Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-06-17

Confined IRON first Pase.)
home. and 80 never heard anything of this
poor man. whose name was
Poster
AYE. Foster, poor old fellow: but
isn't i likely that he might have made a
mistake and gone abroad?''
mo, Captain Williams, p said, warm
", lit IS not at all likely. He was the
very soul Of honor and probity; besides,
he was rich, and had no motive. You
have wronged him. assure you"
Have ]. well then, beg his pardon, -
he said. with sort Of mock gravity.
mo, no, there has been foul play, and
perhaps, sooner or later it will be brought
TO light"
with all my heart: but as the subject
Is rather agloomy one. suppose we change
it, Ell? think heard You say that your
time was up to-day"
Eyes but have got an obstinate man
TO deal with, and / am afraid shall not
get away until tomorrow night"
Tomorrow night: and your next town
is
.'About twenty miles off; and so when
have settled with that pig-hcaded fellow,
I shall dine and then start"
ut is anything but pleasant travelling
at night in the drcary month Of Noyem-
Der. was going to ask you to come and
see me in my retreat, but"
ut is totally out Of the question; am
due in Boston in month, and have a
great deal of business to get through; but
the next time
"Ah, well we must leave it till the next
time,' he said, lard then shall have the
retreat. hope, in little better order;
and sO--sOme more wine ~
mo, no, must do little work to-
night. Letters to write and other matters.
so know You will excuse me-"
Certainly"
He rang the bell, told the waiter what
time to call him in the morning, took up
his light, and shaking hands with me,
went up stairs TO his bedroom.
Il was strange that the first time shook
hands with him tremor ran through my
frame that could not account for; and for
some minutes | sat down and thought
long over the matter, until drows incss
overlook me.
'.Six thousand dollars | muttered,
halfdreaming of Foster.
The next moment heard, as thought,
the door of the room close hastily.
started up. Selling chair that stood
by, and stood on the defensive. while with
the other hand I covered the book and
money.
who's there ?" ! cal ed out. "Speak ~
And the nexr moment the waiter started
up from his box close to the door lie
had been fast asleep.
"Who left the room, Thomas ~ | said.
There was somebody in thee room Just
now besides ourselves.
"Ior' bless YOU. sire it's impossible.
There amt soul in the house up but our
two selves" was the yawning reply.
where, where is Captain Williams ~
/ asked. hesItatingly.
1.-The Cap'n. LOr' bless you, sir, he's
been in bed this hour, and tell you again.
sir. that everybody is in bed 'cept our
selves"
1 glanced up at the clock. 1t was half
an hour after midnight.
sank back in my seat with q strange.
sickening sensation at my heart.
"Can you bring me some brandy.
Thomas I said.
"LOr' bless you. sir yes. As luck will
have it, there happens to some here
drank the spirit and felt considerably
relieved, and went toward the door.
Good night, Thomas" | said; 'yo
are sure that Capt. Williams has gone to
bed ?"
saw the man. spite of his drowsiness.
look sharply at me.
well, sir, | cant say that | tucked him
in; all know is that Mary the chamber
maid, brought down his boots"
"Bye-the- Thomas, what sort of n
man is this Capt. Williams p
.'Sort of man, sir?" he said.
"Yes. sort of a man.
"A perfect gentleman. Mr.. Bagshaw
always gives me half a dollar And he
looked up at me with such curious lcer
OF his eye that under any other circum
stances should have INDUCED in a hear
ty laugh.
but mean what is his position ?'
Good, should think sir; always pays.
and that cheerfully." was the reply.
| saw that 1t was useless to ask any
more questions, SO went up stairs to my
room.
Continued tomorrow