The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1873-08-02
Written for the ADVOCATE.
The Fatal Prescription,
uK
RECALLED TO LIFE
BY WELDON j. COBB. Jr.


The cold, gray close Of an autumnal day
was near at hand, when a woman, III whose
features Was to he seen the evidences Of
care and suffering, wearIly entered the
little town uf Bingham, situated a few
miles from DensloW. where the plot Of the
main part # our narrative has been luca-
ted
To all appearances, the woman, although
evinciuL more Or less the ravages of life
of agony anG sorrow, had not yet attained
middle age. and bore uumistakabie signs
Of belonging t. a station of life which had
afforded her the advantages II good breed
ing and education and although her
couutenance was stamped deeply with the
impress Of misery, and her gait indicated a
foot sore and weary pedestrian, hrmness
and decision were Indicated by the close
" drawn lips, and determination and in
defatigable perseverance were visible in
the bright, restless eyes.
A nice, old-fashIoned. ami bearing
perfect picture uf cnntentment and com
fort. was the little wayslde tavern, before
which the woman stopped and seated her
self on the bench before II. Here, tired
nature finally gave way. and the tired eye
lids dropped, the poor form reposed,
wearied and exhausted and the woman fell
into a restless, htful slumber only to be
awakened by the nn-keeper. who demand
Cd her business.
II am stranger, she said pardon
me for trespasing.
She struggled to her feet, as she spoke,
and drew a silver coin from the pocket Of
her dress.
80, Laa,,ar'. faa.a ,.lax..I
I'VE don't care to have strag9lers
around, " was his rude apology, but you
are welcome to a seat within.
But the woman hesltated.
DO you know a man named Mr.. Mar
win r she asked
The landlord shook his head. negatively.
Has any stranger been here to-day p
she again interrogated.
Yes. replied the inn keeper, after a
little meditation. ''there was gentleman
here waiting for some one, | think
lis he here now n
Eyes"
Where r.
''In the waiting-room.
''Show me to a room where | can have an
hours privacy, said the woman, ''and 90
and ask the man if he is Mr. Marvin. II
So, conduct him to me.
The landlord led her up the side stair
case along the corridor, and into room.
"Wait here, he said.
A few moments later the sound Of feet
look up eagerly.
man entered the room, closed the door
after him, and looked quickly around.
Marcia Nansant T. he cried, impulsive-
ly, catching the womans hand.
Yes, Conrad Markham, we have met
again.
For some time the man stood regarding
the woman with earnest, wistful gaze.
you are changed, he said, finally, with
deep sigh. 'FOh Marcia Marcia
that all your youth and loveliness should
have been wasted on the villain who has
blasted the lives Of both of us -
stop Y cried the woman, her features
contracting with pain. II have not met
you here to 60 over the past ; you know
what remains for us to avenge our
wrongs"
and you love this man still ? he quer.
led. tremulously.
Love him T. cried the woman ferocious-
ly. AYE as the tiger the huntsman, ol
the robin the serpent
Then why do you follow him ;"
because there is an innate sense OF in
| Jury which bids me resent this hend
further progress in the world. Shall he g
unpunished, while have been made to suf
fer for his misdeeds, A. for my own"
"You know my feelings in regard Z
Clarence Donaldson.
Does he bear that name now
"No."
"What, then !"
Sidney Vivian.
"He is at Denslow r
"No."
''Not at Denslow r. CALCULATED the wo
man, in some surprise.
'sNot at present. He went to = plac
some distance from here, few days since
Then, why did you send for me =
''To consult with you regarding him I
interrupt the plans well-matured and abou
to culminste in IN act Of villainy, desPeI
ate, and conoeived in mind at home |
such iniquitoas procssdings.