The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-12-04
TRI-WEEKLY EDITION.

| WIN Ncttlc--hlS arm about her 'Tatst, and
her cycs looking up with an expression on
intense interest into his face.
! 1t was in q secluded nook in the rear of
| the Webster estate where few ever went.
Harry not finding Ncttie at the house had
thought to find her there. and had gone in
search Of her only to be torn by jealous rage
at her supposed duplcty.
lie said now:
'Perhaps II will be well for>you to defer
your visit, Miss Webster is now at the
point of DEATH"
Aggrcved as Harry felt himself, he could
not but feel sorry for the stranger. Hestoo
! Il moment as though bcnumbed. Then b,
said, huskily:
Miss Wcbstcr--Nettie dying must
soc her. What have to say is of great i'm
portancc. 1t will almost bring her loving
spirit back to earth to hear it,
The answer came cold and decisive:
10 all appearances Miss Webster is be-
yo.d help At any ratc, all depends on alb
solute quiet"
ooh, my little sister fear her tender
l.
bles.
Harry caught his arm convulsively.
"Did hear aright2 Is Miss Webster
your sistcr?"
Eyes, my darling, only sister. Though
no one knows of it. have been in trouble
and all because was taken for someone
| else. For the past four years have been
under cloud of disgrace, though an limo
| cent man. That Is why my father bought
this place. and removed from his old home
Ho couldn't stand having tho name con-
nectcd with criminal, and he wasn't quite
| sure of my guilt, neither was he confident
| of the truth Of my denial 50 he asked me
| to keep al respectful distance from his
| new residence. Nettie thank God, saved
my faith in humanity. She never doubted
me. To-day came hither with a light
heart, for all is cleared up. have the dy-
ing deposition of the rascal who had kept
out Of the hands of justice, leaving me to
| suffer for his actions. That is why I said
that my news might hasten Ncttic's re-
covcry. If she dies, the light will go out of
my life. Dear, unsclfsh little sister,"
Harry's heart absolutely sang for Joy Mt
the thought that Netuic had been true and
loyal to him rs she had said, though
through it all surged wave of sorrow and
| rcmorse at his own cruelty.
lie caught the young mans hand and
wrung IL warmly.
"You are the Charlie Then about whom
she has been raving in her delirium2 You
are right. as soon rs she awakens her
mind shall be put at rest about you, and, "
he thought to himself, "about one other
fash, unjust helng who docs not deserve
hat she should live to bless him with her
forgiveness"
The next morning he went again to her
bedside.
She had not come out of her heavy slum-
her. So he stationed himself by her TO
watch the turn Of the disease.
For several hours there was no change.
Then She moved and opened her eyes,
After time she seemed to comprehend
that it was Harry. Then, with look of
intense pleading, she whispered:
"Forgive--" >s
Hc stayed the words upon her lips with o
kiss.
lit is all right, darling. know oil. Your
brother Charles is hcre-not only innocent,
but proven so. Now you need worry no
more. All you have to do Is to get woll
and make us happy"
With sigh of content the heavy eyes
closed. The opiatc had taken effect, aud
once moro slumber had shut out the scenes
OF the outer world.
After this her recovery was rapid, and
when, few months after, the fond old ia
ther gave her away at the alter to be loved
and cherished at the hearthstone of another
lie was not lett alone-his son, restored once
molc to his proper place among men, stood
beside him.
Charlie Webster says that his sisters un-
doubling confidence in his innocence at the
time when all others turned against him.
was his salvation.
lie might have lost all hope, and, in his
hot anger at human injustice, have really
sunk into the ranks of criminal life.
lie did not know until long years after
how near Ncttie came to wrecking her own
happiness Then he said:
''1t was just like you, Nettie. When we
were both little children you always man.
aged to bear the brunt Of my misdoings. 1
remember drubbing several boys among my
schoolmates for nick naming YOU sNcttie,
the Martyr"
Harry, who was also listener to Char
lies speech, thought how nearly that last
trial had won for his darling the martyrs
crown, and consigned him to perpetual
mourning for his unreasoning harshness and
cruelty to her whom ho loved better than
life ITSELF
The Colorado Desert.
The Colorado Desert may be properly