Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 226: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

AN AFRICAN SECRET. | 217 Bradshaw had been killed. His anxiety and regret were aroused solely by the fear that he had put out of the way the one man who could aid him in the discovery of the mine. Bradshaw saw as much as this and it framed itself in his mind, while the old man was speaking, with all the sud- denness and clearness of a revelation. How much more lay behind Murdock’s extraordinary conduct he did _ not, could not dream. This revelation alone was enough to cause him the severest struggle in de- termining what course he should pur- sue. His overwhelming impulse was to leave the wretched old man to his fate ; but Murdock was Irene’s father! It would be faithlessness to her to let any effort go untried that might induce him to return not only to his home, but to his former upright self. Was there any hope for the latter consummation? Could any man who had descended to murder be redeemed ? ' Bradshaw could not answer these questions, but in the very light of their hopelessness, his resolution was then and there taken. Come what might, he would be loyal to the idea that had inspired his long journey. He would shut his eyes to Murdock’s crime, to his infatuation with regard to the diamond mine, to all save the one purpose’ of the expedrtion : the restora- tion of Murdock to his daughter. From this resolution Bradshaw never wavered, though more than once thereafter it seemed as if he would go mad with apprehension and dismay as the bitter truth became revealed in brighter and brighter light. The tumult in his thoughts was not reflected in his face. On the contrary, so great was his effort at self control as he framed his resolution, that he seemed wholly unaffected by Mur- dock’s declaration about the mine. “Don’t you understand, Elmer?” cried Murdock. “ You have discov- ered a mine of incalculable richness.” “Mr. Murdock,” responded Brad- shaw. “ Irene’s happiness is more to me than all the diamonds in the world.” “Ah! Elmer “And you are Irene’s father.” “Yes,” and Murdock trembled as with palsy ;" I think of Irene. I would make her rich, Elmer, rich beyond her wildest dreams. She shall have a pal- ace, jewels, servants by the score——” “This is childish, Mr. Murdock, and unworthy of you!” exclaimed Brad- shaw; “ your daughter would rather have her father near her than be pos- sessed of all that money can procure.” “She is a woman, Elmer. Women think more of the affections than men do, and they do not realize the import- ance of money.” “T, too, Mr. Murdock, would sur- round Irene with all possible comforts and luxuries. I am not fabulously rich, 99 you are a young = man, but I can provide her with all she can — possibly ask for.” “Perhaps, Elmer, but think of the greater security in multiplying your fortune a hundred fold! Come! you will show me this mine and we will ° share it.” “IT will take you back to Irene, Mr. Murdock.” “You shall, but as a rich man. And your own fortune, Elmer ”? “Ts sufficient.” “Then go back with it to Irene and comfort her. Tell me where the mine is and I will soon return, and what [ bring with me will more than compen- sate for my absence.” “Will all possible wealth restore your wife to life?” Murdock shuddered violently and his pleading tone changed to one that was harsh with wrath. “T see,” he cried, “ you will not tell me! Perhaps you mean to go back there alone and rob me of what I have been so patiently trying to gain. Very well, Elmer, try it. I will go back to the town and inform the | CO will scour the Paine caicnicineralcs