Nebraska advertiser., 1876-10-19

thought; "her fathers words, but
far more my own instincts, as 1 held
her to my heart, tells me that she
still loves me. We are both youpg-
almost too young in prudence to mar
ry we can wait. To faith and perse-
verance combined, nothing is impos-
sible; 1 have both. What, then,
have l TO fear? must lay my love
aside for time, In corner of my
heart, and devote all my energies to
another object: to set at rest forever
the question of my birth-to investi-
gate the mystery of the murder-ay,
and to clear Ernest Wieland, in the
eyes of the world, from all suspicion,
for on the solution of these problems
also hangs the fate of my love; all
three are inextricably woven togeth-
er."
Then he began to arrange his plan
of action. First of all, he must en-
deavor to ascertain the movements of
Robert Blakely and Helen Deerbrook.
To seek in London for either, with
out some clue, would be waste of
time. He would go at once into the
neighborhood of Blakely Hall, and
endeavOr to CLEAN some information.
But first of all be would pay a visit,
incognitO, to Sandybank, and endea-
70 Il I'M
might be learned from her, although
he had but little hope in that quarter.
That was all that could be arranged at
present; thereafter, he must be guild
ed by circumstances.
81 will take the train tonight to
Norwich, and tomorrow morning set
out for Sandybank and Blakeiy," he
said, jumping up and walking back
into the high road.
Feeling thirsty he entered public
house, and called for some ale, lit ci-
gar, and set down in the smoking
room. There was no other person
there; but, presently, he remarked a
trap drive past the window. 1t stop
ped at the door, and minute or two
afterwards gorgeously.dressed indl-
vidual, very stout, very plethoric-
looking, with a perky, self-satisfied
face, hustled into the room, rang the
bell, called for brandy cold, and while
the hostler was feeding his horse, fid-
geted about, humming tune, very
figure of fussiness. jewellery seemed
to be his pet weakness. His fat hands
were bediZened with rings of all
kinds-plain gold, diamond, signet,
and snake. A diamond pin blazed in
his scarf, and his low-cut waistcoat
was mere background for huge
gold cable chain, with its pendant
charms, and keys, and seals to mean
der over.
But Charles's eyes were immediate
ly riveted upon small but magnifi-
cent watch that he took from his
pocket, and which he was at great
pains to fully display. 1t a0ds Of gold,
and the back was ornan1euted sUith rat-
6ieS and diamonds. set in a pattern.
Il beg your pardon, sir" said Char
ley, mastering his eagerness as well
SIS be could, "but that is eery beauti-
ful watch. Would you premit me to
look st it ?'
The little gentleman paused be-
tween a desire to display his magni-
ficence and doubt as to ahether it
was safe to comply gith such request
from a stranger. But a glance at tbs
young mans gentIemanIy exterior de-
cided him in favor of his vanity.
"Yes, sir; it's rather tidy hartic-
le," he said, trying to assume an in
different air, es he approached near
enough for Charles to closely observe
The watch, as he held it by the bow,
and turned it about to show sh its
points.
The rts6ieS and enerdEdS upon its
back formed the letters E and B. For
\ moment Charles could not speak, so
great was his agitation; but, master
ng it, he said, quietly, "Will you
pardon a question 1 am about to ask
Iou, sir7 How did that watch come
n to your possession?"
"Well, really, sir, l cannot see what
light you have to ask such a ques-
ion," answered the little man, grow
ng very red, as he hastily put the
Irticle in question back into his pock-
It.
II have a great interest in asking
t." answered Charles, growing more
81 decline to answer you SIR" re-
'lied the other, swelling up at this
opposed affront to his dignity.
"And L must insist upon it."
"Insist! What do you mean, sir
20 you know who Hi ham ? Hive /
ny trap outside. Him not q man to
10 hinsulted ~ i,
Very well. Then I must insist
pom your accompanying me before
nagistrate," said Charles, calmly.
THAT watch was stolen, many
ears ago, from lady who was found
murdered in her room. Here are the
initials of her name, set upon the ,
ack. 1 recognized the watch the ;
loment 1 saw it,"
The complexion of the little man
rev pale, and his manner somewhat
lore subdued, as he replied, "Well,
sally, Lido not feel insti6ad q,