The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1875-11-24


Now lie there, while we strike a
light to finish the job"
The glow of lamp soon illumin-
ated the place. 1t must have been
brought for this especial purpose, as
the cabin did not show signs of hav-
ing been inhabited for long while
Marian glanced curiously around.
1t was wild place, nearly ready to
tumble down. Ia fact, portion of
it-what must have been a partition
dividing off smaller room from the
main apartment-had already fallen,
and its debris was piled near the op-
posite wall
Just against this pile of lumber
stood rude table, upon which the
lamp bad been placed; and bottle of
whisky, produced frem Steve's capa-
cious pocket, was ranged beside the
lamp, as if to keep it company.
Take swig, Bill" said be. at
will nerve you up for the business
Thus invited, bill lifted the bottle
to his lips and took a deep draugbt.
"Now, Steve" said he, II want TO
know if you got the swsg?"
"Humph! OF course | did. i Imade
old Drake chalk down"
"How mueh?"-
Six hundred" aud Steve slapped
his breast pocket quite complacently.
"Hand it over" said his pal, rough
ly- you've got to divide with me
now.n
mo; | wont letit go out OF my band
until the job is done.n
Don't fool with me-" said Bill in
an ugly tone. II want that money,
and I'm going to have it. / don't
trust fellow like you"
A glare. of rage came into Steve's
eyes. 'He stepped quickly forward
and laid pistol upon the table.
Look herel" he exclaimed.
dent want to break with you, but
I'd put bullet through your heart
IN q jiffy if you tried to come any Of
your shines over me-
"Would you?" rosred Bill.
"Ay, curse youl'
"Will you hand that money over
here?n
mo, | won't"
Quick as a flash, the rufian
sprang upon Steve, bearing him away
from the table, Out of reach of the
pistol, before the latter realized his
purpose.
You wouldn't give me my share
of the swag," bissed Bill, land now
III take the whole of it.n
They closed, the next instant. But
Bill seemed tobe the stronger of the
two, as the liquor he had drank in
furiated him, Tor be had soon sue
ceeded in drawing knife and was
cutting and slashing at his quondam
pal with savage violence, while the
latter found it difficult matter to
parry the well-direcIed blows.
Marian watch them as if fascinated.
She had raised from the pile of
straw, and stood transfxed, glaring
breathlessly at the combatants
Suddenly, in the midst ofthe strug-
gle, she saw hand and an arm thrust
slowly and noisiessly above the pile
of boards, and FIVE white fingers
clutched the pistol that had been left
lying on the table.
Another breathless moment of sus-
pense and Steve fell backward upon
the floor, pierced to the heart by the
knife of his comrade.
"The cursed fool brought it on him
SELF" muttered Bill, after a harrow
stricken silence, gazing down at the
body with blood-shotten eyes. IL on
ly wanted to share alike
Shuddering all over, he now with
drew the knife, aed stepped towards
Marian, brandisbing the bloody
weapon about bis head
''It's your turn, my lass" he said.
Nearer and nearer be drew, his
murderous purpose written all over
his ugly face. But just then in the
nick of time tall, 1.-the figure sprung
up behind lumber pile stole aery-
ously over the floor, unseen except By
Marian.
The next instant the butt of pis-
tol came down with crashing force
upon Bills head He reeled, swung
around, and luDged out at random
with his knife, swearing horribly all
the while. But the blow seemed to
have stunned him in measure and
be soon lay upon the floor, at the
mercy CT the handsome young man
who had so suddenly appeared upon
the scene.
The newcomer found some stout
cords In his pocket, and securely
bound the rufian hand and foot.
This done, he rose up, and dsrting to
Marian's side, clasped her in his
arms with fervor that almost de-
prived her of the existence be saved
by his fortunate appearance.
"My darling!"
"Oh Fredl Fred!' she shriekcd,
and came nearer fainting than she
had ever done in ali her life.
After countless kisses, caresses,
and endearing words, Frederick
Vane-for it was indeed he-ex-
planned his opportune appearance.
/ thought it all over after you left
New York. | could not sleep, or
rest. At lsst 1 set out to follow you.
| tracked you all along the route you
had taken, and was on my way to
Luckenough Gulch when / became
lost in the forest, early this afternoon,
and wandered about until this cabin
attracted my attention"
Four days latter, Gustive Drake
received note which ran thus:
Your niece did not fall victim to
the ruffians you hired to put her out
Of the way. She was made my wife |
this morning. We set out at once
for New York, tbither you will please
all moneys and papers be-
longing to her, as l do nht intend a
dollar of Marian's fortune shall re-
main in your hands.
FREDERICK YASE.
Gustave Drake cursed the sun,
moon and stars, and tore his hair
be sent the money and papers.
G.~uanCeh..,. R>~eane "a. pouua