The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1872-12-12
SHE URlBU NE.
THE COUNTERFEIT.
BY L. G.

widest, rockiest section OF the Rocky
mountain portion of the line. 1t was
nearly midnight, and nearly all but the
train employees were sleeping for in the
seven days journey across the continent
few who can afford it go without berths
In the sleeping car. Two men who oc
cupied one of the sections of car had
not yet retired, but sat in the smoking
car, con fersing and putting away at
couple of fragant HaYanas. One ~ai
young more than tweny-hve-Wlth
smooth, handsome face, and frank, en-
raeing manner. The other was three OF
four years older, and his face bore an ex-
preston at once crattier anG shreWder--
less honest, perbaps-yet he had the
easy manner and fluent tongue OF a man
who had added by travel and experience
TO natural self possession and GOODNESS.
Although his language attested his edu
cation, he had much the air Of an adven-
turer. These two men had met on the
train, and had never seen each other be-
fore, yet they had passed the time very
pleasantly together.
Bert Humphries, the younger and
first mentioned of the two, was on his
way from New York City to join an Ari-
iona mining camn, of which an uncle
was superintendent. He had not seen
tho uncle. James HUMPHREYS, since he
vas ten years old, at which time the I'M
Gle bad left New York for the West,
taking his little daughter Belle with nIm
She was the only member Of his fe mily,
being o Widower, and had heer Bert
play.felloW from infancy. And now the
uncle had written to Bert, Offering him a
lucrative share in his mining interest, If
he would join him IN Arizona. In obe-
dience to this summons he was now on
his way to the mines.
"And you have no idea that they will
know you" said Bert's companion, as
they sat smoking in the car.
The latter, by the way, gave bis name
as John Conan.
80, no. replied Bert. How could
they. They have not seen me since
was boy, and have utterly changed ii
looks since then.
''Then how do you expect to convince
them that you.are actually yourself, anc
not kind Of Tichborne imposter 2
said Conan, laughingly.
At this point the train stopped at 6
solitary station. which had been formed
for the sake Of furnishing water to the
locomotives rather than to accommodate
the rather scarce settlers.
Lets get out and see how solic
ground feels for moment" said Conan
Bert agreed, and they stepped from
the train. There was only miserable
i, little structure occupied by the station
keepers family in sight. The locomo
tive was blowing off steam so loudly a!
to preclude conversation, and Bert
wondering at his companions move
ments. followed him behind the huge
watertank which supplied the engines
Then Conan suddenly turned, the colo
barrel OF a pistol flashed in the moon
light, and Bert fell, with the blood ooz-
ing from wound in his forehead.
The murderer bent quickly over him
and seemed satisfied by hasty examlna
ton that the wound was fatal. Thrust
ing his hands into his victims pockets,
he extracted everything they contained,
including a check for his trunk Hur-
ried by the whistle of the locomotive
Conan thrust the stolen articles into his
own pocket, and reached the train Just
in time TO get on before it pulled along
on its way. The murderer now soug bit
his berth, unperceived by the sleeping
passengers, and laid down.
So far SO good he unused, as he re-
yolved his scheme in his own mind
Hes out OF the way, and | shall go to
his uncle 5 and pass myself of for him
I've taken good care TO enquire about
his family, boyhood, ETC., and he was
just open-nouthed enough to tell all and
more than ] wished to know m rather
hard up, and this chance that his uncle
offered him will, I'm certain, just suit
me. Anyhow I'll try it until | can put
my hands on good stake, and then I'll
cut. | left nothing on young Hum
phries body by which he can be identi-
fed, and SO hereafter | can safely person
ats Bert HUMPHREYS myself.
The bloody deed that lie had commit
ted did not keep him long awake, and
he was soon dreaming of the success of
his bold scheme.
Upon the arrival Of the train the next
day at the station from which
Lampson Gulch 1.-THE name of James
HUMPHREYS, mining camp was
easiest reached. Conan loft the train
lie presented the murdered mans check
and readily obtained his trunk. This he
opened. and carefully searched the con
tents. Here he found letters, papers,
and diary, the careful purusal of which
fortified him with much information re.
Specting the man whom ne proposed to
personate.
An eventiul journey brought him to
Lampson Guleh, where his reception at
the hands Of Mr. Humphries and his
daughter Belle was very unsuspecting
and cordial. The latter was girl of
eighteen, possessed CT more than the
average amount of beauty, and endowed
with pleasing magnetism which had
much more power TO attract the atten-
ton of men than had her good looks.
She had looked forward to the arrival of
her cousin with pleasure. for life in the
camp was lonely and distasteful to her.
and she had no suspicion of the deceit
that was being practiced upon her.
A month passed, and during that time
true to promise. Mr.. HUMPHREYS had
given his supposed nephew q confden-
ever, had instinctively learned to dislike
ther, not at all like her childhood's play
mate, and she distrusted bin vaguely,
bus for no tangible reason.
In the meantime Conan had been law.
ing his plans for robbing his bencfactor
aud flying with the proceeds. Mr..
HUMPHREYS kept n large amount of gold
in safe IN his house, to which the
counterfeit nsphew had access. Thus the
accomplishment of his plan seemed with
in easy reach.
One day Conan and Belle went out
Tor ride over the rough mountain roads
on horseback. They had ridden several
miles, when, at point were the road
wound around a. bluff, one side over
looking sharp descent, the form of a
horse and rider was seen approaching.
As they drew nearer, Belle noticed that
her companions face grew ashy pale,
and an Involuntary curse escaped his
lips.
The rider was Bert HUMPHREYS, pale,
but evidently no ghost.
As his eyes fell upon Conan he drew
his evolyer and urged his horse forward
but Conan was too quick. and wheeling