New-York tribune., 1868-12-25
HIDDEN HAND.
BY MRS. sOUTHWORTH.
Author OF "The Bride Of an EyeninG'" 1he DeSer'o"
WIFE," SC. &C. SO.
CHAPTER ].
TIE FORCED MARRIAGE.

Tue FORCED MARRIAGE.
Col. Gabrielle lie Noir, Virginia naDoD' III
er that he might inherit the paerna Estates hired an
outlaw named Black Donald, to murder his elder brother
En0ene I Nor He then shut up Eugenes widow In his
,e.issnce known as the Hidden House. and as he sup
sss made away with her new born infant But Eugenes
infant child was saved and finally got the possession
ef Major Ira warheld tempestuous old neighbor and
relentless foe of Col lie NOrs On account OF Major
Warfelds irrepressble temper he was called old Hurr
cane ana his residence known as Hurricane HAIL
Years before our story opens Col Le Noir had eanSea
separation between Major warGed and his wife, ana
under the Of Marah Roeke, with her son
Trayerse had had bitter struggle for bread But they
had got along aud had become apbysiean ana
was betrohed to Clara Day the only daughter OF rcn
doctor But DR.. Day dying suddenly Clara had come
under the control Of the unscrupuous Col Ie No the
s,eoutor OF the Doctors win and her guardian. The
Colonel had turned Mrs ROeke and Traverse cut OF DOC
tor Days house. and taken Clara of to his own residence
tho Hidden HouSe-vhere he tried to compel her to
marry his son. Craven lie Noir. But capols Black the
heroine of story land who though now grown up
was the same infant child of Eugene lie No that the
Colonel supposed he had senced forever and who is as
keen as an eagle and brave as lon undertook TO get
Clara out Of the clutches of her prosecutors
1t was a.desperate game that Capitoa undertook TO
play for the lie Sors both father and son. were unseru
puous and cruel the last degree They would not hes
itate to commit murder carry their point they could
mot gain il by perpctration Of lesscr cmes But
othlps dauned spirited Capitola determined to cid
her friend Clara and for that purpose rsked visit to
the Hidden House while Col lie NOir was at home She
learned from Clara that the Colonel and Craven were
going to take her to chapel in the
ing and force her into marriage against her WILL The
officiating clergyman the'r friend" said Clara; and
even could consent 20 act decetfu part and should
go TO church as 10 marry Craven, aud upon getting
there denounce him. instead Of receiving the protection
Of the clergyman should be restored 70 the hands OF my
legal guardau and be brought back here TO meet fate
worse than death" Thus Clara spoke In tone of despair
T. Capitols did not at once reply but fol- into deep
thought, which lasted many rninates Then, speaking
snors gravey than sbs had spoken before. shs said;
"rhsre IL but one plan Of escape left your only
lng rnznoe. and that fun Of danger"
o: "oh why should fear dsngsri What eyB bsfan
me 90 great a. that vhioh nos threatens mel" shd
gsn.
"ris rlsn requires yonr part great courage, self
cOntro ana presence Of mind"
TEACH me- teach me. dear Capltola. all be an opt
.prpn,"
.Ihsse tliongbt IL ali our, and win ton you my plan
II Ia now eleysn O'Clock the forenoon and the carriage
ss TO como for you at six this evening, beiievoi"
."yes veal" .t 81. IN f r.ff .5
hTben you have soscn hours in which 70 yourself
tud this Is my plan First, Clara. you must change
siothes With me. giving yonr huit of mourning and
putting my riding habit hat and van Then leaving
b,e hero in your place. you TO pull the vail down
closely your face, AID walk right out Of the hcnsc
no Oas viii speak you, for they never DO TO When
ou have reached the yard spring upon my horse and
pt whip to him for the village Of TIP Top. Ny servant,
Wool viii ride after yon but he VIII not speak to you
approach enough TO discover your identityor he
a been ordered by his master TO keep In sight and
he has been forbidden by mistress to ndc upon her
privacy Ysu wiz reach Tip Top BY O'clock. shen the
saunton stage passes through. You may then reveal
yourself to Wool give my herse Into hs charge. Eetiao
sbe coach sad start for siaunon Upon reaching that
place pat yourself under the protection Of youf friends
the two old physicians aud set them to prosecute your
guardian for cruelty aud agrant abuse OF authority 30
,sooI, firm. aud alert, and al Will be well!"
csra who had listened to this little Napoleon IN petit
coats with breaess interest. cssped her hands i'll
q Wild eestasy Of JOY ard exclaimed:
"I win try It! Oh, Capitoa, sill try it, Heaven
bless you for tho eounsel"
BE quick then change your dress provide yourself
win purse of money, and vim iye you particular
directions how to make short eutfor Tip Topi Hs ha
hal when they for the bride abe will be already
rolling on the turnpike between TIP Top and ssaunton"
/" But youi Oh, you. my generous deliyereri"
:" shall dress myself In your clothes and ssy here n
your place to keep from being missed so as 70 give
yon fph time to make your escape" s
But. you win place yourself in tie enraged lions
Jaws. You viii remain In the power Of two rnen who
know neither justice nor mercy. who in their love or
tAer hate fear neither oOd man. Oh capitOls how
can take an advantage Of your generosity and leave
soa here IN such extreme perli capItoa cannot do
Well then. believe you must be anxiOu. to marry
EfAyen 10 Eor"
"oh. capltoia"
s".n you are not hurry and 20, ready, there "a no