Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-12-18
CHAPTER III.
LOST.

CHAPTER III.
LOST.
By degrees we began to recover from the
twofold shock which had momentarily con-
fused our senses, and my first thought was
that had left the hundred pound note lying
on the table. say my first thought, for af-
terwards my ideas on the subject became con-
fused by incessant attempts at recollection,
and I began to doubt whether had put it
into my pocket book, or replaced it between
the leaves of the Prayer Book. The inmates
of the chamber Of death soon perceived that
something was amiss. The thunder storm
was rapidly passing away, and as the air
grew brighter they noticed the intensely anx-
ious expression Of my face, and the nervous
manner with which I turned out the contents
of nv pockets and hunted between the leaves
of the Prayer Book.
"What is the matter, Mr.. Woodward ?" de-
manded Doctor Webb, gravely.
"The notew replied, with stammerng ac-
cents. for was in an agony of nervous ex-
citement. "The note! I can't find it any
where!"
The doctor cast sharp glance-a glance
of suspicion in the direction of Reuben and
his wife I noticed it, and l think they no.
ticed it, also. He then said
"It can't be lost, it must be in this room. y
81 have searched my pockets, and | have
turned over every leaf of these books" l an
swered. "My impression is that I left it on
the corner of the table just at the time OF
that dreadful flash. could almost swear
that I did So"
"Maybe the thunderbolt burnt it up" OBJ
served Reuben, with sardonic grin on his
face
"If it has it would only be like our usual
bad luck, Ruby" chimed in his wife.
AS she spoke, I saw that David was steadl'
ly regarding his relatives with darkening
frown on his forehead A moment later he
arose from his seat.
II must speak," he said, excitedly, cal
though the breath is only just out of poor
fathers body, 1 swear that saw the note on
this very corner which now cover with my
hand the instant before that flash of lightning
A minute later it had disappeared. 1t can'I
be lost"
"Don't ye think it's burnt?" said Reuben
mockingly. -,
81 think it's stolen," answered David
calmly.
$50 do l." returned Reuben, coolly.
"By whom ?" demanded, for [ felt that
was seriously implicated in the matter.
"By him p "By him' exclaimed the half:
brothers, almost at the same instant Each
brother stood erect, fierce and defiant, and
each was pointing finger at the other. The
mysterious disappearance of the hundred
pound note had aroused all their mutual dis
trust and dislike. Each man had at once
made up his mind that the other was thief
AS for myself assoon as became convinced
by repeated examination that the note was
neither in my pockets nor hidden among the
books, began to suspect that robbery had
been committed, and as I could not believe
that the steady, well-conducted David would
be guilty ofso base an action, l was forced to
suppose that his halfbrother must be the cul
prit. Doctor Webb said very little, but |
perceived that he shared my opinion.
"My lads" he said, "you have each charged
the other with a very serious crime. We had
better send the women out Of the cottage, and
search you BOTH"
"I'm ready" cried David.
"And 80 am l" cried Reuben.
81 won't leave without Mrs. Matthews
searching of me, I can tell ye," exclaimed
Martha Dymond bitterly "else folks will &c
and say that my Ruby passed the note on to
his wife. To think that should live to hear
my husband suspected of thieving" said the
woman, bursting into a passionate flood OF
tears.
Men and women were accordingly separa
ted, and the search took place with all posi-
BILE care and diligence. Each brother WED
with the other in aHording every facility fol
the investigation of his garments, and each
brother watched with painful keenness fol
some evidence of his knsmans guilt. Both
were disappointed no note was forthcoming
and Reuben and his wife sauntercd toward;
their own abode with sullcn, discontented
faces.
The storm had by this time passed complete
ly away, the sky was untainted by sim
gle cloud, and the birds, cooled and re-
freshed by the moisture of the air, were mer
rily singing their evening song. Doctor
Webb and walked away slowly side by side
"Tbis is most sad affair."" 1 observed
"Wkat do you think of it?"
"l scarcely know what to think" he replied
) "At first felt convinced that Reuben was the
) thief. don't think so now; the undaunted
way in which he submitted to be searched
looks like innocence"
"Do you suppose that Martha took it with.
out Reubcn's knowledge?"
"No, DON'T"
"You surely don't suspect David?"
81 don't suspect any of them. don't know
what to think-I'm fairly puzzled"
CHAPTER w.