The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1878-01-22

years ago ?" Mr.. Leighton asked, breath
lessly.
August the sixteenth" was the .re-
ply.
''I was not mistaken ~ Mr.. Leighton
exclaimed. "Oakley, have at last
found my child! Madam" he added,
addressing Mrs. Van Dyke, "of her
whereabouts during the past few weeks
and at present, am aware, and now
let me ask you, did you not know that
the person with whom she left the house
was not Dr. Oakley Remember, 1t
will be better for you to tell the truth;
and as you have confessed so much, you
may as well make q clean breast of the
whole affair"
I" / did know that the person was not
DIR. Oakley" the woman answered.
"And you were hired to assist in the
abduction ?"
CT was"
"By whom ?"
"By the person who brought the girl
to me IS years ago."
BY this Sydney Good heaven =
who and what can this man bep I
cannot recollect having ever heard his
name until to-day yet that he is bit
ter enemy of mine he has plainly
shown"
He is known by another name now
Mrs. Van Dyke said.
"Ah what is it?"
"Major Heith."
Five days have passed.
Major Heith and Edward Bentley sit
together in the bankers luxurious
library.
"'Tis now month since young Ell
more's disappearance" said the major.
"Rely on it, my friend, we have seen
the last of him."
Would to Heaven the banker cried,
"the mystery of his fate might be
solved.
" 1t never will be-" said Major Heith.
Doubtless he was murdered for what
money he had about his person, and
then cast into the river. Such things
have been done, as you know from your
own experience, my dear Bentley, eh ?"
An expression of keen agony swept
across the bankers face. There was a
short silence, presently it was broken
by Major Heith.
"My son progresses capitally with
his wooing," he said. A" Since young
Elmore's disappearance the field has
been clear for him; and he has, think,
made a considerable impression upon
| your fair daughters heart"
"Yet she is deeply troubled by the
mystery surrounding Elmore's fate"
Mr.. Bentley said.
"True,' was the response, but do
| you know, Bentley, my son possesses, in
an eminent degree, the power of animal
magnetism as it is called
and by its aid, has gained an immense
influence over Miss Edith's mind. She
will be his no earthly power can pre-
vent it. Your consent to the marriage
will, doubt not, be asked ere long"
"Just Heaven !" the banker exclaim-
|
not be! Man, Edith is dearer to me
than my hearts blood; / will not see
her welded by fraud and violence to this
wretched adventuier, your son, her life
shall not be made miserable, though
mine be sacrificed. 1 defy you Do your
worst ~ 4asfia i
&C Softly, friend Bentley" the maj
said, with unmoved countenance. "Un-
less you wish to proclaim this secret to
every servant in the house you will
speak in lower tone. No fraud OF
violence will be used. Your daughter's
consent to this marriage will be given of
her own free will; and l know of no
reason why she cannot be happy with
my SON. At all events I have deter
mined upon this marriage, and it shall
take place.
"Never!'
This exclamation was uttered by
Edith Bentley, who, with flashing eyes
and crimsoned cheeks, stood in the door.
way. The major was for moment dis.
concerted, but only for a moment
Quickly recovering his wonted com
posure, he exclaimed:
"What do you say, young LADY,"
That will never be the wife of the
man you would force upon me, whom
detest, abhorl Father" she added
turning to the old banker, Il know
| not what nouer ti,is n,an boe ovar won