The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1873-04-15
The story OF n Duet.

The story ora Duet.
The Yosemite Falls, Of California, ar
no doubt the highest in America. TIL
water makes three distinct leaps from tn
summit of the ledge before reaching tn
bed of the stream below. Not far from
the head Of these falls, and nearly con
cealed from the view Of any passer-by OF
account of the thick trees which grow
around it, stood a cabin of logs at tht
time of which we write, ten years since.
1t was early one cold winters mornin.
that the master of this cabin, in compan,
with his dog, were returning from hunt
They had been absent during the entire
night, and now as daylight was dawning
they were approaching home where they
felt sure of a hearty welcome. The mar
as he broke through the thicket in view
of his cabin, paused and gazed attentively
upon it for moment Then he threw
the buck which he carried upon hi,
shoulders upon the snow, and shaking hi.
head he muttercd
Il don't know that anything is wrong
here, but l don't feel Just right
At the same moment the dog ran to.
wards the dwelling, and returning to hi,
master, uttered low growl. The man
appeared very uneasy, but he hastened
forward toward the cabin door. Before
he had reached it woman appeared. 1t
was plain to see that she had been weep.
ing, s,.v -o-r male and grcotlv ,r;
tatcd. %
My God, Nancy, what has happened ?
he inquired, almost brcathless.
BE calm, Mark-pray be calm = wa.
the trembling response.
But tell me what has happened =
The question was scarcely asked before
second face appeared at the cabin door
The instant Mark saw this he staggered
back and gasred:
The dead returned to life I!
'Ah, Mark Webb. the dead has re
turned to life. But come in, wish tc
talk with you
Webb finding that he had merely 6esl
and blood to deal with, entered the cabil
and throwing himself upon scat, cyet
the intruder for some moments withou
speaking Then he asked, Philip Dark
how did you find me out, and what do yo
want here p
Il have been searching for you, Mar
Webb. for five years. You thought m
dead. But you see that you were mis-
takcn.-And do you ask why sough
you?
Yes, did ask it,
Il. was to learn if the woman who call
you husband sustains you in your william
les, and if she did not, or was ignorant {
them, to let her know the truth. /
BE careful what you say, Phil
Dark exclaimed Mark, half raising hi
rife.
The other observed this, and said
Mark | should be sorry to do you harm
but know you. In your presence
shall relate all to Nancy will not ca
f her your wife, for she is equally mine
= and she shall decide between us.
Yes, but your acts have rendered tina
decision void; they have rendered a sec
ond decision, Now, Mark, heed what
say. As at first, so will | abide by Nar
; cy's decision now. But must tell he
all, and if | see you attempt to put you
hand upon that rife, in sclf-delence L
!. send bullctt through your head the il
s slant you do So
Go on with your questions and yo,
lies
= Macy said Dick, fixing his eyes vi
on her, what reason did Mark give ft
bringing you to this part ofthc country
oh, Phillip, you know that when
made my decision five years ago, to
you that you possessed my love, but th
Mark had the claim of duty from me-
Il remember WE'LL and resigned yo
so that your duty might be performed.
You did
We'll, answer my question
Mark told mo that he wished to
far away from you, because you posses
}, ed my love. And so | came here wi
him.
You thought me still alive in S
Louis
-, Il did
D You never believed that Mark won
harm meY
Il certainly could not think so.'
Then listen while repeat all t
r past. Some portions you are tamili
with, and some you are not But y
shall have it all.
Six years ago formed your acquai
tance, Nancy. believed you to be
r, widow, and as such loved, won, and mi
ried you. had right to believe ii
you were a widow, for the proof of yo
husbands death appeared positive. i
,, in few months after our marriage, Ma
~ Webb, your first husband return'
There must now be a decision made. Y
believed your duty bound you to Mar
for the absence did not arise from
, fault. But you confessed that l h
~ your love. thought as you did. Il
your first marriage was the binding o
~ and at once consented to iorego
claims upon you. More than this, |
solved to leave tho country in order Il
my presence might not cause you unhr
, piness. Could do more than this p
You acted generously
but how did Mark act | will
you lie hated Inc because you 10y
me and one night he met me in a Ion
place, and as he thought drove n dag
to my heart
@ oh, heaven
S' Believing tnat he had murdered
he left the country for fear of detecti
p.e That is the reason he brought you he
go tnl 4 .b;a % ta.r,hla