Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1876-06-08

of influence in business, and his social
standing is of the best, and'-heIe he
turned TO Margaret-'his love was
pure, honorable and sincere. L, whol
have known him from boy, know
that he was a man who would scorn
to play with any woman's heart
Only piteou5 cry of Where can he
be?' burst girls white lips.
Had he any enemies here?' was the
next stern question.
No one knew of any. The frank,
bright nature had won friends all abeut
him. Even Hall had been seen In!
friendly conversation with the missing
uran on the day OF his disappearance.
Every inquiry resulted in the same
disappointment, till the nine-days'
wonder died out, and the mystery was
unsolved.
The faithful heart that loved Harry
kept his image ever closely folded,
grieving silently and in solitude, and
wearily resuming the routine of life.
Every duty of her humble, quiet life
Margaret fulfilled with patient care;
but her step was slow and weary, her
face pale, and her eyes heavy with
weeping. But her uncle, who loved
her fondly, missed her ripping laugh,
her sweet song. And it was delicate
tribute he paid to Margaret's sorrow
that he never once hinted to her that
there might be some dishonorable ex-
PLANTATION to her lovers disappearance.
This idea haunted him. Since the de-
parture of the senior partner of the
lirm there was no one to speak
of Harry in terms of commendation,
and speculations were numerous ID the
village. A wife hidden away, who
threatened exposure, was favorlte
theory. Debt was another. Escape
from punishment for crime was a third.
But all these theories were kept from
Margaret.
Winter set in. Hall came often to
the cottage. His face was one that
could mask an evil heart with an as
sumption of rough frankness, and sell
dom had any one seen it as it revealed
itself when he listened at the cottage
window. He had left the vessel, OF
which he was first mate and Iart own
er. to 90 upon a long cruise without
him, and he employed all his time in
a vigorous pursuit of his courtship. AS
deeply as he could love any one he
loved Margaret; and he felt secure OF
her favor until Harry Craige came.
John Hammersley favored the sailors
suit heartily, and after Margaret had
given her grief It's full sway for three
months, she was hidden to 'mope' no
longer, but cheer up, as there was just
as good fish in the sea as ever were
caught. So, with her sorrow as deep
as at first, her heart true as steel, the
girl had to be present when Hall came
to the cottage, and listen to his rough
wooing. Again and again she refused
his presents, his compliments, his oil
fers to escort her here or there. But the
man would not be driven away. En-.
couraged by the uncle's liking, he per.
sisted, in spite of Margaret's GOODNESS
1t was not in the girls nature to be dis
courteous or unkind, and her gentle
manner was accepted as a far greater
encouragement than she intended it tt
be. The Writer was long agony t6
her. He uncle urged Halls claims al
every available opportunity, and the
sailor himself was persistent in his at
tions. And while her days were busy
her evenings wearily spent in uncon'
genial society, Margaret's nights were
restless and memory haunted. Where
was her lover hidden? Where was the
dark story of crime written that carried
him FROM her? She never doubted
him, and she Kept his memory bright
lin her heart. She did not hope evel
to meet him on earth again, for she was
sure that if he lived he would return tC
her, but no other love should ever OBJ
Iliterate his from her heart.
A whole year wore away, and Hal
had urged his suit vehemently in the
preceding days, and Margaret realized
with a sad heart, that her steady refu'
sal of his suit was alternating her uncle's
affections. He could not understand
this constancy. Why should Margaret
live alone because one man was false
or unfortunate? So he urged, as he sal
in the parlor of the little cottage, and
Margaret listened, with dropping head
and hands folded wearily.
Il cannot marry, uncle,'- she said
Igently but firmly; Il cannot forget the
Ionly man 1 ever loved
The garden gate changed, steI
crunched the gravel, and without
knocking, a man in a rough sailors
dress. bearded and bronZed, stood in
the doorway. One look, and with 6
cry Margaret sped to the open arms o
Harry Craige.
John Hammersley only stared, till 6
CHEEKY voice said:
ter your own heart
BLESS my eyes! where did you come
from?'
sOff the Sea Gull.'
'Whaling?'
'Yes.'
But what possessed you 10 go off il
that way?'
i will tell you. Sit here beside me
Margaret. 1 was shanghaied. Do yol
! know what that means, my pearl
Your uncle does. / was drugged, car
ried aboard the Sea Gull, and recovered
, my senses when we were out of sight o
land, bound for years whaling
cruise
But Who began John Hammers
ley.
William Hail. was the stern an
swer. He told me, Margaret, weel
!, before our wedding-day, of a friend o
his, captain of an East Indian vessel
who had some curiosities that woul(
, please you, and rare shawls and fabric.
to show me also. / never thOnght o
treachery, and when he sent me note
: to meet his friend in the village,
drove ,over. Halfway on my trip
met Hall, and TOOK him up. VIZ
!. drove to a small tavern, and while we
waited 1 drank glass of wine will
Hall. A numbness soon seized me
my head grew dizzy, and | knew NJ
;; more until awoke on board whaling
vessel in the dress of a common sailor.
THE scoundrelr muttered John Ham
mersley.
Il raised a pretty fuss at first,' Harry
! continued, but it was useless. No ont
|, believed l could pay the sum / Offered
if they would carry me to Brashaw ,anC
concluded must make the best o
the situation. So, Mr.. Hammersly,
annIind my anarrins to saamanShin