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Show THE TIMES-NEW- NEPHI, UTAH S, VIOLA GWYN By RACHEL CARTER Kenneth BTNOPSI8. Gwynn five year old In the spring when hie father ran away of wu lilt from Kentucky with Rachel Carter, a widow. They took with them Mlnda Carter. Raohel'a baby Kenneth' daughter. In thea fall broken heart. mother died of HI grandparenta brought him up to hate the name of Rachel Car- . ter, "an evil woman." - . . Kenneth, now a young- lawyer, eeka lodging for the night at the farm of Phtneaa Striker, near that Lafayette, Ind. It appeara died Ken'a father haa recently and that he la on hla way to take poaaeaelon of extensive landa he The Striker Inherited. haa Ken'a fabought their farm ofruns to hla ther and a mortgage father' widow the Rachel Carter. A beautiful nineteen-year-ol- d girl, who ay she knew hi father well and refuse to give her name, I visiting the Striker. muoh Interested In her. Ken gone. In the morning the girl Striker tell Ken she waa planto with Lapelle elope Barry ning and her mother came In the night and took her home. A Ken goea on hla way Striker tells him: an' That girl wu Viola QwynhandA she'a your ride some, dashing young fellow up and introducea himself as Bar. ry Lapelle. 1 1 half-sister- ." CHAPTER IV Continued. George Barr McCutcheon Copyright by Dodd, Head a Company, Ine. her during and after the recital and now, with the truth revealed to him, he was even more concerned than before for he saw unhapplness ahead of her if she married this fellow Lapelle. He went even farther back and recalled his own caustic opinions of certain young rakes be had known In the East wherein he had Invariably asseverated that if he "had sister he would sooner see her dead than married to that rascal." Well here he waa with sister and what was he to do about It? Zacharlah, observing the dark frown upon his master's face, and receiving no answer to a thrice repeated question, fell silent The first log cabin they had seen since entering the wood nestled among the scrub oaks of the hill hard by. The front wall of the hut was literskins ally covered with the pegged-uof foxes, raccoons and what were described to Kenneth as the hides of "linxeg," but which, In reality, were A tall, from the catatnount. man, smoking a corncob pipe, leaned upon the rail fence, regarding the strangers with lazy Inp "Principally In New York and Philadelphia," responded the other, subdu- terest Kenneth drew rein and Inquired how ing a smile. "My fame seems to have preceded me, Mr. Lapelle. The farmer far it was to Lafayette. with whom I spent the night waa thor'"Bout two mile an' a half," replied the man. "My name Is Stain, Isaac oughly familiar with my affairs." "You are an object of Interest to Stain. I reckon you must be Mister very one In this section," said Lapelle, Kenneth Gwynne. I heerd you'd be Indifferently. "Where did you spend along this way some time this morn-in- " the night?" "At the farm of a man named Striker "I suppose Mr. Lapelle informed Phlneas Striker." you that I was coming along bi'hlnd," Lapelle started. Ills body appeared said Kenneth, smiling. to stiffen In the saddle. '"Twuzn't Barry Lapelle as told me. "Phlneas Striker?" he exclaimed, I hain't seen him today." "I met him back along the road. He with a swift, searching look Into the speaker's eyes. Suddenly a flush man- was coming this way." tled his cheek. "You were at Phlneas "There hain't no other road. I reckon he turned off Into the wood Striker's last night?" "Yes. We bad lost our way and came an' lowed you to pass," said Mr. Stain to his place Just before the storm," said slowly. "But he was In great haste to reach Kenneth, watching his companion narrowly. Lapelle's face was study. town. He may have passed when you Doubt, indecision, even dismay, were were not "He didn't pass this place unless expressed in swift succession, i "Then you must have met but no. he was astraddle of an eagle er some-thilike that," declared the other, It isn't likely," he said, In some contusion. grinning. "I guess he took to the i Kenneth hesitated a moment, enjoy- woods, Mr. Gwynne, for one reason er ing the other's discomfiture. Then ha nother, an' It must ha' been a mighty aid: "I met no one there except my good reason, 'cause from what I know later, who also happened to be spend- about Barry Lapelle he alius knows which way he's goln' to leap long being the night with the Strikers." The color faded from Lapelle's face, fore he leaps. He's sorter like a paint leaving It a sickly white. "Were you er In that way. "It is very strange," he said, frown Jn any way responsible for well, for her departure, Mr. Owynne?" he de- ing. It was suddenly revealed to him manded, hla eyes flaming with swift, that If Lapelle had tricked him it was because the messenger bad brought sudden anger. "I was not aware of her departure word from Viola, at the farmhouse. vntll I arose this morning, Mr. Lapelle. and that the baffled lovers might even Striker Informed me that she went now be laying fresh plana to outwit the girl's mother. This fear was in way before sunrise." For a moment Lapelle glared at him stantly dissipated by the next remark suspiciously, and then gave vent to a of Isaac Stain. "Nope. It wuzn't him that told me contemptuous laugh. It wus Vloly "A thousand apologies," he said, about you, pardner. went She here with her Gwyn. by his shoulders. "I shrugging might bav known you would not be consulted." I r "I never laid eyes on my until last night," said Kenneth, determined to hold his temper. "It is not likely that she would have asked the dvlce of total stranger, is It? Especially in so simple a matter as gottig fcome when she felt, like it" i Lapelle shrugged his shoulders gain. "I quite forgot that you are a lawyer, Mr. Owynne," he said, drily. I It your purpose to hang out your hlngle In the town of Lafayette?" I "My plans are Indefinite." ' "You could do worse, I assure you. The town Is bound to grow. It will be n Important town in a very few years." And so the subject uppermost In the minds of botli was summarMy dismissed. They came at last to the point where road branched off to the right "Follow this road," said Lapelle, pointing straight ahead. "It will take you Into the town. I must leave you here. I shall no doubt see you at Johnson's Inn, In case you Intend to stop there. Oood morning, sir." He lifted his hat and, touching the spirited mare with the gad, rode swiftly away. A few hundred feet ahead toe overtook his. friend nd the two of them were soon lost to "8he Want by Here With Her Ma." !ght among the trees, j Kenneth fell Into a profound cogita- ma, Jes' as I wus startln' off to look tion. Evidently I.upelle had waited at at my traps, long about seven (the edge of the forest for a report of o'clock, I reckon headed for town. nine description from the farmhouse She sec to me, ses she: 'Ike, there'll belonging to Rachel Carter. In all prob- be a young man an' a darky boy come ability Viola was still at the farm with rldln' this way some time this fore her mother, and either she had sent a noon an' I want you to give him a messnge to her lover or had received mesxttge for me." 'With pleasure,' sex one from him. Or was It possible La- I; 'anything yon ask,' ses L 'Well,' pelle had dispatched his man to the sex she, 'It's this. Fust you ask him farmhouse to ascertain whether the ef his name la Kenneth Gwynne, an' girl was there, or had been hurried on ef he sex it Is, then you look an' see Into the town by her mother. In any ef he IS a tall feller an' very good- case, the disgruntled lover whs not con- look In', without a beard, an' wearln' tent to acknowledge himself thwarted a blue cape, an' when you see that or even discouraged by the miscarriage he answers that description, why, you of his plans for the nlirht just ended. tell hltn to come an' see me as soon Kenneth found himself wondering If as he gits to town. Tell him It's very the Incomprehensible Viola would Important.' 'AH right sex I. I'll tell prove herself to be equally determined. him.'" "Where was her mother all this If ao, they would triumph over opposition and be married, whether or no. timer He was conscious of an astounding, "Settln' right there In the buggy lmoet unbelievable desire to stand beside her, holdln' the reins. Where fwltb Rachel Carter la her hour of else would ahe be?" "Did ahe say anything about my torn- trouble. Uis thoughts went back. as they klng to see her daughter?" ; n' ; - She don't talk much, she "Nope. You see, she's In mournin' fer don't her husband. I guess he wuz your he?" "Yes." said Kenneth briefly. "She wants me to come to her house?" "I reckon so." "Well, I thank you Mr. Stain. You are very kind to have waited so long for me to arrive. "Oh, I'd do a whole lot more'B that fer her," said the hunter quickly. "You see, I've knowed her ever since she wus knee-hig- h to duck. She wuzn't more'n five or six when I brung her an' her folks up the Wabash In my perogue, all the way from VIncennea, an' it wus me that took her down to St. Louis when she went off to school her an some friends of her pa's. Skinny, gangling sort of a young 'uh she wuz, but let me tell you, as purty as a plcter. I alius said she'd be the purtlest woman In all creation when she got her growth an' filled out, an', by hokey, 1 wuz right Got to be movln' along, have you? Well, good-ban be a little keerful when you come to Durkee's run bridge. It's kinder wobbly." They were fording a creek some distance beyond Stain's cabin when Kenneth broke the silence that had followed the conversation with the hunter by exploding violently: "Under no circumstances and that's all there Is to it I cannot go to that woman's house. It Is unthinkable." They progressed slowly up long hill and came to an extensive clearover which perhaps half dozen ing, farmhouses were scattered. Beyond this open space they entered, a narrow strip of wood and, upon emerging, bad their first glimpse of the Wabash river. Stopping at the brow of the hill, they looked long and curiously over the valley Into which they were about to descend. The panorama was magnificent To the left flowed the swollen, turgid river, high among the willows and sycamores that guarded the g bank. Far to the north It could be seen, claylsh, ugly mon ster, crawling down through the heart of the bowl-lik- e depression. Presently the travelers came upon widely separated cabins and gardens, and then, after paasing through a lofty grove, found themselves entering the town itself. Signs of life and enterprise greeted them from all sides. Here, there and everywhere houses were In process of erection log cabins. frame structures, and even an occa slonal brick dwelling place. Turning Into what appeared to be a well-tra- v eled road (he afterwards found It to be Wabash street), Kenneth came in the course of few minutes to the center of the town. Here was the little brick courthouse and the Jail, standing in the middle of a square which still contained the stumps of many of the trees that originally had flourished there. At the southwest cor ner of the square was the tavern, long story and a half log house, and It was a welcome sight to Gwynne and his servant both of whom were ravenously hungry by thla time. Half a dozen men were standing In front of the tavern when the newcom era rode up. Kenneth dismounted end threw the reins to his servant Land lord Johnson hurried out to greet him. pa, wuzn't had done more than once that morning, to Viola's artful account of his own father. He had felt sorry for I" y, low-lyin- half-siste- ! CHAPTER V The End ef the Long Road. been expecting you, Mr. Gwynne," he aald in his most genial manner. "Step right In. Dlnner'll toon be ready, and I reckon you must be hungry. Take the hosses around to the stable, nigger, and put 'em up. Mrs. er ahem ! I mean your stepmother sent word that you were oa the way and to' have accommodations ready for yon. Say, I'd like to make yon ac quainted with " "My stepmother sent word to you?" demanded Kenneth, incredulously. "She did. What would you expect her to do, long as ahe knew you were headed this way? I admit she Isn't specially given to worryln' about other people's comforts, but when you get right down to it I guess she considers sort of connection of hers, spite you of everything, and so she lays herself out little. But as 1 was sayln', I'd like to make you acquainted with some of our leadln' citizens. This Is Daniel Bugher, the recorder, and Doctor Da-vlMatt Scudder, Tom Benbrldge and John McCormlrk. Before we go In I wish you'd take look at the new courthouse. We're mighty proud of that building. There Isn't a finer courthouse In the state of Indiana or maybe I'd better say there won't be if It's ever finished." "I noticed It as I came by," said the newcomer, dismissing the structure with glance. "If you will conduct me to my room, Mr. Johnson, I " "Just second," broke In the landlord, his gaze fixed on horseman who had turned Into the street some distance below. "Here comes Barry Lapelle, down there by that clump of trees. He's the most elegant fellow we've got In town, and you'll want to know him." "I have met Mr. Lapelle." interrupt ed Kenneth. "This morning, out In the country." "You don't say sol" exclaimed John son. The citizens exchanged a general look of surprise. "Thought you said he went down the river on yesterday's boat," said Scudder. "That's Juat what he did." said John "Packed some of bis son, puzzled. things snd said be d be gone a week er "Wave a. He must have got off at Attica but. no, he couldn't have got here this soon by road. By glory, I hope the boat didn't strike snag, or rock, or run ashore somewhere. Looks kind of serious, boys." "Couldn't he have landed almost anywhere In a skiff?" inquired Gwynne, his eyes on the spproachlng horseman. "Certainly he could; but why? He had business down at Covington, he said." "He told be this morning he had very Important business here. That Is why he could not ride in with me," aald Kenneth, affecting Indifference. "By the way, Is he riding his own horse?" "Yes," said Benbrldge. "That's his mare Fancy. He must have landed at La Grange, rowed across the river and hoofed It up to Fell's farm. But what do you suppose made him change his mind ao suddenly?" "He's working tooth and nail against the Wabash and Erie canal that's projected to run from Lake Erie to the mouth of the Tippecanoe, Mr. Gwynne,' said one of the citizens. "But it's com lng through In spite of him and all the rest of the river hogs." "I see," said the young man, a grim smile playing about his Hps. He knew that the mare Fancy had been In waiting for her master when he clambered ashore on the river bank opposite La Grange, and he also sus? peeted that the little steamboat had remained tied up at the landing all night long and well Into the morning, expecting two passengers who failed to come aboard. Lapelle rode up at this Instant. He came straight to Gwynne, smiling cor so. dially. "I see you beat ma In. After we parted I decided to cut through the woods to have a look at Jack Moxley's keelboat stuck In the mud on this side of the river. Happy to have you here with us, and hope you will like us well ' ' enough to stay." "Thank you. I shall like you all better after I have had something to eat" said Kenneth. "And drink," added Lapelle. It was then that Kenneth noticed that his eyes were slightly blurred and hla voice a trifle thick. He had been drinking. In"What turned you back, Barry quired McCormlck. "Thought you were to be gone a week or " "Changed my mind," aald Lapelle, curtly, and then, apparently on second thought added : "I got off the boat at La Grange and crossed over to spend the night at Martin Hawk's, the man you saw me with thla morning, Mr. n He Is a hunter down Gwynne. way. I fish and hunt with him a good deal." Without another word, he strode up the steps, across the porch and Into the tavern, his head high, his gait no ticeably unsteady. "Martin Hawk I" growled the land lord. "The ornerlest cuss this side of d h L Plain scalawag. Barry'll find It out some day." "I wouldn't trust Mart Hawk as far as I could throw a thousand-pounrock," observed Mr. Johnson, compressing bis lips. "Well, come on In, Mr. Gwynne, and slick up bit The din ner bell will be ring-IIn few min utes, and I want you to meet the cook before you rlak eatln' any of her Tictuals. My wife's the cook, so you needn't look scared." "Robert Gwyn's son Is slways wel come at my store and my home," said one man. cordially. "We didn't know till last faU that he bad son, and well, I hope you don't mind my saying we couldn't believe it at first" "You spell the name different from the way he spelled It," answered Bugher, the recorder. "I noticed It In jour leuers, ana it struck me ss queer." "My father appears to have reverted to the original way of spelling the name," said Kenneth, from the upper step. "My forbears were Welsh, you see. The manner of spelling It wss chsnged when they came to America, over a hundred years ago." When Kenneth returned to the dining room, he found Johnson waiting there with his wife and two of hla comely daughters. They were presented to the new guest with due Informality, and then the landlord went out upon the front porch to ring the din- r Mld-dleto- d n' ner bell. "I guess you won't be stayln here long, Mr. Owynne," said Mrs. Johnson. "Your mother I should say, your stepmother has got your house ail ready for you to move right In." Kenneth, forgetting himself in his agitation, Interrupted her with the startling question : "Where does Rachel Carter liver "Rachel who?" He collected his wits, stammering: "I believe that waa her name before she before she married my father." "Oh, 1 see. Her name is Rachel, of coarse. Well, her house Is up Columbia street that's the one on the other side of the square almost to the hill where Isaac Edwards has his brickyard. Just this side of the swamp." After dinner he repaired to the office of Recorder Bugher. "Everything's In good shape," Bugher. "There ain't claim against the property, now that Mrs. Gwyn has given up her Idea of contesting the will. The property Is In your name now, Mr. Gwynne and that reminds me that your father. In Ills will. spells your name with a double n and an e, while he spells hers with only one n. He took Into consideration the fact that you spelled your name in the d way, as you say he used to spell It In Kentucky. And that also accounts for his signing the will 'Robert Gwyn, formerly known as Robert Gwynne.' "Another queer thing about It Is that he bequeathed certain property to you as my son, Kenneth Gwynne.' while he (lis is soenrion his daughter Viola at new-fangle- all, except to say that he bequeaths to 'Rachel Gwyn, to give, bequeath and devise as she sees lit' Judge Wylle says Viola can contest the will if she so desires, on the ground that she la entitled to as much as you, Mr. Gwynne. But she has decided to let It stand as it Is, and I guess she's sensible." "I did not know till this morning, Mr. Bugher, that I had a "Well," began the recorder, pursing his lips, "for that matter she didn't know she had a till the will was read, so she was almost as Ignorant as you. When did your mother fair question?" die. If it's "In the year 181Z My father was away when she died." "Off to the war, I suppose." "Yes," said the young man steadily. "Off to the war," he lied, still staring out of the window. "I was left with my grandparents when he went off to make his fortune In this new country. It was not until I was fairly well grown that we heard that he was married to woman named Rachel Carter." Later the young man called at the office of Mr. Cornell, the lawyer who had charge of his affairs. He had come to Lafayette prepared to denounce Rachel Carter, to drive her in shame and disgrace from the town. If necessary. Now he was faced by a most unexpected and staggering situation. To denounce Rachel Carter would be to deliberately strike a cruel, devastating blow at the happiness and peace of an Innocent person Viola Gwyn, his own A word from him and that lovely girl, serene in her beliefs, would be crushed for life. The whole scheme of life had been changed for him In the twinkling of an eye, as it were. He could not wreak vengeance upon Rachel Carter without destroying Viola Gwyn and the mere thought of that caused him to turn cold with repugnance. How could be publish Rachel Carter's Infamy to ihe world with that innocent girl standing beside her to receive and sustain the worst of the shock? Impossible! Viola must be spared and so with her, Rachel Carhalf-sister- ." half-broth- He proceeded first to the house that was to be his home. It was good stone's throw from the pretentious two-stoframe structure In which Rachel Carter and her daughter lived, but nearer the center of the town when approached by a more direct route than he had followed. This smaller house, an Insignificant, weatherbeaten story! and a half frame, snuggling among the underbrush, was where hi father had lived when he first came to Lafayette. He strode up the narrow path to the low front door. Finding it unlocked, he opened It and stepped into the low, roughly-plasteresitting room. The window blinds were open, permitting light and air to enter. The bedroom and the kitchen were in order. There were rag carpets on the floors, and the place was Immaculately clean. As he walked up the path to the front door of the new house, he was wondering how Viola Gwyn would look In her garb of black the hated blade she had cast aside for one night only. He was oppressed by a dull, cold fear, assuaged to some extent by the thrill of excitement which attended the adventure. What was he to do or say If the door was opened by Rachel Car- ry d . half-siste- r. ter! In the course of his Interview with the lawyer, from whom he had decided to withhold much that he had meant to divulge, he took occasion to Inquire into the present attitude of Rachel Carter, or Gwyn, as he reluctantly spoke of her, toward him, an open and admitted antagonist "Well," said Cornell, shaking his head, "I don't believe you will catch her asking any favors of yon. She has laid down her arms, so to speak, but that doesnt mean she Intends to be friendly. She considers herself cheated, and that's all there is to It I doubt very much whether she will even speak to you, Mr. Gwynne. She is a strange woman, and hard one to understand. She fought desperately against your coming here at all. One of her propositions was that she should be allowed to buy your share of the estate. If such a transaction could be arranged, you will remember. You declined to consider it As regards her present attitude, I think she'll let you alone If you let her alone." "My sister has asked me to come up to the house to see her this afternoon," said Kenneth. The lawyer looked surprised. "Is that so? Well." with a puzzled frown, "I don't quite nnderstand how she came to do that I was under the Impression that she felt about as bitterly toward you as her mother does. In fact she has said some rather nasty things about you. I think you will be quite safe In going up there today, so far as Mrs. Gwyn Is concerned. She will not appear on the scene, I am confident You will not come In contact with ber. You say that she has put some of her furniture at your disposal, but she doubtless did so on the advice of her lawyer. You must not forget that your father, in his will, left half of his personal effects to you. She Is Just smart enough to select In advance the part that she Is willing for yon to have, feeling that you will not be captious about it." "I have no desire to exact anything "Quite so, quite so," broke In the lawyer. "But she could not be expected to know that I suspect she Is considerably worried about Viola. Your r is being rather assiduously courted by young man named Lapelle. Mrs. Gwyn does not approve of him. She Is strait-lace- d and er puritanical." eh?" said Kenneth, "Puritanical, with a short laugh that Mr. Cornell totally misinterpreted. "Barry Isn't exactly what you would call sanctimonious," admitted the lawyer, with a dry smile. "The worst of It Is. I'm afraid Viola Is In love with him." His client was silent for a moment reflecting. Then he arose abruptly and announced : "I agree with you, Mr. Cornell. I will go up to see ber this afternoon. I bear ber no grudge and after all, ahe Is my sister. Good-daair. I shall give myself the pleasure of calling In to see you tomorrow." of" half-siste- "1 Dia Miatah Owynne, Sub 7" ter? After a moment's hesitation, be rapped firmly on the door with his bare knuckles. The door was epened by young colored woman. "Is Miss Viola at homer he Inquired. "Is dis Mlstah Gwynne, suhr "Yes." "Right In heah, suh," said the girl, throwing open a door at his left. Logs were smoldering in the deep, . wide fireplace at the far end of the room, giving out little spurts of flame occasionally from their charred, ash-grskeletons. The floor was covered with a bright, new rag carpet and there was a horsehair sofa in the corner, and two or three stiff, round-backe-d little chairs, the seats also cov- - J These' ered with black horsehair. features of the room he took In while he stood beside the center table, awaiting the entrance of Viola Gwyn. He heard door open softly and close upstairs, and then some one descending the steps; a few words spoken In the subdued voice of a woman and the less gentle response of the darky servant, who mumbled "Yas'm," and an Instant later went out by the front door. He smiled. The clever Viola getting rid of the servant so that she could be alone with him, he thought as be turned toward the door. A tall woman In black appeared hi the doorway, paused there for a second or two, and then advanced slowly Into the room. He felt the blond rush to his head, almost blinding him. His hand went out for the support of the table, his body stiffened and suddenly turned cold. The smile with which he Intended to greet Viola froze on his ay Hps. "God Al stiff Hps, " started to ooze from his but the words broke off few sharply as the woman stopped steps away and regarded him steadily, silently, unsmlllngly. He stood there like a statue staring into the dark, brilliant eyes, sunken deep under the straight black eyebrows. Even In the uncertain light from the curtained windows he could see that her face was absolutely colorless the pallor of death seemed to have been laid upon It Swiftly she laid a band to her throat, her eyes closed for a second and then flew wide open again, now filled with an expression of utter bewilderment "Is It Is It you, Robert? Is It really you, or am I " she murmured, scarcely above a whisper. Once more she closed her eyes, tightly; as If to shut out the vision of a ghost an unreal thing that would not be there when ahe looked agar. There's not a drop her body." blood In of Gwyn CHAPTER VI Rachel Carter. Kenneth strolled about the town for awhile before returning to the tavern to shave, change his boots and "smarten" himself up a bit In preparation for the ceremonious call he had dreaded to make. Shortly after three o'clock he set forth upon bis adventure. Assnlled by a strange and unaccustomed timidity he would have called It baahfulness bad Viola been other than his sister be approached the young lady's home by the longest and ssest roundabout wsjr. (To am CONTINUED.) Olive Crowing. The region In which the olive may be successfully grown for commercial production of fruit In the United States Is not so great as for most frost-hardfruits. Commercial olive growing has been confined to portions of California and Arizona, although the trees will live snd bear some fruit In portions of sll of the southern states of this country. It's surprising how much attention, woman attract fxota each ether, |