Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-08-15


narrow lane. and stopped before tiny
cottage. Only two people dwelt there;
the pastor of Hope. Mr.. Selwyu. and
his grand child, Rachel.
Bernard Hilton. leaning against the
gate post and looking up at the cottage
windows thought he was bidding
silent. lifelong farewell to the only
woman he had ever loved. pretty Ray
Selwyp. His whole frame shook with
emotion as he bowed his head for q
moment. hiding his pale lace convulsed
with grief.
There was sound OF a softly opened
door, swift dash of feet upon the grav-
eled walk. and upon the bowed head
fell little trembling hand.
Bernard" Ray Selwyn said. and
Bernard looked up to see face AS pale
and eyes heavy and sleepless as his own.
How did you escspe?" Ray painted.
lrighted to see him.
They will tell you to-day am on
my way TO Barn, but conld not pass the
lane. did not hope to see you. Ray and
yet your coming out to me fills me with
proud hope. You do not believe me
robber, Rsy?'
IL believe it Bernard? You must
know me better than to think doub
you"
Heaven bless you. Ray. can 60
bravely now"
"Where2" she asked. pale and trem-
bling.
II must sail as q sailor at Barn.
have no money or would 60 on the
Ariadne. She sails Tor the Cape OF
Good Hope this morning"
wait"
She was gone, returning in moment
with her hands clasping small casket.
Heaven smiles upon US, Bernard.
Only yesterday Uncle Rali sent me
birthday gilt and you must take this
She opened the casket as she spoke.
and took an old. fashioned locket set
with diamonds.
1T is mine." she said huiriedly; "a
legacy from my mothers mother. and
the diamonds are very pure and valua-
be"
And what / know well, that is your
sole fortune, and highly priced" said
Bernard. II cannot take your money or
locke,. Ray"
"You must. Think. ii you are taken.
what | shall suffer, Bernard. Pity me, II
not yourself"
IL cannot rob you"
"You will rob me Tar more iiyou re-
fuse me- See. it is late. The ship VIII
90. Oh, Bernard. il you love me, take
these and 60"
A uoment longer he hesitated; then
catching Ray in his arms he pressed his
lips 10 hers, seized the locket and roll oi
notes. and turning from her, strobe
RAPIDLY back TO the highway agait- Ana
Ray, white as death, staggered o'ck 70
her loom and sank trembling upon her
knees, to pray for the safely oil her loV er'
The morning was still young, and The
good pastor was lingering over Il Ia G
! breakfast, when Julius Meryln, Will
furious eyes aud rigid face, burst into
the room.
Without one word OF greeting. he
cried:
Ray. have you seen that villain, Ber-
nard Hilton. this morning."
Gently. gently, julius" said the old
man. You seem excited"
..Excited! | should think SO. The
thief. the ungrateful hound, who has
robbed my la,her OF six thousand pounds
has escaped! We found his keeper
bound and gagged. aud the robber gone.
He has been here. ] am sure OF it,"
Still Ray was silent. her face pale, but
her eyes iull of steady, brave light.
Kay, my child, "said her grandfather.
",ell your cousin he is mistaken"
81 should speak falsely" was the re-
ply. IL gave Bernard my God speed
this morning"
Il knew itr Juhus cried iercely.
He has made of with bis plunder." :"
II think, Julius" Ray said quietly.
"lhat the less you say about the stolen
no,es. the better. They are all US sless'
a. uncle told me he had the numbers
and they could easily be traced. So the
loss 10 the bank Is nothing, and the little
nlsn 10 ruin Bernard Hilton may yet
fail"
"What do you mean? How dare you?'
cried Julius.
IL mean that, when you promised me,
SIX months ago. to be revenged upon
Rernard Hilton because i loved him and
refused 10 be your wife. you meant what
you said. You have schemed to ruin
him. TO supplant him. You have brand
ad him as a thiei-driven him from
home. remain here. loving hum. and
resolved 10 try what woman's wit will do
toward proving him innocent. We
understand each other. think. Julius
As she spoke, Ray Selwyn rose from
her seat and lett the room, her grand
father and cousin looking with as much
.mszsment as if they had seen a lamb