Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-10-16
REcoRDUNosl
SET TN A SILVER SEA
ROMANCE BY B. L. FARJEON.
AUTHOR OF
CHAPTER XXXVIu.
HAkehD AND MAUvAIN VISIT THE HUNCH
BACK.


his mothers hut In Mauvain's forest, where
he had found the dead woman and the
sleeping child lying side by side.
With my mother, as l thought. unused
he, "died certain evidence connected with
Evangeline which would never be brought
to light. But another lives to supply it,
and she is in the valley, waiting. Some
thing still remains to do-to bring to Mau-
vain and Harold the knowledge OF each
others treachery; when that is accom-
plished, my labors are at an end. By their
own hands. OF by the hands OF the Judges
of this isle, shall justice be dealt outto them.
My work in life seems already TO be over,
and all that is left to me is to sit and watch
the happiness of those l love, and who
hold me, believe, in something more than
common regard. Evangeline and Joseph
Sylvester will marry he has a strong arm
and stout heart, and will be able to guard
his treasure from evil. My tender flower:
You will never know what I owe you, for
none but can realize the dark depths
into which my soul was plunged when, in
the presence of death, you opened your
eyes and smiled upon me. That smile was
ike the bursting of star within my heart,
and the light it shed upon the dark and
weary path was treading shines clearly
now. Yes, they will marry, and will pass
their lives in the house have built for them
in the Valley of Lilies and by and by,
perhaps, shall hold child within these
arms-Evangeline's child And it will be
taught to lisp my name in accents of affec-
ton. Eternal wonder of nature? To
what end are you working in the ages yet
to come, through life that is ever sweet
and love that is ever new For my life
and for myself thank you, wise mother
of the world. You have given me rich
reward for my early years of misery. l am
grateful. Shall repine that child of my
blood has never wound its arms about my
neck, and that my lips have never given or
received lovers kiss No; let merather
rejoice that no being lives to bear my
shape, and that my days have not been
productive of evil"
At this point of his musings Ranf
fancied he heard a sound without, and 60.
ing to the door of his hut he threw it open.
There was no moon, and there would be
none for a couple of hours darkness was
falling upon the mountain.
cit is WE'LL" muttered Rant, :" that
Margaret Sylvester has Joseph with her i;
they viii reach the valley in safety, and l
shall know by the lighting up of my house,
Chrysanthos, whether all is well. That
will not be till midnight"
From where he stood he faced the Valley
of Lilies, but he could not distinguish his
house through the gathering darkness.
Mentally he followed the footsteps of
Margaret and Joseph.
"They are now at the second hut" he
muttered " there is no danger on the
road"
But lower down the mountain the mists
had gathered more thickly, and fingered
in the middle distance. Margaret and Jo-
seph, hand clasped in hand, slowly pursued
their way f; they reached the second hut
In safety. and half an hour afterwards
Joseph said
SIN less than an hour we shall be home. -
His heart glowed with love; although his
mother was by his side, it was only of
Evangeline he thought. As he spoke, the
form of man ascending the mountain
brushed past them. Margaret uttered an
exclamation OF alarm.
Who goes there," was asked, in a
mans voice.
Hush !" whispered Margaret; II
know that voice do not answer it.
But again the question was asked.
"a Who goes there Speak, or my sword
shall compel you
Peaceable inhabitants OF the isle, re-
piled Joseph, "who are not to be fright
ened by threats. Who are you that ques-
ton so insolently."
q 1t is Mauvain," whispered Margaret.
The man caught the whisper. "You
are right, whoever you may be, +" said Mau-
vain and you can go your way in peace.
Come you from the hunchback's hut? ?"
Eyes"
al was told no mortal but he dare as.
cend this cursed mount"
1t is the first time we ever set foot upon
it."
st is the same with me; and shall be
the last He is at home then, this crooked
wonder"
"You will find him in his hut at the top
of the mountain" said Joseph.
Joseph y cried Margaret, in terror
"what have you done? That man is
RANTS enemy"
"Ah, mistress, recognize your voice, y
said Mauvain. at is true 1 am RANTS
enemy but if you think he is in any Sc
cret danger from me, you are mistaken.
What is done between us will be done
openly. The hunchback can take care Of
himself"
AYE, said Joseph. g Rant is a match
for more than one. 1t is better to be his
friend than his enemy. If your errand is
not peaceable I should advise you to re-
trace your steps"
Is the road upward passably safe 2
''There is fair track to the top, made
by Rant, the work of many years; but
care is needed"
Mistress" said Mauvain, did Harold
visit yous"
HE did"
''And you are ready to worship him as a
model Of excellence and virtue 81