Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1874-11-13

Abel Thornton.
That gentleman, we have said, had set
his heart on the marriage of his son to
his ward, and he was not slow in discov-
ering that Lawrence Ridgely was seri-
GUS impediment to his plans-an imped-
iment which he would have gladly re-
moved without being over-scrupulous as
to the means, for he was hard and
cruel man to those whom he conceived
to stand in his way.
Before Lawrence Ridgely left the bank
on the evening in question, be received
directions from Mr. Thornton to meet
the latter in his library, after tea, to as
sist in the preparation Of some foreign
correspondence to go out by next days
steamer.
The young clerk was on hand at the
appointed time. He wrote, at his en-
ployer's dictation, till late hour, when
it became necessary to the further pro-
gress of their work to consult some pa
pers. which Mr. Thornton remembered
he had left on the desk in his private
room at the bank
As there was no getting on without
the absent papers, Ridgely offered to go
and bring them. Mr. Thornton appeared
pleased with his promptness, and opolo-
gized with unusual civilty, for accepting
the offer.
Lawrence at once set out on his err
rand. He was waiting at crossing for
the next strcet-car, when Edward Thorn
ton accosted him:
(Which way so late 7"
81 am going to the bank, said Law
renee, for package of papers which
your father wishes to consult tonight"
''Ah that reminds mol will save
you the trip with your permission |
forgot parcel there this afternoon which
| will need in the morning SO, if you
will tell me where the papers are to be
found, ! will do your errand and mine at
the same time"
''l5ut could bring your parcel"
"You would never be able to find it,
or to know it if you did; Tn the worst
possible band at descriptions and direc-
tions. So give me the door-key, and
tell me where the papers are"
They are on your fathers desk, :"
said Lawrence, handing him the key !,
and just then a car was passing. which
Edward hailed and entered
Nearly an hour would be required to
60 to the bank and return. and Lawrence
infinitely preferred a stroll in the bright
moonlight to passing the time in Mr..
/ Thornton's sombrc company.
A short walk brought him to one of
those beautiful squares which here and
there, like oases in a desert, relieve the
monotony of this peopled wilderness
The walks were now quite deserted, and
everything was still save the murmur Of
a fountain, whose dancing spray. as it
sparkled in the shimmcring light, de-
veloped series of tints, varied as the
hues Of hope and changeless only in their
beauty.
| Ali lovers are poetic. No ownder.
then, that Lawrence Ridgely, under the
enchantment of such O scene. sat and
dreamed away an hour before he had
thought it well began But thcstriking
Of clock recalled him from bis rcvery,
and he knew it was time to return to his
employer, who, he feared, had already
been kept waiting,
Mr.. Thornton mct him with lower
ing and sinister look, in which tinge of
disappointment was visible.
/ "Wcll, have you brought the papers
You have taken your time at least. !"
II have not been at the bank, sir ~
Edward" Mr.. Thornton's face was
like marble.
Edward what Of Edward 2" he ex-
claimed, frantic with excitement.
| Lawrence briefly explained how it bad
happened that Edward had gone to the
bank in his stead.
Simple as was the recital, the listener
seemed paralyzed at it. He clutched at
the nearest object for support. Then
recovering himself with desperate ef-
fort, be rushed toward the door but be-
fore renching il his steps were arrested
| BY violent ringing Of the bell.
/ Great God Y he cried, ut is too
later And be sank shivering into n
sent, and covered bis face with his hands.
Lawrence opened the door, and stran-
ger presented himself.
'Can | see Mr. Thornton ?" he in
quired.
Lawrence conducted him TO his em-
ployer's presence.
bring you sad news, Mr.. Thorn
ton"
But the messenger might have spared
| himself the trouble Of telling it None
knew better than Abel Thornton that the
snare which he bad spread for another's
life had proved destructive to that Of bis
child. He had intended that Lawrence
Ridgcly. entering the bank at an un-
reasonable hour, without knowing that
any one was on watch. and consequently
taking no care to announce himself,
should be fred on and slain as a burglar.
Everything had worked as he had plan
ned, but the victim was his own san
Insanity is a boon when it brings for
| getfulness Of ills too gricvous to be borne I;
but not such is the insanity which now
consigns Abel Thornton 10 maniac's
cell. Ghasily visions Of bis crime are
ever present TO haunt his waking, and
still more horrible to torment his sleeping
hours.
Old mems lives are heightened shad-
ows-the evening sun falls coldly on the
earth. but the shrdows all point to the
/ morning.