The Russellville Democrat., 1880-08-12

surpaSS all former brldalS or the season All Paris knew of it, and one may judge of the sensation when, on the night be- fore the wedding, the bankers house was broken into, and not only all the valuables taken, but the bride herself carried away. A large reward was of fered, but in vain; and the most earnest efforts of tho whole detective force were fruitless 10 discover the slightest clew as to the perpetrators of this bold outrage The days went by and grew into weeks and still no tidIngs of the missing girl could be found, and the bankers form grew bent and his face hollow and care worn with anxiety and grief The whole affection of his life had been wrapped up in this girl.
 Late one night, after more than two weeks had passed, as he was seated in his library, in conversation with one of the detectives engaged on the fruiltess search, note was brought to him.
 VI must see you at once," was written .n large, sprawling hand. q can give you tidings Of your daughter"
 Almost overcome with emotion, the banker gave orders for the bearer to be admitted, while the detective rose quiet ly and took his position behind the cur tain of the window. Scarcely had he done so when the servant opened the door and admitted man who, though fiashily dressed, carried in his face and manner the unmistakable stamp of the lowest criminal class. Che banker spruno from his chair, his face flushed with glad ] expectation to meet him.
 You bring me news of my daughter?" he cried, eagerly.
 "Yes, "the man answ cred: "that's what 1 came for"
 And where is she? Is she well? pense."
 II y~as here before, the night he did u-s little job" the man went on in a | stolid sort of way, as if he were repeat ing set speech and ignoring the others excited questions. There were six of us in it beside the Captain. We six had all the swag All the Captain wanted for his share was the girl; and, while we were gathering up the articles, he took her in his arms and walked off"
 And where is she now? I will give any smount-my whole fortune-to have her restored to meW
 None of us knew where he took her until tonight. He sent for me to come and fetch you to him."
 Let us not lose moment, then," the banker exclaimed, eagerly. "I am ready this instant"
 The detective came from his hiding place behind the curtain.
 "I will accompany you," he said.
 ''Ahl' said the man, coolly surveying him. you're a detective. But it don't matter. The Captain said wasn't partic- ular if the whole force came"
 Lead the way, then. We are ready" the officer answered.
 The man led the way out of the house and along the streets for distance of nearly halt mile, until at length they reached one of the lowest quarters of the town, down by the river. Knocking at the door of an eld-half-ruinous house, whose rear windows overlooked the stream, the guide gave some password to an old woman who answered the door, and then led the way up several flights of stairs, that creaked and groaned at every step, as if they would fall beneath their feet. Arrived at the top floor, the man knocked three times on door at the head of the stairway. A voice an swered, bidding them enter, and. doing so, they found themselves in small, low. ceilinged room, one corner of which was partitioned off by dingy curtain, and before the fireless grate man was standing with folded arms. As they entered, a look ofalmost fiendish triumph lighted up his face, and he advanced to the banker
 "Monsieur Laurin," he said, in cold measured tones, do you recognize me?"
 The banker started back, with an ex- precision of dismay.
 "Paul Fayargel" he pasped
 "Yes," the other answered, ''Paul Favarge-the clerk, who, to further your own grasping aims, you consigned to a fate worse than death, and who swore to be revenged. The time has come. will restore your daughter to you, but il is upon one condition, and one alone. Il you refuse, you and she both die!"
 He waved his hand as he spoke, and before they were aware of it, a man stood, one on each side of the banker and the detective, with pistol leveled at their heads. Hf
 "You see you are in my power," said the other. 'The condition that require of you is that you confess you fabricated the story that sent me to the galleys that you might secure the money your. self"
 An agony of irresolution was visible on the bankers face, but he was silent
 "It you do not decide before 1 have counted three you die"
 Still the banker was silent.
 "One-two-"
 "Yes'" the banker almost shrIeked, q confess It all. You were innocent. and the guilty enc. Are you not satisfied now with your revenge? If you have any human pity left, let ne see my daughter" st +a
 "I have none," the other answered, "but you shall have your wish"
 He drew aside the dingy curtain as hC spoke, and the banker saw pallid form lying upon narrow pallet. but so wasted and attenuated that in the features h' could hardly recognize those of hI daughter.
 My Godw he walled, "she is dead.
 "Yes, she is dead, :" the other answered in the same fiendishly dispassionate tone Would you know how she met he death? Upon your soul is the sin, for i was you who made me the tiend l am She starved to death." ...s
 The unhappy father sank upon tho floor as if struck by bullet. Let you revenge be complete, and kill me also, he wal.ed.
 "No," the other answered, with fiend ish laugh; it is I who die. My ven geance would not be complete if you die not live. Officer" he added, turning to the detective, "thls man IS by his owr | onfession your prisoner: arrest him