The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1872-05-11

that the lady, his wits, was just recovering from
Q serious illness, and he had brought her to IN
sea side. hoping to regain her strength, and h
was afraid this fright and excitement nigh
cause q relapse, and he would like her to renal,
there few hours until he could bring doctor
If he mr. Ellertonl had no objections Mr. Eller
ton replied that they were welcome to his hous,
- long As they wished to stay.
no Is that young girl with Your son l.
she your daughter?" asked the stranger.
NO. sir; she is the daughter of man who
came here several years ago, and who keeps d
hotel near here"
Did you notice how much she looks like my
wife? What is her fathers name ?" questioned
the gentleman rather eagerly.
Mr.. Ellerton answered that he had not noticed
any resemblance, and that her fathers name
was Thompson, at both OF which replies the gem
sieman seemed disappointed.
Il bad daughter once" he remarked sadly ::
'she would be about the same age il she was
living but l must hasten for tie DOCTOR" and
left the room.
Charlie then came in and told his father of
Jeffry's words and Thompson's threat to Katie,
and asked him if she had not better remain un.
der bis care during the absence of her newly
made husband. For Charlie, who had no secrets
from bis father, had told him everything. Be.
fore they could decide what was best, the stran.
ger returned with the village doctor. who quick.
~ decided that the lady was too ill to be removed
and that Katie should continue her gentle
ministrations until she improved. Seeing her
hesitation, the stranger entreated her to consider
his wifes peril, and if possible remain with her.
Ar Ellerton drew him aside and briefly explain.
cd Katie's position. Mr.. Fortescue, for that was
the genteman's name, interested in the story of
his new friends, begged Of them to proclaim the
marriage, and let Katie remain where she was.
Mr.. Ellerton wrote the following note to Mr..
Thompson:
JOHN THOMPSON. Esq, q.
HOLLY WooD Inn.
DEAR SIR.-Your daughter was married to
my son this evening. I hope you will be content
with the choice she has made. Mr.. Fortescue, of
new York, ia at my house, and earnestly requests
you to come over and see him this evening. He
has become much interested in the young peo.
Pie' and wants to talk to you about their future.
JANIS ELLERTON.
The messenger soon returned, excited and
breathless, saying that it was feared Thompson
WAS dying. He had quarrel with Jeffrys in re.
gard to Katies absence, and in the fray which
followed Jetfrys had stabbed him. The physic.
ian pronounced the wound dangerous, but
thought recovery possible.
The messenger also added that Thompson read
the note with an expression Of satisfaction, and
was anxons to see MIR. Fortescue without delay,
"a he had nm important communication to make
to him. He also charged Katie to keep contin.
ually with her husband and fa,her.in.law for
the present., lest Jeffrys might annoy her if he
found her alone.
The messenger, when asked what had become
OF Jeffr!s, said that Immediately after stabbny
Thompson, he and friend, who was with him,
ran out OF the house and drove away in car.
riage, in which they had arrived short time
previously.
When Katie heard this news she wanted to 20
home Immediately and see her father; but they
prevailed upon her to stay where she was, as
Mrs Fortescue needed Der services. Mr. Eller.
ton. and Mr.. Forescue went over 70 see Thomp.
son, leaving Charlie to comfort and protect
Katie.
When they arrived at the bedside of Thomp.
son. MI. Fortessue gave a start of surprise, ex.
claiming: Edgar Harris. can it be possible 2"
The sick man opened his eyes Eyes, am
Edgar Harris, the man who so deeply wrongcd
you,' he said in "a low, husky voice, evidently
speaking with great difficulty "Cope and sit
close by me. for have something of Importance
to tell you" Then in moment he added:
Give me restorative, Doctor and place my
head higher He soon rallied aud began:
"MArcus Fortescue, l have much 10 tell YOU.
and I'm afraid not much time to tell tin. When
we were young men we were great friends, UNI
Ill We saw Mary Wilson you loved her. and so
did l." Here his voice sank 10 low that they
could scarcely bear it, and with many Interrupt
tons from weakness, he told the following story:
Edgar Harris and Marcus Fortescue were
two young nen, abont the same age and intimate
friends from boyhood. When they were about
twenty-five years old they met young woman
named Mary Wilson, whom both fell in love
with She preferred Fortescue, and they were
married This enr'g ed Harris so much that he
swore he would have revenge on them In the
course of time daughter was born unto them,
who bore striking resemblance TO her mother.
When the child was about year old aer mother
fell i'll. and n European tour was recommended
oy the doctor. They followed the advice. One