Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1848-01-07

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lace away from mere carelessness. Here Il
al' the money! have about me. Take Il
Tor yourself, only let US go. My daughter
! assure you. is utterly incapable Of steal
ing. You do nj know her. As for III,
lace, ] am willing to pay for it. My name
Is Mrs Clifford. live No. - GrosreBol
Street, Grosyenor Square. My dear, kind
good sir, turn the carriage aud let us 20
home. My husband was Captain Clifford
oil the American navy. Do you think we
would be guilty Of stealing1 will give
you any money you desire, will give you
.f5O-only let Us GO"
III your husband was Admiral Nelson
himself" replied the man, with dignity, "a
could not let you 60 now mot if you were
TO give me $500. have only 10 do my
duty. It's very painful one---but il must
be done. ain, Judge Pm policeman
and my business is TO deliver you safe into
the hands Of Blake, Blanchard g. Co"
10 describe the whirl OF thoughts which
swept through The mind Of Franklin during
the interval would be impossible. lie saw
that simple act Of careiessness had been
committed by Caroline; but he was enough
Of lawyer to perceive that the proof against
her was singularly striking and unansuera
ble--and he knew the world too we'll, moi
TO feel extraordinary alarm at the possible
consequences. In London, alone, without
friends or acqnain,snces, a glance into the
future almost drove him 10 distraction. Al
moments he was half mastered by the i'm.
pulse TO bear Caroline away, by sudden
coup de main but his hand was held by the
reflection. that even wee such wild scheme
possible, success would be no means Of
security. iDasmuch as Mrs Clifford had CIV.
en- her address while the attempt would
exaspera'e the other party, appear but new
evidence Of guilt, aud in every way enhance
the danger OF their position.
As they approached the fatal shop, large
crowd had collected around the door :
Franklin felt that he was in one Of those
crises on which hang human destiny aud
life, aud that he had need Of more prudence
and wisdom than mnn can possess. except
u be given him from above. Deep, there
fore, and trusting. was his silent prayer TO
Him who had said. BE strong and Of a
good courage. riH not fail thee, nor for.
sake thee"
Caroline appeared ready 10 sink into the
earth when the carriage stopped.
MY dearest Miss Clifford said Frank
lin, these men have fallen into bunpling
error. and At will require some prudence on
our part 10 make them see II. But compose
yourself, Put down your veil say nothing
till call you-and may God. in his mercy,
grant that our ordeal be short ~
These words were uttered with a com.
posure and cheerful presence Of mind which
treasured in some degree the fainting girl.
She had al her side protector who would
never desert her-a pilot with strong arm.
a steady eye, aud a bold heart--whe would
steer her through the wide storm, il any hu.
man being could.
Mrs Clifford, speeches with terror, lei
down her daughters veil as well az her
shaking hands permitted, aud was led BY
Franklin from the carriage into the house.
lie then handed, or rather lifted, out Caro-.
line. who chung to him with heIpIessness
and terror. The trembling party-a hun.
dred unfeeling eyes bent upon ,hem-were
conducted through the shop 10 back par
Tor, into the presence of Mr. Jennings, the
only one Of the hrm Of Blake, Blanchard g.
Co. who happened to be at home. As
franklin saw him his heart sank in his
hosom. aud the courage which had begun
10 mount with the danger, seemed mock.
cry.
Mr. Jennings was respectable looking
man Of forty, of a thin, hard cour,ensnce,
rePelling manners, and sharp voice, which,
when excited, rose TO piercing and dis
cordant note. There was no sign Of mercy
or moderation in his physiognomy. This
man, who, after faithful subordinate seryic-
es, had become the inferior aud hardes,
working partner, happened to be afflicted
with very violent temper, which had been
Wrought into rage by various recent pur.
ioInings, apparently like the present. ai,ri.
buted 10 female customers, and perpetra,ed
with combined cunning and daring which
baiiied detection, and he had yearned to lay
his hand upon one Of them. His passions
and interests were mingled together in this
desire, which. in addition, he supposed
fully sanctioned by duty and when man,
and particularly such a man, Of a narrow
mind and cold heart-loying power, and
rarely enabled to taste its sweets, once gets
into his head the idea that he is acting from
du,y-God help The poor victim that falls
within his grasp.
Such was the individual before whom, in
the attitude Of detected criminal, was
dragged the sweet and trembling girl
Such was the man before whom Franklin
stood, curling within The limits Of prudence
his high wrought feelings.
"Now, my honest women, !" snid Jennings,