The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-05-31
CHAPTER XVI.
THE END OF A BRIGHT DREAM.

iiC HlIIlSelI Dreaming
at first, and it was some time before he
could realize his good fortune; but, when he
did realize it, his discretion had to be
brought into full play, for he could scarcely
retain the secret.
1t lacked three days of Christmas when he
called again at the house of his promised
bride. The evening was clear but frosty,
and light wind had sprung up. The art
lst concluded that he should be more com
Portable indoor than in taking his usual
prowl about the city. At dusk he ascended
the steps OF Clariees pleasant little dwelling
and rang the bell. Clarice was just spread
ing the cloth for supper rs he entered the
room. The fire burned brightly and seemed
vieing with the light of the lamp.
Everything looked neat and comfortable,
but the chief attraction to James Dalton
was absent.
"Where is Celeste2" he asked, seating
himself in the large armchair.
'She has gone out" replied Clarice, ner-
vously, busily setting the table.
"Gone out! ex laimed the young man,
springing from his seat.
"Ye6 She said she was longing for
breath of fresh air, aud wished to take
short walk. As she has not been out since
she came here, could not object, and she
pleaded very hard"
James Dalton's face did not betray the
tempest OF doubt and fear which ragged
within.
'How long has she been gomez" he asked,
quietly.
Clarice appeared not to have heard this
question, for she did not answer.
"How long has she been gomez" repeated
James Dalton.
"AlmoSt an hour" said Clarice, reluct-
nntly
slight pallor was visible on James Dal-
tons face, and his lips twitched, as he
picked up his hat.
"Then she will not return" he said
'tshe has been trackedp
Not long after receiving this intelligence,
the artist was again in the little wooden
church opposite the house which set back
from the street, In the suburbs OF brooklyn
city.
He took his station at the partly-opened
window buttoniug up his coat to keep out
the wind. 1t was curious episode in the
history of that holy editce.
The next morning worship was to be held
the church, for it was Saturday night, and
here was man-hunter watching in its pre-
cincts in anticipation of prey
There was bright moon shining, and
every object about and near the building
could be plainly seen. Occasionally, wind
clouds drifted across the horizon, bnt soon
were gone, when all was bright again under
the effulgent moonlight
The streets were deserted.
A single light burned in the upper part of
the house which was being watched, inst
the same as on that former occasion when
James Dalton had spent the night in the
church.
More than an hour passed without any.
thing to interrupt the monotony of the
place when the watcher observed move
ment at the western corner Of the house. 1t
was cautious movement-some object,
human or animal, he could not tell which,
was evidently trying to get around to the
front door. Presently the object came out
from the shadow of the caves and passed
along until it gained the door.
1t was the figure of woman!
james Daltons heart gave wild leap.
Who could it be?
The door of the house was in partial
shadow, and he could not see whether she
entered it or remained outside. Racked
with doubt and fear, his self-control almost
foorsook him; but he curbed his wild desire
to rush out and confront the woman, and
waited
Some hours had passed when the door of
the house was opened and two men issued
forth. They came slowly down the garden
path, pushed open the gate, and went down
the street
James Dalton quickly left the church.
locked it, and followed the two men. They
were crossing the fields back of the house
and had quickened their pace. The young
man kept some distance behind them, stag
gering carelessly along He had put ON an
rusty black coat the sleeves of which were
dllapidated and had drawn slouch hat
over his forehead. To all appearance he
was only half-drunken laborer.
Once the men stopped and looked back;
Then, as James Dalton staggered and almost
fell, they went on.
Quickening his pace, James Dalton was
soon up with them. The keen-eyed man
whom he had seen on Broaday, some time
before he singled out ut glance, and |
showed violently against him.
The man sprang back with an oath, but |
not before pistol barrel was pressed |
against his temple,
II want you, my maui" said James Dali
ton, coolly, and he blew shrlI blast from q |
whistle attached u the button-hole of his
coat
The mans companion turned and fed in
the direction he had come.
The keen-eyed man seemed SO completely
surprised as to be incapable of making any
resistance.
George Kicker" said Mr.. Dalton, as o
policeman came up in answer to his sum-
mons, "you must turn back, and go quietly
with us to the house which you have just
left.
Upon reaching the house. James Dalton
sounded his whistle twice and rang the
door-bell violently. After few moments
delay, the door was cautiously opened, and
the bold-faced woman called Jess looked
out Without ceremony. the young man
gave the door kick which sent it back
against the wall, and the party made their
way in, reinforced by two officers, who had
answered James Dalton's signal.
As they entered the drswing-room, the
woman Jess. who rushed in ahead of them,
gave bundle of wood, strangely enough,
lying in the open fireplace, kick, as if de-
Siring to put it back out of sight.
James Dalton spraug forward and picked
up the wood, which proved to be box