The Hickman courier., 1878-07-05
THE STOLEN LOCKET,

THE STOLEN LOCKET.
In the elegantly furnished drawing
room of a west-end mansion sat young
man whose genteel bearing, broad, noble
brow, from which his chestnut hair was
tossed back in graceful carelessuess, and
large thoughtful eyes bespoke him to be
one of natures noblemen. He was evi-
IDENTIFY waiting impatiently for some one,
for, as a slight noise was heard on the
landing, he would start, and FIX his eyes
eagerly upon the door
At last, apparently unable to sit still
any longer, he arose, and, walking to the
window, stood tapping nervously on the
glass, and watched with listless eyes the
chameleon-like crowd that passed. While
thus occupied he failed to hear a slight
rustic as a girlish figure entered the
room, and gliding softly to his side,
touched him lightly upon the arm; mis-
quick start, and the loving yet gentle
manner in which he gathered her TO his
heart, showed at glance that they
were lovers.
While they hold sweet converse, let US
pause d moment, while l describe my
heroine.
She was Of medium height, OF q slen-
der, delicate figure, and possessed a
nameless grace of movement, which,
added to her other charms, had won her
the name, among her many admirers, of
''Nenie the Irresistible" Her besuty
was Of the true blonde type, and. clad as
She was in a shining blue dress, she
looked worthy of the name On her
arms cleaned with a tawny luster broad
golden bands; and from one of these, ,sus-
pended by a small chain, hung tiny
hesrt-shaped locket, one side of which
bore a forget-me~not set of turquoise,
with a brilliant diamond sparkling in the
center
Guy Hartley, for such was our hero's
name, had called, glad of an excuse, to
acquaint Nellie with some arrangement
which he had just completed with regard
to their soon approaching marriage; and,
after short time passed in pleasant con-
versation, he reluctantly rose, and, bid
ding a tender adieu to the fair girl, left
the house with firm, elastic tread.
Hardly hsd he taken his departure
when the front door. bell again rang, and
once mere a young gentleman was usher
ed into the drawing room. The new
conner was tall and slight, with JET black
hair, and a piercing look in the black
eyes that boded no good to an enemy.
As he sank into chair, something glis-
tening upon the floor caught his eye;
and as he recognized it he could scarce
refrain from a shout OF pleasure for
Fred Acton had long been the secret
rival OF Guy, each striving to win the
hand of fair Nellie Pomeroy. And now,
AS he held in his grasp the tiny locket,
which, by some evil chance, had become
detached from the bracelet on Nellie's
arm, he felt that he possessed an almost
certain means of revenge on Guy, and
! stood, perhaps, better chance of win
ming the fair girl for his wife for the
locket, as he knew, had been Guys first
love gift to Nellie, and was priced as one
of her choicest possessions.
At this moment, the footman entered
the parlor, presenting Miss Pomeroy's
regrets, and a request that Mr.. Acton
would excuse her that afternoon. The
truth was that with her womsnly intui-
ton she had long ago OWNED the secret
which he had thought known to himself
alone; and, having ever treated him
with polite Indifference, she felt less in
clined now than ever to endure
tcte-a-tcte with him.
Rising as the footman entered with
her message, and scarcely able to con-
ceaI the pleasure it afforded him at this
moment, when he was still trembling
with the fear of having been seen as he
hastily hid TIE shining baubIe in his
Bosom, he left his compliments and de-
parted.
Going directly to 2 jewelers., he pur-
chased small ring, with which he FAST
ened the locket securely to his watch
chain, and then sauntered down the
street, in the hope of meeting Guy. His
wish was destined to be fulfilled; for be
was shortly grstifed by seeing Guy ap-
preaching, with serene, contented look
on his handsome face.
As they stopped to chat, Fred, as if
anxious TO conceal something, placed
his hand carelessly on his watch chain :;
but Guy, as was intended, noticed the
action, and said, laughingly: "What
| is it you that are so jealously guarding.
Fred? A love-token from some fair
lady ?"
g Yes, but, for fear that it might
blight your hopes in that direction, per-
haps had better not show it you just at
present" laughed false Fred, nervously.
"Oh, never fear for mep' said Guy,
for have already Gagged my bird, and
80 shall not prove a dangerous rival to
your suit"
"Well, then behold :" replied Fred,
removing his hand, and disclosing to
view the tiny locket.
Guy turned pale as death, but mas