River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1877-01-11

but small income, had supported
him through his youth, and had so ed
ucated him that he was capable of
filling almost any situation with credit
which he could reach at his age. His
manner was easy and graceful, and his
address winning. For two years pre-
vious to the date of this story, he had
held position in the post Office of his
native town, and had been promoted
therein only few days before.
Therewas large gathering at the
house of Mr.. Rivers, or Christmas
evening, for he was not niggardly in
his hospitality. And as they gathered
in, many wondered why the lovely
Annie was not there as usual, the first
to welcome her fathers visitors. But
all the anxious fat Ter could tell them
was that be expected her in every mo-
mental that he knew about her, was
that which servant told him-s'she
had gone out early in the afternoon to
make CALL" and she had not yet re-
turned.
The hours sped ON, and his anxiety
increased to fear! What had become
of her? Had she been decoyed way,
and murdered, and doomed to fate
more horrible yet! The excitement
of his guests was almost as great as
his own; but when the clock struck
nine, man presented himself at the
door of Mr.. Rivers house and asking
an interview with HIM, hand a note
which accounted for her absence. 1t
was jointly from herself and Charles,
stating the object of their elopement;
but giving no clue to their destination;
| however, assuring him that as soon as
the knot was tied he should hear from
| them, and when assured of his for
giveness, they would return to him.
"Why was this note delayed: it is
dated six hours go!' shouted Mr..
Rivers.
81 was paid to deliver it at nine
| O'Clock, and not minute before ~
said the man, sententiously, as he
turned and left the house.
"a thousand curses on the migrate
full girl y cried Mr.. Rivers, as he com.
municated the fact to his friends.
ssForgive her I'll see her rot first
He-the beggarly upstart-asked me
for her, and | refused him, and now
he has stolen her -
''Bad Endorsement My cakes all
dough % muttered Prendergast. as he
put on his yellow kids-and babe his
friends goodnight.
Other friends, particularly several
young men who had been on Annie's
track, sympathiZed with him, and
left and soon he was left alone in his
wrath. Left alone to fume and to fret,
to curse and writhe; for he was not
one of that kind to take ''the ills the
gods sent" and be thankful they were
no worse.
At that same hour the postmaster of
the place was closeted with the great
United States secret post Office detec-
tive-in his line the Fouche of Ameri-
ca, and terror to all delinquents who
dare to lay their unwashed fingers on
Uncle Sam mails or the contents there
of,
Recent heavy robberies had been
traced to that office, and now they
were, in the night, when all the clerks
were away, engaged in comparing
notes, and looking for evidence where
by they might find out the guilty one.
And although he would be the last
one of all whom Mr.. BaScomb, the
post master would have suspected, yet,
in the private desk of CHARGES Albro,
the lock of which they picked ; was
found such proof as left no doubt of
his guilt. Envelopes of letters which
had been described to the agent as con-
tanning money drafts, which, without
Endorsement he dared not try to get
cashed for Charles had not got quite
so bold in crime as to add forgery to
his other faults.
Tr Doca
comb, for he had not only been
Charles warmest friend, but he knew
his amiable mother well he had
known his father In life, and he knew
how fearfully this blow would come
on her.
''Where is this young man." asked
the detective, who, in the stern dis
charge of his duty, knows no sympathy
with the criminal ; nor were he fit for
his duty if he did.
81 do not know" replied the post
master, she applied yesterday for a
few days leave of absence; but he was
in town to-day. | saw him this morh-
ing"
ellis arrest must be affected as quick
ly as possible, and then perhaps we
can recover some Of the money which
he has taken. The hope of escape Of
ten makes my most hardened case dis
gorge, whereas, if act roughly. they !
keep all to fee lawyers and bride juries
with"
II shall leave all to you," said Bas-
comb, sadly. 81 wish to be as little |
mixed up in the affair as possible, for
his poor mothers sake
1t was three days later. In quiel
room in a small hotel in retired town |
in Pennsylvania Charles Albro and his |
young wife sat waiting an answer to a
joint letter which they had written to
Mr.. Rivers, announcing their where
abouts and their union, and asking his |
sanction to the same. Both look hap |
py-Annie supremely so ; for she |
knew of no cloud overhanging, felt no
cruel sting of conscience in her pure
heart.
A heavy knock was heard at their
door.
"Come in, said Charles, and shad-
ow chill and dark seemed to fall upon
his heart as he spoke, for he felt that
an evil hour was at hand.
A gentlemanly-loO man, follow
ed by another, more rude in his APP
pearance, entered.
Il believe | have the honor of adj
dressing Mr.. Charles Albro ?" said the
gentlemen.
That's my name, sir, said Charles,
who did not recognize his visitor.
II have some private business with
you, sir; can | see you in another
room % said the latter-his manner,
though polite, so firm that it implied a
rather than request.
81 know of no business which | can
not attend to in the presence of my
wife," sad Charles, rather stifliy.
81 am an agent in the U. S. p. M. G.
said the other blandly.