Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-10-27


brother James: and, seeing his distress,
she sprang to his side to comfort him.
Don't touch me, Grace - he exclaimed,
in terror. Normandy, take her away
Don't let her come near me! Why did you
bring her here? Oh, my sister is it possible
Great God | shall go mad l can not en-
dure it Oh, why did you ever bring her
here 2''
ITO save you,' said John.
He had closed and bolted the door, but
still retained the revolver in his hand.
He moved nearer to the conscience stricken
| man.
flames Blenchford, calm yourself said
he. I'VE have come, not to harm, but to
save you. The presence of your sister ought
to tell you that"
Young Blenchford raised his head with
hopeful look.
God bless you, John Normandy You
know not what | have suffered, but dared
not go back. And nov you will keep it from
my dear father?'
Il will said Normandy, solemnly. No
one shall know it, save ourselves"
But Grace? ?" said James.
! she need know no more said Norman
| dy. Il brought her here that the sight of
her might give you courage to return with
| US.
John I Shall tell her all, said James
Il shall tell her all, but not now
Where is your accomplice ?''
He will arrive in the next train | was
waiting for him
And that is due in thirty minutes, said
Normandy, looking at his watch. Give
ME the money, James, and we will leave
this place before the william arrives. -
Grace saw all, but heard nothing, for they
had withdrawn to the ether side of the room
that she might not be panied; but great
fear was weighing upon her-a dread OF
some approaching calamity. When they
came back, she looked from one to the 9th
er for some explanation, but very little they
gave her. Normandy spoke first.
Miss Blenchford. you are puzzled at my
words and actions but you Will pardon me,
know, when | tell you that it is better foI
all of US to say little about this matter.
Your brother has been led into an error that
threatened 20 be almost serious. Fortunate
ly, everything is now arranged satisfactorily,
thanks to your presence, and he will return
TO the city with Us. Watch over him an
pray for him, that lie may not stumble
again
II ask it, said James; and without an
other word they left the house, and wer,
soon on their way back to tbs city.
Silently they rode until the limits Of thu
city were reached. Then Normandy gave
the reins to james, and alighting bade then
adieu
But you'll ohm" said James, what vii
you do?"
Fear not for me, replied Normandy
adding in whisper, Il shall not betray yo'
whatever Happens.
+; Then he charged them both never to tel
what had passed between them that night
ard, without waiting to hear their replies
he strobe rapidly down the street.
; He went directly to the bank, reaching
just at opening time, and, without q wor
r to any one, went straight to the vaults
his custom every morning-and deposite
the money that james Blenchford had sto
q en- from them. Then he went back. and me
t the officer to arrest him. He expected il
but he had left the money in its place, an
e now he was ready for prison. He felt thank
n ful that he had been allowed so muce time
: He had saved James BIenchford, his fathe
d and Grace, and what did he care now? FL
d was alone in the world; he had done b
g went to him in prison. but Normandy woul
1t hear nothing about surrendering himself.
d Twill tell you a secret, James, aud the
you will see motive for my actions. loy
l your sister better than my own life, and
could not bear to have word whispere
e against her. Let it rest as it is. | am col
tent.
n Again james Blenchford promised, br
l. it was hard for him to abide by it. Wit
lie all his faults he had generous heart. Thi
very day he told Grace the whole story {
is his disgrace, and how Normandy was suffe
ing for them; and she was touched by Il
l. recital, and thought of every means to ibe
IL ate him.
70 "Where is the money, James?"
le Normandy placed it in the safe, u
known to any one.
e And has it not been found? Would n
the whole matter be looked upon as a gre
ID blunder and would not Mr.. Normandy
lie liberated at once. and exhonorated from
blame, if the money would be found there
/, Away went james, without waiting
in answer his sisters question, and within t,
er minutes was mounting the steps to the ban
ID He sauntered up to Ganson, and carelss.
inquired if there was anything new in Nc
re maDdy's case"
Nothing" replied Ganson. He st
7e protests his innocence, and l am inclined
ne think he speaks the truth"
III so am |, Ganson. Do you know | a
IN half certain that it is all great mistake
/ that the money is now somewhere about t
e. safe"
II wish it might prove so. 1t is ha
be blow for Normandy, and if it is gone, "