White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1858-11-11

NIoSofOiy AW1Only reared 70 retar0
the goldsmith's operations.
Procuring from the table at which his
uncle had formerly worked. a small can
of oil. he felt for the hinges of the trap,
and poured its contents upon them. Thus
prepared. he raised the door very gently
about foot. and placed stick under to
sustain it. Cautiously he laid down up
on the shop floor, and thrust his head
through the aperture.
In this position he obtained a full view
OF the goldsmith. and of his operations.
He was engaged in taking down the wall
of the cellar, in front Of the secret vault.
Enough was already removed for the
young man to obtain a view Of its con-
tents. When sufficient portion of the
wall was removed to permit his ingress
to the vault, he took a knife from his
pocket and entered it. His purpose, be-
fore suspected, was now apparent. But
Robert could not see him distinctly, for
he had penetrated to the farthest corner of
the vault.
After the lapse Of a few moments,
Waldeck emerged from the vault. In
his hand ne held the ring and the knife.
STOPPING down he examined the former
by the light Of the lantern. and then rub
bed it with his handkerchief as if to re-
move some stains. Apparently satisfied
with the operation, he deposited the ring
in his pocket. and proceeded to relay the
stones in front of the vanlt.
Congratulating himself that he had at
last obtained clue to the guilt of the
goldsmith, he closed the trap with the ut
most caution. and crept out Of the shop
as he had entered.
The position Of Waldeck, decided as
he was to restore the lost ring, was sur
rounded by uncertainties. After closing
up the vault he returned to the shop, and
seated himself a: the workable. Draw
ing the ring from his pocket. he proceed
ed to a more minute examination of its
condition. The smallest sign of blood
would criminate him. With brushes,
and various other implements. he gave it
a very thorough cleansing. He was abont
to make the repairs which it needed, when
his attention was arrested by a slight
knock at the street door. Suspending
his labor. he listened for repetition of it,
scarcely believing that any one would de-
sire admission at that hour of the night
But the knock was repeated. In the shat
tered state of his nervous system, he trem-
bled with apprehension, and connected
the visitation. as he " as wont to connect
every unusual event, with the one great
topic of his rehection-the murder.
"Who is there ?" asked he, in trem-
ulous tone.
"Open the door, Mr.. Waldsck."
"Who is it 90
at is Robert Dewrie %
go to the back door and will ad-
NIT you," answered the goldsmith, won
dering at the object of the visit, as well
as at the temerity of the young man.
Passing to the door in the rear, he adj
mitted Robert, who bad removed his false
whiskers, and they entered the back par
lor. t{
''Robert, ] believe you are mad, /" said
Waldeck. "You will yet expose your
self in spite of all my exertions to screen
you"
eff / am not mad, it is no fault of
yours. But no matter will not re-
proach you; am in distress-in deep
distress Fearful for my life, have not
dared to approach the habitation of man,
in my own garb," said Robert, in an hum
bic tone.
care you not safe in this disguise 90
"No, tremble for my life, and wan
der about half starved, like a friendless
dog"
"Why not go to another part Of the
country, or to England ~
"Iam beggar without name or means, "
replied the Young man. in a responding
tone. so naturally counterfeitei that the
goldsmith was completely deceived.
81 offered to furnish you money!" said
Waldeck. exceedingly rejoiced to find that
Roberts lofty spirit had been humbled.
"Will Won now 90 said Robert, in a
supplicating tone.
al will-any sum you require in reas-
on, If you will give me lien on your es-
tate, whenever it comes to light"
"GOd bless you, Mr.. Waldeck {; you
are indeed my friend"
Il have always endeavored to be, Rob
ert. notwithstanding your unjust suspi-
cions of me-"
Robert could hardly smother his indig-
nation at Waldeek's gross hypocrisy, but
his great purpose compelled the utmost
circumspection.
"Now, Robert. perhaps in your altered
frame of mind, You viii be willing to do
me service"
"Gladly, sir. Hyou are the murderer
of my uncle. / forgive you from the bot
tom of my heart"
Il find you still persist in that unjust
suspicion"
Pardon me, I will not mention it
again, said Robert. little fearful that
he might overdo his part by acquiescing
too readily in his own guilt. What
can l do for you ?"
"You remember on the day of your
uncIe's disappearance-I viii not pain
you by saying nurder-that Colonel Pow
ell left ring in his charge for repairs ~
81 do" replied Robert, hardly able to
conceal his satisfaction at the mention of
topic. which be had been studying to
introduce.
"You remember that he slipped it on