Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1875-09-18
THsINTERCEPTED TELEGRAM

He hasn't come, mother. -
These were Annie Danworth's
words as she sank into a chair af-
ter watching eagerly the train
which had just arrived from New
York.
Earnest may have arrived in
New York too late to take the train
that reaches us tonight she said.
He could telegraph in such a
case,' replied Annie, shaking her
head doubtingly.
Yes; but young gentlemen are
not always thoughtful in such
matters. And then, too, he may
wish to give you a little surprise
by coming unexpecdly,' continued
Mrs. DanfOrth.
No; Earnest Is not so heartless
as to keep me in suspense like this
Still. Annie Gid comfort herself
with hef mothers suggestion, and
clung to hope for the morrow, but
it was hope mingled wi h fears
not for h sr lovers truth, but for
his safety.
What was the explanati of
Ernest Woodford's absence?
He had arrived in New York and
while on his way to ielegra ph the
joyIGl words, Expect me TO night
he met an acquaintance, a neigh
Dor of Mr.. II nforth's, who well
coined him with apparent warmth
and sincerity to his native land.
Earnest was profuse with ques-
tons regarding those he had left
twelve months before; but soon he
asked the one question that he had
reserved for a few moments as
children sometimes retain a choice
sweetmeat.
is Annie Danforth well, and as
beautiful as ever?
The reply to this shook his man.
iy frame as small barque is sha-
ken by giant wave.
Beautiful as ever, and we'll She
is TO marry Ed. Winser next
month, l am informed said the
false friend, Hugh Daniels.
Hugh Daniels, you are telling
me liel" Ernest exclaimed, in ali
excited manner. Annie Dan forth
cannot be false to me!'
He seized the man by the throat,
and would have hurled him to the
grouni, but Daniels was on his
guard, and cried out piteously:
Stop, Ernest Woodford III ear
what / have to say-then do as
you will
Ernest released him, then listen
ed eagerly as Daniels proceeded:
i expected this, Ernest, and
have come from Chenille to pre-
vent your going there to: learn the
deception of those you have trust
ed. Il dreaded the effect, and
wished to warn yeu in time. No
woman in this world is worth
your life, Ernest, and if you had
heard this news in Glenville in
stead of in New York, it might
have resulted in bloodshed. / have
proofs Of what state, and if, after
you have examined them, you
still doubt me and believe Annie
true, / have nothing more to say
in opposition to any course you
may choose to persue.'
Daniels, mannec indicates a spir-
1t. He produced letters-(forged
for the occasion), and other evil
dence calculated to force belief i'm
the falsehood he uttered, until
Ernest, overcome by the weight
of unanswerable testimony, was
convinced that he had been duped
by Annie, and resolved to fly
from the spot he had, a few hours
before, pic. in his mind as a
little Eden, where one almost an
gelic awaited his coming with
happy thoughts.
The intercepted telegram was
torn into tiny bits, and that very
day he took a westward bound
train, little carin whittier it
should bear him. SO that it was
very far from her he had so fondly
trusted, but who had proved tickle
and false. he now believed.
Hugh Daniels saw Ernest start
ed on his westward way, then
turned with self-sa' listed smile,
muttering:
Now my way is clear. 1t was
a bold man9uvre, but one of the
party has been disposed of, and
my diplomacy cannot fail in time
to convert to believe in and love
me. Love ornot, Annie Danforth
must marry me, for / have much
at stake, and this is the only re-
Two days later a report was cir
culated in Chenille that Ernest
Woodford was among the number
who had persisted by terrible
railroad disaster that filled the
country with horror.
Poor Annie |! The announce
ment was almost enough to unseat
~ua.N.. T.N.w. skz -.