Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-10-24

black, and the voices of the birds seemed like
harsh mockeries when Emma looked out of
her little window and thought of the fate in
store for her. If she could only get word to
Dr. Raymond, or Willie as she called him.
But Hiram Watson, as if confident that she
would attempt to escape, remained at home all
day and kept strict watch upon her, and
locked her into her room when she retired at
night The next day he was a little more
lenient, and Emma obtained an opportunity
to send to DR.. Raymond.
What was her dsmay to learn that he had
gone to London and was not expected back
at present. Gone without word to her.
Was this his boasted love? This the care
and protection that he vowed to give her ?
Anger for time absorbed all other emotions,
then despair came. Hope was dead, and her
spirit longed to keep it company.
Sold!' The price handful of glittering
stones. They might be diamonds, they might
not it was all the same Even her master
was unknown to her he might be thief, a
forger, anything, it could make no particular
difference.
The days went on, and Hiram Watson still
remained at home, and the stranger fingered
about the house. The neighbors wondered,
gossipped and questioned, and went 80 far as
to peer in at the cottage windows The whole
town was crazy to know ewhat on earth" kept
Hiram at home, and at last they found out,
for the town clerk revealed the fact that
marriage licensehad been procured for Emma
Watson and Herbert Jeffries. That was
enough. Women ran to each others homes
and discussed the matter.
In the meantime Emma suffered everything
but DEATH Two weeks had flown and Willie
had not retuTned or even written word. He
had deserted her. The fact was clear enough;
it needed no corroboration. The dreadful
morning came at last, and Emma prepared
herself for the sacrifice. Hiram Watson was
staggering through the house attired in his
best, and counting the value Of the diamonds
upon his fingers.
Mr.. Jefries had gone to the village inn on
business and had not yet returned, although
it was nearly time for them to start for the
church. A faint hope that he would never
come back entered Emma's mind as she stood
at the window gazing down the lane. Then,
noticing that her father was not in the room,
she resolved on one final effort for escape, and
slipped out of the door, hurried down the steps,
opened the gate, and had just closed it when
the unknown bridegroom appeared before her:
Raising his hands as if to detain her, should
she attempt to run, he said
"You came out to meet me Thank you,
my darling"
There was an ill-concealed sneer in the
words and the maiden recoiled in mingled
hate and disgust. In due time the couple
took theirplaces at the altar, and the ceremo-
ny proceeded. Emma stood like statue, her
face as white as snow, and her large brown
eyes dilated with the many and terrible emo
tions that racked her heart and brain.
At last it was over. She was sold-she be-
longed as chattel to the man at her side. In
silence the bridal party returned to the house
of Hiram Watson, upon the threshold of
which, raising her eyes, she said in hard,
cold, steely voice:
81 am your wife! My only prayer is for
an early death!'
Strange, Emmy; never mind, my son.
croaked Hiram, scratching his whiskers and
gazing furtively toward the packet in which
Mr.. Jefries carried the diamonds. "Shell
love and honor you by-and-by."
81 rather think she does now, sir, }" was the
cool answer, and the long beard fell to the
floor, revealing the features of Dr. Raymond.
"Willie Saved Oh Heaven" Con-
vulsively these words left Emma's lips, and
overcome by the violence of her emotions, she
fell into her husbands arms, senseless.
"What? Thediamonds2 Where are they?
Ugh! Where am I? Jeffries-"
"Is here, Hiram Watson" said police Of
fcer, who with one Of his assistants, dragged
the diamond merchant into the room heavily
manacled. "The authorities of London have
offered five hundred pounds for the capture of
this thief, and propose to claim the reward"
The miser touched in his tenderest spot,
sprang upon Jeffries, and would have torn
him to pieces had not the officers beaten him
back. In the midst of the excitement Emma
returned to consciousness, and clung to her
husband in bewilderment.
"You are confounded idiot, Hiram Wat
son." said the burglar, with coarse laugh,
as he was taken from the room.
The miser grated his teeth, clenched bis
hands, stamped his feet, and ordered the new
ly married couple from his house.
81 will 60 sir but first propose to offer an
explanation" said DR.. Raymond, quietly. 81
saw you some weeks ago in conversation with
this criminal who has just left us, and, know
ing that he could impose on your cupidity,
resolved to checkmate him. I overheard
your last interview preceding the one in the
house, and he let fall some expressions which
convinced me ofhi character. On that even
ing I saw Emma. The next morning went to
London, and while there I obtained informa-
tion which convinced me that the elegant Mr..
Jefries was being sought for by the police; ;
since then I have caused him to be watched,
waiting until this morning to capture him.
To make sure of marriage in your presence
I adopted the disguise which lies at my feet,
and noble purpose it has served"
"Clear out don't want you here" was
the gruff reply.
They obeyed, and Emma could feel no sor-
row; for parental tie, unless supported by
love, is mockery. In her new home she re.
ceived that affection and care which she had
long needed to bring forth the noble qualities
that lay hidden in her nature. Here her aunt
visited her, and it seemed to Emma as if she
heard her mothers voice, for the sisters had
been much alike.
Ten years Hiram Watson lived, and never
saw Emma again; but her eldest son, Walter,
was present when he died and bore his last
words to his mother.
They were these:
"It's too bad we lost them diamonds,
Emmy"
THEORY OF TRUE GREATNESS
Burr was keener thinker than was George