The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-10-10
BACK FROM THE DEAD.
BY GERAINT.
CHAPTER /.
RESCUED FROM RUFFrANs

RESCUED FROM RUFFIANS
Maurice CORTLAND was young bach.
or of about 30. He had been in
We an unlimited number of times, and
ad not yet met his affinity. He was
tolepably good-looking, and earned a
comfortable salary as leading man of
the Lucian Theater. He lived very
quietly, and had no relations except a
| other, who made Bachelor Hall as he
termed his rooms-a cozy and inviting
little place.
He was not a dreamer in fact, he
wholly disbeleved all the marvellous
stories he had heard relating to night
visions and dreamland phantasies. One
night after returning home, he sat up
rather late, studying new part he had
received that day. He grew exhausted
and fell asleep. While in the volup-
tuous arms of Morpheus, ne had very
curious vision. He dreamed that he was
IN lonely street late at night, and wit
messed lady struggling with two men.
he rescued her from their clutches, and
as they vanished voice whispered in
his ear:
you have at last met your fate. Win
her if you can!"
What an absurd dream" said Maui
rice, the next day, as he laughed at the
recollection of it. "And, still, stranger
things than that have happened.
Pshawl what an ass I am to give mo-
ment's thought to such an affair"
Time glided on, and the memory of
the dream had almost faded from his
mind. The Lucian threw open it's
doors for the fall and winter campaign.
1t was the first night, and the curtain
fell upon the final act close upon ii
o'clock. Maurice left the theater and
strolled leisurely homeward.
1t was glorious night in early au-
tumn, and the air was deliciously cool
and refreshing. While enjoying CT
gar piercing scream resounded on his
ears. and, turning around, he be-
held lady trying to free herself from
the savage hold of two rufians.
Promptly arraying himself upon the
weaker side, he dealt one of them
stunning blow on the right temple,
felhug him to the sidewalk. The other,
seeing how the tide of battle had
changed, disappeared around the cor
sner.
How can / ever thank you, sir, for
your timely assistance?" exclaimed the
lady, III grateful tones.
There is no occasion for thanks"
ne replied; Il am only glad that was
so near at hand. Did you recognize
your sssailants?"
No, sir. AS l stood here waiting
ffor car they accosted me with pitiful
stories of sick wives and starved child
rem. As l was about to take some
money from my purse they grew bold
and demanded it. L, of course, refused,
and they laid violent hands upon me.
screamed for assistance, and you know
the rest"
Would it be impolite to inquire
your name?"
Certainly not; / will tell it with
pleasure. l was christened Frances
Linton"
Not the leading lady of the Earring
ford Theater2"
The same, sir"
What curious coincidence, Miss
Linton. / am, like yourself, profess
sionai L am called Maurice CORTLAND,
and L insist upon seeing you safely
nome.
L am causing you a great deal of
unnecessary trouble, Mr.. CORTLAND"
Nonsense; it is duty man owes TO
woman to protect her from injury"
She accepted his arm, and, after a
brisk walk, they arrived at neat row of
frame villas.
q My home," said Miss Linton, with a
sigh of relief, hating before one of
them.
1 would invite you in, Mr.. Court
Land, but etiquette and the lateness of
the hour precludes such hospitality.
Will you honor us with a visit some
day2 Papa would be glad to meet
you"
Nothing would afford me greater
pleasure"
Don't fail Goodnight"
He pressed the hand extended him
and the door closed abruptly.
CHAPTER IL
FRANCFs LINTON AT HOME.
Frances Linton uoo nm avoaaI,,,I