Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-07-23

veal the transactions Of this night, and you
arc free; but swear on this Bible to keep
your word, or else take Whit Of my smell
ing bottle to refresh your soul. !"
.Insolent fool 4 cried, you have not
even wit enough 10 play the william, DO
you think that We are living in the dark
ages, or in the castle of Otranto where
man may be murdered and done away with
mysteriously, and no questions asked =
Why, I have but to raise my voice, and the
family would be around us in an Instant
Mysteries are scarcely the order of the day
in a Jolly old house like this. I am inclined
to think you forget that we are civilized be-
Eings in this part Of the world
And I laughed as the absurdity of the po-
sition struck me.
L don't see the joke returned Richard,
there is no mystery about the matter. You
are well known to have disease of the heart;
any sudden fright NIGH easily kill you; my
bottle tells no tales shall confess to play
ng ghost, as a joke, not anticipating The ia
tai effect; I shall he frantic with despair at
the thought Of what had innocently occasion
ed, ana it viii be all that pretty Laura can
do to'comfert me but she shall; yes, by
GeorgeI and your fortune shall be the salve
that will heal my wound. Come, come,
now, you see you are helpless. Agree to
my terms, and away with you!'
Never / exclaimed, struggling violent
ly, but hopelessly. I despise your terms
and you, and will never consent to your
cowardly proposal.
Take the consequences, them said he,
calmly advancing to me. L don't object,
my boy !; your money is mine, for laura
shall be my wife ~
Indeed, Cousin Dick said soft voice
behind me; did you ever hear that it took
two to make a bargain p
And, to my infinite surprise, Laura her
self stood before u.s. holding lightin her
hand
BE kind enough to release your friend
she continued sit would scarcely be posi-
bic to murder two of us before the household
could be reused Would it, cousin p
Then, suddenly changing her manner
Away said she, away, before I follow
my impulse and call on the servants to seize
you. Oh she cried, her eyes cleaning
fire as she fastened them on his faltering
face, 'oh, could see you dragged to goal
like fell9n, and witness against you with
out mercy ,2Were you not of my own blood.
Since it is SOL spare you. Butssdo not
think that Robert will be. so moreiful. The
papers that you have stolen from this room
have been missed; the ghosts GRAND is
clear to me now. Away, Instantly, and
never see my face again b
AS Laura stood thus, in her white dress,
her golden hair unbound. her little figure
raised to its full height, and her graceful
arm outstretched, she looked like beauti-
full angel Of justice.
Richard glanced at her, and his eyes
glared like those of a wild beast; but he
saw his game was up, and drawing his
cloak around him, he swiftly glided from
the room, and crept down the stairs.
The house door closed softly and after
awhile we heard the clatter of his horses
hoofs die away.
But Laura did not wait to hear all this
before she released me-
Her little white fingers had hard time
with the rough knots but she united them
with wonderful speed.
As she loosed my hands lastly, clasped
hers within them, and in a moment all wa
said that had so vainly tried to write, an
all was answered that had so fondly hoped.
We agreed that it was best not to men
ton the nights adventure for Dicks sake.
said Laura, and added, L can easily get the
papers from his desk, and no one need know
it. l only suspected him, and I don't
want mother to know | sa p all night
waiting to hear you scream, and ran in when
| did hear your voice.
oh, indeed ! said [ !; that's the secret, is
it? Well, I'll promise secrecy on that point
And [ never did mention it before but
yesterday, Laura told me laughingly, that
| might write the story of how. ten years
ago, she and I laid the ghost.
How TO KEEP CooL.-The following sim
pie hints, from the scientific American, are
useful to remember during the warm wealth
er of the present season:
BE sparing in your diet, which should
consist principally OF fruits, berries and veg
etables. Avoid everything of a greasy ma
ture; also spices, condiments and sweets
Drink nothing but water. Chew nothing
but food chew that well, but do not chew
too much Of it. Excess in eating is one of
the principal causes of that lazy, listless, re-
laxlng feeling experienced by SO many per-
sons in hot weather. Dress lightly, and
change often. Wear nothing at night which
is worn during the day. Battle the body
every morning with cool or cold water. Keep
a clean conscience as well as clean body and
clean clothing, and don't get excited IF
uncomtortably warm at any time, immerse
the hands, or feet, Or both, in cold water for
short time, or let stream Of cold water. run
upon the wrists and ankles. This will cool
the whole body in a short time"
ROUND THE WoP1n Tho f,roe IN oold