The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1874-04-01

loCSuLS Ahio' e1ii1Niho WIN hpe%1ltOi
ship a part of the way through the
lonely roads which already were be.
coming yelled in snow.
The tall old. fashioned clock ir
the angle of the old-fashioneC
kitchen chimney had just struck
midnight. when Cora Dallas was
reused from her sleep by a sheetee
form at the foot of her bed-tal
and narrow, clad in white-but nc
ghost nevertheless, but Mrs. Peck.
ipgton's self.
whats the matter?' cried Cora
breathlessly.
MY money! gasped the widow
waving her hand tragically in the
air.
But what of it?'
Its stolen!'
Are you sure ? eagerly demand
ed Cora.
AS sure as I am that you're star
ing at me now. I felt up the chin
ney for it the last thing afore I got
ready to 90 to bed, and-it was
gone
In vain proved all search. Nei.
ther up chimney, nor down cellar,
nor in any imaginable or unimag:
Unable corner was the bag of gold
pieces to be found.
MRS. Peckington,' said Cora
huskily, it must hare been stolen.
'Yes,' said Mrs. Peekington,
whose lips were now compressed,
and there was something in her
manner that Cora had never before
noticed, as she called the white
headed farm boy, and told him to
run over and ask farmer Simkins to
step to the Peckington place that
morning.
'And you may as well stop for
George Merrilton, as you come
back, said she.
When he was gone she came
close up to Cora Dallas.
Cora, said she, I'VE two are alone
together now, and Pm the last one
to be hard on you. Confess now,
and We'll see how the matter can be
cleared up
Cora opened wide her brown
eyes.
Confess what?' she asked, Juno
Gently.
'Thatyo took the money; there
was no one else that could have
done it.. You were here all alone
yesterday evening, and I know it
was a strong temptation to a gal
that never had five dollars of her
own in the world. Cora, you're
young, child, and I don't believe
you're altogether bad, but Satan
Sits US all as wheat, and
'Stopp cried Cora, growing white
and breathless, you suspect me
you think I am a thief! Mrs. Peck
ington, may God forgive you; for
give you for your very cruel suspi-
cion!'
Mrs. Peckington was silent. She
knew not how she could help the
impression which so strongly bore
upon her mind. Who but Cora
Dallas could have taken the missing
gold?
= George, George!' gasped the
poor girl, fitting up to him as for
safety, as the door opened and the
stalwart form of George Merrilton
appeared; she believes that [ stole
the money; you do not think so, do
your
George Merrilton's eyes sparkled
nervously.
cousin Clarissa, I would stake
my life on Cora's innocence
Mrs. Peckington shook her
head.
1T looks very ugly. for her. she
said, 'but Of course it she can prove
it,
1T needs no proof in my eyes,
said George, vuietly, as he drew
Cora's arm within his. There, lit
tie one, don't tremble so, and look
so wonderfully frightened-no one
shall dare harm you as longas I am
by your side
But where's Mr.. Simkins asked
the widow, missing her strongest
ally in this hour of need.
IF you please ma'am,' said the
white-beaded farm boy, 'he had
gone away suddenly to Allenville
at four o'clock this morning to see
his father, as he had a stroke, and
they don't expect him back not un-
til the last of next week.
Mrs. Peckington stood undeci-
dcd.
AT all events she said, turning
to Cora Dallas, you can't expect
shelter under my roof no longer.
l didn't look for such treatment
from you
Cousin Clarissa,' said Merrilton,
bravely, 4 love Cora Dallas, and |
stand here to espousc her cause.
You may sue herif you like
i shan't do that said the widow,
sleast wise not until Jehorum SIM
kins cornos home to advise me
lo,t