The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-01-10

SMOKE tie DlCW PeulIy IoNiIu Nue CSlllHS,
that he was in my narrative.
When concluded he made no response,
apparently absorbed in regretful contem-
plation of the cigar he had meanwhile re-
duced toits lowest terms, and which lie
now dropped lingeringly into the spittoon.
He then carefully let himself down from
his elevation, put on his coat, locked his
desk, donned his hat grasped his stout
cane, and motioned me out.
When we were in the street he merely
suggested that he thought Mr.. Wilkinson
knew something about the matter he did
not choose to tell, and we must look him
up and persuade him to diyulge. Then he
went on to tell me his boyish rollcking
way, about his last xcurion into the will
derness. l forgot where, laughing and
cracking his jokes rs though the murder of
young Briiton was farthest possible from
his thoughts, as presume ii was, until we
reached the Gordon mansion. We were
quickly admitted, when | sent up my
name.
Helen Gordon looked still more fragile
and pale in her home dress than when
saw her in the morning. She looked half
| frightened when introduced Major Keene,
but his cordial frankness and gentle cour-
tesy quite reassured her.
81 am a friend of Mr.. Johns, Miss
Gordon" he said, with more suavity of
manner than gave him credit for; "and
when lie told me you were somewhat dis
| tressed about Mr.. Britton's fate, thought
] would offer my services. We have re-
sources that may expedite solution of the
mystery, though ] presume ii would all be
right in time. The finding of a boat adrift
is very slight evidence that man is killed
or drowned. will send to Greyvlle to-
night and find out the facts Of the case as
they stand
A CLEAN of hope shone in her face, then
faded, as lie spoke.
"In the meanwhile" he continued, off
you will give me some information about
the missing men-it seems there are two
who are lost-it might help forward our in
vestigation.'
go anything ! can tell you-anything
can do to help to find out the TRUTH
WIFI too glad to do"
"IIave you photographs ofthe two young
men?"
Eyes, of Frank but no. he took it away
again to have itreset. l never had a pic
ture of Ed Mr.. Blitton."
"Then you can describe them"
6 Yes sir. Frank Is tall and slender,
with chestnut hair and auburn beard"
"Heavy whiskers something like mine !"
4" He is about Mr.. Johns height His
eyes are brilliant, and he is called quite a
handsome young man."
The major cast an inquring look toward
me. and | nodded. This description an
swered well for Wilkinson.
"And Mr. BrittOn 2" he resumed.
Miss Gordon's eyes which had looked
into his before, now dropped little.
"He was little taller and stouter than
Cousin Frank, with dark brown eyes and
hair, and a more serious countenance."
mot so good looking as the other?"
Perhaps you would think not"
Miss Gordon doubtless thought she was
Civ ing picture easy TO recognize Of the
two men, but saw, by the good-humorcd
shrug ofthe majors shoulders, that he was
Of different opinion.
will ?' he asked.
80, can it be that dreadful will?" she
moanod, involuntaIily.
suggested that Mr.. Blake could furnish
that
The major then drew little nearer Miss
Gordon. May venture to inquire
manner was extremely gentle-and respect
full" If either Of these young men was a
sutor for your hand? | regret the neces-
sity of Annoying you with such ques-
tions.
1T is no annoyance, | assure you," very
sweetly. at is no secret, | presume that
Cousin Frank wished to marry me. Indeed
of late, he has quite prosecuted with his
attentions
"And you-quareled?"
Something very much like it, sup
pose"
How long since?"
perhaps little more than week"
"YOu would not wish to give me the de-
tails ?"
, ~ have not the least objection | had
= never encouraged his addresses, you see,
though he insists TO the contrary. lie was
my cousin, and had treated him as one,
for am no coquette. l had once before