The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1878-05-24

torth's insulting addresses to her, and
his threat of vengeance.
Il understand how it is" sobbed Lu-
cille; "he has written this horrible letter
on purpose to compromise me. Butch
papa, how can persuade Harry of my
truth?"
She was in such an agony of distress
that Mr. Wentwood speedily became, in
| stead of the judge, the consoler, and
promised to convince his son-in-law oi
Lucille's innocence, being so fully per-
suaded of it himself that he began to
fancy this an easy task. Somewhat con
soled, Lucille and he awaited Egmont's
return with what patience they could,
but the evening passed away and still he
did not come. Lucille grew very anx-
lous, and then desperately alarmed. Mr.
Wentwood himself was apprehensive Of
some calamity, and, at last, started off in
search of the missing man. His first
inquiries were at the Albany, where
Danforth lodged. Yes, Mr. Egmont was
there. in the chamber of Capt Brooks.
Mr. Wentwood Immediately sent up his
name, and, after a long delay, Capt
Brooks appeared. His face was very
grave, and Mr. Wentwood felt that his
worst apprehensions were to be verified
There was long and anxious consulta-
ton between the two, and, when they
parted, Mr. Wentwood took a cab, and
drove with what speed was possible back
to his daughters house. Lucille came
forward to meet him, wan and worn
with her long and terrible night vigil.
Wrap something warm about you,
Lucille, and come with me-" said Mr.
Wentwood, hastily.
Harry she gasped, is he hurt?"
"No; he is well, and We may yet be in
time to save him. He and Danforth are
to fight at SUNRISE"
1t seemed as if Lucille could not grow
any paler, and yet shade of ashen gray
overspread her face; with mighty effort
of self control, she restrained all outward
manifestation of her agony; and, seizing
a large cloak, went out swiftly to the cab.
In the gray dawn of the summer morn
ing, on Wormwood Scrubbs, stood four
men, their purpose in utter and horrible
contrast with the peaceful scene around
them. The seconds measured the dis
lance; and, just as the first golden rays
of sunlight stole from the east, Egmont
and Danforth confronted each other with
murder in their hearts. They were both
very white-Danforth, who had not cal
culated on such a result of his folly,
looked uneasy and alarmed; Egmont's
expression was resolute, while a fierce
fire glowed through the hopeless misery
of his eyes.
"One, two, three-frel"
The fatal words dropped out one by
one; and as the last was pronounced the
sharp sound of two pistol shots broke the
stiffness, followed almost simultaneously
by woman's scream. No one needed
that, for Danforth had fallen.
The two seconds went up to him; his
face was convulsed with agony, and he
lay ividly haggard on the grass, his eyes
glazed, his hands twitching.
my God have 1 killed him?"
Egmont groaned out the words In an
guish; a moment ago he longed for the
mans life blood; now that he saw it
flowing he was distressed.
At the s,und, DAnforth opened his
eyes.
at was a written lie," he gasped.
"Listen all of you-you especially, Eg
mont. lam dying man; and l swear
to you, as l hope to be forgiven, your
wife is innocent" He paused a moment
conyulsed with pain. No, don't go;
you can't help me, and 1 want you all
to hear. Stoop lower. 1 wrote that
note to compromise her; she gave me no
encouragement-bu / loved her, and
hoped to force her to come to me. God
forgive me-"
Unnoticed by all, Lucille had ap-
preached the spot, and paused by her
husbands side Danforth was the first
to see her.
@She is therel" he said. stirred to sud-
den life. Lucille, will you pardon me?"
Egmont turned and looked at his wife.
In the deep earnestness of that glance
all was explained, all forgiven; and he
drew his arm around her as he answered
for her.
"The punishment is heaviest on you,
Danforth. God knows we both forgive
whatever harm you have done"
But the fallen man was already uncon-
scious and, leaving him in charge of
the seconds, Harry returned with Lu
cille and her father to his own home. He
had thought never to re enter it with
her; but, as he pressed his wife to his
heart in recovered happiness, she was
dearer than eyer before.
Danforth did not die; the wound
proved not even to be very serious and
so we'll was the affair managed that the
secret of the cause of his illness was un-
known beyond a few faithful friends.