The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1872-05-17

Joining the library, and saw the ten
ants come in with their yearly rents,
where the bags of silver aud gold
were deposited i'll an iron chest. In
this were secured tho most valuable
papers and the family jewels. The
little room was strongly protected
with bars and bolts, as 1t contained
other articles of valne. SIS
The next day grand dinner and
ball was to be given, to which all the
gentry Of the country were hidden,
aud the lower hall was also TO be en-
livened with dance for the tenants
aud servants. t -
Considerable was the excitement,
therefore, on this sudden opening OF
its doors, and many young belle
prepared to enter It's gray, timehon-
ored walls, with the curiosity awaken
ed by the tales of Il mother or aunt.
Virginia kedar, simply dressed in n
delicate robe OF white muslin, with Il
wreath of scarlet berries on her silken
hairs WAS the beauty of thew hole as
semblage, and many were the whis-
pers rs To her birth and parentage
George Roberts had become more
and more fascinated with her, and this
evening completed his enthrallmcnt.
For the first time in his life he was in
love. Yet he could not but notice
how his uncle scowlcd ut him when
he danced with her, aud his mind was
filled with dozen perplexities con-
corning her.
lie lav awake till he heard the
great hail clock strike three, his heart
too full OF the blissiul dreams which
come but once in = lifetime to wish
for slumber. Happy visions fitted
before his eyes, N which he and Miss
kcdar played a prominent part.
Suddenly he heard FAINT, grating
noise in the silence OF the night, al
though be could not tell from what
direction it came, and listening atten-
lively rs il continued, he perceived
tha; J: came from the library. The
chest and It's valuable contents dashed
before MS mind. and without 7Jausing
III instant, he stole down the stairs.
The noise had ceased by the time
he reached the foo; OF the staircase, but
he hasteued into the library rs silent
ly as possible. The door into the of.
ice was ajar, and flint light pcrcep-
;ible. IA George looked through the
crack, he saw dark figure bending
over the chest, examining papers. \
slight exclamation escaped the robbcr
as he took up 4 packet OF letters, tied
with broad blue ribbon, and thrust
il into MS breast;
Then he rose from his kneeling pos
tDrt. pat : bag OF gold in each pocket,
and Is the li5At from the dark lantern
in his hand flashed for a moment in
his face, George saw deep red scar
on his check, whore the black mas
had slipped one side. The young
man sprang toward the robbrr. caicu-
lat.ng ON the suddcnncss Of the attack
to lie able to knock him down, but
tripping on the unseen ioot-step lie
fell neadlong into the room, while the
robber vaulled through the open win
dow as lightly as cat.
When George picked himself uJ
there was no sign of the thief, aud
while he hcsiiatel moment whether
10 give chase or not, his uncle, aroused
with the noise OF his fall, entered the
room. lie shiyered when George
described the robber, and suil
more when The young man picked up
a glove on the iioor--a small, gray
gIove-dclicately, yet singularly per
fumed. Graspiug i; in his, hand, the
old man groaned bitterly, and paced
the floor irresoluteIy for time, while
his nephew watched him in amaze
ment. Presently he turned TO the
window and rcfastened it, shaking his
head rs he examined the bolts and
saw them all unbroken. The thief
had evidently had assistance from the
inside of the mansion.
Don't say anything about it,
George" he said, in anxious tones
Il know the man; no common thief
and another groan escaped his lips
Now go to bed. Ill tell you more
tomorrow
With his mind full Of this new mys,
terry, the young man fell asleep
When he had breakfasted a message
came from bis uncle in the library, and
George FASTENED to obey.
A fererish flush burned on the old
mans cheek. and his manner was hur-
ried and impatient, very unlike his usu-
al naughty serenity. Motioning his
nephew to seat, he plunged into the
subject on his mind without further
reflection.
Those papors taken last night,
George, from the iron chest, were of
incalculable value to me-" the old man
said yehemently. "Restore them to
me, aud you command anything own.
Renounce your profession for time
devote your life to the search, if need
be, and Locksley Grange shall be youl
reward. | will make my will this
very day." and he rose from his chair,
regarding the young man with eager
gaze. -
George hesitated overwhelmed
with the idea. Ambition was strong
within him, but life was before him
and the reward great.
| "But Miss Kedar?D he murmured. :
"You love that girl?" said the old
man with sneer. tate, fatef'
Eyes, uncle Paul, | do love her.
said George, boldly. Add her hand
to your offer, and [ will give myseli
! up TO your will"
A great struggle seemed raging
within the old mans breast, and he
paced the floor rapidly.