Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-06-26
CHAPTER XIII.
TIE STATUE ~ THE MARKET PLACE.


believed had completed the chain which
surrounded the lives of Evangeline, Mar
earet. CIarice. and Harold. But much
was hidden from me which I hsd no expec
tation would ever be disclosed. / was in
absolute ignorance of the circumstances
and condition of the sisters whom Harold's
treachery had torn from each others arms.
l had then no intention of continuing this
record; but events have occurred, and a
discovery have made (which shall in its
proper place be set DOWN is in its nature
and possibilities SO startling, that shall
find relief in imparting my secrets to a
companion to whom I can talk, and in
whom I can con6de with unreserved con-
fidence These white pages will not be-
tray me.
"The friendship sealed between Joseph
Sylvester and myself has endured, and
appears likely to endure. He is growing
into manhood, and those qualities in him
for which gave him credit as lad-such
as faithfulness aud determination of pur-
pose-have developed in strength, and are
part of his nature. He is not too free
with his tongue--a decided merit Lo.
quacity is ever dangerous. have tested
Joseph Sylvester. have given him tasks 10
perform, have walked in the woods with
him, and have studied his character, aware
the while that he was studying mine in his
quiet way He is not blind follower :;
he has opinions of bis own. There is but
one person whom he would blindly obey
Evangeline. His will is subordinate to
her lightest within. 1t would be a cruel
test were she, in moment of hayward
ness, to call upon him for foolhardy proof
of love; he would give it without re-
monstrance. He is weak only where
Evangeline is concerned; it will be well
for both if she uses her power with tender
ness and wisdom.
My white doves fly now between val
ley and mountain. Eyangeline calls them
her white angels. The idea was mine and
the children entered into it with delight a
pigeon house was built on the roof of Mar
garet Sylvesters dwelling, and Joseph and
had no difficulty in training the pigeons
to fly to and fro. Thus the children and
are in constant communication, and many
weary hour has been beguiIed by watch
ing the pretty messengers conveying mes
sages OF love under their wings to those
who are dear to me- Threads of love be-
tween valley and mountain, invisible air
lines stretching from heart to heart.
From the top Of my mountain can
see far over the sea, and the message some
times runs, - ships making for the Silver
Isle. The news is conveyed to the inhahi-
tants OF the isle, and in this way am en-
abled to render them a small service. 1t
occurs to me occasionally that I owe them
that which can never repay. This Silver
Isle is theirs, and they have allowed me to
live here in peace. That the service is rem
dered in the name of Mauvain does not
lessen the obligation. True, they did not
receive me with open arms, but l had 70
right to expect it. In no other part of the
world could l have lived my life free and
untrammeled, at liberty to come and Co. and
surrounded by peace and plenty. l thank
them for it from my heart. Churl that l
am. it would be difficult for me to express
my thanks in spoken words. l lack the
generous impulse my nature has been
warped.
"The children call me the Master of
the Mountain A little while after my
white pigeons had been taught their duty
received the following message, in Joseph
Sylvester's handwriting
"' Evangeline's love, and Gabrielle's, and
Joseph's, to Rant, their friend. Grand
father Matthew wishes to see the Master of
the Mountain. He viii be at its foot an
hour before sunrise tomorrow
"At the hour named [ vas at the ap.
pointed place, and found Matthew Sylyes-
ter awaiting me.
s. He and his grandson bear close re-
sembIance to each other. If Joseph's good
Qualities ara isherte1 from hi, Grand.
father then :, Matthew Sylvester a man
to be trusted. Sincerity and bopestv Of
purpose are depicted in his face; it is not
mask 10 hide tbe secret tbourbt He
.n5 bic 60, po,,, ara c,,r,.ir,,, fs be,r,on
They have a boat for deep-s fishing, and
/ often watch it from the Nights when it is
far out at sea.
Matthew Sylvester came straight to
the point.
:" 1 wish to speal, with Won, he said,
about my daughter MARGARET and her els.
ter Clarice.'
g. At Margaret Sglvcster's desire? !
asked.
" No lie replied Of NY own proupt