New York Clipper (Sep 1877)

■Fraptk: qtxeen, i DBdlU}!: and Proprietor, f TIES OF EARTH, vmimn tob thx bit tobk oxjftxk. eipanJInj. fllnsx Boand klDdml bearta Its warm embiue. Bat chlefto oar fair Imue ellnS,^^^^^ Ttarooed In lu Merec ldoi plaea. Tten -tlB not atTmoiis that life w« priia. we tec not tbroufib the mUit of ycara' nope'a soBstalDe dajadnff In ov evM. ' WbM shoolit we know or taisT "5?'^7-?^' "''y' »•>««> lell aJona. To fefmb ucDecnd Tlme'a raneS hllL LoTe'a Idol broken on lu tliron* Tmieb nothinc left on earth can lUl— when one byooe the itemaot life Hare all been ahlTered In onrnaip- WJZ »l'»o>d we ba« the boon a) SstuST With nothing eljS to eUapt ^ Tat oft 'tla BO. la nearer tend* „?"".!?.tnxl. The epirit Hearen to U(ht It lenda ClaaTM tnmbUnE to the aoidld clod— «o woria, the emptr world. • And feua to orosa the antried aea. While thoae It lored ara tree. ^ BDt not ao I: when the dear band Whose beuta, whoaa thongfata, are linked to mine SbjJl lave me pUgHm In a lind^ "Mea lo aune That hath lor ma no worshiped nhrina. Oh. let them leare, the gate*of death IJabured behind them' aa they Br I Whr •hoold I wlih to teaathe, whin breath Would be an endlesa algbt "t^™ ISTE-W YORK, S^TXJRD^Y, S^EPTEMBER 8, 187^. RZSAH, OR A LIFE FOR A LOVE. A Story of Friendship Betrayed, Iletri bntion and Lore. BT TB» ArmOR OF "Lilt Mfittt.u "CBKIftrwaa BtPOKE A.tD B£BI.NOTBB CCRTAjVr.n En. ^^ CHAPTER XIX-CoNTnnjED "Jasper," he said olmost Btornly, nnd draw- ag tho shawl arotmd CoDstance as U to shield herfrom other eyes save his own. "you here?" •^es," answered Jasper. "I have traveled post-haste. Adrlen. I hava Important bust oess—a matter or life and death.'' He moved forward as he spoke, and the Hirht taUingon his smooth, clean face showed it to be 80 white and moved that Lady Constance roll iMct a step, and Aditcn started with sur- prise. "Important I" ho repeated. "Llfoanddeathl Jood Heavens, Jasper, no one Is dead I The Onke is here—all I know or care for are In the room yonder. What is It—the theatre?" and 1 faint smile crossed his Ups. "Pshaw I"eiclalmed Jasper with s feverish !8stnx8. "The theatre? No I Adrien, there' 8 not a moment to lose. I must speak with roa instantly. Ton smUe. man. when yon are n deadlv pern." ,n'?i'„!5Sli'?J??9?°^°*^,«i»»"tr forward ina grasped Adiien's arm. Jasper elonced at ler-^ch a passionate, thirsty, hungry look a a starved wolf might cast at a lamb "Peril r she reputed. ' rerfl r said Adrlen, smfllDgstlU. "My good aBper,wiBt peril can I be In? This IstK ilneteenth century, and there are no assassins 1 England I However, let mo take liadyCoii- njoy thisiiinff romance." ww «ui Jasper smiled bltteriy and te^^..o^ "Addsa Jtfioy," he-eSa, ■ *70u have ten ilnates between you and—alshonorl" Adrlen turned, and raised hla arm with ach a changed face that Constance scarcely new It. "Adrlen r she cried, shuddering at the lagnUBcent anger in his eyes, "he is mad t" 'hentoJasper:"ao, sir, go] If this Is a jest, 113 a sorry one, for which you will receive ill punishment. Oo I" "No," said Adrien, "It Is no Jest. There Is omethlng he has to say. Let him say it. Oo, iODStance," and, with a mormured word ot ndearment, he d!reW back the curtain for her. With a pale face and trembling heart, Con- tance pEtssed Into the ballroom and seated etselt near the entrance, overcome by a ameless fear, and that horrible helplessness rhlch falls on us all when weighed down by nspenae. Suddenly she determined to seek the Baron, nd rose to do so, when a short, sharp cry com the terrace sent the blood to her heart, nd wmng a scream from her lips. Instantly throughout the Immense room here was a dead silence, whioh, falling so nddenly on the loud etisina of the music, he talking and laughing, was indescribably larsh and appalling. The next moment thegrotbsque crowd turn- d to the entrance from where the cry seem- d to proceed, and there rose a great snotit ot stonuhment and alarm; for thr«ngh the ipenlng, from which the sudden pressure had oro away the curtain, could be seen astrange Toup. Adrien Leroy, In kingly costume and with :ingly face, standing over the prostrate body If a man, while two others, with scraps of taper in their hands, were grasping his ^ms. no Ur. Jasper Termont, near his 'side, 'kept lack a fourth with his own arm. "Adrien I" said the Baron as he came hrongh the lane which the crowd had made or him, followed by the Buke, Lady Con- tance and the Karqula—"Adrlen 1 what \a his? By Heaven 1 am I mad or dreaming 7"' tnre to a blU for ten thousand pounds, on the twenty-second of last month " . T.ri^^-^iiV"'''®' monrnful glance tlwUnSna." " restless ^es of >„il!JT2"{."..™'?^*^® Baron, drawing a long 5J^.Sv.^"?.?""^^°"w'"=*'''°S "ff'^' "Effort «S ^^^iS'vK^ ""^y be arrested Snachnrgoot stealing the crown jewels or burning the Parliament. It would be an fxcel! '^f.Vi^S''"* ^.'lat would speedilv end." Jl^-^d"^"^^ said Adrien ns he looked ^"''»<* white, and seeming Bnl^i ^r''*' «t his Bide. "The £™r^"i?ih'^°'^lf?'e^'l*'"° signature to be a Sfff^-Hn?*"® writing has a resemblance to JhS'VhP"'™ ^'"^ witnesses to prove house where the blllwas signed, and a hundred who paseod my carriage standing at the door of the office. All this, my lord, passes jest" "Aye," sold the Boron, "for a Leroy who can command a hundred thousand by a stroke ot hte pen to forge a bill for ten thousand is not jest, but madness. The chaige is some Inso- lent conspiracy—yours, sir, no doubt," and with a contempt Indescribable ho turned to Jasper who aft this Ome had stood motion- his grav eyes glancinc first at Adrien's calm noble face, then at the rastless eyes ot Undine, and then at the white face of Lady Constance, who stood at Adrien's sido and gazed round with a scorn unapproachable. Adrien shook his head. Th'i!°An'^' they have not wanted a motive. 1 hey tell me I wanted this money sorely for I am ruined." - «?<5laimod the Baron, for the nrst time permitting the scorn ot his smile to Heaven I the viper has turned at last, nnd I have lived to look on at your betrayal 1" ^I'^^l stepped back slightly, for the old man had turned upon htm with uplifted arm: but not to strike, for It fell to his side sudden- {>aln^trade " K^^an he sank against the There was a deadly silence, broken bv the uute. who, wiping the great beads of perspi- J2;..IL/'?5L t°™head, sprang round and grasped Adrien's hand. "Adrien" ho cried, "I can bear It no longer. Give this foul thing the lie. and let ing I "■ that, Rs surely aa that I did not write It mv- ?n,^ ^^aJ nothing of the cursed signi- iSf rp^ifw 15' ^^P'"'"* give theni the lie. Toll that old man, ere he breaks his heart that you are iruilUess. I know It, wo all . JL"' humor us, give it tongue 1" Adrien grasped bis hand with a smile that quiefi • ™°'®'*'^S' *hon looking round, said "r<^d not write It; I know nothing of it" The Baron sprang forward at the sound of his voice, and fell upon his breast; then, as if ashamed of the pardonable emotion, turned to the ofBcer. "Ton hear, sir? Mr. Leroy knows nothing of this matter. He denies It-not because a denial is necessary,.bat'because his friend re- quests It. To^i-may go." The flffe g^shook IjSl^ head j. ry oh s'uch terms. Myli^pt^rSlflaaa were far too strict. Denial is a common mat- ter, too; ond^ begging pardon for the liberty, my lord. I think an alibi would have proved patlsfactory. Mr. Leroy, of course, didnt commit the forgery, and of course he can tell you where he was at eight o'clock on the evening of the twenty-second " "Adnen," said the Dake. "one favor I ask —not for myself, but others," and bo glanced at Constance and the Baron. "Tell us what this fellow would havo you.' Where were you at eight o'clock on the twenty-second?" Adrien remained silent. The Duke grew hot and then white with Irritation and sus- pense. "Think, my dear fellow," he said in a quick. Impatient voice. "At the club—the theatre- whore were you? Don't you remember—have you forgotten?" And he stamped his foot on theground; for, though he would have laughed tc scorn any assertion of his friend's guilt, and would nave thought him mad If he had even confessed it himself, it annoyed him to see Adrien so silent when tho crowd were banging on his lips and devouring bim with their eyes. "Do I forget? No; I remember where I was at eight o'clock on tho twenty-second," and his eyes rested on the dark ones again. "Then for Heaven's eako tell tnemt" ex- clamed the Duke. "I cannot," said Adrien, turning with a sigh. The OfBcer shook his head, made a signal with his hand, and, as If by magic, the four men closed round the kingly form, and a score more sprang on the terrace and surrounded them.. In the Queen's name, stand back all 1" cried the officer, and amidst a fearful confu- sion of screams and exclamations the offioers moved on to tho head of the terraco, and the front file were half down the steps when a voice cried "Stop I" and a man with a bloated face and bloodshot eyes stumbled up the steps and looked savagely round. iToided his fiery glance, and shook his heaJ lolemnly. Adrien winced; but before he could speak he man behind Jasper Yermont stepped up, uid, with grim stolidity, held out a strip of !>apor to the Baron and sold: "Sorry, my lord, to have to do this at such I moment'; bnt duty Is duty, as yon know, my ord, and " The Baron stared at him; then, evidently leaf as a post to what he was saying, stcncK he nearest of the men who held Adrien, and Itmck at the nert, bnt the Harqnls seized his trm. "Unhand me I" roared the Baron. "Ill put m end to this mummery I Can't you speak, ilr?" he cried hoarsely to Adrien. "Father," said Adrien, turning to the star- ng. bewildered crowd, and then suddenly falling silent as his eyes met the dark, flash- ng ones of Lady Eveline, which were fixed >n his face. Before another word could be spoken, the nan who had addressed the Baron before, evidently irritated by his recaption, motioned a his men, and they closed round; then, speaking quickly, heralsed his voice and said l "It's no use, my lord; it must oome out, I >oe. Qentlemen all, I arrest Mr. Iieroy, in the Qneen's name, on a chaDje ot forgery V A cry of horror burst from the crowd. "Forgery 1" the dreadful word passed from mouth to mouth—aye, and eye to eye—as the iayly-dressed throng looked at one another aghast. "Forgery 1" cried the Duke, stepping tor- irard, sternly. "Forgervl" sold the Baron with a ferocious laugh. "What mad tolly is this I Adrien, is this a part ot the evening's prognunme, an arranged tableau? Truly, well played, bnt a little too tragic in Its mirth to suit my anti- quated tastes. Qentlemen. I imolore von lower the curtain 1" ' ' And with a fearful laugh he turned aside. A dreadful silence tell upon every soul for thoy saw that there was reality, a stem reailty. The Duke, who had taken the strip of paper Irom the officer's hands and read It hastily laid his strong palm upon the old •nan'fo shoulder, and muttered hoaisly: "My lord, there la something In the men's madness I do not nnderatand. Let them go,^' and he waved his hand to the crowd. "No 1" thundered the Baron, turning like a lion. "They shall stay and see the play to the end." Then, in a voice hoarse with excitement and passion, he addressed Adrlen: "Now. Sir, explain; let ns have it aU; or by the Heaven above, I shall forget mysel and you 1" Adrien beckoned to the men that he would ^lorSa^"''* *° "°"P"> qnleUy step- i>,^i.'^''«saw him remembered afterwards S*i,h?™ never looked so prlnodyaa otthat moment of his degradation. ' he said, "I am amstsd on a 9harge of forging the Doke de Boaen's oigu' I Prloe Ten Oonta. , domino, moved a step nearer to that port ot I the crowd,and fixed hereyesuponMr Wlltec I "Let him answer thatl" continued Mr. wnl fer loudly, and with the air of a painfully in- jured and Indignant man—"let him answer that. And It he goes to deny It—hit iilm look at this," and he drew Adrien's watch Trom-a tat- tered pocket in. his coat. "Perhaps :UtfU.eay that this aint his watch 1 But thero><Bl^ty here lis can recognize it, It thera iwasn^tiiis cont-of-arms on the back. 'Whote' dtO «et this? No, I didn't steal It,"he contlnuMljefi©- ly. in answer to a muttered qnestloof^^fae officer. "Hegavome this—flung it toft* Hke he would to a dog—to hold my tongtie;) Auk blm, some ot you, If he remembers th»f<il|||lit I mot him in the park! A mixhty.flBQigantl^ man, a regular honorable . gentlemaiw viio robs o poor man of his InnocentTSfeS when bo's osked to give an a'cco'^to! fllncs mo his watch to stop my tonguei"'" V ^r. Wllfor paused, not for lack of lnv«st**%; but for want of-breath. The orowd>Bnrtfe*to nnd fro, and half-spoken exolamatlons alSiaA- tonishment, wonder and horror brokeiKliBi»a hundred lips. Could it bo possible t^at Adilen Loroy, the soul of honor, the man whqinithey had been adoring through three brfliraSaea- = sons, could be the diabonorablo ebpujiarel whichnhls dirty, drunken-looking mam-bro- olairacd him? Impossible! But the'wiifchi And the masked faces tumod to one ao'other with painful doubt and distress, which formed in an audible "Hush I" as Adrien, avedug hie eyes from Lady Constance's face, turned to tho Baron, who had risen and was sternly rekard- Ing him. ^, CHAPTEB XX. Leaving the interrupted procession on the ^ . „ terrace at Barmlnster, we must return to the ind he turned with blazing eyes from Adrie^ rivetalde village of 'Weybridge. oUr.Jasper'7ermpnt, who, white as hlmseltf] No-sooner had Mr. Jasper'Vermont taken his departure, than poor little Lucy Ashford sank oh the floor and buret into s flood of teare. So great hod been the strain that she was completely unnerved, and had quite for- gotten the likelihocia of her hueband^s imme- diate return and Beah's mysterious disap- pearance. The dim cloud of apprehension which her heart had given her presentiment of had btuBt upon her head. Ur. Jasper'Ver- mont, the strange gentleman who held her secret, was alive—aye, and, more than that, had not torKOtten nor failed to threaten her. Presently, recalled to a sense ot her position, she jumped up and called to Beah. Then she remembered that the girl had disappeared, and, feartul ot being left alone to eneountor Mr. Jasper, whose return she expected mo- mentarily, she ran to the door, calling on the girl's name In ajparoxysm of nerveless terror, which ended at last in an attack ot hysterics, in the midst ot which honest John returned to find her. With an exclamation of alarm ho raised her from the floor, carried her up- stairs, and ran for the doctor. 'When the doctor came, Lucy had relapsed into low fever, and was talking deliriously ot an Inn at Canterbury, and an individual by the name of Jobann Wllfer. Her husband paid little attention to her wandering, in- coherent sentences in the firat excitement ot his anxiety; but presently, as they took dis- tlnot form, and she plainly oonfessod the one error ot her life, poor John recoiled from the bed, and looked round him -with a be- wildered, sorrow-stricken air. All the little BtraiiKeness in his -wife's conduct and manner were now explained. He had been deceived 1 She had loved another before him, and at the bitter truth John Ashford hid hla taoe in the homely counterpane, and sobbed like a child. Honest tears bring relief and soften the heart. 'When Lucy Ashford awoke she found her husband's eyes, still wet -with tears, look- ing at her with pltylnK tenderness. "John" she said faintly, "you know all," and hid her face in her hands. "Tes, dear; you've told me alt 'Why didnt yon tell me before?" Bhe looked at blm, -with open eyes. In wonder. Was that all the reproach his righteous anger would deal out to her? Could It be possible that, knowing all, dear, good John loved her still, and would stUl call her his -wife? Oh, yes t and for testimony thereof his arm -was around her neck, and his kiss of forgiveneas upon her lips. "John," she sold, crying with ine£bble thankfulness and peace, "send for poor fath- er ; It wui i>e new ufe to him to know that this dreadful weight Is off my heart, and that you, knowing what a bad -woman I have been, 'Do you believe this man's vile Bl<Hy;%lr?" he asked in clear tones. ' "i- "Believe it I" Intermptad Mr. :WlIfev, n-ho was determined on playing his .parbii'"He can t bo off it I Here's the watch. ■ A hugidred people can prove as they saw my girL^- f "SUonco!" said Mr. Jasper. comlnSjor*ard, OS if unable to endure the scene ^T^Tolilrer— "silence I" 'rl P Mr. Wllfer, whom no ono els<i haiA'tt yet succeeded in silencing, was wordless-kta mo- mont. Mr. Jasper turned to Adrien.-aiul com- mencod speaking in a low tone. . . • , "Speak out," said Adrien, ro);ardlok him with stc-idy looks—"speak out. if you]fflo the mend I havo takon you for! I have hb'oadrets from nny here. Priends or enemies, thiar mav hear all." ! • -J ^ TO r K coKTrs um. In Iilemory of - - -i -r HATTIE B. HAMILTON.' . ■ lUillN FOB THB NSW TOBK OUTmL . v •( I j: Back to my happj glifliood dayi: My thopghta are turned bjf that aad UM Which telle me thoo haat lelt tola maie™'" ' OraardklauenforltoyadlTlne; . .j n Then, Id the casket of my life. Thon UUrtanem ftomaiendahlp'a iuu' ii a ; And helped me onward In the atrile. - - In flelda where thou hadat won renov. d. VOWE, VencrUoqulot. you, laj Still call me your little Lucy! O John, John I fetch him—fetch him i" John kissed her, and without a word put on his hat. If his little Lucy had asked him to bring her a ohlptrom the tombstone of Frank- lin u the North Fole, kind-hearted John would have started off to procure It as tinheBltatin^y. He borrowed a horse and a rfokety dog-oait from a neighbor, and started off to the starleaa night for Mr. Harker, leaving word with the doctor—who with his own hands was prepar- ing a cooling draught In the little parlor— that when Boah returned she was to sit with and cheer up Lucy until he came back from London. Now, it happened that Mr. Harker was late at the office that night, bending, sad and wrinkled and wan, over his repugnant tasks. Sigh after sigh broke from his thin lips as ho arranged the gins and snares for the unsus- pecting victims ot Mr. Jasper 'Vermont, his master, had set his heart on catching. It was hard, very hard, to be the tool of such a merciless fiend, to be the servant ot such a master ot deceit, villainy and fraud; but so greatly did the father love his erring child that be scarce would have hesitated In committing murder had Jasper 'Vermont set that crime as a price ot bis forbearanco and silence. He would purchase his daughter's safety and hap- piness with his heart's blood. It need be. With this resolve he worked on, setting in order the various accounts which Mr. Jasper would require to be laid before him on the morrow, and entering in a book concise histories ot the debts and difficulties which placed dozens ot Mr. Jasper's acquaintances in his power. A knock at tho door startled and roused him from his task. Hastily shutting the intricate ledger and covering the deeds and documents with a large sheet of paper, the old man rose and opened the door. It was John Ashford; and, at the sight of his round, kindly face, he staggered back, clasped the table with one hand, and gasped: "Lucy!" "All right—all right," said John reassur- ingly, but with a quieter voice than his usunl one; "don't be frijehtened, Mr. Harker. Sit down. It's rather sudden; but when Bhe says: 'Oo and fetch father,' you see I come and fetch you directly." "Lucy is ill?" said Mr. Harker, trying to calm himself, and -wiping the peraplratlon from his forehead. John nodded and sighed, and glanced at Mr. Harker's hat and coat. The old man rose, put his hat on, and nodded at the door. "Don't tell me she's very ill, John," he said in a trembling voice, "until we get outside. I am an old man, John, and she's tho. only child I've got." John helped him on with his coat, reassur- ing him the while. The two, after having locked up the office started for Weybridge. Until uey had left the London streets be- hind, and tiie early morning had revealed the beauties of the road, neither ot them spoke a word; then John, avoiding all mention of Lucy's secret, told the old man ot how he had found her lying on the floor. Mr. Harker's troubled face darkened, and his thin hands went np to his month in a thoughtful, pondering way. But, though his face grew darker, and an angry, resolute light came into his dim eyes, he never said a word. They were -within a few miles ot Weybridge. when John pulled up the hoise with an ex- clamation Of astonishment. In the aet of turning down a lane, a tew yards before them, -was a young girl. After a moment of motion- less surprise, he threw the reins onto Mr. Harker's knees, leapt from the cart, ran after the girl, and caught her by the arm. "Maria," he cried, "what are ytni-doing here, my girl? Tou haven't left Luc^" re- proaohlully. The girl looked up at him with sorrowful, questioning eyes. "Yes," she said, "I have. I am going to London. I cant stay with you, although you were so good. Oh, sir, let me go, let me go." John dropped her arm and shook his head sadly. "Well, my girl," he said, "I didnt think you were one of that sort, to leave i so good to yon, when she was soul near her." "Ill 1" eaid Beah with a bewildered look. "She was not ill. It was the lady with him," and she shuddered, "not your wife." John looked at her as U he thought the girl had taken leave of her senses. "I dont knowwhat lady yon mean, my gld." he said, "bt^t I left Lucy UI, very Uli and wait- ing for you. Ton eee, I dldnttbtnk you'd run away and leave her at anoh a moment. Bnt ■jwm your own mfatieM, my poor oblld. and t sort, to leave my Lucy, as was I lu and hadnt a "A friend of Lucy's 1' 'Where docs she come I won't stay you," and he tumod and walked towards the dog-cart. Beah followed him without a word; and he, seeing that she did so, llftod her Into the cart. No sooner had he done so, however, than Mr. Hnrker sprang to his feet and, staring at hor with startled eyes asked John who she was. "This," said John, forcing him into his seat and starting the horse, "Is Maria, a friend ot Lucy's. Do you know hor?" Mr. Harker shook his head, but still kept his eyes upon her.. "Maria 1'* he repeated. Has she no other name? from?" Neither made any reply—John because he could not, Rcah because she seemed perfectly Indifferent to both his presence and bis agita- tion ; and the old man, eyeing her at Intervals, muttered In his dry voice: "Wonderful likeness, wonderful I I nould havo sworn — yet It cannot bo. A friend of Lucy's 1" They reached Weybridge, and Beah. leaping from the dog-cart, ran with her light, halt-sav- age way past the two men, and with nolselees feet entered Lucy's room, bending over the bed and taking Lucy's hand with a grateful, loving glance, as much as If to Implore her not to think she had foraaken her. "They have come?" said Lucy. Beah nodded, and John and Mr. Harker en- tered at the moment. "John dear," said Lucy, "leave us for a minute." John stooped and kissed her, patting her hand as softly as a woman might have done, and, beckoning to Beah to follow him, left the room. Half an hour afterwards the parlor door opened, and Ur. Harker entered. "What's tho matter?" said John, starting to his feet. "Is she worse?" "No," said the old mon. "Thank Heaven, she Is better 1 John Ashford, I have oome to beg your forgiveness on my knoes. It was I who overcame her scruples and bade her marry you. I did It for the best. I did it that she might be happy. She tells me you have forgiven her; but can you forgive me?" John, with teare in bis eyes, caught him by the arm and shook his band. "Tou did It for her," he said. "I have nothing to forgive. It my poor darling had only plucked up courage, and told meall at the hour we were man and wife, she would have loomed how dearly I lovoa her, and saved you both many unhappy years." "Bless you, John l'' said the old man, but- toning his coat; "you are a good man. Would to Heaven we had done rightly by you from the firat I" "Well, well," said John, "never let us say another word, never let us think about ft again. And now may I go upstoits? But wnere are you golng?^' as the old man put on his hat. "Back to London," said Mr. Harker In his dry voice, smiling grimly. "I have wort to do —on account to settle, John, for Lucy and my- self. Too dont know all yet. John. Tou don't know, you never will know, what poor Lucy and I nave Buffered. We've been elaves aU these yeare, trembling and shrinking under a villain's nod and frown. I've sold myeell to a demouf who. In ooneldentlon of my ser- vices, ot my body and boul, John, promised to keep his talotis from my poor Luoy. He knew of her misfortune, and ne threatened to let the world and you, John, know of it too If I didnt bind myself to him and do his vil- lainous work. I have done it, John, for years. I have endured shame and agony tins peak- able that my darling's secret might be safe. I have been his tool and his scapegoat. Men whom he has ruined through me have spat upon and curaed me. I. on old man. ^Infp to the grave, have earned the title of usurer and thlell All this I have done and suffered that he should never blight my child's happiness by his presence. He nas broken the contract. He was here' yesterday, John, and with his flendlsh face and threats neariy killed her. Now hie power is gone 1 Lucy is tree, and I am free. He has'done that which he bad sworn not to do. Now I take my turn, and for every tear he has wrung from my datling'B .eyes I. will .-wrbuj a groan irom his blaokheartl Don't speak to me, John. Oo up to Lucy. If she lives or if she dies, I'll avenge herl" Then, before tho astounded John could uttor a word, ho left the house. CHAPTER XXI. At the singular and unprepossessing appear- ance which the strange man presented, the offi- cer who had tho command ot tho arresting f-ariy moved closer to Adrlen, and looked Around at the Baron for an explanation. But his stern, agitated face showed no signs of -recognition, and the remainder of the group sbemed stricken with such bewilderment of the faculties that Mr. Taaper Vermont ventur- ed, with a properly composed face, to step for- word. "What do you want, my man?" he asked, glancing at the dissipated, low-bred face with grave eyes. "I don't want you," retorted the man, rough- ly eyeing Mr, 'Vermont from the comer ot his eyes. "I don't know you. I want Mr. Adrien Leroy 1" At this moment one ot the offlcera moved sUshtly, and disclosed the tall, princely figure. The man sprang forward, as Iqabout to strike Adrien, but the Duke stmck him across the ohest and bore him back. "Who Is this ruffian?" he exolalmed in bis broken English, his pale face crimsoning at this fresh Indignity offered to his well-beloved friend. Then he added, turning to the officer: "Have you brought all the scum ot the earth at your back, sir?" The officer shook his head. "I don't know this man," he answered, "or his btislness. Do you, Mr. Leroy?" he asked, touching his cap with unconscious respect to his prisoner. "I do." said Adrien in the low, restrained voice In which he had spoken since his arrest. "I should think you did I" exclaimed the man, standing forward and staring round. "It aInt likely as you'll forget me, nor me you " "By Heaven I" exclaimed the Dake, enraged beyond endurance by the man's insolence, "this Is too much." And he strode forward. "Stop I" said Adrien .in a sad voice. "Let him speak. Come, sir, speak to the point, and quickly. "What do you want ot toe?" "What I asked a month ago," answered the man Insolently, glancing round to see what effect his words had had, and letting his eyes rest for a moment upon Mr. Jasper Termont, who stood quietly regarding him. his face tuU of sympathy for his friend and benefactor, whose teoubles appeared never-ending. The crowd pressed closer then at fever- pitch. 'What new phase of the scandal was this fellow In seedy clothes and swollen face about to Introduce? "I want my niece, my girl Beahl" said the man—"my girl as yon took from her home and deceived. That's what I want. Mr. Leroy; and the sooner I has it, the better it'll be for all paitleB." Adrien looked at him with darkened brow, then he turned to the Duke sorrowfully. "This man," he said, "has a fancied griev- ance against me. Will yon do me the last act of kindness that will be In your power, and hear what he has to say? Tell turn I know nothing of his nleae '* "That's false!" exclaimed Mr. Wllfer sav- agely. Interrupting bim. The Duke raised his arm, but an officer caught It, and -with a warning geetnro forced Mr. Wilfer out of reach. "So it Is falser retorted Mr. Wllfer. looking fiercely round, still with a cunning nnder- glonce at Mr. Jasper's troubled face, as If seeking his approval. "He does know where she is, for he took her from her home, and Bhe hasn't been Been einco etae entered bis chambers I li she's alive, where is she? And It she aint, then this high and mighty swell, as is dressed Ilka a king, is nothing better than a murderer 1" A thrill of horror ran through the throng. Mr. Jasper flung his hands before bis face as U to shut out the sight of his friend's face. Constance, breaUog from the Baron's detain- ing grasp, moved with quiet dignity to Adrien's side again, and bud her hand upon his ann^ while a tall flgnra^ dressed. In scarlet robes that were half-ooncsaled by »large blue l>ire, with Ita carea, kept n.i vmrt. An : even death can do no more; - ' Tbj kind race, limned nponmy hMit. - v.\ Still emllee npon me aa before; Thon ha«t bnt changed tby^opaa or pain iC<DTCTonorjo7,andBtrlbltir.pcaea, Andlahallaeemymendacaln. ' ■ Rllim rOR TBB new TOBK cuma,. BY BART SMITH. Some twenty-flve yoarv affo I woe among the many passengers on the beantltul steamboat Blank, which plied between Mew Orleans and Bt. Louis. At that time the -Western and Southern railroads were yet in their Infancy, and the river was the highway to all business pomts. and conse- quently every trip was a heavy one in Iwth freight and pasaengers. The "floating palaces" o( those days wore great places ot industry for the many gamblere who Intested that region. Among the pasaengers on the Blank was one whom at first sight the obaervcr would class as a gambler. Bis supercUlouB, self-confldent air and general lout auemble spoke loudly as though the word was placarded on his bade The first night out, he It was who rose the heavest winner from the table, at which be had tieen playing tve several hours with three plsntera who had lust disposed of their cotton. Even the veriest green^ horn could see. by the dexterity with which he handled the cards, that he was one of the "smart- est" of gamblers, and was up to all the knavish tricks ol that class; and.ss I was always a close ot>server of tilings. 1 myself thoaght 1 detected him using the advantages etven by his skill to fleece his opponents. Next morning, after breakfast, I engaged htm In conversation, and ascertained that be was winner ot some six thousand dollara tho night before. While we were talking the boat made a landlDg, and a single passenger got on. He mounted the steps, and. aa my face was turned towards blm. I obtained a good view ot him as he ascended to the cabin. He wajs a toll, slender man. with bright, llaahlDg eyes, that seemed to pierce me through as he hurriedly scanned me. The moment hssaw my companion I thought I saw his eyes flash with a brighter lustre, and a faint smile wreath itself around the lliw. that betokened great determina- tion. He entered the cabin, and In a short time was out on the cabin-deck, seemingly busUy en- gaged In the perusal ot a periodical which he bad purchased at the news-stand aboard. But look where I would. I saw—or 1 thought I saw—those eyes fixed on my companion in a tiaslUsk stare. The gambler quitted my side and entered the cabin, while I remained to enjoy my cigar. Just as my greatest castle had erected Itself 'mid the wreathing fragrance ot the Havana, it came tum- bling to the ground at a gentle tap on the shoulder. Looking around, I twheld our latestarrival. After a pleasant "good-morning" from him, and a courteous responss from me, we wereeoonlaunch- ed Into conversation. H« made a tew inqulriea as to the person who had lust left me; but on ascer. talnlng that I knew nothing of the man, we were soon engaged in other and pleasanter topics of conversation. We psssed a pleasant day together, and after supper the tables were prepared for the usual card-playing. At one of the tables sat the gam- bler, and to that table Ur. Seely (the name by which he had introduced himself) and myself went They were playing deeply, and. like the night before, the gambler was the -winner. None oould resist his skill, and one by onu they retired from the table until he was left alone, with his sains In a pUe before him. "-fou are In good luck, I see," I observed to him as he eat looking oioifbd, as though tor some- one else to fleece. "Tes: here I've got some SIE.OOO winnings, and can't And anyone on the twat who will try to win It from me. It seeme my luck Is too much tor them." "I'll make the etfort," quietly remarked Mr. Beely as he sat in the chair opposite him. li was the Orst time that the gambler had close- ly observed him, and I thought I saw a gentle tremor quivering through his entire tmdy sa he tried to gaze nonchalantly at his new opimnent. "All right, sir. It Is yours. It you can win It," he said in an evenly modulated voice. The game began, and fortune smiled tram the first on Mr. SeeTy, owing to the tact, as I supposed, that the stakes were light. The gome prognesed. It was the gambler's deal. I was watching Hr. Seely, and 1 saw that same taint smile -wreathe liselt around his Ups. Betting then began, and In a short time It ran Into the thousoads. and the gambler's pile was gradually finding Its way to the pot m the centre ot the table. Mr. Seely "saw and went better" from.a hugs pocketbook which was Inexhaustible to the heavy demands mode upon it. The gambler's tlS.OOO were up. and he hod taken from his pooket (4,000 more, with which he "ealled" his opponent. "Von call myhandt" quietly asked Hr. Seely. ••Yes: and you will have to bold high to take the pile." "I am -well satisfied -with the hand I held. It Is " and he produced a revolver, which he Immediately pointed i. the head of the gambler. "It Is your life. Bit -till, sir—one move, and I blow your guilty soul into perdition. Oentle- men," he said, as he appealed to the bysiandeis who crowded around the table, but speaking without removing his eyes from the man before him, who sat white and rigid as marble—"gen- tleman, this man Is a cheat an i thief. To prove my assertion, let any man examine this packet cards, and he will find eleven ot them gone—five In front ot me on the table, five In ttont ot him on the table, and one up his sleeve. Tou wlU also find that his hand contains four aoes. Prove It, gentlemen." The gambler's hand was tnraed Caoe np-wmrd. and there lay the four BOes and a lack. At his feet, on the floor, lay a ten-spov, which he had snakenfrombts sleeve. The vlcUms whom he had fleeced before were now loud In denunciation ot the cheat, and cries ot "Kill blm 1 klUhlml" mounded through the oabln. for It was the etiquette ot that day that cheating at play demanded death. "Hold.gentlemenl This man's life Is mine. I have a story to tell to him, and to all of you, to show yon how deeply I detest and abhor hlo, nor shall I let him slip my gnap. One year ace my brother, who was then bat Just airtved at the years ot moohood, started on a pIcastm.Mp on this boat for Kow Orleans. He fell into the it»mff of a gambler, who soon fleeced him of all th* money he had on his person, and then obtained from htm notes and roortgaees on the property tb which he tiad just fallen hslr. My brother, after the gamo, retired to his stateioom—sit still, sir and In a tew moments the report ot a pistol summoned all on board to his stateroom, whea* they arrived just In time to see him die a suf^ clda-s death. It Is to this man I am Indebted for tho loss ot my brother, who oould not sur- vive the loasot his fortune, which this 'Ihlnaf nod stolen from him. Having paid all my ImS to an emissary of this man, I determlnea to avenge him. I studied the gamblers' aiC and soon perfected myself In all the slelghf ot-hand of which they are capable, and when cm; fldent that 1 could detect any and all forma oT cheating 1 determined to lay a trap for him. k good detective soon found my man, and the othftt day I was Informed that he would take t>ii» boat for Kew Orleans. I boarded her, and while ai^ gaged In the game just concluded I detected him In the act of cheating. Be purposely showed bm an ace at the bottom of the pack, gave me tbnr kings, and by •palming' the'ooe transferred Ita his sleeve. With the ace in the pack, four Unas U the beet hand, and he depended on my bettlnr all I had on the strength of mytiand, Bnt I .laa only waiting for this chance. And. now, sir, say your prayers, for In one minute .you are a d(Ma man." "Would you murder me In cold bloodi" uaii'Jti the now terrified gambler. "Kill him I kill him I" again shouted ths brpk standera. . Ho deserves It." calmly said Sir. Seely; "but t cannot shoot a man as though he were a dog. X will give him a chance for his life. We will retlM to the deck, be on one side, I on the other, and cx- change shots till ono or both be dead, and Hesvsni defend the right. Are you agreed, sir?" ■ — •• "•Tes." eaeerly responded the gambler. ' Tery well, then. I will go to my stateroom and' get a pair ot dueling-pistols I have in my satchel. Oentlemtn, please take chaive of this i will return soon." ■ He idlf, and In a few moments returned with a pair 'qt lieautlfully-monnted dnellng-ptstols, which he handed to me-with a request that 1 should act as his seoond, and obtain someone to officiate for his adveraary, whioh'was tu- tMr thing for blm to do. for all declined asslstapoe'ttk so heartless a villain. A gentleman at lost con- sented to act. and all repaired to the lower deck. Ur. Seely was calm and collected, bnt not so ths gambler. His face was pallid, and his trams shook with convulsive shudders as hethotightoS how near he stood to death. Arrived On deoL- they wero placed on opposite sides. . .| . "Gentlemen," I said. "I shall count 'Ona—twi>^ three.'and you will Ore at the word. An yoa rea'ly?" Yes," came from tioth. One—two " and the gambler's pistol WM. discharged, the ball Just Uftlng a look ot <ha curling hair from the temple of Mr. Seely, -who advanced one pace, and then dellbentalysaM- "Coward as well as thief, die I" and fired. with one despairing cry, the gambler leaped in air. pierced through the heart, and fell over tha guards Into the water. The boat was stopped, the yawl got out, and search made tor him who had met a weO- merited (ate: but, as the body had sunk, tlie yawl was oaUed in, and the boat went'on lis war. At the noxt landing the captain informed the Oor- oner ot the facts of the ease, and, as Kr. Beeto- gave himself up to the authorities, the boat Ml^ rived In New Orleans without either ot the vartlo- Ipants In the fatal aOray. Ur. Seely, I leaned' afterwards, was honorably acquitted, and t**^ gambler's money was Xrj turn donated to the peob Ml llllilll II I i fitly yeara to Improve true lore Is nneertoln In .plsoes. dlcatlve ot this, although somewhat out ot Ihs usual line, oconrxed In Sonbury. Then wow two suitors for a young woman's affeettona.' Numlier one was first acquainted with her, and' had kept pretty steady oompony with her thioiMh the past month, when number two appealed. The latter very soon got the best hold; and this became apparent to the former. The young ladx* gave herself up to number one until the day attar the Fourth, when she suddenly and rather de- cidedly veered atmut to the stranger, who Is'now. In town, learning the jewelry bnslnaas. Number one was forgotten as easily, apparently, as IT ho had been an old debt. It was on the night ot tha Sth that thla strange feeling dawned upon him. He had purchased a qnart ot new applea^ and had taken them to her house. There was company present on his arrival, and he request ed to see her privately in the hoU. She compiled with a reluctance that stmck him as twins slngu- lar. "Here is something for yon. Jullal" ha whis- pered, extending the package. She colored slightly as she sold; "I cannot take It—t>*«w*- you 1" "But you don't know what it Is," he urRSd. "It la a quart ot new apples. Just eomeenaa th» markeL" She made no move. "Why, Jullal Takethem. They won't hurt yeu They are ripe." "No I I must not." she persisted, keeping her. eyes cast down. "Yon won't take theml" He -was verywhlta^ and his voice trembled wlUi suppressed passion. "No I" "Then I'll go home and eat every goldamed ona of them before I touch my twd. It they kin m« deader than Oollarl" And with this Utooloas threat he bounded out ot the house. Whether he did as he promised Is not knows; but, as he was around on the street the next day. It Is more than likely that wiser tiionghtsptv- valled. That afternoon be started for her hoose to see If the dreadful thing was true that the jeweler— whom he designated by the prefix ot "pole-lecir*. —had really supplanted him. As ha naazed tha house he saw with anger that the jeweler was' there, playing croquet with Julio. The olchf maddened htm. For a moment ha looked at them with clenched hands; then he harried away with a gleam In his eye that denoted a storm. In a quarter of an hour he was ''again approanhlng the place. He had both hands in the pockets ot his sack, as It he were holding on to aoms" ' valuable. The dapper jeweler was stUI sa In the game -with the fair Julia, and their latu^' Ing remarks grated distastefully on his ear. 1B» marched straight into the yard. JoUa looked op ■ and saw him, and a frown ooveied her fSoa. H*> saw It, and understood Its Import at once. Hla own face grew black with wnth. Ho tamed to her: "Julia, ha-ve yon given me up tor this onasf" li» savagely Inquired, while the party thus Indalt- cately Indicated stared at the neweomer as It very much doubted his own existence.'' • •■What do you mean by such language as thst^ she angrily demanded. "Just what I say," retorted the discarded one. "Well, the quicker yon leave this yard the bet- ter you'll please me.'' -was the spiteful rejolndar of the fair one. "Then It Is true!" he howled In a voloe otaa., gnlsh. "Bhe has left me for Old Pole-legs. Oh 1", This with a sudden nreraal of tone as the nama brought up a realization ot the haled pressnos.-' "You are (he scoundrel that left me to boy her* things for a whole month, together sweetened up., for you. and then you oome In on' take her to, yourself. Where were you on the FOurthf" hie screamed with biting sarcasm. "Why dldn^ yon - show yourself when there was money tospoid. an' things to show her that cost cash downT^ Where were you when the Ice-cream on* eoka was round? Oh 1 you old gimlet-eye I" he added, sad-' denly removing one hand tiom the leoesaas ot a pocket and hurling a raw egg (till In the taoe ot his rival, which, breaking In the eontoct, com- pletely tnnstormed the entire ezpreaslon' of tha jeweler. "WherewereyDn,Isay}"iieyelled,dana- ingaronnd and orawlnglonbaiiottaeregg. At tha - advent of this awful article Miss Juliaacampaed Into the house, and the aOrlghted and almost blinded rival stmck out wildly tor eaeape; bnt tha foe was attar him, and not ten teat had been olaar- ed when the seoond egg caught him between tlia - shoulders and sprinkled Its glowtng colors orsr his liack. The unfortunate man ran with all his might, seeking for escape, but baffled in the , sesrriti, He Sew over the vegetables and darted around the tree, bnt the avenger kept close to hlra. plastering him with questions like these: "Where were yon on tha fourth?" SR. "Where were yon when there was money lo ba spentt" Egg. "Kept away, did you, till the Fourth was over—the costliest day in the yearf" . Egg. "Knew cream was up that day, did yoaf T Egg. • ^-J And the eggs flew with all the veogeanee on nit>,, requited affection could import to them. And tha: - unhappy Jnlls,stondlng in a trance ot hORWat:. the -window, saw her favored one pelted th.tha bock. In the side, on the head, and again oa th* i legs; saw blm tear through the shmbbefy Uks a winged omelette; saw the golden liquidatream from his hair, his ^'■i" hla wist-tsll. and hi* fla- . ger-tlps; saw him shed lorambled cub, ehiemoa and ciRus-postets oi every jump; saw him final- ly bound over the bock fence and sweep acnas the bock lots like a simoon ot blUonsnesa, and then she gave a scream and talatad away.—ilaa- . tnrtStrnt. . '. Kbaskus -wnsoit. tha amlaant London smfcon, ■ays: ••In travsllng It Is odvltobla to eat Ireq uan U.'' ly—not much at a time, but olton-and to avoid' oioohoL Thus soupi ooliee^ tea, eutlsti, .lral%) soda or seiner water, shotUd lonn thsstutow<t) trovellnsdleL TiavSUoalndtHaoheAoadJs«Mbk> Hhiinas whlrh ■ mnUng illiit trnirti tir ilTrr"