Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 6, Number 24, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 11 December 1875 — Page 6

THE MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

THERE'SDAUdKRIN THE TOH'A".

There I John, hitch Iobblntotbepo»t come near me and «lt down Your mother wuiU to talk to you before you drive to town My balm are gray, I soon shall boat raw wtihlo th» Rtrmw Not long will moth.-f pilot you o'er life* tempestuous wave. d*ve watched e'er you from Infancy till now

fouhareaalways

atv man,

I loved you as a mother only can At rooming and at evealng I have prayed the »od of love ... To bit-** ami guide my darling boy to the bright home above. A mother** eye Marching, John, old age can't dim its sight, When watching o'er an only child to he doe* right And very lately 1 have seen what ha* arousAn™m^«*my pillow hard at night, and moM«ntd it with tear*.* I've teen a light within your eye, upon your cheek a glow. Thai told in«» you were* on the road that leads to shame- and woe Oh! John,don't turn away your head,and on ray counsel frown, jHtay more upon the dear old farm, there danger iu the town. Jlemember what the poet *ay»—long year* have proved it true— That "Hatan And* some mwchler suit for idle hants to do ... If yon 11 v- ou In idleness with tboae who love tke bowl, ,, You*11 disc younwtf a drunkard grave, and wreck your deathlesssoul. Your father. John, i» growing old his days are ucarlv through »k„ Oh! he ha* labored very hard to nave the farm for you ... »ut It will go to ruin noon, and poverty will It y!mWkeep hitching lobbln up to drive 'into the town. Your proHju-ctK ftr the future are very bright, my son— Xot many have your start in life when they are twenty one Your Mar, that Milne# no brightly now, In darkness will decline, If you forget your mothers worus, and tariy at the wine. Turn i»ack, my boy, now, in your youth stay by th«* J-ar old farm The Lord of hosts will save you, with His powerful rl»ht arm, Not long will mother pilot you or life* tempestuous wave, Then unlit iiur uainway with your love down to the client grave —(John M. Rates.

JUSTIN HARLEY.

ROMANCE OF OLD VIRQINTA.

by jomn mrrjt cooke,

vuthorof "Dr. Vandyke," "Hurry of Katie's Nest," "TIuj Virginia Comedians,' Ac.

CHAPTER XIA*. APOl'LRXV.

Two days after this, Dr. Wills might havo been seen riding at full gallop toward Oakhill.

Ho had been notified by a frightenod

man-servant

that Colonel Hartrigbt had

suddenly lallen down "in a lit," and, onicludfng at unco that this "fit" wan anonlexv, bad *ct oil. riding at a speed which caused bis physician's naddlebaim to tUp up ami down with tho rapidity of his movement*.

Dr Wills reached Oakhill, and went at once to tho chamber whore Colonel Hartrigbt lay moaning, with ilusbed fioo and closed eyo*.

A single glanoo showed him that the old man had been attacked by apoplexy. He waa promptly bled, and tho patient waa relieved. \s he opened his dull, apathetic eyes, and stared at tho doctor, ho said in a low. hoarse voice,

Ih that yon, Oeorge?" ••There, there, my dear sir, don't oxett yourself. 1 am Ir. Wills," said the pbyaician. ... .... "Yes" said Colonel Hartrigbt, pronouncing tho monosyllable slowly and painfully, "I know you very woll, ^oc-

Ho then turned bis bead and fixed his uvea which wero half-covered bv the bloodh'"* bd-*. upon a portrait of his brother George hanging on the wall opposite the bod.

I thought von were George, no muttered. "You aro Doctor Wills—my old friend. lr. Wills. Am I sick, doclor

Yon hare leen a little unwell, my doar sir, but it is a tritle. I'll have you up by to-morrow. Don't excite yourafl J"

The patient clojwl his eyes again and sitting down by the bed, Dr. Wills remained silent, making a gesture to the Ncrvant who opened the door to ascertain If anv thing was wanted, to leave him alone" with his master.

At tho end of an hour, Cblonal Hartrlirht attained opened bis eyea, and fixed them upon Dr. Wills. He tried then to move his bead up ami down. 1 know you very well, now, air,' he «nld with something of hi# old fbnn*Utv "I must have had an attack of flavor I thought 3*0u were my brother George. What l* the character of this Attack, doctorT I think I can answor mv own question. It b» a|*oplexy."

The plivslcian saw that bis patients mind was' ptrfwtly clear, and that be had rallied.

You are not misUken. my dear air: but the attack N not dangennia thia time. You know I have warned you to expect something of this sort. It has proved of no importance, however. The rvglmen I prcaeribsd will ward off any ftiture danger. 1 think."

Yea," said tho Colonel, slowly ami faintly. llot..• k-k1 again at tho portrait gaging il"« -tt hint with the same uninviting stare. "An excellent likeness!" lie said.

Very exoellcnt, (Vlonol." Colonel Hart right again elooed hi* evwu

8tr*ng»!" be said, "I thought yoa re my brother George!"

were

CIIA1TKH VI.VI.

I liai

fft UBOKK DMPOt11 -s KB* IXXUKD K0IW A?«» «KHV'DS, On bis return homeward, after his nmfesdonnl visit to Oakhill, Dr. Will* Called at Huntwlon, and informed Harlev Of Colonel lUrinthCs all U. *The InteUlgenc ^n^ ^gT.^v^ hlmj hot the doctor rei v«l: mind bv *ddtaff that the darger was over, M»d llarE? contented himself with riding to rvIbKilL aending up bis name, and ask*

II artright then *«.

T& old servant brought back word that iu master was belter, thanked Mr llL-l™r?««l bop««l b. «W afaln In

'llLSyTbMi red* t^h^rolbo visit end U»tt*.wiU~ut perfnVirview. He bad gone (n.m ^121 if what ww doe hi* worm avmnithy bo bad been

Withatdti«re itMt

1,1Th5°w^-bSrt«J

•MS If

rl|,lIl( jj

fcoweyer, **, -tribute bis Hartrigbtwwldatlgbtt^n^

tb#

tero^Hi raotive^. to s«« bl»

iil« W Ui-UW»» vwu Jvumq promptly, and waa absent several hours, lie came back looking very sad. "Poor uncle Joahua!" be said, as Harley came out meet bitn, "he looka a great ileal weaker."

You aaw him, I wappoee?

44Oh

yoa didnt you, brother?"

I did not. I did net ask for him, as I supposed it beat for him to be quiet.

bad bad a ban! time, but waa wellni over it, be hoped. Untie is getting njibt old now, 1 n*?k"n, brothor, and I mighty sorry for him—he seems so lonely." "An excellent old man—qdlck-tem-pered but generous. Ho is very fond of you, Sainty, and yon must go and choer him up when I go back to Europe. 7 think I will leave you here in command and go back to mv eternal traveling.

You! brother Return to Europe 1 Oil! DrOluOr xMHurii wj

W"re g°'"8

Harley smiled rather sorrowfully.

You"'can never count on birds of passage like myself, my boy. Did you never see the wild-geese flying south? Whenever you kco them, tbey are—on tho wing." .. ..And—-oh! brother, what a disappointment! I hoped to oe with you alwavs." .,

Thank vou, my boy I Always in a stronc word. Xo, I shall go back—but we will talk of this another time." "IK) give up tke Idea, brother. You said I need not go back to Eton." "There is no reason in the world why you should. No. you shall stay hero, mv dear Sainty, in my place—but where is St. Leger?"

Yonder he is. Ho always rules in that direction—toward tho Blaekwater. I unrr saw such a rider! I wonder if he's in love!"

And having lirod off this criticism of St. Lcger, Sainty Harley disappeared, mounted his ho'rse at the stables, and, in rather a sneaking and surreptitious manner, rode off toward lJlanufleld Harley not

observing,

Well, my dear St. Legor?" Why don't you got married Careless and tie void of all significance a* tho words seemed, they were uttered witft a little embarrassment—of which fact the explanation was perfectly simple. St. Leger had never had his curiosity in tho least degree satisfied with reference to Hurley's past life. Still came back to him, day after day, night alter night, that over-recurring question, "Is or is not Justin llarloy married?" It was impossible for him to banish tho subject,

OVOH

One thing only was plain to St. Legor. The woman whom they had oncountord on their way from Williamsburg was in some way connected with Harley's past life, whether she were or had been his wife or not. irn.t she his uifet Tho thing was impossible, and yet thero was tho eternally-recurring problem to be solved! And be could not ask Harley

that thev nro impossible. What was easier than to say, "Harley, I am your sincere Iriond: ihtre are reports about yOU_y«o know that. Are you or are you not married And what more ui:asiblo after Harley's declaration that

and offensive! So tho unfortunate St. Ieger pined away with unsatisfied curiosity, and consoled himself amid all this mystery with visits to Fanny! At last, however, he nad sum mo ed courage,had approachthe subject at last, had said,

Harlevl why don't you get married Hurlev looked at lum quietly.

I hi've no intontion of marrying. I havo told you that more than once, my dear frleml," he said.

I know that you have but tho subject Is a hlghlv Intero'tlng one." To vou, perhaps. It is perfectly natural that you, a young man, should think of such things, and I am not In the least surprised but as at orally the suhket i***csarw loss interest for tin*.

Hum!" You don't seem to be oonTlucod." I a I am sorrv. See what it Is to have

interesting." Very well." "Once more—why dun ijr«u trtarry

I am an old gentleman—that alone is sufficient." Vou are in tho bloom of manhood.'

I am past thirty." Which is a man's prime." Have It as you wish." There was a short pause. St. Legcr then said:

You area swordsman of the urst !1, ITarley, and an opponent must .. home with you. Will me a plain question

Well." be said, **I*H venture. The ooawJion ia not Ill-brad, 1 bope, imt it is rn. Areyou-psylng j*our address lo J^retrn iMand 7" «(Vr: :.i nly not," said Harley, tho col. nrwcMeniy hngoutof his faoe. \i,a are n^-.""' "I ammi*."

~T u_.i wir Informed him fill one to me. Let that waffle® for the I will, Harloy would have yielded to d»-

sign marrying." I really don't not think of malrimon •aid the baffled St.

soo wh ny. i' t«ger.

huu

rich. Harley shook his head. I am vory far from rich but still

ipposed it beat for him to be quiet." "X am very H* waa very kind to me, and said he money ia the least obstacle. I have nev*

er thought much of it." I bavo," said St. Leger, laughing. is devilisb disagreeable to be without —I have tried it."

K-"-

",rtrn

111'uccoon's

or seeming not to

St. lyeger rtnlo up tho hill, dismounted, and catno to \vbere iiis friend was sit-

"^Hero you aro moping as usual, old fellow!" he laughed. "Moping? I?"

You appear to be." 1 am 1110rely lounging." St. Ixiger looked at him, and a sudden temptation assailed him. llarloy!" he oxclaimed.

There is a

absorbed as ho

hntl now become by bis singular sentiment toward Fanny—a sentiment growing stronger as every hour passed on. Why had not Harley satisfied this curiosity, Nt. I^eger asked himself. Ho was perfectly aware of its existence ho had even offered of his own accord to narrate some dav, soon, those unknown events of his youth. Why did be not do so Waa he ashamrd of anything in his career? Had he been married, and divorced? Had he been outraged by tho course of the woman whom he had married—had his pride been mortally wounded—and did ho shrink from speaking of what had happened, avoiding thus the cruel pang which tho narrative would cost hint?"

Besides himself and Fanny. "Who?" There Is the mystery." Harley turned his head.

Tell me about your mystery." I shall do so in a vory few words. Some one oecupios Fannv's room—tne small apartment behind the cabin."

And St. Leger proceeded to speak of tho day when Fanny had become faint at sight of the man of the swamp, and ho had attempted to procure the water 1 T» 7-1A V»nf door should bo closed, and locked—a practice which St. Leger knew to be unusual with her and still stranger that when he attempted to enter, tho girl should exhibit that Budden emotion, alling out to him not to do so. llo had

ingat all this and having ridden Puecoon's cabin again on this day, had distinctly heard tho voices of two persons, dining tho absence of Puccoon, as bo rode toward tho cabin. At the sound of his hors«'s hoofs tho voices had coased silence had followed, and when ho dismounted and walked to the door, Fanny came out to meet him, blushing anii looking a lltte eonfnsed, ami the door 0/ her chamber tras again chmrd.

Harley,...... .. is Incomprehensible to me. Who«ui bo tho other inmate of tho cabin? But after all it not my affair.

I will find out!" said St.I/Oger,knitting his brows. Harley looked at bis friend with a alight smile. ou seem really Interested In—shall say In Puccoon or In—Fanny, St. Ixgerl"

I am sorrv. nw wimt i» You free 1 am intrusive. 11 jub n*e an old phlloftophor for a frl«nd. Bnt let

Pshaw!" You see I am Intrtviivc. if you like

tll0 won

us talk of something o1m». Jesting. Not to say, my doar friend, No, let us talk of this—the subject is anvlKdy would be absurd to bo fond of i-'aunv. Sho's a little dnch*s, or what Is better, a sweet and innocent ma'den."

Is she not?"

I joo answer

Yes," the qnt*t rwilj^ *4 An Ill-bred

1111

»ti n?

It ill not be ill-bred II j/on *sl tt." Humph! muttered St. l^ger, •'th*t'» h» way I'm always disarmed I"

lti

a*. I- i:w was defeated on the rary tbiwhc.-. And you haven intention of doing */." I am a vulgar ft ilow to be intrudtn,- In this off.mMve way, Hat but I IU:tn*'il"

You never Intrusiye, friend, and Mm 1.1 bred you are, on ibo oonlt

Wl VM OOOjjWf}

Indeed she la." St. Ix»ger actually colored a little, and bis glance stole to a ro«e-bud—the last bis glance stole to a roao-bud—tbe last

•of the year—which Fanny bad placed in hi* bntton-bole. Why Is not a rosebud a rosebud whether It grows In a garden or In a wild wood!" bo said. "For my part. Ilarlev, I look only at tho color, and thlnk'of the perfttm©—but we will talk of flowers afterwards, I'm hungry, and want doim claret 1"

CHAPTKR XL\1I. nmm

Hour after hour ou this night, aad long after midnight, St. Leger heard Harley walking to and fro in his chant-

^fhat slow, deliberate, ncver-ceaaing souml of step* followed tlie young man he It asleep, and mingled with his «tn»—dreary, monotonous, haunting

t" '•b''" illairi^ea^l^^'^m This noMe and proud nature fouml Ittr:e Sen full of in mfe«^:{ wlf hampered, tbWed mMI apto mTs ami my p«4 life ever since I, parently to all lh» wli«»of J*™® L.^ k.-wn fZJImd you have n,v.r asked 1 single Indi# *et tiaertJon, In pe«onal fortunm, sr-'t^ of ml, this myater which I hopej wboin be 1 tittiMil 11,« in 1 iiint .y wascn b© nopeo u»

"jUtriey was Indeed passing through \v one of those ertaes which oocur at times iu all men's Uvea. He waa evolving In bis mind every detail of bis situation, te, and striving to find in tbe chaos which ed deemed towuround him some little tract the of hrm ground whereon to plant bi«

na-onMsthst bb. brother, .U,ut to oum

^r'*"1 *b,n,",DoJ

joiiog m«n did dlfflcuUr-I «m even gill th.t yon '""K—1 h» look«i his havo asked thorn. r*o

iau .u» juii Instead of yielding, he looked his I do not do- troubles in the faoe, and tried to save a plank from the wreck, as brave men you should will. you wish Ho kept up his slow pacing to

"You are until nearly day

vounffryotThave a"wartn"b©art, you are two or three hours, and came down. meeting St. Leger with his habitual

calmness and cordiality. Do you know, my dear friend." be lid, "that I have determined to go back

said, to

Europe with you?" Eu

It To fiurope! You will return—and it so soon, Harley?" Yes. I have become a perfect liobe-

Yt»! but still the diflerenoe between mlan, I am afraid. I am ri«tles»—of no tho poor-man and the rich man is not so use here perhaps I shall be of as little mau thinks. Daily there, but I shall be more at home. A are nee- sad statement, Is it not?" t-"ji is "Yes."

great as the poor bread, and shelter and clothing 1 essary to us all but after this, what really nrcrs.mry And the true luxuries of life are open to all—t bo sunshine.

can have no more." St. Leger laughed. One of yotir poor msth's luxuries depends on matrimony—I mean the laughter of children."

Yes—every man dreams of that music, 1 suppose, sometimes—I shall never hear tho laughter of my own."

Whv not?" "Tho* subject is a waste of time, friend. Let us chaugo it. Where have you been?"

St. txger looked at bis friend curiously. Did I10 care nothing, after all, for

tiw wnes"of blrSs, and" the laughter of Evelyn niand? Had she discarded ..... •«._ jiimf What bad happened

The man

i^rmL'rhM ."XVllnTtSi rlci

Y'ou aro in earnest in this scheme, Harley Y'es."

411

need not tell you that, iersonally, nothing could delight mo more, as I shall havo your company but I must Bay that I did not expect to have it."

I am capricious, you see."

411

see that something has worked a change In yousuddcnlj', tny dear frjond. Bo candid. What Is it?" "j -sta "A change?"

Y'ou were as bright as a May morning a few days since—now, you aro as

St. IjCgor gave up In desp.dr. Toward the Blackwater, and I stop- gloomy." ,,,,,, c, pod at Puecoon's in returning, liy-tbe- "Pshaw! You are full of fancies, St. .in,„ii»Pin. Leger!" ..»• S

way, Harley, I have some singular In telligence for you." "Indeed?"

friond—oir foe—the man

of the swamp, as ho calls him, bus returned." Harley turned his head quickly, and looked at St. I^egor.

Are you certain of that hosaiu. Yffs." Harley jxindered for some moments,

You have seen him, I supposej" 1 said Harley. "Yes." You know him, perhaps," said St. Leger, smiling. "Yes," said Ilarlev "an indirect reply, for it will lead you to think that I havo mysteries within mysteries—that all about mo is mystery!"

My dear Harley, I really don know what to think, and wbother thinking is not a high crime and misdemeanor. Pardon mo, I only mean nothing! I give you a piece of news simply'. Tho myth, goblin, chimera, illusion, or streak of moonshine, known to our friend Puocoon as the man of the swamp—whother swamp angel or swamp devil I really don't know—has been absent, has returned, and has resumed his eccontric habit of lurking around the abode of Puccoon—for what reason, or with what object, I do not know." 1 Ho was eviiarley remalnod silent dontly reflecting.

person

living in the

marshes, St. Leger, and I am tiersonally acquainted with him," he said at length "I am also cognizant of the fact that he has been away—or appears to have been away—from the neighborhood. Thero my "knowledge ends. Why ho haunts our friend Puccoon I do not know. At least you havo, on this point, a plain statement."

Which I did not ask, my dear Harley. Let us leave tho subject. But, as we are speaking of strange things, I havo (another item pertaining to tho domain of Wonderland—there is somebody living at Puecoon's." "Somebody?"

And you of evasions!"

AHU nil ui »iusiuuo •.....-j St, Leger spoko with real mortificatlon.

Ini 1* liouucicu ivi r* I know he has not been soon for ed kindly at St. Leger. tw» at ioiiiri.il Mniil. Friend." he said, some timo," ho at length said

You do not deserve to have a friend, Harley, for you never eonfide in anybody. Y'ou keep your griefs and joys, your happibess and your troubles, all shut up in your own breast."

Harley's countennnce assumed an expression of cordial regard, and he look-

Friend," he saitf, "I bavo never been fond of concealment, and was never what is called secretive. If I do not speak of some things, it is because I find it painful, or think it best that I should not—even to you. Y'es, something troubles me, to lo frank with you. I will tell you some day what it is. And now amuse yourself as you can. I shall be busy to-day."

Hurley then sent for Mr. Shanks, tho engineer, who had remained at Huntsdon, and informed him that circumstances wholly unforeseen would prevent the drainage of the Blackwater Swamp. He should not bo subjected to loss, howover, and would bo fully remunerated for his time and trouble in coming to Virginia, tho season still permitting him to return to England.

Mr. Shanks smiled in a friendly way. Ilarlov had indeed made a strong friend of him by his cordial and kindly manners.

I don't want remuneration, Mr. Harley. Y'ou bavo paid my expenses," be said, "and I am offered a job which will pay mo as well as the draining, sir." "What is that?"

Your uncle, Colonel Hartrlght, wants his whole property and tho Glenvale estato surveyed, and plots drawn up, sir."

With which Mr. Shanks proceeded to explain. He had becotno infirm to with Saunders—Harley's old overseer—and Mr. Saunders had. mado him acquainted with Mr. Jackson—Colonel Hartrigbt's overseer—and Mr. Jackson bad gone straight to his employer, and said

Colonol, hero is the very man you want—a number one surveyor to make tho si—cys and mapsof the whole prop-

0,TheK

tarn but I am morely

flpon Colonel Hartrigbt had sent

for Shanks—had been pleased with that personago, had offered him tho place of surveyor, and Harley's announcement had enabled him to accept it.

Very well," said Harley. "I am glad that it so happens, Mr. Shanks. Make vonr homo with me, if you like

141

like you very well, indeed, Mr. Harley," said Mr. Shanks, with a low bow. "I'll be too busy but I'll come and seo you, and am much obliged to you, Mr. Harley.

Mr. Shanks bowed again, went away, and elosed his bargain with Colonel Hnrtrlght, who was slowly recovering from his attack.

As Mr. Shanks left his new employer, a coach, drawn bv four horses, stopped in front of Oakhill, and Judge Bland got out of it.

The Judge, who had retired some years before from the bench, and resumed tho practice of his profession, had been In Willlamsbnrgattending tho session of tbe General Court.

On tho proceeding day, the old grnvhaired elerk of tho court—a very elean an a

Well, that is an odd incident," said ^nKwom_*ftui to him. 'arley, and I must say tna whole thing on bavo forgotten that bnsifMn^mnrah^UHlKlfi IO RIP. WIlO Mil 1 rt 1.,,!,.a ,lkn

1 mi..iv .....v, forgotten noss of Coionol Ilartright's, Judge—tbe conveyance in Brown rr. Hartrigbt you are counsel for the Colohel."

Yes, yes! I must noe him—my notes are mislaid."

The old gentleman has had a bad attack, It 1* said," oontiuued the chatty old elerk.

Very bad but he Is mtieh hotter." •4 By tho bye, .Jndgo, I think young Harley is nepl v-4i«r ej of IlunWdon."

Yes."

He Is In a bad way, I Ifrar. Hicks— •on know Hicks—has filed a bill ankktg for a decree to sell lluntadon, to satisfy thousand over rtovcu ft

mortgage

pound*."

Is It possible! Piled to-day—Hosklrts for eomplaln-

t„

poi

en thousand

us worth treble the

The IlunUdon estate raoner!" \Vell, tbe bill i# filed. Tbe object of Hicks is plain. He is a notorkms old Shylock, and no doubt aio:a at buying in the estate."

Hum! said Judge Bland.

It would be a shame."

A shame indeed And it shall not be done if I can prevent it. L*Jt me see the bill, Mr. Iance."

The Judge looked at tbe bill, and, alter careftolly reading it, knit his brows. "A pity:—seven thousand pounds! But tt is monstrous to ask for a decree to sell lluntadon. The Court will never bear of such a thing."

Mr. l»anoe shook bin head, I don't know. Practice baa changed. Better see Mr. Harley, and advice him knew his tether, yoo know.'*p *1

I certainly ahall, Mr. Dane* And Judge Bland shook his bead, uttin threedlstlnet hums!" as be f-ld-up the documcut, «ad returned It to old

d«rk. irhed Oak hi'i ju*t at dinner

time, AaJ diacuaeed C- -nel Ilartright's i.uitlnesa oyer a glasi of wine. ben this subject was exhanaled. helo#rmotI his host of tbe attempt on Mr. Hicks' part to *11 IlunUdon. .. fVll Hantsdon I" ejciaJmed toe old

«4 T" satisfv UIui of oWr ttKiMind pouiw... "Good heavens!** a.'"1 tv ttel Hut*.

right, "Justin Harly surely does not owe that amount!" It eeem eo."

My dear air, it Is impossible! It Is outrageous! A wasteAi), extravagant, incorrigible spendthrift!"

to and fro

-He then slept for

Careless in money matters, as his father was before him. But I have a very high opinion of Justin Harley. Colonel, —a very high opinion Indeed!"

441am

sorry to say that w*y opinion

differs from yours,'Judge. Tho most opinionated—the hardest-headed young man I ever know. He has never shown bis sense in any affair but one—and that is in abandoning a wild goose project."

You refer to

This rai age scheme—emptying tho water from the Blackwater Swamp. Tbe man who came from England to undertake it has just been here, and Informs me It is given up."

I am very glad of it."

And I lor Justin Harloy Is my sister's son, after all. And ho is to bo ruined! And by Hicks! Hioks is a rascal. I bavo told him so. lie had the audacity" com and propose to lend money. I told him if ho entered my doors again I would kick bitn out!"

And Colonel Hartrigbt looked irate. "Sell lluntadon?—flick*

441

hopo to disappoint the project, my dear bir, but tho iaw is uncertain. At least I will try—and now I roust take my leave, Colonel."

The old gentlemen thereupon shofik hands cordially, and Judge bland was soon rolling away in bis coach. The sun was declining as he passed lluntsdon. Aa ho came opposite tbe gate, Harley rode out, going in the opposite direction.

They exchanged a cordial salute.

My good genius must bavo sent you," said Harley. "I was just thinking of you, and wishing to see you. I need your aid." •'I will sorveyou, if I can, most readily and clioerfully."

Harley told him of Mr. Hicks' note, and tho Judge nodded.

He has already filed his bill—a gentleman of despatch—I have lopkeaat

And your advice Is

To come and seo me—this is Saturnay—say on Monday. Tho afternoon, if agreeable to vou, Mr. IJarloy."

Perfectly, sir. You will understand that I wish, if possible, to avert this proceeding, or delay it, and thus prevent a peremptary sale of tbe property, which will easily pay tho debt in a few years."

Yes." Another favor, sir. I wish to have a deed drawn up—and this it may possibly be convenient to you to havo ready for mo when I come.

A deed!"

Conveying my entire estate, real and personal, to my brother St. tieorgo."

To your brother! Y'our whole estato "I am going to Europe, and have a conviction that I will not live long. My course may seem mpricious and tho result of whim, but it is not. Will you treat my request as that of a man who has deliberately decided, after long rejection, upon the course he means to pursue, and prepare the doed?"

Hum hum! hum! Why do you go to Europe, my young friend Harley smiltd rather sadly. 4

I havo grown to be a wanderer Mr. Hicks may indulge my brother any 0110 of a hundred reasons, my good old friond. Will 3-011 preparfc my deed for me?"

Tho Judge looked at him. Something in Harley's expression convinced him that argument was useless.

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will prepare it," ho said "but I require a copy of your father's will."

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havo one, and will bring It."

Give up this f^wl determination— exile is a sorrowful thing—very sorrowful, Mr. Ilarlev."

Is life, tinder any conditions, so very gay, my dear sir? But this Is unprofitable talk. I am detaining you."

And, saluting Judge Bland with profound respect, Harley rodo on.

CHAPTER XLVIII. WHAT IIAHLKY FOfM.

Harley rodo toward the Blackwater Swamp.

44So

An expression of deep sadness had settled upon his face, and tho landscape around him was In unison with his mood. The Bun was slowly sinking, and tho long shadows of tho cypresses and laurels fell in black bars across the lonoly road which he waa pursuing. The air was perfectly still, and a dreamy basso enveloped everv objoct—the last davsof tho brief Indian snminer were at hand, and the year was tdowly going to his death, tho faint, sweet sunshine lighting up the landscape like a smile on the face of a dying man.

Sad, vory aad Harley murmured, "and this business I am on is maddest of all. Where is that poor girl? She has disappeared like shadow. That stroller, so long tbe master of her destiny. knows nothing of her whereabout#, or he would havo returned to tell me, and claim bis reward. Where Is she? Is site dead or alive She was last aeeo in this country just boforo that sudden snowstorm. What if sbo was wandering at the time In these woods— homole»w, not knowing her way—friendless, hopeless

A deep and painful sigh followed tho words.

That Is frightful I Only to think of it I While I—I—have been yonder with a roof over my head, with wholesome food, with clothing and Are, and every comfort—ahe, this poor, unfortunate girl, whom I loved so dearly onoe, may have been without shelter, with tbin clothing, hungry, shivering, despairing —perhaps falling and dying in some hollow of this pitiless wood

An acute expression of anguiah came to the lit* of the speaker. An Immense pity and tenderness might have been discovered in his eyea.

He went on, with his head hanging down. Ilo had directed his course toward the point where he and St. Leger had entered tbe Blackwater Swamp on lb* night of the dear-hunt. But hi* ho \~n" bad obliqued to the right. A* Ui« nan wart setting he fbnnd himaelf in front of l'uoooou a hot

He rode up to tbe door, which waa ased, and lean! tut over, tapped upon with tbe butt of bis riding-whip. The door waa not opened at onoe. Harley beard voice* then an Inner door—apparently that of Fanny's little dumber—waa shut quickly, and a key waa turned, securing It Fanny appeared upon the threshold of the outer door, with heightened color, and exhibiting •ome trepidation.

Bat at night of liar ley, with his sweet and cordial smile, the child's fears quickly diaappeami. In all countries where lie had traveled —In Franco, Austria, Italy, England—tbe fine of this tlWM had inspired to women i».i ikiirn, who aeetMvd to read by i:i tho I which tbey had

Harley asked for Puccoon, and finding that he was abroad, rode on, »aying that he would probably return on the same night. As he rodo clown the hill, be thought St. Leger's statement, thai some one was living in Puecoon's cabin besides himself and Fanny but attaching no Importance to th$ fact, if it wero a fact, he dismissed the subject from his mind.

St. Leger might very well love this littlo maid," be said to himself, glanoing over bis shoulder at Fanny, upon whose tangled curls the last raj's of sunset fell, making ber resemble a picture. "The nephew of an earl—the daughter of a tripper—that would bo strange, but life is, after all, a strange affair."

Having uttered which maxim, Harley rodo toward tho Blackwater Swamp, which ho reached, and, dismounting, penetrated on foot, jnst as the sun balanced itself, liko a ball of fire, 011 the summit of the woods, flushing the weird and phantom-like cypresses with an angry crimson. lie knew his way now, and wert on steadily, circling the iakt, and making for the spot where tho long-swaying tree-trunk served for a bridge over the stream running into tho largo body of water. This he soon reached, and crossed. He then continued to advance through tho jungle toward tho outlet to the lake in the midst of which was the small island—the homo of tho man of tho swamp.

It was the fourth time that I10 bad visited tbe wild and sombre locality. The first visit has been described and we havo seen how ho penetrated the morass, crossed the sullen, moat-llko outlet, and reached the den of the hunter, poacher, or whatever he was. He bad repeated this visit a few days afterwards, and had come a third time, but ou both subsequent visits had seen nothing of the man whom ho evklently sought. Tho underground homo «l tho swamp-dweller was deserted.

Would he bavo better fortune now? •Ho lutd renewed his attempt iu consequence of tho information communicated to him bv St. Ixtgcr on tho preceding day. Tho mysterious man of the swamp had been again, after a month's absence, in the vicinity of llicooon's cabin—Fanny had recogniw.nl him—and there was 110 reason why he should not have returned to his den In the lnamhos.

Harley had resolved at least to look for him in that direction, and was now approaching tho island, upon which tlio under-ground dwelling was situated. He was unarmed, as he had been upon all his latter visits. On his first visit he had taken tho precaution to .bucklo around his waist a belt containing a pistol but now, either from a cou\notion that it was unnecessary, or relying on his great physical strongtb, ho carried no weapon "more dangerous than his riding whip. lie reached the outlet, waded through as before, and went up the bank toward tho den, the dry water-llugs and canoa crackling under his foot as they might bavo done under tho feet of a panther, or some other dentaen of tho marsh fiuu tbe night.

Ten steps brought him to the low door with the narrow'aperture half-covered with dry vines near it in the slopo of the grassy mound. He pushed tho door it opened. The hmt glimmer of sunset streamed in. The ueu was deserted. Tho rude table and chair—the ruder bod —a few blackened brands In the fireplace—these objects, and the only, served to indicate that the placo had ever been inhabited.

Suddenly Harley stooped. Ono other object had attracted his attention. This was a paper which had probably been loft upon the table. It lay upon tho ground the wind passing through tho narrow aperture had no doubt blown It from tho table.

Harloy picked it up, and «ramo out Into tho open air again. Thero was just sufficient light to read it by. ThmA words wero traced, in a firm, strong hand upon the paper: ,,

441

much for that business!" he said.

"My boy will bo a bettor match, and my giuIII faee will not trouble anybody, since I shall bo In Europe. Now for a last duty. Wlion that is dono, there will no longer be a tie attaching mo to Virginia, and I shall bo ready to go with St. Ijeger at any moment."

id and loyal nature from

•A*

To Justin IIaklky:

,t j,

am going away, and leavo this for you you will find it, for you Will come.

441

will never sign that paper. If I promised to do so, I break iny promise. I did not keep my appointment with you, because I will not touch your money I onlv took the jewels because they were mother's, and now aro mine.

After this, you will nover hoar of me again. Let us part in peace. ,f:, UOUTII.VN."

Harley read this paper twice. When bo had read it a second time, the hand holding It fell at his side, and ho fixod iiis eyes upon th« ground, reflecting profoundly.

I am glad of ono thing," ho muttered—"there is good iu that man after all. But why does ho refuse to sign the paper

He went slowly back as I10 camo, crossed tho streain, circled tho lako, emerged from the swamp, and rode toward Puecoon's cabin.

He had lust disappeared from tho vicinity of the island, when tho head of a man* whose face was balf-covorcd with a long Ireard, rose cautiously above 0 thick growth of swamp-grass and flags In which ho had been concealed.

I thought ho would come," the man said, In a low touc, "and It was bolter to wait. I am tired of this country. All is ready for her. To-morrow—yes, tomorrow

Ho stopped, looked rautiously in tho direction In which Harley had disappeared, and then, springing up on tirm round, stood fully revealed In the twlight. His whole appearance had changed. There wn* 110 longer any ferocity in bin faee a firm and stern look had replaced it—a look not without a tingeot sadness. His rude dress had been dIsoarded. lie was drev-11 ike a man of good society, and the carriage of his person was not without a certain prido and grace. It was more than ever plain that this human being was not of tx)orish origin: culture—social position, perhaps—had preceded debasement.

There is no time to lose," bo muttered "this place is growing too hot. Tomorrow—yes, to-morrow

He left tho sentence unfinished, and went slowly into tbe jungle, which be evidently knew perfe!tly. A winding path opened In it. He pursued this path, and In half an hour emerged on tbe banks of tbe Blackwater.

A horse was tied in a detc-'i thicket at (he point where be cans'1 ut. The man mounted, and going su ng tho bank, earn" '. a jn vato ana litt!e-fciv'v ford, wM-h he ivssed, disappear^ in tho ui» on tho other side, ju^t Harley, who bad emerged from the JnirMi In thia opposite direction, appro* ?'-11 ucroon's hot. Jt™ as ix.ynM-go.].. ,s

hprry Time" ATftV—S "'S& "Lily of the Field."

We aw »o« giua* to every yearly ««it...-n»»er a tlu» abA•• C3 m.omw. Ih aad m.uti in iUc are *, .* per copy but will be given to all j--r»o*wh*seiMi ui thefr ».'«:»• a* tZM Uj" fri *i of the pa.T o». These p: r. are perfect rr.j.'i. in r-. Unt an color oI tnM5.utt.vnt hun ln-ds of «rt.» have a»v 1 or love

,w» lave u.* 1 omo

to fear. *"st' f* l^r with Uiew ~.**o»«ht.

s&Wit "Ji -V*- 4 v**.,

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