The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1878-04-18
Edward

Edward, but the master is up to some
villainy, and as think that it concerns
you, want to give you hint about 1t,
so that maybe you will be able to upset
this plot of his"
What plot do you mean, Smith, for I
do not know what you are talking about?"
'Hush, sir, and do not interrupt me, as
I have only few minutes to spare; he
docs not like ME to be away from him
long for l think he does not more than
half trust 1ae; and if he saw me speaking
to you he would be sure to suspect me,
and would most likely turn me away
The master has planed to carry off Miss
Carroll and marry her by force. Some of
his good for-nothing comrades are com
ing to help him, aud must be there too,
Though God knows I would rather hinder
than help him, especially as l know that
you are after the girl yourself, sir"
Astonishment almost took away the
breath of Edward O'Hara, and he stag
gered like one who had received blow,
Tor, reckless and INSCRIPTIONS as he
knew William Bassett to be, he would
never have imagined him capable of an
act like this.
Great heavens" he exclaimed" can
this be true? Or am l dreaming? Can
such vilIiany be possible?' Then with a
strong effort mastering his feelings, he
turned to the man.
Never mind about me. Smith. tell me
all that YOU know abo Ut the plot, please
God we shall be able to circumvent him
vet. unless he means to carry it out i'm
mediately. When was this nefarious-
business to come off, Smith?'
las far as l could learn, tomorrow
night sir; but, as was telling you, he
does not more than half trust ne, so he
only told me not 10 be out ofthe way, as
might be wanted at any minute"
Glow many people are likely to be
employed III this outrage" asked Ed
ward, with wonderful calnness.
about half uozen, i think" said the
man: "but l must 90 now. If [ find out
anything more will try and take some
means OF informing you
''Tha.lk you, Smith," said the young
man, warmly; land if we are able to dis
appoint him, you shall have no cause to
to regret the generous warning"
= never thought Of that. sir" said the
man, turning aw9y as spoke; 81 but
should be sorry to sec the poor girl thrown
away upon the like of him.
As soon as the man was gone. Edwar.l
0 'Hara turned his steps toward Mr.. Car
rolls house He could not rest without
assuring himself Of Mary's safety, and he
wished to inform her father OF tie threat
I r,,J ~,
what steps were to be taken 70 meet it
70 hi, dismav he found MIR. Carroll
absent; he had gone to a distant fair, and
would not be home TIL next morning.
Uneasy as he was himself. he could not
bear to brighten Marry by HAT of her
danger, considering that the attempt would
not be made until the next night, there
would still be time enough to avert It
SO, with a laughing warning to Mary and
the servants IL be sure that all the doors
were well secured, he departed, determin-
ing to intercept Mr.. Carroll CD his way
homeWard
Early next morning, he was walking
along the road by which Mr. Carroll was
To come and had not long 10 wait. As
soon as ne perceived him. he proceeded
to inform him ol the warning which he
had received.
Mr. Carroll was terribly shocked, but
never questioned the truth OF the story, as,
unfortunately, abductioDs were only tco
common at that period. and william Bas-
set WAS Just the kind of a man to be en-
gagged in one; reckless and oif-handed as
he was. and so lavish in spending his
money. he would not have much difficulty
in securing the assistance OF men as rech
less as himself. to whom the very danger
and dash Of the undertaking would be
sure to prove strong incentive.
God help us, Edward he said, as
soon as he could speak. What is to be
short Come home with me a. once-nav
stay until can collect my senses, for the
shock has almost crazed mo but We must
see about gathering help to meet them. =
So Edward returned with him, but a
terrible reception awaited them; every
thing in and about the house bore traces
OF an awful struggle. Every door was
living wide open, and some of them torn
from their hinges; furniture everywhere
overturned and broken. while articles of
female wearing apparel lay scattered
here and there through the house In con-
fusion: but not living creature was any
where visible
Mr.. Carroll sank helpless into a chair
and covered his face with his hands,
while poor Edward, himself almost heart
broken. tried in vain to rouse him.
At last a faint. stified moan drew their
attention to the kitchen. and there. Sc
curely bound TO the foot Of the table. and
closely gagged, lay the female servant.
I A. soon IS the girl was released, she
I informed them that late the preceding
night she and her mistress were sitting
by the fire before getting ready for bed
when q loud knock at the doc, startled
them. Too much frightened to answer it
the girls sat in silence when the man
/ servant. who had already retired to res,
/ in the room above the kitchen, heard :,
+ repeated, ana, hastily throwing on some
+ clothing, came down TO see what vas thu
matter
As soon as he opened the door be re-
celved blow which stunned him. and
more than half q dozen OF tall. rough.
/ looking men. with white shirts over heil
clothes, and black masks upon their faces