The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1879-07-04
Select Story.
A MYSTERY OF SEA AND LAND.


prospered in business, and the name of Nor
ton was worth everything on exchange. At
the date of the opening Of our story, he
owned but one vessel and she, even, was
for sale. He said he intended to leave the
maritime trade, and many people believed
that he was going to marry and retire to
quiet life on his wealth.
His riches did not make him ostentatious
His bachelor apartments were we'll, but not
luxuriously, furnished and his large circle
of acquaintance wondered why he did not
come out more to their liking. But he had
his reasons, his prejudices and, as the read
er shall see, his hates and loves.
so you are going down in the Petrel one
of his acquaintance said to him one bright
afternoon.
Not down to the bottom of the sea but
down to the orange groves of Cuba, smiled
| Morton.
AS the Petrol will be sold upon her return
| have determined to take leave of her in
last voyage
will you take any passengers ?
None. Did you wart to goT
No; but female acquaintance of mine
would be pleased to sail in the Petrel.'
"A woman, eh p calculated Morton, with
a merry twinkle in his hard eyes. why,
our conversation is getting romantic. Where
does the lady wish to go?'
| TO Havana
we shall touch there.
Just to her liking but as you say you
will convey no passengers, she must content
herself while longer on terra frma'
No ; do not consider me positive, Far
land, Morton hastened to say. "A lady pas.
senger might add much pleasure to the voy.
age and, beside, an affaire du ceur might
result from it. l am bachelor, you
see."
Farland smiled, and the Petrel's owner
produced some wine of Rhenish vintage.
IF your acquaintance would CALL Morton
remarked, as the conversation had returned
to the would be passenger.
Il will sec that she does. You sail
when?'
Tomorrow
She will call this afternoon
Good will brush up bit, dust my
furniture, and prepare for her reception
A few minutes later Dott Farlsnd lef
Mortons quarters and walked away.
'Ha you'll never see Cuba if you tax,
her with you ? he muttered to himself
when you see her think you wilLadhert
to your determination to take no passengers
Redwood Morton, you think l have over
looked your Beechwood trick, and that sh,
has forgotten your jilting OF her. Tim,
heals some wounds, but not such as yol
make
Dott Farland was good-looking man o
limited means. Though barred from tn
best society of the city his poems were reaC
and admired there, and he loved to boas
that verses, written on the gaming table
were quoted in the model family circle o
the best avenues. He was fertile poet ,bu
his associations kept him down.
From Morton's house he went straight t.
well-known European hotel, in the parloro O
which he met a tall woman, with great blu
eyes and fair auburn hair. She sat at tn
window, attired in walking costume, an
smiled when he entered.
We'll, what successY she asked, anxious
ly, and with much impatience.
'Tolerably fair he replied. He want
to see you
See mep exclaimed the woman. NC
J no; at least not now
Then you cannot sail in the Petrol, whic
departs tomorrow. You can dissemblt
Bertha; he will believe that you have for
gotten the past, and he will gladly take yo
out with him.
Once at sea, and he will know that hay
not forgotten cried the woman, clenchini
her hands while her eyes flashed. TO sa
in the Petrol, you think | must see him |?
4 know you must, said Dott Farland.
To-day, then p
Before night
Then be it so. will go at once Be
!. tha said, firmly. Il must sail in the Petrel
+ The afternoon was drawing to a close whe
: Redwood Morton received the would.be pa
g senger into his sitting room, and when sh
raised her veil, an ejaculation of surprise fe
from his lips.
t This is a surprise, Miss Walker he sale
recovering. We have not meteor fi'
years. Indeed, l did not know that yC
II were in the city, and had no idea that NJ
Farland referred to you in his conversatio
several hours since
Il am the lady referred to- she reptile
with faint smile l desire to go to II
wanna, and must thrust myself upon yol
kindness. The Petrol, l believe, sails t
morrow; no other vessels follow for sever
weeks, and they are very precious to me.
have interests in Havana that must be loo
ed after; hence my eagtrness to depart
She finished, and waited for him to spea
For a while Redwood Morton looked his v
itor in the eye, and slowly rose from
chair.
Miss Bertha Walker he said slowly, t
Petrol will sail without you
The next instant the woman was on b
feet, facing him with flashing eyes. H
G face was white, and her lips quiyered vi
illy-smothered passion.
Il am content she said, but let me
you that will yet have my revenge. RI
wood Morton. you do net know me as so
men do. | have crushed hopes before II
as | would crush an egg shell in my hal
My very fate drives ships upon rocks, a
my hate will drive you to despair. | KIN
that doll-faced girl who believes that y
love her You love a woman pshaw X
wood Morton, the thought is absurdity.
penny I'd throttle her and hurl her
your feet. | say this to tell you how h
you and everything on which you sm
len The very grass you tread-the flag t
waves over your ship. will encomT
r. your destruction, and boldly this. | \