The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-01-17

| of steel which her own deeds were leading
others to forge for her. She only Thought
OF the present and Of the successful frui-
tion of her Sell-laid plans.
Money she wanted, but ease, too, WAS
great desideratum, and she retired TO rest
without "a single thought of her being dis
appointed in her plans for sure union
with Colonel Adams, whom she knew was
deeply in love with her, and who would
be only too eager to become loving hus-
band to her and would give to her home
which was a pleasant and good one.
Morning found her determined to urge
the Colonel to a speedy marriage, and q
jubilant smile lit her red lips, as she de-
scended to the drawing rooms.
Myrtle Adams was not as genial as was
her wont, but the willy schemer did not
know that good reason therefor was the
midnight visit of Nane.
Colonel Adams proposed ride before
breakfast, and as Myrtle was not in trim
for saunter on horseback, Miss Durand
was an only and solitary companion for
the Colonel in his ride.
They returned in the course of "A little
period of time the Colonel in a GENIAL
| frame Of mind, and Miss Durand in very
| triumphant way, that Indicated supre.ae
victory, for Colonel Adams mad asked her
to be his bride, and she of course had ac-
cepted his offer Of marriage.
Victory seemed to be hers now. She
did not think that even should she wed him
the deceived and betrayed Eugene Aller-
ton would be unavenged. She cared not
so long as she gained her present step, for
a man like Colonel Adams would be a pro-
tector to her against all that the world
might say If her or Of her past. And so
she was elated over what she considered q
well-earned victory.
CHAPTER Ill.
A train Of cars had Just gone from the
depot at Marengo, in Virginia, a few days
after the events detailed in the last chap
ter, when gentleman, who was So to
judge from his general appearance, some
wealthy planter, Of middle age, entered
the hotel at Marengo and registered him
self.
''Gordon Beverly" was the name given
hy the Iew conner, whose long beard, lux
uriant and full, and golden trimmed eye
glasses, i'll measure contributed to hide
the well-cut features, very youthful in their
EXPRESSION and vivacity.
The new conner was not at all particular
as to his company. II was all the same to
him who he addressed, and general favor
ltism was shown for his simplicity and ge-
niality
Among the guests at the inn was person
to whom the new conner seemed to be at
once attracted This individual was an
unobtrusive and quiet man of some thirty
years, whose care-worn face and eyes.
So thoughtful and restless, ever seemed to
be upon guard for the appearance Of some
one Or other This became an object
Of MIR. Gordon Bever,ys friendship from
the first, and although he repulsed the
new conner for time, he soon was en-
gagged in conversation with him.
Arnold Earle was the address given by
the stranger Eugene Allerton was his real
name, thrown off the scent at Marengo by
Vane Evelyn, few days before, and now
an opportunity Of again obtaining cline to
the trail 1t was a casual conversation in
which they first engaged, and then the new
conner became very confidential.
"A good State, Virginia, &c, &C.; was
an owner Of large plantations, &c, &c;
owned one villa worth half million, cool,
and was negotiating FOR more. Lived in
that best Of counties, Ames county. Want
6u 10 nave lliG NASlb
Mr. Earle was only visitor to Virginia,
but he would take few days to visit the
estate of this new acquaintance.
Then Mr.. Gordon Beverly expatiated
upon the beauty Of the women Of the coun-
try of Virginia. He himself had y wife
and half dozen children. All were OF
marvellous beauty. There was lady who
was living few plantations Rbm them, a
Miss Beatrice Durand, -,
"Why, what's up r for Mr.. Earle had
started at the words, Know her r.
No; Mr.. Earle was not at all in acqnain-
tance with any person bearing that name.
He had heard it before he thought.
But from that moment he was eager to
visit the estates Of the planter, and SO the
day following the arrival Of the new conner,
Mr.. Gordon Beverly and Mr.. Arnold Earle
(or Mr.. Allerton) were riding by rail to
Ames county, where the planter had affirm
ed that he lived.
They reached little out Of the way sta
ton upon the evening Of the day they
started. 1t was village very sparsely set
tied, and with but one small carriage wait
ing at the depot. As the planter entered
this carriage Eugene Allerton did not fol-
low him.
''Come in, cheerily sang out Mr.. Gordon
Bevelry.
''Is this yours r
"Why, certainly"
''You must have been expected" said
Eugene A1lerton, suspiciously regarding
the driver Of the vehicle and then its occu-
pant.
81 telegraphed on that was to come"
when 7"
"When we first started at Marengo.''
The young man was but half satisfied,
but he entered the carriage, an open con-
veyance, with the man who was driving
upon the front seat, placed high above the
other seat 1t was very lovely route,
and as they proceeded along the road, the
planter became very talkative, while his
companion became more reticent.
The wind bowled most dismally az
bend in the road brought in view dense
fol- est, and the high breeze lifted the hat Of
the planter from off his head. In vain
endeavor to regain possession of it, his lux
uriant beard and his wig were both blown
from his face, revealing even in the half in
distinct evening, a set of features too fa-
miliar to his companion not to be at once
recognized.
''Vane Evelyn - he cried, as he recog-
nized the pretended planter.
He had half-arisen in his seat, when
Evelyn, with q muttered curse at the i'll
luck which had 80 abruptly terminated his
attempted imposture and had discovered
him in his true identity, caught him by
the throat and called upon the coachman
for aid.
Then then the sharp click Of pistol, .
loud report, and Vane Evelyn was con-
scious Of q stinging sensation in his arm,
while the coschmen, who had refined up his
horse and had sprung down into the car
riage with q single blow Of his heavy driv-
img-whip lay the struggling Eugene Aller-
ton insensible in the bottom of the vehicle.