Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1877-10-03
But the wind how led on. end the rain

But the wind how led on, end the raj
continued to come madly down.
All at once the lawyer was startle'
by rapping at his door Fearful tina
his ears had deceived him, he did no
stir until it was repeated. Then h
hurried across the room and laid hi
hand on the knob.
''Who is there?" he inquired, an,
held his breath for the response.
"Aldine." came the reply in accent
which he recognized. "Mr. Mayo, fyo,
are dressed, open at once, for | want I,
see you. Something terrible is happen
ing in our house, l fear
A moment later the door was opened
and Clarence Mayo stood before the
whitest face he had ever seen.
1t was Aldine's.
For heavens sake, girl
''Hush, not so loud,'' she said, in a
warning tone. THAT man has gor
into the house again, and is with papa
now. He is a bold, bad fellow, and
somehow or other has control over
my dear parent. listened a moment
they are talking about me. Oh. Mr..
Mayo, dare not tell you what he said.
Will you not go down, so that you can
be near papa if he needs help? l fear
that bad man will do something; he
always comes when it storms"
The girl talked rapidly and with
fear.
81 will go down." the lawyer said,
happy TO assist her and indignant at
the emidnightvisitor. ''Stay here, Aldine.
1t may not be place for tender women
where they are"
Il thank you," she said. II pray he
may never come here again.
Clarence Mayo went down the stairs
and turned into the room where he had
drawn up Gerald Webb's will. He left
Aldine i'm his bed-chamber; but did not
see her creep halfway down the stairs,
and crouch there trembling, and with
her heart in her throat. She listened
with the terror of a prisoner for doom.
The room in which the young law
yer found himself was not lighted; but
the sound of voices guided him to the
door of the recluse's chamber.
''I'll come here when please: 90 said
a voice which Clarence Mayo did not
A groan was the response
II saw that city lawyer ride to Merry
Vale to-day, and l said that he was go
ing to write your will. l want to see
the document. | want to see what you
have left me-
"NO, Danton; it is sealed with wax"
''What do care if it is sealed with
holy waters? Where is it:'
III ere was a moments silence.
You are as exacting as a tyrant,"
80 | am; but come, Webb. the will ~
spare it, and l will tell you its con-
ents.''
Seeing is believing. No new SEN
ences on this subject if you please.
ant stay here all night. The WILL"
''Open the desk, there. 1t is i'm the |
opmost drawer"
The lawyer heard the lid of the desk |
all after the removal of the document |
which he had lately penned for the re-
luse.
In the silence that followed the mid
light visitor seemed to be reading the
viii.
All at once his hoarse voice broke
ut again.
Curse such Will" he cried.
Gerald Webb, you haven't left me a
Ollar.'
''Why should I:''
''Why should not have all that ycu
all yours, save the portion which be-
'ngs to the girl? Didn't | get you the
'ealth you possess? And haven't l
cen liberal with you ever since:"
Don't talk thus. Let me try to bury
ne past"
''RemOrseful at last, eh 2" cried the
isitor, in sneering tone. You did
OF possess qualms of conscience when
on hunted me up and bought me for
price"
"Danton, for mercy's sake cease.
hat do you want to-night?'
money, of course" ,
''How much ?''
"All You have. | am going away. ,
his accursed country shall not know t.,
e after tomorrow"
81 have no ready money!" was the !;
sponse.
''Then-"
''Then, WHAT"
''Tll summon the girl hither, and in :,
,ur presence, tell her who she is.''
''You almost divulged the secret =
While ago. If she was listening she !,
light have guessed the truth. Danton, q,
am almost dying" +,
Better men have died before you,"
rs the cruel response.
Il feel death at my heart now. Go,
ID let me die-alone-while the tenn
st. so like my wicked life, is raging" o
''That is sentiment and the last
ord was followed by a cutting laugh. y
40, | do not leave this room without !.
n thousand dollars" II
Il haven't got it, n
''Then I'll call the girl. No. | don't a
ant to see her. You have helped TO
axe me bad, Gerald Webb. If you do
t give me what l want, you may die r
fore the storm is over. | am the most u
sperate man i'm America" Z
The next moment there was the sound u
struggle. Clarence Mayo who lis
ned at the door heard it distinctly. e
''Danton, My poor throat"' gasped e
e recluse Don't choke me.'' =
Curse you. I'll kill you!'' u
An instant later the door was flung !"
de open, and the young lawyer burst q
to the ROOM
He saw a strong mans hand at the
,luse's throat, and his eyes flashed II
e at the would be murderer. i
.WhO are yOu? 20 cried the stranger, lu