The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1873-04-18

4
gambler, which you are | would cast my
body in the turbid waters of the Thames
and become the food of fishes. Villain
you have my answer"
Morton was now black with rage, but
he net her rebuke with derisive laughter
| He swore by the demon that she should
be his wife, and told her to prepare to be
married that evening at early candle light;
for he had all his plans arranged, and that
at dusk he would return with priest, the
license and q lot of friends as witnesses
and that the tiend himself should not pre-
vent him from performing his threat. The
lady now ordered him to leave, and never
cross her path again. She arose and rang
the bell to arouse the servants. At this
Morton laughed, and told her to ring again,
as he had all her servants under lock and
key and we'll guarded, and that the house
was occupied by those that would do his
bidding. He now deliberately locked all
the doors leading from her apartment and
put the keys in his pocket telling her that
she was his prisoner until she became his
wife. Claudia answered him defiantly, tel
ling him if he attempted t. force her to
marry him that she would kill him in his
tracks; that she knew the Just God would
protect her, and that she did not fear him
nor his wicked Vaccinations. He told her
that she would find her God she priced so
highly silly humbug, and to prepare for
him, as he would be back at dusk.
He now left, locking the door after him
and the beautiful Claudia was prisoner
in her own mansion, watched and guarded
by hirelings who were willing to do the
wicked work of Morton, for money that
l hplnnnn1 tp l,n oil, rn1 Nd
soner. Claudia was now left alone in her
room. She looked out Of the open window,
but she saw the area below was guarded
by three Unlocking Doors, creatures OF
| Morton. She saw that escape was impos-
sible, and now calmly reviewing the sit
uation she resolved that sooner than be
forced to marry the villain she would stab
him to the heart, even if it cost her own
life to do so. But her trust was so strong
in jehovah, that she felt assured that the
villain would be thwarted, but she could
not see clearly how. She opened her Sec
rotary and took from thence an elegant
dagger, which Mr.. Rodgers had given her.
telling her that if ever she had occasion to
use it to do SO with firm hand. She drew
the bright damascus blade from its scab-
bard, and felt lis keen edge. She then re-
turned the blade to the scabbard and con-
cealing the weapon in the folds Of hel
dress, she calmly awaited the exciting com
ing events.
About dusk Morton, accompanied by
the priest and his dozen boon companions
drove to the mansion of the high born
heiress They left their carriage in charge
of their liveried servants, and assembled the
marble steps of the chateau, leaving the
hall door in charge of a burly porter, with
strict orders to let no one pass. They al
once sought the parlor where Claudia was
imprisoned. She heard them coming, and
resolved to meet the situation bravely. She
did not faint, but uttering short ejacula
ton to the God she adored, she took a seat
and awaited their entrance, as calm as 6
spring morning. She had not long to wait
The key was turned, the door opened anC
the intruders entered. First came Morton
flushed with brandy and sure of his victim
next came the half drunken priest, carrying
a bible, then followed his dozen dissipateC
parasites. At the invitation of Morton they
were soon all seated. Meantime our heroine
firmly kept her seat, looking defiance at the
iutruders. AT hint from Morton the prizes
now arose and preached a homily to the
fair one, about the necessity Of obedience
to which Claudia paid not the semblanct
OF attention. Morton now approached tho
heiress and told her that the time had arri
we'd and she must now stand up while the
holy priest performed the marriage ceremo
ny.
Claudia answered the villain defia ntlN
telling him to keep his hands off her, for
that if he attempted touch her she woulC
kill him, at the same time her right han(
sought her left side. With u loud laugh
which was joined in by his companions
Morton made spring at his prey. She
quick as lightning, drew her dagger, the
bright Damascus steel glittering in til,
lamp light, and made a plunge for the vii
lain's heart, but he was too quick for her
and springing aside he seized her arm anc
f wrenching the dangerous weapon from he
delicate hand threw it out at the window
He now seized Claudia, and aided by ont
of his companions they drew her by mail
force on the floor, when the villain told thu
priest to do his duty.
Poor Claudia seeing that she was over
powered, exclaimed at the top Of her sill
very voice ;"Oh ! George Rodgers, come
and save Inc from the clutches of this de
mon." With knocking laughter Nor
f ton told her to call louder, as ghosts wer,
hard of hearing, hen manly voice ex
claimed in laundering tone, mot so hare
of hearing either" and Morton was fellet
to the floor by blow from the manly arm
of George Rodgers himself and Claudia
with scream of delight, threw herself in
! to her lovers arms. And now anothe
voice was heard saying Master George, you
take care ofthe Teddy, and lave the muir
therin divils to mesel; an sure the,
are Welcome to the arm of Pat Muir
ply" This came from Mr.. Rodgers trav
cling companion, brawny Irishman, wh'
now squared himself for battle. Morton
lay supine ON the floor, and Rodgers sat OF
the sofa, supporting the half tainting Clau
Q dia. The London coCkneys were tax
p aback, and felt like running, but seein,
a but one man to contend with, they con
cluded to fight. One ofthem now turned
! up his cuffs and stepping little forward h
thus addressed Pat IN u theatrical voice
! saw you Iwish william aw, wat means thi
q extraordinary intrusion ?" BE me SOUL
| said Pat, "it means this!' and spriugin!
forward he knocked the fellow down.
a ''An you kape him company" he said, a
G he sent another down !" and you murtheril
9 divil lie uthwart him and you wild him, al
8 bad luck till you ; an you divil praste tax
4 your company and go to the hot climate.
| At each one of Pats expletives, Il vii
t lain fell, until the twelve bloats, togcthc
/ with Morton and the Priest, were yin
r prone upon the floor. Pat did not receive
f scratch.
1 | D,t rn,, prInrn1 nvnrv Iiuil Of tbn,,, Z,