The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1878-08-03
MASTER JOHN.
OR,
THE GHOST OF V1VtEN VALE.
nj MAJOR A. p. GRANT.
CHAPTER I.
THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR.
nj MAJOR A. P. GRANT.

A number of years ago o very elegant,
though old-fashioned mansion, stood on
the left bank ofthe lovely Passaic, not many
miles from its head waters. Its surroundings
were romantically picturesque, and some of
the stirring scenes of the Revolution were
enacted on the ground that belonged to the
antique dwelling During the struggle for
liberty, the place, quite ancient then, was
inhabited by the Leytons, q proud family,
who allied themselves to the British interest,
and served the kings cause whenever a
secret opportunity offered itself Shortly
after the war, the last of the Leytons died,
and the property fell into the hands of
man named John Clymer, whese mother
had been the sister of the last Leyton.
But where was the young heir to Drear-
imoor? The executors of Leyton'S will
hunted near and far for him, and did not
give up the search until they learned that
he had entered the service of the King of
Sweden some years prior to the death of his
uncle. And with the information, came
the news that he had been fatally wounded
in duel, and might die at any moment.
You may be sure, reader, that the execu-
tors did not inquire further into the cond-
ton of the heir, found at last. They looked
about for oranother person through whose veins
flowed Leyton blood and finally settled
the old property upon Vivien Vale, beaut-
full girl, who had just entered her eighteenth
year.
Vivien Vale, was John Clymer's second
cousin, and she brought much grace and
goodness to the old-time dwelling, and soon
won the love and esteem of the many SER
wants whom she retained. She would often
converse about Cousin John, as she called
the man in Sweden, and became so solicitous
concerning his welfare, that she wrote to
Stockholm to ascertain if he still lived.
But no letter was received in reply, and so
she concluded that he was dead, and had
filled a duellist's grave.
1t was near the close of delightful Sep
tember day, that strange mani with
foreign air, and long, dark beard, came to
Drearimoor, and surprised its young mis-
tress, who had just parted with her lover.
He said that he was from Stockholm, and
the agent of John Clymer, the first heir to
the estate, and, moreover, affirmed that he
was empowered TO examine into affairs, and
report to his master, who was not dead.
Nivien, startled by the unexpected visit,
received the man courteously, and asked
many questions concerning her cousin, in
whom she really took deep interest.
"He intends to take possession of Dresr.
imoor 80 soon as he can settle his affairs in
Sweden" the men said, "for you know he
is the first heir"
"But he may not have read the will" the
young mistress answered with smile.
"True he has not, but he has heard Of its
conditions"
"rhen am surprised that he thinks of
coming to Drearimoor. He may have been
misinforned, for, by the conditions ofHugh
Leyton's will, Cousin John has forfeited all
claims to the estate"
The agent started, and asked for the will,
which with little hesitation, Vivien placed
in his hands.
"That is true" he said, after reading the
rude, but binding document My master,
by six months absence after the death of
Hugh Leyton, forfeits his first claim to the
estate. But" and the swede bowed to WV
len, "but should the angels call you away
from earth, John Clymer becomes master of
Drearimoor."
"Even So" said Vivien.
"Well, he will not grumble when make
my report" the man said. He is quite
wealthy in Stockholm, and is anxious that
his uncle's old place should not go to rack"
"Tell Cousin John that I will keep it in
good repair, and that, should it ever fall into
his hands he will find it fit place in which
TO end his peaceful days"
After some more conversation, the man
who called himself John Dreski, took his
departure, and rode away at a brisk gallop.
Vivien had given him kindly letter to
John Clymerj but when he had put three
hills between him and the old house he
drew it from his bosom, and perused it with
a cunning smile.
"There is no use in taking this letter to
Sweden, when John Clymer is 50 near"
murmured the man, as he tore the letter in
twain, and threw it into the Passaic, near
whose calm and beautiful waters he was
riding. Master John is very near you, old
Drearimoor, and before morning you will
have master, not mistress"
The horseman halted before he reached
the village of Passaic, from which he had
emerged a few hours before. 1t was now
moonlight, and not a cloud was in the sky;
the pleasant breeze warmed the mans face,
ms he sat in the saddle, apparently buried in
deep thought,
"she is very beautiful but she must not
stand between John Clymer and the estate