The organ of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, O. [Ohio]) 1852-1853, 1852-11-26
CnArrrn Ix.-Me coasgiracy.


CnAPrER IX.-Me Coaspiracy.
"With wild surprise,
4 As if to marble struck, devoid Of sense,
/ stupid monument, mOhOnless he stood,
Pierced by severe mazement]'-THONPsoS.
Mr.. Lotherage, the surviving brother, sa
alone in his private room, wrapped in deeI
thought. 1t was twilight, and for the who'll
day he had been thus secluded. From his
3 3le contour as he sat there in his loose
gown and neglected toilet, it was evident that
be had passed through severe struggle
struggle between conscience and aVarice, in
which the latter, as was usual in his case, had
come off victorious. At length, he rang the
bell, and his faithful valet was soon at his
side. lie ordered the door locked, and seat
ing the valet close to him, addressed him in a
low tone:
Ferdinand" said he, do you reOollect,
while we were travelling in the colonies some
six or seven years ago, Of meeting with a tit
tie child--a lovely girl, of not more than
four years-at an old hovel where we stopped
for refreshments?"
The valet, dropping his head, rubbed it
briskly, and pondercd a moment: then start
ing suddenly, he replied
Remember it, most truly do, sir; for the
fair image has ner been erased from my
mind"
''Do you think you could now find the place
and recognize the girl?'
cas- readily, sir, as if it had happened but
yesterday" replied the valet promptly.
''And may / rely upon you to execute diff
ficult and hazardous task, but one, which if
successful, will reward you liberailyI" said
the merchant, in q confiding tone.
Have you ever bad cause to doubt my fl
delityr'
"Neyer!"
"Any trust, then, which you may repose in
me shall befaithfully executed, swearP' said
the valet Tesoldtely.
'Hldo not doubt your fidelity, honest Fer
dinand, but do mistrust your courage on
such mission as am about to propose
Believe me, master, said Ferdinand, i'm.
Ploringly, ..yOu shall ever find them both pn,
wayeFing I"
i'Iffnst It may be g. said the master con
sldefa1s z, hnt al aiaat to propose t,
6s 81
it tH8 afdtter wbicl
viii be natural to you. and best calculated tC
deceive the innocent and Rnwary peasants;
seek to become on familiar terms with the in
mates of that cottage, and then You may easily
find the child, or gather some information Of
her whereabouts.
Should you be so fortunate as to discover
the girl, you can then change yourplan as the
circumstances require, and II possible bring
her to me, or eOnfide her to such hands as
will keep her secure until this matter Of pro-
perty can be finally settled. If She can be
kept away from her friends, without exciting
suspicion against ME, uutil the time mention
ed in the codicil shall have expired, all will
be well, and | shall receive my legal rights.
But otherwlse--should the friends Of the child
produce her as the legal heir, and the proof in
her favor be sufficient to establish the fact
that is the child mentioned in the dOcu-
ment, then shall lose a large portion Of the
estate which now remains in my possession,
aud which rightfully belongs to me. Thus
you see the necessity Of acting promptly and
with great energy. Let no cOmpunctiOn OF
conscience deter you--for you know this con-
science is treacherous thing, where it is al
lowed to exercise its will. Had always lis
tened to its voice, should have lost many an
excellent bargain. Keep the Ons great obi eet
in view, Let nothing detract your attention
for single moment from it, and il You are
successful, handsome reward shall be
yours. .
81 solemnly promise to execute all you de-
mand, if it shall be found within the power of
human WHIP replied the valet in the most
impressive manner.
"It is we'll" said the master, placing purse
in his extended hand; 81 think may rely up
on your integrity. There is no time to losel
Prepare yourself forthwith for the mission
execute it with all possible despatch, and ap-
prise me Of your progress as often as you find
opportunity"
The valet nodded assent.
'You should be fully impressed with thu
profound secresy which this business de.
mands,' continued the merchant in sort o
| udge- like charge. breathe not lisp Of i
TO your most intimate friend, and during you
absence avoid forming any aequainteEees, ex.
cept which are absolutely necessary in success.
fully executing your plans.
/ After this brief, but impressive address, the
merchant and his valet separated-the one tC
mingle again with busy life in the bustliup
mart, where he passed for an honest, upright
but very shrewd business man-the other ia
| prepare for his uefarious mission.
Ferdinand lost no time in making the neees-
sary preparations, and in less than week had
secretly embarked for the colonies.