 
 liquor in his table drawer ; she said nothing, but g-'vc 
 him the note. Robert read it and tearing it into frag- 
 ments, fiercely swore to "shoot the hound," but wisely 
 refrained from putting his threat into action, though 
 he freely brandished a loaded revolver which he took 
 from a table drawer. As he seemed too much under 
 the influence of liquor to venture out of the room Laura 
 returned to the hall, and going to the outside door was 
 surprised to find Allan still waiting admittance. 
 
 Beckoning him to follow, she softly lead the way to 
 the parlor. She seemed very nervous and excited, and 
 
236 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 believing that she was in trouble, he waited for her to 
 speak. She was very much agitated, though evidently 
 struggling for composure, and as she stood before him 
 with hands locking convulsively, with her a familiar 
 sign of suffering, he pitied her even more, his heart 
 softening toward her instantly. 
 
 "You want to see me, Laura?" he asked, going around 
 to the other side of the table across which he still 
 looked kindly at her, as though she were a small, fright- 
 ened child. "Are you in trouble, Laura?" 
 
 "What does it all mean, Allan? the threats at Robert, 
 and the trouble that seems to be brooding over us?" 
 she asked, with confidence in the man before her that 
 seemed born of past experience. That her agitation 
 was the result of some desperate strait, Allan did not 
 doubt. "Is there trouble ahead?" she continued. 
 
 "Yes, there is trouble : but I think Robert can avoid 
 it by keeping clear of Waller and his clique. He's 
 been identified with them in business, and, of course, 
 whatever they've done that's not honest and square in 
 dealing with others, must be borne by him as well, 
 I've heard thrc^ats against them all. Waller and Robert 
 in particular, and though I know myself to be an un- 
 welcome visitor here, yet for your and your family's 
 sake I thought it my duty to warn him ; you know the 
 result ; he won't see me." 
 
 "Allen!" she exclaimed, passionately, "I am not un- 
 grateful. You don't know all ; I can't tell you ; I'm 
 his wife ; I must endure and keep silent. But I do 
 acknowledge your kindly intentions, believe me or not, 
 
 1 A t " 
 
 "I certainly came with the best intentions toward all ; 
 I'll go with the same purpose if I'm permitted," he 
 answered, grimly. 
 
 "You had an errand, Allan, what is it?" 
 
,-:»ifir&-v— -^ -;- 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 237 
 
 "I don't want to frighten you, Laura, but Robert is 
 in bad odor among the working-classes, from his inti- 
 macy with Waller, and there's no telling what may 
 happen. It was to warn him to stay away from Wal- 
 ler that I came. You should have company other than 
 him," pointing with ill-concealed contempt at the 
 library, "You must not be alone." 
 
 "I'll depend upon any advice you will offer," she 
 said, eagerly, with a look of childlike trust in her eyes. 
 "Then get your father to stay here to night ; it will 
 be better for you; he can be near you. As I go I'll 
 tell Do watchman at the next corner to give special 
 itention to this house, and if you need him send your 
 father for him without delay," then Allan turned to go, 
 saying as he paused by the hall door: "Remember, if I 
 can be of any use let me know; otherwise, I'll not 
 come; you know the barriers, Laura," then gravely 
 bowing himself out he left the house. 
 
 Early that morning the Revenge circulars had stirred 
 the waiting city into desperate activity, and additional 
 men were put upon the police force, who with energy 
 and zeal kept the mob well under control, in spite of fre- 
 quent attempts to break out. 
 
 A mass meeting was proclaimed to be held at Hay- 
 market that evening, to which all friends of anarchy 
 were invited and urged to attend. 
 
 The morning papers had informed Robert of this, 
 and believing that the attention of the crowd he so 
 feared would be called to that point of interest, he 
 summoned courage to venture out with the intention of 
 visiting his office, to secure certain letters and papers 
 of importance. This office had been the joint posses- 
 sion of himself and Waller, and each kept a key for his 
 own exclusive use. 
 
 Through the lonely streets Robert Morton walked, 
 
 t \ 
 
238 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 filled with torturing fear. But he was determined to 
 get to the office and save his papers and then, leaving 
 Laura with her parents, he would start for Toronto on 
 the night train. Quietly he traversed the lonely streets, 
 keeping well in the shade, until he got down to where 
 the presence of a "blue coat" upon each corner gave him 
 a feeling of security. 
 
 Arriving at his office he finds everything dark and 
 silent. Something about the place, perhaps his hav- 
 ing been absent for two or three days, makes it look 
 strangely unlike the one he had been used to. Some- 
 thing, perhaps the silence, perhaps the shadows in the 
 four corners seemed to suggest an untenanted tomb, or 
 charnel house. He proceeds to open the drawers of 
 his private secretary, but he finds them unlocked and 
 empty! Not a scrap of paper; not a document that 
 should prove him the possessor of thousands upon 
 thousands Waller had promised him. All gone! stolenl 
 By whom? Who could be benefited by the theft? No 
 one but Waller himself. In an instant it all flashes 
 through his brain; his mind is clearer than it had been 
 for weeks, for he had drunk nothing that evening, and 
 now he takes in the whole situation, and he sees that 
 the dreams of the past few months, the ambitions, the 
 hopes, are not yet realized, nor can they be without 
 those papers to prove his interest in ccrt'-n valuable 
 deals known only to himself and Waller. 
 
 Half mad with rage and disappointment he flics from 
 one desk to another, frantically scattering the books 
 about, and is startled into terror by the echoes. In 
 vain his search! not a thing could be found! Every- 
 thing has been taken by one who knew their value. 
 No one could know as well as Waller. But perhaps 
 lie liad token them to his oflice for safe keeping until 
 he, Robert, should claim them! So hastily locking 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 239 
 
 the door he starts to Waller's office which is but a short 
 distance away. Arriving there he is confronted by 
 silence. Producing a key that had but two counter- 
 parts, one of which Waller and Donovan each earned, 
 Robert soon stands within the silent room. He is as 
 well acquainted with this room as his own, and grop- 
 ing about he finds a lamp, and soon has a light. Us 
 feeble rays help him explore desk and drawers Bu 
 to no purpose! The secretary is locked, but lifting it 
 proved it to be empty, or nearly so. . , , 
 
 Without hesitation he stepped to a cupboard and 
 producing a can-opener known only to Waller and him- 
 self, he proceeds to "harry" the lock, which, after a halt 
 hour's work, at last gives way and reveals an emptiness 
 within that tells to the miserable man that all his life 
 has been greedy for gold, the whole villainous story of 
 
 fraud and betrayal. , , • r • 1.. 
 
 Stunned for a moment by the evidences of his friend s 
 treachery, he stands glaring helplessly at those glaring 
 witnesses, the empty drawers before him. Ihe night 
 is cool, instinctively he turns toward the hearth for 
 warmth, and his eyes are attracted by an unusually 
 large heap of cinders upon the hearthstone. He knows 
 paper ashes when he sees them, and he knows that 
 within those paper ashes upon the hearth, lay his 
 
 hopes and fortunes. 
 
 Still he remains staring helplessly, stupidly, insanely 
 about the room ; at the dim light of the small lamp ; 
 and upon the ash-covered hearth. He makes no sound, 
 neither moves hand or foot, just stands silently staring 
 about him at the desolation and wreck that has lelt 
 such hopeless emptiness in their wake. 
 
 II. reuses himself enough to feel tlu.t lu must get 
 out and down the stairs, and start homeward, or to the 
 house in which ha lives, to-night he has no home, no 
 
240 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 gold, nothing! He is a beggar! Laura is a beggar, 
 too! Less than a year ago he was considered well off. 
 That was in Toronto. Oh! to get back to Toronto 
 again! But useless are the regrets that stir his heavy 
 chest with deep drawn sighs; vain the mists that gather 
 in liis eyes at the recollection of his Toronto home. 
 The reality is before him; he is a beggar! 
 
 At last he reaches the house which but the Novem- 
 ber before he had regarded with such pride, and shuffl- 
 ing up the steps and into the door he once more gains 
 the library. 
 
 He is glad to sink into his accustomed seat, where 
 overcome by a feeling of extreme weariness, he sits 
 like a half animated lump of flesh, with but one thought 
 racking his heavy brain, as his eyes take in the costly 
 furnishings of the room; He is a beggar, his idolized 
 money is gone! 
 
 Slowly his brain clears, and there unfolds to him the 
 infamous plot by which he has been induced to sign 
 papers, which, for auglit he knows, may jeopardize his 
 life and liberty; upon promises that he should be 
 the successful candidate for Congress upon the coming 
 election, what a fool he has been to believe such stuff. 
 He had become the tool of those two men and their 
 allies, upon Waller's advice he had sunk his own money, 
 and more, in lavish expenditures to maintain an im- 
 pressive style of living. Unih^r Waller's influence he 
 had sunk himself into a brute which evcvi his boon 
 companions have forsaken, and from wliich his long- 
 siifforing wife slirinks in disgust and aversion. The mills 
 have been grinding slowly all these years, but they 
 have ground him into degradation and poverty. Ah! 
 that thought frightens him, the future witliout money, 
 
 without gold! 
 It is late, past 
 
 ten o'clock ; Robert wonders if the serv- 
 
it 
 
 111 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 241 
 
 ants and all have left. Have Lhey seen the prospective 
 change? Where is Laura? Has she gone back to her 
 parents? Have they all deserted him? 
 
 Fifteen minutes past ten, and yet he sits thinking of 
 the past few days and weeks, months and years as one 
 period of time stretched on to another. What a farce 
 life has become! How can he face the world when 
 investigations will reveal his dealings with Waller? 
 How hold up his head when the public sneers at him 
 and calls him a beggar? No, better to end it all at 
 oncet A sure aim, a steady hand will bring him peace 
 or forgetfulness. at least. Now he must have a drink 
 to steady his nerves, so he takes the flask that is >'et 
 half full, out of the table drawer and drams it to the 
 dregs, and soon feels stronger for the last act of us 
 life In haste he writes a short, pitiful letter to his 
 wife, accusing himself, not another, of the deed he 
 should commit. There is only one thing more to do 
 He deliberately takes the pistol from the drawer, and 
 examines it closely, with a desperate look upon his 
 ashy face, muttering to himself, "Anything but a beg- 
 
 car 
 
 Still Robert sits thinking, with that loaded revolver 
 in his hand, thinking of the past. Again that vast ac- 
 cusing panorama of his life rises up before him, and 
 he realizes that the curse of the world has been his 
 curse, his downfall, gold! gold! gold! and all his dreams 
 have faded, his hopes have fled, his castles have crum- 
 bled into dust! and one long convulsive sob more like 
 a heart bursting with grief, than a soul taking its 
 night; one short, gasping, quivering sigh as of a disap- 
 pointed life cutting in twain its iceble thread, and the 
 man's head falls forward upon his chest, while the 
 revolver remains in his hand yet fully loaded. 
 
 »9 
 
:f .' V^ ■ 
 
 242 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 
 AT THE HAYMARKET 
 
 _ After Allan left that afternoon, Laura remained stand • 
 mg in deep thought for some time. She was perplexed 
 by the complication of distressing circumstances, op- 
 pressed by the evident danger which she but half under- 
 stood, and saddened by the feeling of desolation that 
 took possession of her, as soon as the hall door closed 
 after him. With a great effort she roused herself from 
 her revery and stepping to the library door discovered 
 Robert fast asleep upon the sofa, and as she stepped 
 to his side and gazed down upon the bloated face of 
 the unconscious man, she felt her heart stirred by 
 unusual pity for him, for she knew that he had been 
 influenced by Waller, and through him was no doubt 
 in danger. 
 
 Stifling whatever repugnance she felt toward one so 
 utterly overcome by the coarser strains in his nature 
 she went back to the sitting-room and sat for a time' 
 forming plans for the future. Failing to arrive at any' 
 thing definite, she concluded to prepare for something 
 indefinite, for the something that was sure to happen 
 Accordingly she went about packing her trunks with 
 clothes an<l jewels, and collecting whatever she felt 
 she could claim in the fare of everything. This she did 
 more to kill time and restore her nerves, than from any 
 apparent immediate necessity. If the frouble blow 
 over she could unpack again ; all she wanted, in any 
 event, was the few things she had brought from Toronto 
 Having completed this task she descended to the 
 parlor. Everything was so still that she proceeded to 
 the kitchen, but only to find it untenanted; evidently 
 ,^hn servuiiis l..,(l gone out. bomethiug impelled Laura 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 243 
 
 to go to the girl's room ; she wanted to be sure that 
 some one remained in the house, in case of need. But 
 to her surprise everything belonging to Nora had been 
 taken out of the room. Laura had that morning paid 
 her, and she had gone without a moment's notice. All 
 this seemed strange, unaccountable. Was her leave- 
 taking in any way connected with the trouble among 
 the strikers? What would happen next? She was 
 alone in the great house with no one but Robert, and 
 he might need her protection instead of protecting her. 
 It was now late in the evening, Laura felt that she 
 must keep busy, why, she did not know ; she must 
 prepare for something. So she went to her room and 
 exchanged her house dress for a plain, dark street 
 suit. A cloak and hat to correspond she brought down 
 into tlie parlor with her. Now she wanted that revolver 
 Robert had, she would get it : he was no doubt sleep- 
 ing so heavily that she would not awaken him and she 
 knew just where to find it. 
 
 Going to the library she was astonished to find it 
 vacant. Robert was gone. 
 
 Forgetting her errand in her surprise, she hastily 
 retraced her steps to the parlor, donned her hat and 
 cloak, and leaving the house was soon at the nearest 
 corner, where she told the watchman of her trouble and 
 asked him to send some one for her husband's cousin. 
 "Is it Allan Morton you'd be wantin'?" 
 "Yes, he can find my husband sooner than any one 
 else," she answered, trembling in spite of her efforts to 
 
 appear calm. 
 
 "Ye'll hardly find him in his room at this time: hell 
 be with the police, as has gone to capture thim reds 
 to.noight. He towld me brother Tom that he would 
 j^^. ^..,.j._ c.;,.j.,, g„' |„.'!l be on hand to help the b'yp, 
 
 bad luck to them » Js?" 
 
 \ I 
 
 ^^0tfmf^^^ 
 
I 1' 
 
 344 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 "Do you mean the anarchists, they who are making 
 the trouble?" 
 
 "The same, mum. An' it's plenty of chance he'll have 
 to help to-noight, for there's trouble down at the 
 Haymarket'n there's small doubt but some wan av thim 
 spalpeens will git shot : maybe, too, some av our b'ys. 
 Maybe the lad himself will git in the muss." 
 
 "Will he be in danger?" she asked. 
 
 "If there's danger he'll be in the front av it. It's 
 loike a yoimg lion he is, an' not a bit afraid av an an- 
 archist or the whole mess ov thim. The boss knew the 
 man when he put him on to help thim to night. 
 
 "Do you think my husband is there?" she asked. 
 
 "He'd be in the way, mum, it his head's not jist 
 stiddy," replied the policeman, half smiling down upon 
 the white-faced woman, who put the childish question. 
 "You go back and I'll kape my eyes on the house. 
 You'd better kape indoors to-noight : it be sorry times, 
 and unsafe for ladies on the streets so late. I'll walk 
 to the corner wid ye." 
 
 At the corner they met another officer who informed 
 them tliat he had seen Robert Morton going down town 
 less than an hour before. 
 
 Laura felt easier about Robert, who, she believed 
 would soon return home, but as she thought of Allan's 
 danger at the hands of an infuriated mob, she forgot 
 everything but him, to find him, to stand between him 
 and danger. 
 
 She knew in which part of the city lay the scene of 
 the strife. Impelled by the devotion that had been 
 repressed and slumbering so many years, she rushed 
 away in that direction, forgetting everything but the 
 terrible fate awaiting Allan. With the policeman's 
 words ringing in her cars, she thought not f^f thr hour, 
 
■MMMMt 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 245 
 
 Time and place faded from her mind. Allan was in 
 
 danger. 
 
 On she rushed, horror lending her wings ; desperation 
 giving her strength ; devotion malting her totally ob- 
 livious of the madness of the act. What an intermina- 
 ble road! will it never end? Will she be too late? 
 On she rushes, pausing a moment now and then to get 
 breath. At last she finds herself near the scene and 
 she sees others hurrying in the same direction. 
 
 Now she sees crowds rushing toward the scene, and 
 she tries with her small strength to keep pace with 
 them ; but one after another passes her in the cruel 
 race. She hears hoarse voices as of men yelling and 
 cheering. Staggering on in desperation, she arrives at 
 last near the scene, just in time to see a small army of 
 policemen marching down Desplaines Street, in pursuit 
 of the maddest, wildest looking mob of men that her 
 eyes ever beheld. 
 
 She retreats into the shadow of a corner where she 
 can watch for Allan among the number. Panting for 
 breath, half dead from her long run, she can with diffi- 
 culty stand, but no one notices her, so wild and excited 
 is the crowd that runs hither and thither, screaming 
 and shouting. Bricks and stones were hurled at the 
 blue-coats ; curses and threats fill the air. She watches, 
 closely scanning every policeman, and in fact every 
 one who seems to be in pursuit of the offenders. She 
 is in despair. What if ho is killed! Even now he may 
 
 be dead! 
 
 She totters towanl a lamp post, fully unconscious 
 
 of her danger from flying missiles, when over yonder 
 
 among those policemen she at last sees a familiar form. 
 
 It is Allan. Ho is at the front now, the watchman was 
 
 ri-'lit A!!:\n was no coward! He is plainly seen. His 
 
 tall form, and bare, blonde head, furnish an attractive 
 
 fm^k*m0.^9 
 
 wwHw*******?**'"'***'**''' 
 
246 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 M 
 
 target for the stones and bricks, some of which graze 
 him! 
 
 One desperate, fiendish female, rendered devilish by 
 drink, and the excitement of the occasion, takes aim 
 at him, but is restrained by another, and the stone is 
 aimed at another, an officer : 
 
 The next instant with a shudder Laura sees the man 
 fall : the stone has not missed its mark, though the 
 man struggles again to his feet. There are men stand- 
 ing in a wagon, talking wildly, near to which Allan 
 stands, when suddenly a rushing, roaring, shrieking 
 sound rises high above the din, as a ball of fire shoots 
 through the air from an opposite corner and falls in 
 the midst of the policemen. A terrible scene ensues; 
 but above even the appalling screams of that merciless 
 bomb, and cries and groans of the wounded, the mad 
 yells of the frenzied mob, and the shrill neigh of tiie 
 terrified horses, rises a cry so full of horror and fear, 
 that the bare-headed man wrestling in the clutches of 
 those demons who have closed about his friend, an 
 officer, hears and blanches at the sound. In another 
 minute, she is in their midst, struggling with that mob 
 of wild beasts, who are dragging Allan under the wheels 
 of a wagon, and out of her sight. Fiercely she strug- 
 gles, frantically she implores, and with her small hands 
 wrestles and pulls, strains and tugs to get their victim 
 wlio is evidently unconscious, out of their clutches. 
 Some one, attracted by her desperate energy, helps her, 
 then, another, and at last they got him up between 
 them and bear him out of that seething mob, carrying 
 liim a little to one side. 
 
 Blood is streaming from a wound in his head; she 
 tries with, her tender hands to stop the red river tl'.at 
 trickles down over her fingers. Then the crowd surges 
 against them : the police arc driving the mob before 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 247 
 
 pistol shot and club, and Laura hears the groans and 
 cries of the poor, tortured, wounded victims of anarchy 
 all about her. The crowd surges in between her and 
 the place where Allan lay a few minutes before, carry- 
 ing her back with the force of the resistless ocean, and 
 when it moves away, he is gone : she can not see where, 
 for patrol wagons are bearing away the dead and 
 wounded. 
 
 Desperately she seeks to discover some trace of him, 
 she is told that the wounded will be taken to the hos~ 
 pital, the killed to the morgue to await identification. 
 Sick with disappointment, Laura feels that she is 
 getting too much exhausted to walk, so looks about 
 for a cab or hack. As none is near, the horror of the 
 scene appalls her, and she starts homeward. 
 
 Before going two blocks she is suddenly accosted by 
 a detaining hand upon her shoulder, and a fiendish 
 voice close to her ear. Her shrill scream provokes 
 harsh laughter and vile jest, as frantically she rushes 
 over the interminable pavement, whither she knows 
 
 not. 
 
 As she turns a corner, she espies a solitary man 
 standing by a lamp post. Believing him to be a police- 
 man she asks the direction to her street, and is annoyed 
 to hear him say : 
 
 "With pleasure, I will escort Mrs. Morton home," 
 and recognizes the soft, persuasive tones of Jason Wal- 
 ler. 
 
 His voice strikes upon her heart a greater terror 
 than the jostlings of the crowd at the scene of the 
 massacre, or the vile hand upon her shoulder from 
 which she had just fled. 
 
 Dumb with terror, she rushes away, passing another 
 against whom she almost falls. Recovering herself, she 
 again tries to flee, and almost immediately a pistol 
 
 .H# ^^|W»"'WSW"*P*" 
 
24^ 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 shot cuts tlu air, a sharp cry is borne back to her, 
 and turning she sees a commotion where but a minute 
 before Waller had stood, and that a murder has been 
 committed, she has no doubt. But what of that, the 
 air is full of murder and bloodshed. 
 
 She hears a hasty step following, and terrified, she 
 looks back only to discover that the man is evidentl}' 
 trying to overtake her. Running v/ith all her might 
 cannot take her beyond his reach, and he soon over- 
 takes her, and politely offers his escort, assuring her 
 of the expediency of its acceptance. She can not re- 
 fuse, and together they thread the silent streets. When 
 near her house he suddenly halts and says : 
 
 "Tell your father that Leon Illardo has this night 
 atoned for the wrong done Jennie Bassett by his father, 
 Paul Bretani. I am Jennie Bassett's son," then bow- 
 ing low, he haughtily strode away. All this she can 
 see, as they halt within a few j'ards of a street lamp. 
 
 It is after midnight when she stands within the silent 
 house, and fearing that Robert will discover her, she 
 softly enters the hall and proceeds at once to her room. 
 Hastily laying her hat and cloak aside, she throws her-' 
 self down on the bed. Though she fully intended to 
 visit the library after taking a few minutes rest, ytt so 
 weary is she, that she is soon fast asleep. Laura did 
 not wake until her father's kind voice roused her the 
 following morning. 
 
 "I just came over to get ye to spend the day with 
 mother and me; it's poky stayin' here with all them 
 rows down town." 
 
 She Hid as he directed. She could not speak for 
 the great horror that filled her heart, at sight of those 
 red stains on her hands. Then she took the cup and 
 looking up into her father's face saw that he was white 
 and disturbed, and inquired if he was sick. 
 
wmsi 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 449 
 
 ••I'm just as well as can be expected. Now you 
 drink you. tea, 'fore i. gits cold. I made .t myself, see- 
 in' there's no hired g.rl here ; she's lit out, I Su^ss 
 
 •■But you are trembling, father, what rs the matter? 
 Have vou heard bad news?" 
 
 She was choking back the question that rose to he 
 lins when she first opened her eyes that mornmg. She 
 Wanted to shriek out the bold query, Hast.ly swaU 
 Towing part of the tea, and rising w.th a fixed look 
 upon her face, she said in a voice that would brook no 
 
 denial: , 
 
 "Father, tell me the trouble. ,_ „ , , .. 
 
 "You're mother'll tell ye : she kin tell ye better n I, 
 
 ^ste''sr ;1" n. not leave this house until you 
 tell me, " then started toward the door, saying : Father, 
 ha Robert come home? He wen. out last eventng, the 
 first time in three or four days." She saw her father 
 start and look confused, and she repeated her question^ 
 ■Yis vis. child, he's back," then going .0 her s.de 
 he pla ed ino wrinkled, trembling hand upon her am, 
 saying softly, as though he were soothing a child in 
 
 "°"a'ld, it's just what we 'spected. Don't git scart, 
 but, myi;oor little girl, it's come, the trouble's come- 
 "What is it, father? Where is Robert? 
 ■■In the library, he's there; the men are with him. 
 Co,': tck. LaLa, you can't go «herer' but s e^was 
 fly,„g down the stairs, and passing through the ibrar> 
 door'which had yielded to her determined efforts, and 
 was soon standing in the 1 resence of two officers, who 
 seemed to be guarding the place.. „,:,,,j ,„ 
 
 The men sought to restrain her, when she glided to 
 !,„ h..d,»„,l's side, and discovered the letter on the 
 table 'before" him. They were subdued by her calm- 
 

 250 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 ness which had been mutely eloquent, until she had 
 espied the pistol in his hand, when with a moan of 
 horror she shrank from the spot. 
 
 Robert sat in his chair, with his head lying low upon 
 his massive chest. No sign of any struggle marred 
 the composure of death. One large, siill hand, that 
 looked unfamiliar because it was so white, lay on the 
 table over the letter \ the other grasped the loaded re- 
 volver. 
 
 Death had overtaken him, desperately clutching the 
 revolver, as indicated by the unrelaxed fingers, which 
 
 still clung to the unnecessary weapon. 
 
 ******* 
 
 During the days of shadow that followed, they quietly 
 laid the remains of Robert Morton in Graceland, beside 
 little Dot. The big house v/as given up, the furniture 
 put Into the hands of an auctioneer, and within ten days 
 from the night of the Haymarket massacre, they were 
 ready to leave Chicago. Mr. Bassett and his old wife 
 and Laura are sitting alone in their little sitting-room 
 which they are prepared to leave so gladly, upon the 
 following day. They were talking over the strange 
 language of Leon Illardo : "Tell your father that Leon 
 Illardo has this night atoned for the wrong done Jen- 
 nie Bassett by Paul Bretani. I am Jennie Bassett's 
 
 son." 
 
 These words had come back to Laura after the first 
 shock of her husband's death, and she turned to her 
 father for a solution of their mysterious meaning. 
 
 "Jennie Bassett's son!" he exclaimed, half dazed, "I 
 was sure I knowed that man : was sure I'd seen him 
 somewhere afore. Why ; to be sure he's the livin' 
 image of that scamp ez stole my sister Jennie away : an' 
 he was a socialist, too, guess that's 'bout tlic same as 
 anarchy. He uster speak to crowds of workin' men an' 
 
 ,f^-.^y^4- \^mmm 
 
GOLD DUST 
 
 251 
 
 Kit 'em all excited over their wrongs and poverty. ,us 
 a thev do now. Strange! bnt it all con.es to my .n.nd 
 cerascanbe! I knowe,. I'd seen hnn somewheres 
 a ore- ..k was so long ago. I couldn't tell where or 
 whin Why, I've thonght an' thought'n stud.ed over 
 t ;. .. mos; 00k my mind, Knowed I'd seen b>,n. 
 I'll fin., hir^ and bring him home, .i he's decent. 1 11 
 bri^g him to Toronto. I want to thank '..m, lor mter- 
 L dn' with that Waller. I kin most lorgive h.s farther 
 v,hen I think of it. Well, well' ]-"'-'=> so" Wl^ 
 he's the livin' image of Panl Bretani'n that » all I have 
 
 '^Bu'they did not find Leon lUardo. I->ead, a let- 
 ter came t'o them that very evening. They read . h.s 
 letter over and over again. They were not able to find 
 the writer, but this letter which they read w.th mterest 
 explains everything. It ran thus : 
 
 ^'' ^tTlZ about - leave the city, I will clear up 
 
 the mytteryo thes"o,.e..dian,onds, both Mrs. Morton^ 
 
 'and MrsN^an Tassel's. Allan M°rton d.d not^ .1 
 
 them Thev were not stolen. To steal is a crime. 
 
 Ana chv knows „o crime in self-defense, or its upbui d- 
 
 ^r The iewels were taken to convert into money for 
 
 he beiefit' oTTnarchy. Li.ette stole Mrs Morton s 
 
 dresses. Lizette expected to be my wife I '^°^ ^ -jot 
 
 marry a thief! She was sly and deceitful, and treacn 
 
 "rson WalUr wa's tt'cause of Robert Morton's deatl. 
 From he h^rst W.dler had a scheme to make Morton a 
 
 SSi=£S='As 
 
 "'1 wa's'siarching for Waller when 1 met your daughter 
 
252 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 coming from Haymarket square. He was pursuing her. 
 He was bent upon making her his wife. I shot Inni. 
 Then I walked home with your daughter. When 1 
 went back to wlicre I left him, he was dying. A friend 
 helped me carry him to a certain house, where he died 
 in a few minutes after. I found a package of papers 
 in his pocket, all that furnished security to him, and 
 would wrong others. I destroyed that package. He 
 told me that he had burned everything else but that 
 package: that won't harm anyone now: I burned it. 
 
 Waller can't harm anyone either ; I sliot him! That 
 was my revenge. He played me false, he is dead, and 
 buried in a hole out on the prairie. Good for the 
 dog! Allan Morton was hurt the night of the Hay- 
 market massacre. I don't think he ir. dead. Nell 
 Walton knows where he is. He is taken good care 
 of by friends. If he recovers, he must answer for him- 
 self. I don't like him, for, though he was a friend to 
 the poor, he was an enemy to anarchy. I am an Anarch- 
 ist. I will devote my life to Anarchy. 
 
 Now, I will tell you that I am the lawful son of 
 Jenny and Paul Bretani. I am your nephew, and 
 Laura Morton's cousin. I discovered this through 
 Lizette who used to listen, and so heard your family 
 talking about it. Then I resolved to watch Waller, for 
 I knew t! it he wanted to get rid of Robert Morton, 
 and marry Laura. He told me it was the purpose of 
 his 111.. In watching him I discovered many things; 
 they made me hate the man. I shot him. He is dead. 
 I shall return to Italy; I hate this land of rich tyranny. 
 I leave to-night. 
 
 Lkon Ii.lakdo Pkf/iani. 
 
 This letter furnished Eben Bassett a good deal of sat- 
 isfaction. 
 
 "Well, it clears up the mystery 'bout them diamonds," 
 .id he to Laura, as they sat talking over the mysteri- 
 ous talian. "Allan Morton must have a putty bar J 
 case agin some of us 'bout that robbery. I've got to 
 find him and tell him all 'bout it 'fore I can rest, that's 
 a fact.' 
 

 GOLD DUST 
 
 253 
 
 1 f.Hior You must nci. interfere in 
 
 "That is niv work, tatner. lu^ . , 
 
 tha^ i musfand hun and tell hin, overytlnng, sa.d 
 
 ''"b:,. rvegot toTolc„i.e <« -''■"^ '>■»";":!'"-' 
 ••And what, lather? What "J- f^f^J- f „,,,„ i 
 ■■I 'bused him shamefully. 1 was aesp ra 
 
 guess I said everything I -^^fj^^^^ ^ord grant 
 
 "O we have all need ot Ins ior[^ivi.ii«-=> 
 U ma'y Tot be too late to obtain it." answered Laura, 
 with quivering lips. ^ ^^j^^e 
 
 They remained severa d^y^^^^^lV^^^f.^eould hear 
 time to make thorough ^^^'^^.^^' ^^^ '^^..u to To- 
 
 ( u:,.^ ntid beinec anxious to get oacK lu 
 nothing of him, and ueing ^^^^^^ 
 
 „ +Uq lYTittor into tne iiciiius ui "»■ 
 ronto, they gave the matter in ^^ 
 
 whose faithfulness and efficiency had been ^^ ^ 
 
 , • w .f thP Havmarket massacre, and departed lor 
 the night of the llayman ^^^_ 
 
 Toronto, glad to leave ^^ ^^ ^^ \ ^J^^,^^ ^ 
 
 .ows; the city with ^^^^^^;^^^^^ ^ the pistol 
 
 tul Haymarket -l^^^ ;/ '^^ Jf f,;,, .^a show in which 
 
 and bomb ; the seen so i^^f^ ^,,,y,,i„, 
 
 she had acted a par for a few r ^^^_ 
 
 that could remind them of the treachery o j 
 
 ler and the downfall of Robert Morton. 
 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 UVINO OK DKAD 
 
 :,, Toronto, and we will look 
 It is summer again. »" ^/u^ei old home, which 
 in upon the Basset ^^^^:,:^^,, back, 
 by the merest good luck th<^y J^^ ^ ^^^^ ^j,em 
 
 Old Mrs. Bassett is serenely happy, 
 so a dozen times a day ^^^^^^ ^^-^ 
 
 Eben goes about w. h a looK ^^.^^ 
 
 kind old face. He has lost much oi that aspen y 
 
 ^+=;ws««*e5*«s«*»s« 
 
'^54 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 characterized botli manner and speech formerly, under 
 
 trying times. 
 
 Nettie had married while visiting at Helen's and 
 returned upon a short visit, bringing Una with her. 
 She could not understand her father, in his new char- 
 acter, and to her mother confided her misgivings: 
 
 "I don't believe he's going to live long; he's so 
 chan^V'J," she said. "He never snaps nor snarls at 
 
 me now." 
 
 "Well, he was pesky hard to get plong with, and no 
 mistake," said her mother, pluming her cap strings, 
 "but now, I just take solid comfort, only Laura, poor 
 girl! she is sometimes so sad! She's devoted to Una. 
 We never talk much about Robert, she seems to avoid 
 the subject; it's tlie best way." 
 
 "I don't think she's sad all the time," argued Nettie. 
 "Sometimes I have seen her with a look of expecta- 
 tion, that's what I call it, in her eyes, but she always 
 grows sad and silent again as though disappointed." 
 
 "Nettie, while there's life there's hope. I believe she 
 expects Allan some time," said her mother, confiden 
 tially, "i never ask her about him: I'm waiting for 
 her to tell me. I do suppose she tells her father, 
 though.' 
 
 The summer had come and gone again. The autumn 
 had followed in her wake and had been succeeded by 
 winter. The ice king's breath had melted upon the 
 window-panes in that old home in Toronto under the 
 genial rays of April stui, and May had brought blos- 
 som and leaf in forest and garden. 
 
 Again the 4th of May dawned bright, one of those 
 heavenly days wliich Wordsworth assiires us cannot 
 die. The morning papers told Laura that it was the 
 
i?M'i ■ ^■^'fr^Matotaa'ftrf'^ 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 255 
 
 second anniver..ry of the H.ymarket ma.sacre inCh!- 
 
 ^Hcr heart told her that it rvas the anniversary of that 
 day in which she had sucounhed to a strongerw.il 
 power, and had tried to s.ve Allan. 
 ' He had recognized her in that awlul hou. D.d he 
 !,„? Tf alive would he ever come to Toronto r 
 Shc'had Vft w d w.th Mrs. Van Tassel. lu,n,bhng 
 f ; 1 do so lor in "-te of her apparent mterest 
 rdtn net Z hated the won.an. still she had though, 
 best to leave word .ith her, that .he was go.ng > k 
 'o Toronto, hoping that ,f Allan lived he would ge, the 
 
 "" Ko'sorrow remains in her heart lor Robert, dead just 
 INo sorruM ,„„.nrr;te She can remembei' 
 
 good wife to Kobe t ^^^^^^ ^^^^ 
 
 ';::ri:::;eut'ir:'r^^^^ 
 
 ::„:":,,! wllU^to give her a lew early spring flow- 
 
 '"■■pirst of the kind I've found this spring I though. 
 
 , •, like 'cm S'pose you know what day th.s 
 
 „aybe 5™ .:'"'; ^"^^„,, , , J ,„ok the (lowers and 
 
 ''\ r tlu , "fume, thanked him between little 
 
 Tatish d n is t' ttru-indcd him, us he watched her 
 
 "•'•-•-r'J;r:s^.w:snL::h:r:r:;:;::i 
 
 lessncss in her eyes, anu li vy«o 
 
 '■'■':u'r.r:lh'da;TMay.r... notlik,.,y.o.org,.. 
 Ui I ^ish I coull" sh.. answered, still .ouch.ng the 
 
256 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 bright, sweet blossoms to her cheeks and lips, caress- 
 ingly, and filling her nostrils with their delicate odor. 
 Just then from away down the road, she saw a figure 
 coming toward them. That was nothing, her father 
 assured her ; men came that way often. But as each 
 quick step brought the object of her close scrutiny 
 more distinctly to her view, she said, pressing the flow- 
 ers over her fast beating heart, while she pointed the 
 other white hand in that direction. 
 "Father, see him; see tliat man!" 
 "I can't see plainly. What's to pay? My eyes are 
 not so good as yourn. Who's a comin'?" 
 
 "Father, it is Allan!" and the blosf.oms fell at her 
 feet, while her eyes dilated with eagerness. 
 
 "Allan! the Lord be praised! I've just been a han- 
 kerin' arter this moment to see Allan, an' make it up 
 with him 'fore I die. I'll go to Hanner," and away 
 he hobbled to tell his wife the news. She, good soid, 
 was rushing to the door, with oi)en arms, to welcome 
 Allan, but her old hiir.band called her back, saying: 
 
 "No vcr don't, Hanner! Don't meddle with 'em. 
 There's been too much o' that. I'm mos' bustin' to see 
 him fust, but it's her company, leastwise if slie wasn't 
 here, he wouldn't be. I gness he's come for her this 
 time, no mistake!" 
 
 Then "Hanner" in n state of excitement, absolutely 
 dangerous, bustled about the kitchen to work off her 
 feelings over a cook stove, while Ebcn found his time 
 fully occupied in restraining Una from flying down the 
 
 walk to see cousin Allan. 
 
 ♦ ♦♦♦*♦♦ 
 
 Laura had stood waiting in the edge of the garden, 
 as Alhin came swiftly toward licr. Happiness radiated 
 from her eyes, and the fading rays of sunlight toucli 
 ing her golden hair with its brilliant shaflr.. made her 
 
■IfW 
 
 
 GOLD DUST 
 
 257 
 
 \\ 
 
 abiding in her heart, and P^^^^ ^^^^ f^.^. A 
 
 n.etan.orphosing ^^ ^^'^^ t^^ infinitely 
 lUtle more dignified, a ^^^tle n or g ^^^ 
 
 --.^^^^"r%;t\tu n^orn^rs oftatchi'ng and 
 
 l°''-^""'irA an r toward her she saw that he 
 hoping. As ^l""^' ^ ^^^^ „,,,iiness mingled with 
 was bronzed and rudd> AD ^^^^^^^^ ^^^ 
 
 the tormer delicacy that Mr. Bas.ett 1 ^^^^ 
 
 fine- grained. He came toward her, carr>ing 
 in his hand. ^ ^j ^^.^ forehead 
 
 A white scar m the "Pl-;j\^ ^^ ^^^ ^^ ,,,,t night in 
 
 •fi, tlip nas^^ionateness ot despair. 
 ,ng with the Pas^'^° J i^^^^ra; what is my 
 
 "I am come for the lasi n"' . 
 
 ""tren the proud woman flung her whi.e arms about 
 his nccU, -yins soltly -;;'-^>; , ^,,,^,, ,„a be 
 
 "I love you, Allan, 1 wm j 
 
 true to you living or dead!" 
 
 THE END. 
 
 t 
 
 >7