Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1878-10-11

We need not narrate how the two men
then left the mansion and wended their
way through the streets-Mr. Harcourt
amused in spite of himself to think that
he, the grave, dignified man of bust.
ness, should be masquerading through
the streets of the great city, and all for
a silly girls foolish fancy.
Suffice it to say that at length the
banker found himself arm-in-arm with
his companion in large gambling
house, when, after passing through
several apartments, the guide at last
halted before a curtained alcove, whis-
pering:
" You will await me here, where, by
moving the drapery little, you can
observe what transpires Within
Lifting aside the tapestry with one
hand, the guide now walked boldly for
ward toward a table, around which
were gathered several men engaged in
the occupation of gambling. Taking
from his pocket a small package of pa
pers, he placed them on the table be-
fore one of the men, as he said:
81 have in my possession several
hONNo VI y 1Ohlof AAtNltllli tlN 10 blltl dIt
| already due, have now called to settle
the matter, or at least to make some ar
rangement in regard to security and
the time of payment"
In the conversation that now went on
at some length Albert Lestern protest
ed his inability to take up the notes,
affirming, when closely pressed as to
his available property, that his estate
was already mortgaged to the extent of
its value, and finally, becoming exas-
perated by the others persistent de-
mand for immediate payment, he cried:
And who the duse are you, who 90
around buying up my notes of honor,
and then come crowding me in this bold
mannerP"
THAT is my affair."" said the man
in the mask, coolly
And mine also, by heavenr And
with an adrOit movement Mr.. Lestern
tore the mask away, revealing the face
of Francis Clavering.
You have only saved me the
trouble of unmasking, Lestern, said
that gentleman, with sang trOid throw
ing himself lightly upon chair near
by.
He had not intended to unmask,
however, and he had gained possession
of the notes for few hours only. prom
ising to return them again to their
lawful owners without harm to anyone.
But when Mr.. Lestern discovered the
identity of his tormentor his face
turned deathly white, and for few
brief moments he stood as if turned to
stone. Then recovering himself, and
half drawing revolver from an inside
pocket, he said, slowly:
"lfI thought, Clavering, that you
had been spying into my affairs for the
purpose of impeaching me before Har-
court or his daughter, swear l would
put bullet through your head where
you are.
"Not so fast, Lestern," said the
other good 81 know what
your intentions are-you hope to gain
possession of Harcourt's vast business.
or rather his fortune, by a marriage
with his heiress. And would be such
a consummate fool, think you, as to
destroy the goose that lays for me the
golden eggP"
II see, l seer' said Lestern, his
suspicious vanishing. "Those fellows
knew that could not pay them, GER
tainly at present, and you probably
bought the notes for mere song,
thinking to obtain their full value by
and by, which would, in fact, bring
you quite little fortune. By Jove,
Claveringn' he added, admiringly,
When | once get Harcourt's property
into my hands III make you my head
man-see if 1 don'tr'
"But the pretty Grace might object
to such an arrangement-what then,
"My little lady will find who is
master then. Won'tI pay the proud
mink for the way she has treated me
when l get the chance" he added,
Mr.. Clavering retired from the
alcOve well satisfied with his success,
for this raSe de gueTre against the young
gambler had been concocted between
his young wife and Grace Harcourt, he
having consented to act his part in
drawing Mr.. Lestern on to speak of his
affairs, whereby the rich banker might
discover the abyss over which he stood
ready to wreck his daughters happi-
ness, as well as his own.
AS for James Harcourt, on regaining
his mansion, home never seemed half
so fair and sweet to him as it did when
he, followed by his fair companion,
the drawing-room and there
observed the form of Harry Wentworth
seated between Mrs. Clavering and the
fair Grace.
A strict, stern man, firm in his
opinions, yet quick to acknowledge an
error when once made plain to him, it
needed only the sight of Harry's hand
some, honest face to bring out all the
in his deep, rugged nature.
And he walked quickly forward, with
both hands extended, the honest tears
shining in his gray eyes, he said:
"My dear boy, you are worth a
thousand such men as l have seen to-
night. But forgive me, Harry, l have
been unjust to you, but | will make
by giving you my little Grace,
my one treasure, dearer to me than life |
Itself. But l warn you beforehand"
ne added, lightly, to hide his emotion,
. for if the little puss has conquered
ne, what will she not do with you?n
But Harry said he was quite willing
% risk the consequences, since hearts |
md not heads ever proved victors in
he end.