The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1869-09-25

testimony.
How lamentably insane the poor
devil is," soliloquized the unrelentir0
scoundrel as ne re-read the letter.
"One would think by his daring use of
afectionate expletives that he had it
pretty bad. For instance, my dar-
ling Annie Boshl I will love thee
ever Hambug Death alone shall
part u.s. Fidd1esticks How great
viii be his astonishment on receiving
my reply TO hismaudlin sentimentality
Here it il.
And Mr.. Willis produced the letter
that he had written to Harvey Wayne.
with the contents of which the read
er is already acquainted. He examin-
ed it carefully, and after enclosing the
diamond ring, the copy of which was
worn by Annie Leland, he mailed it TO
the unsuspecting lawyer.
In short time he received q note
from Dir. Wayne, stating among other
things, that he designed starting i'm
mediately for Montana, to which place
company of young men were on the
point Of moving. This was indeed
news more fattering than Theodore
Willis had ever anticipated
Soon it became noised around that
Harvey Wayne had joined the mercurial
throng of gold seekers, and was on his
way to one Of the Western territories
Anna Leland was at first unwilling
to credit this report, out as time wore
on and her lover did not return, she
was compelled TO acknowledge to her
self mat she had been deceived.
During all this time Theodore Willis
had been constant visitor at the Le-
land mansion. Month after month he
continued his fattering attentions to
the unsuspecting Anna, but nothing
occurring to justify him in renewing
his proposal, he waited, feeling sure
that he would at last meet with sue
cess.
And he was not deceived.
At the expiration of year the fair
girl was persuaded by her friends and
relatives to accept his enticing offers
of marriage. Nj. Willis delight was
unbounded. His success had been
greater than he had ever dared to an
ticipate. The bridal day was fast APP
preaching. A beautiful evening in the
latter part of June was the time ap-
pointed for the consummation of the
marriage.
About the middle of the forenoon of
that day Theodore Willis sailed QUITO
visit his betrothed. He had gone but
o short distance, however, when turn
ing corner, he suddenly came face
TO face with no less parsonage than
Harvey Wayne.
Startled at meeting the one whom
above all others he had injured, but
seeing no medium of escape, the guilty
wretch came hesitatingly forward and
extended his hand. This token of
friendship was not accepted by the
young man, who in a voice hoarse with
passion exclaimed,
''Do you know me, yillain?'
Theodore turned pale, and in q
scarcely audible tone inquired
"Why are you here?"
"To prevent you, rascal, from exc
cutting your hellish designs r.
"Then you know alp
Eyes, scoundrel, know more than
all know you to be n villain, doubly
dyed, I know the course you have
pursued. L"
What hireling did you engage to
dog my footsteps?"
"Hireling, sir, hireling?" Listen to
me. Do you remember fair-haired
youth just entering upon mans estate !?
Do you remember the young man
whom you requested, nay, compelled,
to drink with you one yearago to-day?
Do you remember him?
Jack Raymond p gasped the mis-
cradle man.
''The same. He came 20 you q sober
man, he went away drunkard. The
liquor you compelled him to drink did
It's work. He came to Montana, and
while in state of intoxication he told
me all. The next day the poor fellow
died of delirum tremens, and with his
dying breath he cursed you as his dis
troyer. Your crime is great. You
cannot make reparation, but you may
reform. All / ask of you is to leave
the city forever. "Will you do it,"
The young lawyers tone was civil
but severe. A strange light quivered
over his companions countenance as he
wildly eiaculated.-
ST will leave, I will go-but in a
manner you little suspeet-ha ha
Yes 1 will 60"
A look bordering on insanity qniv-
cred athwart the face of the excited
man as he concluded. A moment
more and he was gone.
So strange and upaccountable We're
the actions of the Unsuccessful plotter
while conversing with Harvey Wayne,
that the latter was in doubt as to the
course the former intended to pursue.
Theodore Willis, he knew, was not the
man to acknowledge defeat until every
avenue to escape had been thoroughly
explored, Perhaps he would leave the
city as he had agreed, but the proba-
bility was not his intention.
Thus Mr.. Wayne reasoned. He did
not know that IN few hours an aristo-
cratic assemblage of people would be
waiting to see and congratulate Theo-
dore Willis and Anna Leland as man
and wife. He had been in the city but
short time, consequently had learn
ed nothing concerning the approach
ing marriage. His meeting with Willis
was strictly unexpected and accidental.
| After thinking over what had occur
red, the young man proceeded to the
residence of a friend, where he had
been invited to remain during his stay