Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1870-04-08
CHAPTER III,
THE ATTEMPTED ROBBERY.

The disgrace of the cousin whom |
she so dearlyloved, followed 30 soon by
the violentdeath of her father serious
In affected the health OF the young
Eeiress of Melton Caves. Soon after
the old lawyers funeral she had been
removed to DIR. Watson's residence,
which was but short distance away
but, so earnestly did she entreat to be
taken back to her old home, where she
hoped to be able to revive ut will the
memory, of the happy hours, the doc
was unable to refuse her anxious wish
in the threatening state of her health.
1t was but few months after the death
of Mr.. Winston, therefore, when Dr-
Watson and his family and Agatha
were all doniesticated ut The Caves. -
The health of tic young girl did not
improve, however, with this removal.
Every surrounding scene recalled to
Her more vividly the memory of her
double bereavement and her health
continued to fail. All thought Of re-
turning her to her school In the city
had, therefore, to be given up. A gov
erness was engaged TO reside at Melton
Caves. But few only were the days
when the young heiress was strong
enough 20 take lessons in books OF on
musical instruments.
Time passed on and Agatha's health
seemed constantly to decline. DIR.
| Watson was much inclined to the opin-
ion that consumption was setting in.
Yet her complexion had not the clear
semi-transparent appearance which
that fell disease usually presents. The
sallow hue OF her checks told that, II the
lungs were seriously affected, the liver
was also. The beauty which had once
made her presence so radiant was slow
~ waning away and fell disease, with
its deep shadows, was gradually usurp-
Ing its place. These signs gave token
that tile day OF earthly life was depart
ing and the tight OF death coming on.
Thus niontlix after month passed
away, and each saw in it's course the
unhappy Agatha growing thinner and
paler, atfd apparently. melting, like n
snow-wrcath, away from esfth.
Bad news In the meanwhile came
from time to time from the city, tell
ing the dissipated habits into which
Robert Golding had fallen. Certain II
was that he had given up the study OF
medicine. But Agatha was unwilling
to believe In other and still more evil
reports of the only relative apparently
! took care TO assure himself af their
; truth. He had thence another reason
If any other were wanting-besidet
: an interest In Agatha herself 70 CAUSE
l him 10 anzlodgly desife to save the LIE
: of his ward He did not wish the pro
| perty OF his deceased friend to fall into
( the hands of such a reckless and un.
4 principled spendthtift. He exhausted
his own skin and called in TO consul.
/ tiftion on her ctisS some of the mosi
: distinguished physicians In the city,
i But medicines seemed to be Of no avail
the young girls state of health grew
p slowly worse ard worse.
u IL was one summer evening Just aftcl
+, dark, and about two years after the
:, death of old Mr.. Winston, when I
a strange mau raug t,ie ftott door bel
z Ii Melton Caves, and, on the appear
d ance OF a servant, inquired for DIR. Wat
r son. He was shown into the library
where the old doctor soon made hli
i appearance.
Il "You will pardon the liberty which
r / take in calling ON you" said tn,
o stranger, "when you hear the com
4 munication which have TO make
i The doctor looked ht Tie, atrange
d with some expression Of sifrprise. Th'
}, latter Was a rather singular-lookipl
q person. His dress was plain and coarse
s such us suited "A traveller on foot.
thick black beard covered the lowe
i part of his face, and flowed down L
i half way between his chin aud hi
Is waist; and his long and wavy hair, o
;, the same dark hue, fell upon his shoul
n ders. His voice, however, was must
;, cal, and his speech and manner such
q as became gentleman.
J. am glad TO see you, SIR" said th'
n doctor, politely. "1ake seat an'
It do ME the favor 10 explain yourself.
d Prepare yourself for singula
n communication, replied the stranger
G / overheard. three Williams planlnI
& TO rob THIS house to-nigfLp &, a
e The doctor sprang ff6tl the ,etiai
which he had taken when he had ifivi
n ted his visitor 10 be seated.
@ hWhat he exclaimed; are yo
J. mad? A robbery, and IN this thickl
e settled neighborhood? II cannot b
u possible" -..r
/" Do not be alarmed" was tho calr
y reply" syS
vi ~ Forewarhed, fore-armsd,' as III
q saying is. is there any man In III
't house but yourself?"