The Placer herald., 1874-08-08

anu WltnOut huOIDer WOru, ne IeIt Tue room
On quitting the inn, he struck into the
lanes Of Hammersham. Maddened, driven
to desperation by his position, he wandered
about till after dusk, when he returned to
Silwood Grange.
Entering the hall by side door, he look
ed around, then approaching the library door
listened. Not sound was to be heard,
and turning the han lie. he entered.
The light was lighted ready for John Ok
ley's coming The shutters were closed, the
curtains drawn.
Swiftly crossing the room, Gilbert Burt
unfasiened the former, and also undid the
window, after which, he re-arranged the
draperies, as if guilt were already on his
soul. He FASTENED from the apartment to
his own, after one glance at the old bureau
in which reposed John Oxley's will, and
we'll filled cash box
The hour was past one when the young
man, cautiously descending into the grounds
from his bedroom window by trellis, went
round TO the library.
He kept in the shade; but once, when he
had to pass a patch of light, it might be
seen he wore coat buttoned to the chin,
and had gauze over his face
He listened, there was profound silence
Noislessly he opened the library window
and pushed the shutter back. All was Ozark
within. John Oxley had gone to his room
Assured of this he e,tered more confidently
There was no one there The fire gave
orth light, and flashed RS if with directing
finger on the old bureau With beating
heart the intruder advanced to it, inserted an
IRON bar be brought in the lock, aud, with
an effort forced it open.
Already was his arm extended towards
the cash-box, when hand, suddenly laid
on his, arrested him.
Thief-burglarI cried voice.
Gilbert Burt, turning, beheld John Ok
ley.
Affrighted, he strove to cast off the hand
upon him. Impossible!
"No," circulated the other; 81 am old
but strong. You shall not escape me-
What was the detected thief to do? Stay
TO be identified and ruined? No. Wait
There was no need. He read recognition
,ready in John Oxley's face, before his
startled lips pronounced his name-Gilbert
He still held the iron bar in his hand
which he upifted.
Suddenly, the freight cleaned on the
uplifted weapon. 1t fell; and with heavy
rhud John Oxley sank to the floor.
Horrhed, the wouldbe assassin stopped
over him, when approaching footsteps sound
ed in the ante-room, and alarmed, he fed
The next moment the dor was flung wide
open, and John Oxleys old confidential ser
want rushed in.
On perceiving the scene before him, he
began to call loudly for help, when, slightly
raising himself, John Oxley exclaimed
"Hush-hush, James, The thief-the
slayer But the villain must not be taken.
1t is a snake have warmed in my bosom
that has thus feled me. 1t is Gilbert Burt,
my adopted son. Hush! not IA word. Ny
moments may be numbered; have none IL
lose Though for his mothers memory. he
shall go free of this crime, yet have du-
~ to perform to one have wronged. Hell
me.
With difficulty. he approached the bureau,
took out the will, and flung it in the fire.
"Now," he exclaimed, as he fell back il,
his servants arms, "if die, die iniestate
Ny nephew, and not my would-be assassin,
will inherit Swood"
Gilbert Burt was never again seen ii
Hammersham; and. to the surprise of all
but Tom Chester, John Oxley's neph,w il
now regarded as his uncle's heir, and the
future inl erer of Silwood Irange.