Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 20, Number 9, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 24 August 1889 — Page 7

PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

(Permlmion

of the Weekly Novelist.]

one in the Dark.

Or, The Fair Plotter of the Cabin

BY T. C. HAHBACCH.

CHAPTER III.

THE TERRIBLE COM I NO HOVE.

'Cedar Knob" had been inhabited by to Espiays from a time anterior to the Vmprican revolution. v-aH an old-fashioned manor bouse »... great rooms, wingn and balconies.

Standing on a knob or elevated platJu, which was beautified by a growth the stately Virginia Cedar, its name as not inappropriate.

At. the time of which we write, the '^Heboid at the Knob consisted of ..»ron Espray, an old man whose hair as white, and his ward, a young girl hose face was one of marked beauty, «.iid whose figure was queenly, willowy in short, faultless!

This was Alia Morril. fibe bad »H»en brought up in the «mlly, and although there was no Esray blood in her veins, she was as dear the old man as the name of his ouly •hild, Lenox.

For a period of seven months the son had been absent from the Knob. His sauntering* In quest of health, more than pleasure, had taken him through a portion of the remote south.

vMe

had even extended liis rambles to uba. He wiw tall, white-faced, but bandHome. There was about him an air of ilnished grmre, and if he had a fault it was an Impetuosity which at times he could not curb.

Unllko bis father he never boasted of ancestry which was enough to make .h heart boat with pride. More than nee he had turned from the family records that adorned the library walls, with a hollow laugh, to let Alta beat him at dominoes, or to bring down a brace of partridges somewhere in the fold.

This was the pertton who was expected home on the night that witnessed 'the events recorded! in the preceding chapters.

They were waiting for him at the manor house. Standing on one of tho balconies—the one that looked down the valley toward /Luray, the nearest railroad station, '/eight miles distant— Alta Morril waited /for his coming.

The old house had been put in order for his arrival. The fair hands of the girl, whom he always called "cousin," had decorated the walls, and arranged his favorite books as she knew to his liking.

No ono knew his plea»ure better than «lie. He did not come.

More than once the father orderod Alta to desert the cold, wind-swept balcony, fearing for her health but again and again she sought the place, where she watched for the laggard until the ral" drove her indoors.

JBSven thon she stood At the casement ami continued her vlgln. At last the housekeeper, who shared Alta's enthusiasm, burst into the dimly

"At last! Miss Alta," she shouted. "Wo have just heard his horse down in the valley. Just to think what a bad night he has for his return. Don't you reniembor how beautiful was the day that saw him go away, and over ou Henry's hill he stopped and waved us good-W?" "Tell him I will be down," said Alta, a« the woman withdrew.

Then aha turned the light on and looked In the mirror. Nothing was needed to enhance ber appoaranco, tier deep blue eyes were full of enthusiasm, and there was a flush on her cheek that would have stirred the blood or a certain tenant of the valley could i#ie have seen.

Alta Morrill went down. I

Tl »ger. joyous group assembled In the de hall, was headed by the venerable father.

The door, despite the wind, had been hrown wlile, aud his white looks were tossed about in wantonness while he uood on the threshold to greet his boy. "There goes the gate!" exclaimed the wld man. "Now the lanterns, boys— quick! A minute more and we'll ha\e the laggard beneath the old Knob's roof."

Two negroes bearlug lights went down the step*."but the next moment a wild «rv of I right pealed from their throats. "What moms thai?'* cried Kspray. /Ills answer was the horse that came in «|ght then he saw a little man walking Reside the beast, the occupant of whose saddle did not fit upright. "Merciful Heaven! what has happened?" groaned the expectant father.

Then he sUnul like a man suddenly transformed into a statute. The little man was holding tho horses' urden on the saddle!

A

Flanked by the negroes he came on until at last lie stopped at the step. Then there rang out cry that echoed

t4dl

over the old house, and Alta Morril sank In a heap at tho foot of the stair. Then the old man went down to his 3V. "Tenderly, tenderly! the little man was saying* to the negroes who were lifting Lenox'"from the home, "There teems to le a spark of life in him but it's mighty faint one." "In my room!" the old man said,

Jotween

lanclng'once at the wlhlt© face vi le the two burly blacks a» he

red

A I no to ha to

I—I l\/l A I I of the earth. They've shed no com moo 1 1 I 1 blOod to-night they've struck more than a duke—a King they've murdered an

urn-

upon the little man. "Tell in© all." he said commandingly. "How did it happen? Where did yoo find him?"

Before he spoke the guide looked at Baron Kspray he surveyed him from head to foot* "You do not seem to iwognhte me tonight?" he said with »n ill concealed ano*»r. "Oh, exclaimed the master of the Knob advancing. "You are Mr. Bramble, the pro-rector but let me

?,*!jen»e

with forma ea. My boy ha*' Invoiced." "Cut—stabbed!" said the little man een tenuously. "Bv whom?" "Time will tell." "Time? Why notifo*^" "How should 1 know when I found him unconscious, lying in the road at the leaning oak* anf under the very teet is or

Baron Kspray stared into Bramble*

"My—bov —stabbed?*' he ssaid slowly, like a person wakening from a dream to hear some terrible rw*' .-"on.

Then he started and «ped the little man's am. yoo know what 1 will dot**

lie

vried fiercely. "1*11 hunt the man down •who Struck my boy. lie may fly hot flight will not save him. in rich

ifhe stealy eyes of the little man, foil of resentment, were fixed upon the speaker.

They seemed to say: "Blood, Baron Espray? Mine I* as good as yours. The birth of no man renders him my superior." "Come in! come in!" said the old man. "My boy may be dead now."

The two men entered the mansion. Anticipating the master's commands one of the blacks had hastened to Luray for a surgeon.

There was a spark of life in Lenox Espray's breast bot there was a terrible stab in the region of his heart.

When the little man entered the room several of the frightened servants whispered to each other that he was the Individ ual who had been prospecting for oil throughout the district.

There was an air of mystery about him. He went about clad in a suit of gray tweed that fitted his lithe figure to a fraction. His eyes were small and restless, bis face, cleanly shaven, angular and unhandsome.

Turning from the bed whereon Lenox lay^ Baron Espray motioned Bramble

**"1 am going to work at once," he said. "I've sent for my old friend, Judge Underwood, and Major Barleycorn, the bailiff." "You have?" the prospector said mechanically. "Yes. Before to-morrow night we'll have the fiend who sent Lenox home dying. Major Barleycorn used to be a detective. It is said he is now upon the track of the gang of counterfeiters who have made this district their headquarters. Vengeance shall not sleep. It shall be swift and terrible. You will remain till they come?"

Bramble looked up at the old clock that ticked against the wall. It was on the point of striking ten. "When will they arrive?" he asked quietly. "By twelve, at the furthest." "I may stay," and then he added to himself, "I'd like to see this Major Bar­

Taking it for gianted that the man in gray would tarry till the arrival of bailiff and judge. Baron Kspray retired.

Bramble weut into the hall and sat on the lowest step of the stair. A moment afterward a servant came down. He rose and faced her. "Will you please Inform me where the young lady is?" "In her room," was the curt reply. "Which room?" "But, sir, she is alone and almost beside herself. I'm just going to see how the young master Is for her.T' "I'll go up and see her," be said boldly. "IFm Alta Morril's friend, and then who can tell her more about this affiilr than 1? Ah, which room did you say?" "The first one to the right at the head of the steps. I hope she won't think hard of my telling you." "She will not.'

Bramble went up stairs, and on tip-toe glided into the room designated by the servant.

At first he saw no one, but he soon espied tne figure of Alta Morril half buried in the curtains of the window that looked out upon a veranda.

A slight noise attracted her attention. "Ah! it is you, Mr. Bramble!' she said, coming forward. "You come to Cedar Knob like an evil spirit." "I may leave here as an avenger," he said. "His?" "If not his—whoHe?'i

Alta Morril for a moment did not

us not discuss that now." she

said when she spoke again. "You must tell me all. I am strong enough to hear your story in all its horrid coloring."

The man in gray did not move, but he did not refuse the white hands that the beautiful girl put out.

Taking them he told her briefly bow he had found and borne Lenox nome. When he had finished be found the eyes of Alta still fixed upon him.

They seemed to say: "You are keeping something back but ber lips said: "I thank you. Cedar Knob has never had a tragedy before. This is tho most terrible one that could have happened. The whole State will be thrilled with the story. Uncle Baron will hardly survive it. Listen! he is ttwearing now that he will hunt the murdererdown. I will shut the window for I can not listen to his mad, mad mad words!"

Turning from Bramble the girl step ped toward tho window, but suddenly recoiled aghast.

The Mui in Ornv darted forward. "Ah! you saw him—the man out there on tho balcony?" she cried, pointing toward the winiiow. "I wa* not dreaming —no! Your eyes tell me that you saw him, too!" "I saw him—a glimpse, merely."

A bound brought the prospector to the window the next moment he was on the balcony but, except himself, It had no tenant. "Too late!" he said to himself. "I wonder if she recognised the face. I us no it on plans. What ild have brought that person her®? If I had killed Lenox Kspray. I do not think that I would follow him home and get up a balcony scene."

With this, the prospector entered the

Could it be that the taeeon the balcony belonged to Ltfnox Espray *s assassin? The Man In Gray had intimated as much.

CHAPTER IV.

CISni. ORATRAR.

After separating from his friends who assisted him in the March for Lenox Espray, we have already detailed, Mark Blount went straight to his cabin.

The rough old mountaineer, while not in the best of spirits over his search, was far from tefiing at his ease. "Just so they don't get Roxy mixed up in this dreadful afBfir!" he said over and over to himself as he poshed on. "I'm willing to go before Judge Un*Twood and swear to the story I told !•.: about my hearing a quarrel on the road, and the flail of a heavy body. The* would shield Roxy. She must not dn -r-ed In at all, for while I don't belle.« that did the deed herself, took the kn after it was done. what's that?"

Mark Blount stopped he was not far from the road, ana or* r« bu: a few rods

f-

"I

tn fV- spot where the tragedy

had irw i. A vehicle eo in in* fnm h- «!sr- -ivm of Lor**? was I v#f .v. of them ..ntain t'.4 -#.

He rhed the edge of the wood as 1: went "Doctor Joeelyn and tlfe aher tT- oc to .r:, -.r llbLzk, Ik.'. gig by the sound of their voices, tin ^".y. en :--id the «®ef» before moun home^l r--- u** or. the hw-^ .u that tbt ap lb# '#.

ninxvm _____

asking questions again if I found her ap." Opening the doorqaifte noiselessly, the mountaineer entered the cabin, and glanced at the entrance to what appeared a small apartment scarcely large enough for abed room.

Walking up to the hearth, with his heavily heeled boot he turned one of the half-burned sticks that had fallen against the bricks, and disclosed—the bloody knife which we have seen Roxy throw into the fire.

Mark Blount's eyes sparkled when he saw it, and the next moment he had snatched it from the place where It had been miraculously preserved by the log. "Just as I thought!" he eiaculated after examining the knife by tne aid of the lamp. "This weapon came to my house for the first time to-night. It never belonged to Roxy—never in this world! What a sensation it would create in court, but it shan't go there: not if I can help it. If I took it there I'd have to take Roxy, too, and then the whole thing would come out! I would like to see this murder mystery cleared up—not because I take an interest in the mng gold-bug who felt this blade, for don't take any in 'im but just for curiosity. Let me see! who hated him? Great Ccesar! who didn't 'cepting his proud old father and that girl, who is to have a good pull at the treasury strings when death taps his weasen."

While be spoke ho turned the mute witness over and over in his rough an "Confound it! I wish the old knife could talk!" he^went on. "Mebbe it will talk some day. I'm going to keep it, but not for Judge Underwood or Major Barlecorn, but for Mark Blount's own satisfaction."

Stepping from the table the mountaineer sought a certain part of the room directly beneath the window. There he stopped and with the assistance of the Instrument of murder, lifted one of the boards that formed the floor.

The next moment he had dropped the knife into the opening thus brought to view, and rose with au air of satisfaction.

He had hardly regained his feet when a low rap sounded at tho door. With a startled exclamation Mark Blount sprang forward and greeted a young man whom in tones of familiarity he invited to enter.

The Invitation was accepted, and the men met in the middle of the room. The new-comer appears before the reader for the first time, but as we are destined to see him often on thrilling occasions, a description will not be deemed inadvertent.

He was ahead taller than Mark Blount but not so heavily set. His hair was dark and inclined to curl his eyes were intensely black and restless, and the only hirsute aouendage that adorned his face, singularly handsome withal, was a mustache as blaok as his hair. His physique proclaimed him a young man of no common agility: and, addeato all, he had youth, strength and endurance.

Mark Blount called him Cecil, but his entire name was Cecil Graybar. "You re up like myself!" he said, glancing around the room as he stopped before the mountaineer. "Yes."

Mark paused abruptly. He did not know how to reply. He found himself wondering if his visitor knew anything about the tragedy.

Graybar noticed the mountaineer's embarrassment, and hastily stepped to id "Where's Roxy?" he asked, lowering his voice. "In there!" answered Mark, with a nod toward his child's bed-room^ ^AB166P?"

&

"Yes. Do you want to see her?" "No! no! Mark, you know something because you've been out to-night. We are friends—more than that: we are brothers, sworn to trust each other "That's so, Cecil." "I don't know how you came to Know anything about the deed that was done to-night. I do not care to know." "I don't know very much about It, Cecil, but I'm not entirely ignorant. Mind you, what I tell you isn't to bring me before the courts. I was out I heara voices, oaths, a fall! Then I went for Jack and Dirck, atd we searched the wood, but It—the body—was gone. Now, what do you know?"

Cecil Graybar almost reeled from Mark Blount as this pointed question fell from his lips.

In an instant he recovered. "I saw another phase 6f it," be said like a man who was going to tell a story after a system. "I have been to Charlotteshurg. I have just passed the Knob all is confusion there. I knew that something had happened, and by a little Bocrecy—for you know that our presence there is not desired by the money-bags who rules the placo—I discovered the cause of the contusion. Mark, I wonder wh«» did it?"

Blount shook his head. "It's a mystery so far," he said slowly. "But wait till the keeu-eyed Barleycorn gets to work."

Cecil Graybar smiled faintly. "Boy, by Jove! it's a god-send for you —if he dies!" continued Mark. "Hush!" said Cecil,glancing at Roxy's room. "But, really, isn't it?" persisted Mark. "I don't know." "You know what you told me that night when w# watched the furnace alon Cnril, you had better have a care if it shooi 1 get out that you were likely to be tx fitted in a certain way by li l» ilk*

IQIDK vuat A UU

I

rum tuv W#V I WIK,

Stop and think bat you've done that already. If he dies you'll have an open path to Alta Morril's heart, and her wealth too,**

Cecil'Graybar did not reply but bis bosom rose and foil tumultuously while Mark Blount spoke. "I'm not thinking of such things," he **?d suddenly, giving the lie direct to looks. "I don't want to be mixed in this affair, and by my dead! I will i^t be. Hear what 1 say, Mark Blount. I have been to harlotteeburg. I can prove it. The man who dares to Intimate that 1 had a hand in Lenox Espray's murder—for he's dead by this -will atan| in need of a ooffin and -hr md but they will notdo that! No! they dare not. Because I want to marry Alt* Morril—I needn't try to conceal this fr yon, Mark—I must be suspicioned,

Ah! by the gods! they intimate eh? ma on peril of life!" ion th«

Jtas^fng^pallid before the astonished and speechless mountaineer, CecilQrayof rue. His

wm wvivvuiivhou uuui

«d, drawn from his palms, showed itself en his finger*. Wh !.«. IntiawM that he had bad a h»n in the rrlnM long the mountain

\'n UM. }J' aps'^'S •(, T"

r«A,

J&M

Th« n. ir, thi« exhibits'*of indJgna-

not but stare at the

web

r.

I

a

1

ti'-v, tV- ry

.1 'f «r.r.» Stan!

glaaset.

that was all. Now we can go on entirely unmolested. Lenox Espray more than suspected ns. Do you know that?" "I have thought as much." "I know it." "Then good in more ways than one will come ont of thia," Cecil said in a tone of triumph. "To-morrow the country will go wild over this young hotspur's death." "Bnt we'll keep onr senses, eh, Cecil?" "That we will, Mark!"

Five minutes later Mark Blount was alone again. Hastily excusing himself, his late visitor had departed, and was hnrrying from the cabin, and in the direction of Luray. "I'll oross on the foot-log," he said aloud as if deciding a question. "The bridge is too far up the stream, and then I can take a look in at the furnaoe."

Keeping on, a few minutes' tramp brought him to a rough stream whose waters, confined by steep banks, rushed angrily through the mountains. The path which he traveled brought him to a foot-log that spanned the creek.

There was a paucity of trees at the spot, and the moon which had come out since the cessation of the rain, showed him his surroundings.

A halt at the foot-log was the farthest action from Cecil Gray bar's thoughts but notwithstanding this he stopped suddenly to recoil with a cry.

At the narrow bridge stood a human figure, but it stepped aside as the young man recoiled. "It is I, Cecil Graybar,"said a woman's voice. "I did not come here to bar your progress, but I want to tell you that I will help you keep your dreadful secret. Do not ask me why I do this I am a woman I would not have strength to answer you. Oh, how I wish this night bad neyer come! Go on! cross the creek, and know that the secret of your great crime is buried in Roxy Blount's breast.'.'

The outstretched hand of the mountaineer's daughter pointed across the stream, and with a glance at her white face, Cecil Graybar sprang forward, and cleared the rushing torrent with a single bound.

As he struck the opposite bank he heard a cry behind him but he did not look back to see the girl sink like a fainting person to the ground. "He knows all now!" groaned Roxy Blount.

4

All? No! There is one thing

he will never never know. That I will keep as faithfully as I hope to keep the secret intrusted to me this terrible night. Oh, how weak woman is yet how strong her love!"

CHAPTER V.

AN ACCUSATION THAT REBOUNDED.

Three important persons had been summoned to Cedar Knob. Two came, the surgeon and the bailiff.

Judge Underwood, the messenger reported, was not at home, and unless called from Petersburg, whither he had gone, would not return for several days.

With Doctor Joeelyn and Major Barleycorn came the servant who had been sent to acoompany Lenox from the station at Luray.

He said that his young master had ordered him to remain ana attend to his baggage while he sot out alone for JJie Knob.

The Man in Gray had tarried at the house, but long before the arrival of the party just mentioned, he had quitted Alta's room and rejoined the people below. "We will not mention this matter of the man on the balcony." he said to the young girl before leaving. "It would only uselessly excite the household, and Heaven knows that we have excited enough for the present. He was evidently some prowler who thought to take advantage of the condition of affairs here, and perpretrate some pretty robbery." "No more than this, you think, Mr. Bramble? asked the girl solicitously. "I think not."

Doctor Joeelyn and the under-sheriff, a tall, pompous, fussy man of forty, entered tne room where Lenox lay. "Ah, I see—too late!" ejaculated the major, turning from the couch with a hasty glance at the man who hovered between life and death. "We have but to avenge outraged law. I think that we'll put up the gallows on the very spot where the horrid deed was done. Along drop is my motto, and then it is humane, too—dislocates the vertebra instantly, and spares a scene. There ought to Be gou.e humanity in our executions. I always advocated that, and expect I always will."

While the bailiff went on at this rate to the utter disgust of the silent people who. with bated breath and almost throoless hearts, he was being scrutinized by a little man who leaned carelessly against the wall a few feet off, and in the shadow of the bed curtains.

Doctor Joeelyn was a man of no mean

fiving

iretensions professionally. Although in a rough mountain district, and almost buried, as it seemed, from civilization, some valuable medical works had emanated from his pen.

He examined his patient, unconscious and more dead than alive for many wearisome minutes, and when he turned slowly upon the anxious watchers his face was grave, almost hopeless. "I see, Doctor, that your opinion is mine," said Barleycorn, rising. "We haven't had a hanging at Luray since we sent Hmall and Scaffel off at the end of the legal rope. Now

The bailiff paused abruptly. With an expression of mingled disgust and contempt, Doctor Joeelyn bad turned away. "Tell me, Doctor," Baron Espray was saying to f,he surgeon "I am a man—an Espray. Keep nothing back." "I shall be plain," was the reply. "I never try to raise false hopes. If your boy lives to see the light of to-morrow be may live." "God spare him, then!"

The door that led from the chamber into the hall was open, and Doctor Joeelyn's words went up the stairs to a figure that crouched at the head of the flight. liver'

knew who struck him, and why. Oh, Lenox, Cousin Lenox, who eo dastardly as to want your blood?"

At the doctor's orders the room was cleared of all save Lenox's body servant, who was detailed to watch until relieved. ..

The surgeon, with Espray and the bailiff, retired to theliwwywoooMltion. "Nobody Is with him hot Vlver," said Alta, at the head of the stairs. "I will go down now."

The next moment abe went down the steps and softly opened the door of Lenox room.

As abe entered the watcher at the bed started ap to forbid her, bot at sight of her figure be dropped back In his chain

Alta stole forward on tip-toe and leaned over the couch. There was a world of pity and Inward suffining in ber looks: in one hoar she seemed to have aged Ave years.

Ftor several moments she looked down r. the death like Saee that rested the pillow, and then lowering ber face she imprinted a kiss upoi forehead. "That ooght to bring him beck, Mies

Alta," said the faithful Viver. "I wish it could !"she answered, drawing slowly back. What do you think, boy?"

The youth slowly shook his head. "I know it is a terrible wound," she said, "but some people make wonderful recoveries. Viver, you will not leave your post?" "No, Miss Alta." "I will watch with you." "No! the doctor said that I should stay here me only. Yo know he's a queer man. "I do not forget that. We must obey him in everything oow. Then, you shall watch alone."

Without another word, Alta Morril dropped beside the couch and buried her race in her hands.

Viver bowed bis head and the only thing that disturbed the silence of that scene was the faint ticking of the clock against the wall,

The youth did not raise his head until he heard Alta in the hall. "When such a girl prays for a man death can't claim nim!" he said in a whisper.

Meanwhile the occupants of the library discussed the sterner realities of the crime. "But what has beoome of this Theodore Bramble who brought Lenox home?" asked Doctor Jooelyn. "He promised to tarry until you came but, as I have not seen him lately, I am afraid he has left." "He should have been detained by force," said the bailiff. "He is a man of no good in these parts. What was he doing out at that late hour—he an oil hunter? Does he prospect after dark? Where did he come from, anyway? I made up my mind about him wnen I first saw him. He talks of buying land here it has been all talk. He hasn't bought a rod he never intended to invest. Gentlemen, that man reeds watching. I haven't seen him since he arrived. When he heard that an officer of Virginia law—stern Virginia justice —was coming, he sloped." "He may be outside," said Baron Espray, rising. "I'll ascertain." "Yes, find out. We might as well begin the hunt for poor Lenox's murderer to-night."

The owner of the Knob went out for a minute. "I'm not so certain but that we are on the right track already," said Majoi Barleycorn to Joeelyn. "What! you do not think "Wait a moment. I hear a strange voice in the hall. It's the bogus oil prostor. Between -you ana I, doctor, _e's a fool for not going off."

The following moment Lenox Espray's father re-entered the library, closely followed by the Man in Gray. "Mr. Bramble has not retired," the old man said. "Gentlemen, this is he. Mr. Bramble, this is Doctor Joeelyn. and this, Major Barleycorn, our bailiff."

The Man in Gray bowed very stiffly to the two men, but one of whom, Dr. Joeelyn, returned the salute.

The major fixed his eyes on the pros-

[00k

ector,

kept his head erect, and tried to important. "Yes sir, I see!" he said, leaving his chair and facing Bramble. "So you found the young man?" "I did, sir—found him where he had fallen, no doubt, from the band of his foe." "Accidently found him?"

The steely orbs of the little man seemed to flash fire. "Certainly!" he said, curbing his ire.

Major Barleycorn stepped nearer him. "And now, sir, as you declare that you came upon Lenox accidently, I want to know what circumstances brought you to that place..'

A smile of scorn wreathed the prospector's lips, There was accusation in the bailiff's tone.

Doctor Joeelyn and the father, glancing from Barleycorn, fixed their eyes upon Bramble.

His lips parted slowly. "And what If I should refuse to answer?" he said. "You, sir?" flashed the major, coloring. "You refuse to answer me—a bailiff of the sovereign state of Virginia? By George, sir, I need not go further than Cedar Knob for the man I want! Theodore Bramble—that's what you call yourself—I arrest you in the name of our common weal a for the attempted murder of Lenox Espray!"

Although expecting a climax of this kind, Baron Espray and the doctor started back. "Yes, sir, for murder!" continued the bailiff. "Not a step backward Mr. Bramble. Stand where you are. I'm the law personified. See here, sir."

With his last words, Major Barleycorn drew a pair of clumsy handcuffs from an inner pocket and strode toward his man.

The steely orbs did not quail, nor did their owner recoil an inch. "Stand back yourself," he said to the bailiff. Touch me with your handcuffs sir, and I'll send you to the penitentiary for a crime that the United atates courts deal with. I may be armed with authority that puts to shame your little commission!"

Major Barleycorn turned pale, gasped, and shrank away. "Good-night, gentlemen," said the Man In Gray. "When I am wanted I will be on hand. If you want to arrest me for the morder of Lenox Espray. swear out a warrant in due form, or tell me that you accuse me, and I'll appear (Or trial!"

The next moment he was gone!

CHAPTER VI.

SERPENT AND DOVB.

More than once during that eventful autumn night, Doctor Joeelyn glided Into the silent chamber where Viver kept his vigil.

Major Barleycorn had departed, promising to return early on the following

dftIfter

the scene in the library, the

man in Gray had suddenly disappeared from the Knob the efleet of his words on the bailiff still remained on Espray and the doctor's minds, while the maior himself had dubbed them amass of infernal lies, coined on the spur of the moment to gain an advantage.

The first nosh of dawn found Lenox still alive. Doctor Jooelyn's eyes began to wear a look of hope the sun came ap and saw Lenox much Improved. He was conscious. ...

Those who looked on held their breath. What wonld he *ay?

Would he diesipate the mystery by telling who bad attempted his life? The doctor saw that bis mind was on-

«You may ask him," be said nodding to the anxious father. Baron Espray did so hat to the bitter disappointment of all Lenox ttm.lv shook his head. „. "1 had no words with h»rn,w be faintly. "He sprang upon me like a thug w—rid have done I f*lt a sharp painat myheari: that mm*

11."

^Exhausted effort be bv lx his eves. tin."' said}

wearily abd "It'sa dark father w!:* do yoo tb ("Have

myster 'award :or?"

"I will save him!" said the physlnianl assuringly. "Ten thousand dollars for you If yooi do!" was the reply.

The week

that

followed

Joeelyn was

Bhowed

going to

that

keep

his word.

He lived at the Knob he never left his patient. Major Barleycorn had not lost much of bis braggadocio. "It Is no great mystery to me," he would say to his confidantes, "I will lay my hands on the assassin when he shows* his face here again. I was a fool for letting him slip when I had him."

Lecox continued to Improve, and a fortnight after the attack he could sit at the window and look down the dreary road which had almost cost him his life. "What are you going to do after you recover, Lenox?" Alta said to him one day, looking up into his wan. pale face. "What do you think I ought to do?"" he asked. "Oh, I do not know sometimes I think that the man who struck you ought to be hunted down, and then at other moments I want to leave him to the vangeance of the gods." "Their mills grind slowly, Alta," ha said with a feeble smile. "But surely, you know."

He did not reply, but his eyes wandered dreamily down the narrow road choked with the crispy leaves of November.

Oh!" he said, suddenly turning upon the sweet face regarding him. "I have forgotten something until this moment. I brought you a present from Cuba, a simple gift, 'tis true, but one which nobod possesses here. Call the maid and send her for it she will find It on the mantel in my room, in a little green box." "I'll go myself," answered Alta rising, but hia voice held her back.

No I want you here. Call the maid, please." Gliding to the door, Alta called a name that made Lenox's eyes open wide. "Roxy? Roxv?"

The patter of feet was heard in the hall. "Roxy?" murmured Lenox. "It can not be Mark Blount's daughter! If I recollect rightly she was pretty."

Then he said to Alta: "Tell her to oome in." A moment later, as Alta Morril drew back from the threshold, the new maid entered the room. "It Is the Blount girl!" said Lennox

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himself. She came In and stood before him, her dark hair banging In wavy masses down her back, and ner eyes full of captivating beauty.

As she stood there blushing before Lenox Espray, Roxy Blount did not look the possessor of a terrible secret. "Roxv," said Lenox, "go to my room and bring a little green box that you will find on the mantel."

Roxy curtesied and retired. "How came you to get her here?" asked Lenox, turning to Alta. "Juliet left shortly after your accident, and before I had time to look for a new maid your father had engaged Roxy. "Do you like her?" "Yes. The placo is new to her she i» good company but like all mountain girls, she nas a lover. "A lover?" ejaculated Lennox, "Have you ever seen him?" "But once." "What is he like?" "He's a tall young fellow, not at all bad looking. I pity him. "I euvy him!" Lenox retorted with a smile. "But why do you pity him, Alta?" "He is so persistant, and makes such sorry progress with his wooing." "Ab! then he is not accepted! I must see him maybe I can help him. What Is is name?" "Jack—Jack Grumble."

Lennox started slightly. "Oh, I must tell you something about Roxy and I," Alta said, not noticing the start. "We were out yesterday gathering leaves for autumn baskets. We. wandered farther from the Knob than we intended, for we were within hearing of the falls. Tired, we sat down to rest awhile before returning, and when all at once Roxy saw a man some distance off. He was hunting, for he had a gun and was looking Op as If at a hawk or a squirrel in tho tree, benoath whose limbe be stood. As we looked we saw him elevate bis gun and fire, and somothlng fell but lodged among the branches over head. Roxy said It was a hawk but whatever It was it stuck persistently to the spot where it had fallen. The hunter appeared to be vexed, so be placed his. gun against tho tree, and leaped up after his game. Again and again he sprang at it, each time surpassing the preceding leap, until I called Roxy's attention to bisagi ity. When I looked at tho girl her face was very pale, find at sound of and excitedly backr

Knob."

I was frightened on her account and turned away but first I looked at the man again. He had the hawk in his band: bis last leap had ffecurod it. Then the thought of your accident rushed! through my mind, and I said: 'Roxy, such a man as that could leap up from the ground and strike a man on horseback.' Lenox, when I said that, the girl seemed to gasp for breath. Heaven! do you think so?' she cried, and then she added: 'I—I think so, too.'

Lenox kept his eyes fixed on Alta for some minutes after she bad finished her narative"Would you knoy the man if you were to see him under other circumstances?" he asked. "I think—I fear not."

Lenox looked disappointed. "Alta come here," and be held out his hand and drew ber to him. "Try and find out from Roxy who be was. She knows everybody in tbeee parte. I do not want to frighten you, but I feel—I almost know—that yon have seen the man who tried to kill me!'

Alta Morril drew back shuddering, and started aghast at bis white faoe. "Hush! no more now she Is coming. Find out secretly. The thought of that dastardly blow makes me eager to hunt* its giver down."

At that moment the door opened, and Roxy Blount reappeared, bearing the little green box.

Placing it on the window at Lenox's elbow, and receiving his thanks for the service, she was permitted to retire. "1 am now convinced that he is going to recover!" she Mid to herself, as she once more reached the hatl. "Prom this day I am going to work in earnest. Ah! Alta Morril, no rivals faoe ever in yonr dreams, 1 am sure but bere I came to Cedar Knob for a purpose, and I will triumph over you. I came here as Roxy Blount, the child of the cabin, but the f' —ers of *j ring will salute me a* Lenox Espray'- wife, and the mlstn-• of this pr«.ii old hoose. I'm here to I bs not fh^nnht of failure, Alta. N'ofl'v*- irn^ 1 shlpsrhehind in*

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