The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1877-03-30
NOT TO BE CAUGHT.

Tive men sat in conversation. The
cooling wind played gently with the
short brown Curls of the younger, while
his handsome eyes and face were lighted
by bright, animated expression. i
can scarcely credit such good fortune.
Are you sure there is no mistake?" he
said.
Perfectly; here are the documents.
Prove your identity; prove to our salts
faction that you are Ralph Hamilton, son
of John Paul Hamilton, and you are a
rich man. Cen you prove it2"
g. / can, Immediately. But Tbs is in
deed a welcome change; to spring from
deep poverty to such wealth in a mo-
ment, by the death of an unknown rela-
tive, seems almost incredible. 1 am
grateful to you, Metcalf, for your pains
in so soon seeking me; also for your in
terest in my welfare. l have one favor
only to ask in addition; that you remain
silent about it. The fact of my changed
circumstances need not be made known
as yet. l shall not alter my style of
living for awhile, but shall fulfill an en-
gagement to become the private tutor of
two small boys residing, strange to relate,
in the same place where lies this new es-
tate. In taking the property, you say
/ am required to assume the name of its
former owner This will do, after
few months spent in the neighborhood
as poor teacher. I have met sad re-
bufs during the days of my poverty, and
I have no idea of being made victim
of some fortune hunter, so / will win
some good woman for loves sake, then
settle down and enjoy myself"
81
In beautiful residence sat two ladies,
Mrs. Corsair and her daughter Zoe, while
a third, a niece of the elder lady, Blanche
Gilmore, stood with light hat in her
hand, as though Just returned from
walk. They were discussing the appear
ance of new tutor who had undertaken
for time, on trial, the educatios of the
two sons of the family. Charley, one OF
these boys, had just appeared. and, look |
ng from the window, whispered:
''Now, girls, there he comes. Tell |
me if what said was not true
eyes, indeed - exclaimed both young
ladies, as they surveyed the fue figure
and handsome face approaching; and
when the young man smiled pleasantly
upon Charley, Blanche thought she had
never seen so handsome a man, while
Zoe whispered:
"I If the young heir of the Belmont
prove one-half as handsome I
viii be content"
A splendid estate, with a residence of
almost royal magnifcence, lay within
light of their pretty home, and had just,
through the death of old Mr.. Belmont,
childless widower, fpassed into the
lands of young relative, expected soon
o visit the premises. Zoe Corsair and
ler prudent mother had decided to ap-
both owner and estate as soon
ls possible after his arrival. The new
utor, Mr.. Hamilton, soon became a great
avorite with his pupils Living as he
lid in the family, he soon became well
acquainted with all, while he evidently
admired the beautiful Zoe, who treated
lin with cool politeness. OF Blanche
lie saw little. She was only the poor re-
alton, depeEiing upon her uncle for
therefore compelled to bear
very imposition and caprice her worldly,
olfish aunt and cousin saw fit to inAict.
)nly little enjoyment was here: a soli-
ary spot, deep ravine wildly romantic
nd secluded. not far from her uncle's
e4idence Thithcr she went one beau
iful afternoon, tripping along down the
mall winding path that led to the
Iepths below. Bat suddenly she paused,
groan and faint call TOR help arresting
Ter steps. Fastening to the spot where
lie Judged the sufferer TO be, she saw a
nan lying at the foot of the ravine, mo-
ionless and now quite still.
In few moments she was beside him,
ind, on lifting his head from the ground,
he found Mr.. Hamilton, the tutor, un-
conscious.
Running 10 the stream of water, she
Tipped in her handkerchief, and bathed
MS brow.
At last he opened his eyes, and gazed
ong and vacantly upon her.
"Ah, yes, remember, L did fall. 1
eaned over TO pluck flower, and lost
nv balance. But l feel better again,
hanks to you for your care, and will
zee if cannot rise"
clean on me, Mr.. Hamilton, | think
can get you up the path, if it is steep,
@ the road, and from thence, after a
rest, home"
Slowly, yet surely, leaning on the
young girl for that support he was so
to give to others, he crept
along, often stopping to rest, until at
asst the level road was gained, and from
here his own room, TO which a physician
vas soon summoned, and his limb set
and bruises attended to.
lying thus helpless upon his bed, the
ioor partly open, to allow circulation
If air, the young man lay halt doing,
when he accidentally heard the following
not, Of course, intended for
lis ears:
A pretty piece of work this" said
drs. Corsair, who was an intensely selfish
voman. g Who is to play nurse now, l
vould like to know %
And TO miserable tutor, interrupt
j the equity selfish Zoe.
should be very glad TO take charge
f the poor young man, alone among
trangers and SICK said Blanche and
aunt IL willing, win devote my time
o him.