The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-06-03


in places over against its walls. Up its
sides clambered ivy and arbutus.
The entrance faced the road, and was
reached by low stairway On the right
aid left side walls were large, handsomely
stained windows, and little to the right
was smaller window, Which furnished
light for the pastors study.
There were no dwellings, with the excep-
ton OF the Clay ton mansion, ut all near it.
Back of the church was the graveyard
Its gateway, being directly in front OF the
rear end of the edihce, could not be seen
from the road.
When the prison alarm heralded the es-
cape of Ned Jasper, ma might have beon
seen lettering about this place.
He had crossed the fields, jumped the
graveyard fence, and come under the shad-
ow of the church, the walls of which lie
carefully examined, trying the wire MEETINGS
before the windows, to discover some means
of getting inside.
But the night was dark, and the building
new to him.
He paused as the gong struck, yet the
sound of it did not startle him.
Again it pealed forth, AID this time was
followed by loud shouts and the baylng of
hounds.
Though the prison was a long distance
away, the noises Travelled fast upon the still
midnight air.
The man renewed his efforts. From the
front to the back of the building he strobe.
After while, he distinguished the little
window on the southwest side. 1t was not
far from the ground, and available for en-
trance, if not locked He placed his hands
against the cross-bar The window yielded
and flew up.
Hastily he clambered in and shut it
again.
! The noises increased in volume. A num-
ber of roughlooking men, bearing lanterns,
aud holding fierce dogs in leash, dashed up
to the church.
"Stand guard here, Simon" ordered one
OF the burly officers of an assoc iae. "He
may attempt to hide himself lnsde!"
| And the almost uncomfortable hounds
flew on, the men following close behind
Only the guard Simon remained.
SO soon as lis coadjutors were gone, he
closed the slide OF his lantern, and flung
Inns, If under the trees.
All was silent. Nothing disturbed again
the serenity of nature.
At early dawn, the guard woke from
deep sleep, extinguished the light Of his
lantern, aud departed.
Then the little window in the church was
raised and the lone occupant peered out
lie was about forty-Gve, and OF medium
height. Ii How eyes told of years OF anxi-
ETY. aud suffering. The hair Of his head was
gray, and his cheeks deeply furrowed.
As he was about jumping to the ground,
footsteps were heard approaching. With a
eroan, he drew back, but did not close the
window.
Two strangers, engaged in earnest con-
versation, appeared.
Before reaching the church steps, they
hailed.
TIE ewes of the watcher in the church
rested on the elder of the two, a fashion,
ably dressed, middle-aged man; he started
and smothered an oath
Tie other, who might have been taken
for young man in moderate circumstances,
was scarcely noticed.
81 will 90 no farther" said the young
man, in katulant tone. "We are near old
Cayton's, and | do net care TO pass the
house at breakfast time, as they would un.
doubtedly see me in-in--"
He seemed afraid to finish the sentence.
"In company with ME, you would say"
snarled the elder, picking up the talterer'a
speech
"Well, yes, if you will have it. You know
they don't hold you in too great admiration,
and, as I wish to keep up my reputa'
tion--
"Exactlyr' returned the middle-aged man,
again taking up his comp MONS speech.
They are somewhat prejudiced, n mis-
fortune over which grieve, for should like
to visit the Clayton domicile ere l return to
New York"
"Do they know that you are here?" in
qured the younger.
"How could they, when have only been
in the village since daybreaA? But shall
probably visit John Clayton. I'm sorry,
Newton, that you don't care for my society.
No offense meant suppose. Don't forget,
however t at l must have some money at
once. Ny purse is depleted"
Impossible, Clark said the young man,
with shake OF the head. 81 have not
dollar, Were it in my power, you know l
would gladly pay"
"Likely, sneered Clark. "Yet there are
numerous ways of raising money"
"You may think SO" returned Newton,
mournfully, "but you know not how / am
situated I've struggled against this cursed
fever to no purpose, for the tickle goddess
has grasped the entire fortune left me by my
late uncle. Already the necessity of gaining
living by dishonest means seems staring
me in the face. Would God were dead!"
Bah" said Clark contemptuously, ''are
you bereft of sense2 How have existed for
these many years? A little trick shows the
genius the man. When your living is at
stake. you can't afford to consider the stories
of morality and honesty invented by old
women and simpletons, who ought to take
their places beside other lunatics!'
Newton turned as if shot.
'Villain!" he exclaimed, hoarsely, "you
have, by artifice, almost ruined me! Now
you show your infamous character. Hither-
to I thought you at least well-meanlng
friend, but how am undeceived! Step by
step You led me on, and, when l stand on
the very brink of horrible precipice, you
attempt to push me over!'
Springing forward, he seized his COM
panion by the throat.
Clark wrenched himself loose and coolly
forced the young man down on the church
steps.
Come, come George Newton!" he said,
"dont get excited. I'm not going to be
marsh. The thousand you owe me is an
honorable debt but, if you are sorely
pressed, I'll let mp on you. have deal OF
patience NY wish is to benefit not harm
BY adopting the plan Of friend, you may
gain not only fortune, buta handsome wife
in the bargain.
"IIow9' grumbled the covering Newton.
"You are friendly with Miss Cecil Clay
toni"
II have known her fl sm infancy"
''Shs thinks you gentlemanI"
! ayes"