Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-03-03
STAUNTON, VIRGINIA, FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1876

The bat escaped unhurt through the
open window, being too quick for,me; but
the poker descended with considerable
force on the spot where he should have
been.
The same instant / h card a sharp, click
ing noise, and the shield slid away, reveal.
ing to my astonished gaze a small chamber
constructed in the massive chimney.
In this novel hiding-place lay pile of
papers.
. Trembling good deal, I caught up the
topmost one, and hastily examined it by
the aid of the tlickering candle.
Instantly knew that my first startled
conjecture was shrewd one, and that I
now held in my hand Madame Belgrave's
true and last will ard testament. and that
Lawrence Belgrave, not I, was the right
full owner Of Roundwood
It was scarcely pleasant discovery to
make.
Thoroughly bewildered. dropped into
one of the quaint easy chairs, trying hard
to comm and my wandering senses suffici-
emily to realize it in all its bearings.
My candle sputtered and went out, pres
emily, but still sat there quite Obvious
to the fact. thinking only of my loneliness
and the treadmill of poverty to which I
must return.
At last was aroused by a rustling
without.
With sudden thrill Of horror beheld
dark figure rise up before the window,
and glide noiselessly over the sill.
The next instant dark lantern flashed
it's light over the room.
l started to my feet with shrek Of un-
comfortable terror.
In an attempt to rush to the door, my
limbs failed utterly, and I crouched pale
and painting against the wall.
"Miss Lane! you here ?" said voice !;
and the mau put down the lantern and
came toward me. II beg thousand par
dons for giving you such a start.''
1t was Lawrence.
I rose up again, thoroughly ashamed of
myself for having manifested such extreme
terror.
s'My emotion was quite exeusable," said
I, with all the old sauciness, for I had
grown bold as lion again, now there was
no real terror to confront. 81 did not ex-
pect to see you at Roundwood tonight
hence my surprise" y.
ssThe fact is. he returned, manifesting
considerable confusion, II have come here
every night for two weeks back, hunting
for Madame Belgrave's will. Lawyer
Green has told me she made one, about six
months since. He thinks she destroyed it
afterward, as it has not come to light. I
hold to different opinion. The will was
in my favor, as you must readily guess,
and I believe it is hidden in some safe
place which Madame was prevented from
disclosing by the awful suddenness of her
death.''
sThen you were the CHEST ?" gasped.
II suppose must have BEEN" =
swell, it is laid forever. You have no
further need to haunt this apartment
Here is the missing document for which
you have been searching; tomorrow I
will abdicate as gracefully as possible, and
Richard shall have his own again."
And while he stood staring at me, as if
dumbfounded, pushed the will into his
hand, and made a second effort to gain the
door.
This time it was Lawrence who detained
me, forcibly.
''Don't go, Madelon," he whispered, his
arm gathering me close to his side. ''NoV
I can speak my mind freely. I'll not be
master here unless you consent to he mis-
tress, for I love you too dearly. What say
you ?"
Twill not repeat my answer
But if Aunt Jerusha had hurried to my
rescue-as she had declared she would do
few moments after [ first shrieked for
assistance, she would have beheld tab
leau that might have sensibly shocked her
ideas Of propriety.