The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1857-08-19

NO, 1t belongs to an old acquaintance,
VINO has lett 1t III my care, to he Geposi.
led III some place of safety until he re-.
turns. But may ask continued Carl
ton, reddcning somewhat, what interest
or concern IS 1t to yourself =
You are stranger here, sir, and we
cannot let Sir. Ilargrosc's property leave
the hote' without satisfying ourselves IL il
carried away by his order. You will Oh
hge me by stepping into the bar-room-
or continued Wells, observing that Carl
ton hesltated-'we must call IN an of.
icer.'
The palIor and excitement Of Carlton
impressed ME painfully. His forid cheek
became deadly pale, and his heavily bear
ded lips quivered SO, that he could scarce.
" arIcnia,e. | could discover that he
was, at least, as much alarmed As mort.
lied and indignant, Slowly and hesi,a-
unSiy he turned, accompanied by the
book keeper, entered the bar room, ami
guipIng down glass Of water, sank into
II chair.
The landlord was kind hearted man
Ioath TO wound the feelings OF the stran.
ger, yet evidently doubling the fact Of
his honestly obtained possession of the
portmau;eau, in which the gold dust of
hargrovc was kept. CarItou's story
MAS simple aud unyaInshcd statement
but he WAS a stranger and it needed
confirmation.
lie stated that when he was about TO
retire TO bed, liargrove obtained admis
SION to bis room to reIight his candle,
which had been accileutly cxtinCuished.
and that he at once recognized him as an
Old acquaintance and fellow 10 ownsman,
who had emigrated to California about
three yeus !ciorc; and that Iiarcrove
nnpar!ed to him his intention Of leaving
for San Jose by the daylight boat, and
requested him 10 take charge OF the treas
uie contained in the portmanteau, and
deposit II for security III the vaults OF
some banker, where it might remain un.
I'll his return. According 10 his statement
iiargroYe brought the portmanteau into
his room, aud after few minutes couyer-
satIon, bade him goodnight and retired
To sleep.
Did llargrove leave by the boat this
morning, Wells {! asked Happerscoldt,
turning TO his book keeper.
l did not see hlm pass out sir replied
! Wells and 4 am sure he did no, break
fast with the otncr passengers who were
leaving. Since think Of il, am sure
he could not have gone, for here is his
trunk, which he would not have failed to
call for
where can he bo then 2 asked Hap
perscoldt.
Better send to his room SIR answered
Wells, for he las not passed out at all
to day, so FAR rs | am aware
'uave the kindness TO go to his room
at once, Mr.. WeIIs,' returned Happer.
scoldt, and if he is in, this affair can
cause no further trouble to any one
llargrove is clever fellow, aud happen
what may, We have the fruits Of his hard
toll secure, and lie will find il safe when
lie returns
He certainly will ! gasped Carlton,
all unnerved 10y the circumstances in
which he stood.
BY the way sir, said Iapperscaldt, it
strikes me We may easily manage this
troublesome and doubtful affair. Nv
only object is TO secure the property OF
my hoarder, witdout running the risk Of
annoying or injuring one who-may be
able to put :is conduct in the Elircst hight.
Suppose yUu.go with me to some respon-
slide banking house, and deposit liar.
groves property, to be delivered only to
himself or his order
Certainly, sir, with al my heart cried
l L. 4
Let us Go SO without delay, for | am
anxious TO seek out a brother whom
] have not seen for twenty years. Let
us GO
'lts all right, perhavs,' mutlered Hap
perscoldt to himself, as lie took up his
bat. III the money is secure, it will not
matter SO much If IA thief escapes. Why |!
what's the matter, Wells cried he aloud,
as the book.keeper re-entered the room
why are you 50 pale aud ghastly, maui
lie is murdered IN his bed sir 4 replied
Wells almost speechIess with horror.
We four were alone in the room, aud
tue tableaux which was presented can
never forget. The book keeper was just
within the door, aud near the centre Of
the room stood ilapperscolGi, scowIing
upon Carlton, who seemed ready TO sink
TO the floor in his terror.
Il did not do il Merciful Heavens !
| AIR innocent Of thisn calculated Carlton,
trembling like an aspen, and almost cho.
king with alright. Hear me, sir, hear
| me--
Liar, thief, and murderer " shouted
Happerscoldt, with a threatening ges-
ture, you bsvs butchered him for his
gold, and you shall be made terrible
example. You deserve to hang, and you
shall hang this very hour Strike the
bell, Wells, and let it ring till the alarm
summons crowd together, 1t is use.
less to appeal 10 quibbIing lawyers and
packed juries, for justice on such crimi-
mails rs LIE is. Strike the bell ! Sound
the alarm lie shall have prompt jus.
tice y
For heavens sake, sir cried |, ap-
preaching the excited Happerscoldt, who
u :