bay, her jewels glittering on bare
shoulders and arms as balefully as her eyes flashed hate.

"God!" Latimer reeled, and put his hand on his heart, but recovered
himself. "And Philip"--the words came in a chill whisper--"did he
love--you?"

"You'd better ask him!" Eva was wholly beside herself, in the reaction
of a weak woman's fear.

"Phil--my friend!" he choked, started and winced, putting his hand again
over his heart; then fell heavily.

The woman screamed in fright and knelt beside him.

"Arthur, he never cared--after I dismissed him. He despised me. He
despises me now--more than you ever can. Oh, God in heaven! What have I
done?" Remorse followed swiftly on her anger.

Latimer was conscious as his wife raised his head. He had understood her
confession, and although he could not speak he motioned for her to seek
assistance; but the effort was too much, and he again sank back,
moaning.

Eva laid him gently down, and flew to the door. As she opened it she
fell against Danvers, coming from Winifred's side.

"You've killed him, at last!" Philip flayed her with word and look as
she sped for other help; but he forgot her as he knelt and raised
Latimer's head to his knee. He would have carried him to a couch, but
Arthur motioned that he could not endure that pain. The look of trust
that greeted Danvers was returned with one of love and fidelity.

With a sigh of utter content Latimer, by a supreme effort, raised his
hands to Philip's shoulders.

"Arthur!" Danvers groaned, holding him close as he looked into the
glazing eyes.

"Did I doubt you?" whispered the judge. "Forgive me--my
dear--friend--Phil!"

[Illustration]

Chapter XIV

The Keystone

When Senator Blair learned of Judge Latimer's death he thought himself
its prime cause and suffered as only a man can who is not wholly
heartless. How poorly he had rewarded the friendship which had relieved
him in his need at Fort Macleod! All his passion for Mrs. Latimer had
died in that fearful moment when he looked on the curiously passive
husband in the doorway; remorse bit like acid into the depths of his
heart. The meaning glances and the interrupted conversations that met
him everywhere the morning after the judge's death drove him to
solitude. He even avoided his sister, Danvers and the doctor; but most
of all he shunned the Honorable Mr. Moore. He had had enough of
temptation! He would not allow himself again to be approached!

His belief th