Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1879-04-15

We'll, YOU see, when we were coming
down | met gentleman, that owed me
some money; paid me 5000, and now
don't know what to do with it, as we are
going up into the woods to see about
LAYING out new railroad. We shall be
gone two days. Don't want to take the
money with me; will YOU take charge OF
it while I'm gone:
If you'll trust me.
Bless my soul yes, of course; here
is the money. Must hurry away. Good
morning.
Scarcely had portly Mr.. Sayrc gone
away before Mr. Devarges came saunter-
ing in.
Got quite little sum there, haven't
you, Miss Nellie eyeing the bills in my
hand.
Yes replied, laughing, Mr.. Sayre
has made me his banker. Look Six
hundred dollars How rich should feel
if it were mine.
you deserve to have much more; and
doubtless that pretty face I'll win it.
Somehow this bold compliment failed
to please, and it was with coldness that
said:
Take a chair, Mr. Devarges'
NO, thank you, Miss Nellie; have an
appointment. But will YOU allow me to
call on you this evening"
We'll. | scarcely think | shall be at
home. You know mother and sister Lulu
are away. and a little while ago got
word from grandmother saying perhaps l
had better come and stay all night with
her
1t was true that | had received such
word from grandma, but had no; thought
of accepting it, had hoped that Jack
would come and make up, and, Of course
| | did not care to have Mr. Deyargcs call
at the same time.
What will YOU do with your money,
Miss Nell:' carclessly inquired Mr.. De
vargeS.
oh, I shall put it right here in this
drawer. No one knows about it, and it
will be perfectly secure.
Dare say; good morning, and, with a
courtly bow, my admirer left
All during the day | busted myself
about my duties, and when night came |
put on the dress Jack liked best, and
anxiously waited his coming
Seven o'clock! O'Clock! 9 o'clock
The last train had come and gone, and
my duties for the day were over. put
out the light in the ticket office, went in
to the sitting-room and watched and
waited Ten o'clock. half-past 10, No
use waiting any longer-he wouldn't
come.
| went to the door, opened it, and
looked out. There seemed everything
weird about the whole landscape. Even
the shadows seemed alive. The sky was
becoming overcast and the moon peepcd
out of an inky-black cloud The frogs
down the river were croaking dismallyi
the wind seemed to whisper and moan. |
shivered. with nameless dread, and
closed the door; went to bed and cried
myself to sleep.
had slept an hour, perhaps, and then
awoke with a sudden start, feeling a great
difficulty in breathing A part of the
quilt lay across my mouth, | thought, but
on reaching my hand to remove it found
that it was a handkerchief saturated with
what: Chloroform
A thrill of terror passed over me. Who
had done this: Was there some one in
the house:
half arose and gazed about me. All
was dark, except little ray of light fall
ing through the partially closed doors.
l silently arose, and just then almost
screamed in fear when a sudden sound
smote upon my ear. 1t was only the
clock striking the hour of midnight. l
placed my hand upon my heart to soothe
its fierce throbs.
Stepping along, carefully avoiding all
obstacles, | reached the door, opened it,
and glanced into the sitting room No
one was there, but some one was in the
ticket office, for | saw light and heard
voice What did they want: The
money. oh, the money left in my charge
Somebody was stealing it, and what
should | say to Mr.. Sayre; Ny God, /
might be accused of taking it myself, and
thus lose honor and position
Rather lose life,' l said to myself. 4
will defend that money unto DEATH and
looked about for some weapon.
Under the stove was large iron poker.
Selling it carefully, started slowly toward