Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1876-11-25
THE DOUBLE DEATH.

view Of his cabin, paused, and gazed atten-
lively upon It for moment. Then he threw
the buck which he carried upon his
shoulder, upon the snow, and shaking his
head, he muttered, "Idon't know that any
thing is wrong here. but don't feel just
right"
At the same moment, the dog ran towards
the dwelling. aud then, returning to his
master. uttered low growl. The man ap-
peared very uneasy, but he hastened for
ward towards the cabin-door. Before he
had reached it, woman appeared. It was
plain to see that she had been weeping, and
she was very pale. and greatly agitated.
"My God. Nancy! what has happened p
he inquired, almost breathlessly.
"Be calm, Mark-pray be calm T. was
the trembling response.
"But tell me-what has happened7'
The question was scarcely asked before
. second face appeared at the cabin-door.
The instant Mark saw this, he staggered
back and gasped. "The dead returned to
ifep'
"Ah, Mark Webb, the dead has returned
to life. But come in; wish to talk with
you"
Webb, finding that he had merely flesh
and blood to deal with, entered the cabin.
and throwing himself upon seat, eyed the
intruder for some moments without speak
ing. Then he asked" Philip Dark, how
did you find me out, and what do you want
here ?"
"I have been searching fn, you, Mark
Webb. for FIVE years. You thought me dead.
But you see that you were mistaken. And
do you ask why sought you ?"
"Yes, did ask it,
cit was to learn if the woman who calls
you husband sustains you in your villanies
and if she did not, or was ignorant Of them.
to let her know the truth. /"
"Be careful what you say, Philip Dark. !"
exclaimed Mark. half raising his rifle.
The other observed this, and said, Mark.
I ahould be sorry to do you harm but
know you. In your presence l shall relate
al to Nancy-I will not call her your wife,
for she is equally mine-and she shall decide
between u.s."
"The decision has been made already by
her."
"Yes. but your acts have rendered that
decision void; they kave rendered second
decision necessary. "Now, Mark. heed well
what say. As at first. so will I abide BY
Nancys decision now. But must tell hea
al. and il see you attempt to place you,
hand upon that rifle, in seH-defence. RI
send bullet through your head the instant
you do TO-"
"Go on with your questions and you,
hes.s
"Nancy," said Dick, fixing his eyes upon
her, "vhat reason did Mark give for bring.
ing you to this part Of the country p
"Oh, Philip. you know that when I made
my decision Ave years ago. I told you that
you possessed my love. but that Mark had
the claim Of duty from me-"
Il remember well, and I resigned you
70 that your duty might be performed"
"You did"
swell, answer my question"
"Mark told me that he wished to be fl
away from you. because you possessed my
love. And 20 came here with him"
"You thought me still alive, ard in st
Louis ?"
~Idid."
"You never believed that Mark would
harm me p"
81 certainly could not think so."
"Then listen while repeat all the past
Some portions you are familiar with. ani
some you are not. But you shaQ have 4
all"
al listen" =
"six yeas ago j fomed your acquain
tance, Nancy. I believed you to be widow
and a. such, loved, won, ard married you
I had . right to believe that you were Z
widow, for the proof Of your first husbandl
death appeared positive. But in few
months after our marriage. Mark Webb
your FIRST husband, returned. There mus
now be decision made. You believed you
duty bound you to Mark; for the absene'
did not arise from his own tarlt. But yos
| confessed that held your love. though
- you did. that your first marriage was tb,
binding one. and at once consented :,
forego al claims upon you. More thai
this, resolved to leave the country, b
order that my presence might not caus'
you unhappiness. Could do more thai