Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-01-31
THE STORY.
CHAPTER I.


The progress of time had no softening
effect upon the evil reputation of the ac-
cursed mount. For more than hundred
years no human sound had proceeded from
the deserted nights shadowless forms held
dominion there, spirits wrapt in deathly
mantle of silence. The fair white snow
land cleaned as beautifully now in the eye
of the sun as it had done thousands of years
ago, and it would have been difficult for
stranger to believe that tragedy in which
Gods Judgment had been so fearfully
demonstrated conld ever have occurred
upon its stainless bosom. But the story
of the crime and its punishment forms the
blacklist page in the history of the Silver
Isle, and the pure and peaceful aspect of
the mount did not lessen the adherence in
which it was held by the islanders. Even
now, although six generations OF men had
passed away since the awful night upon
which the destruction of the sinner and his
symbol was accomplished, only one girl in
the Silver Isle dared to tread the upward
way, and only one mans shadow fell upon
the rugged paths leading TO the basin of
eternal snow.
The man was Rant the deformed, the
girl Evangeline.
In the year 1880 of the present century
an unusual circumstance occurred the
white sails of schooner were within few
miles of the isle. A visit from the outer
world was an event so rare that the island
ers watched with deep interest the move
ments of the schooner. Children ran to
the hillocks, and gazed with delight upon
the snowy wings of the sea-bird; women
also experienced feeling of pleasure in
observing the graceful dip and rise of the
vessel. Their pleasure was not shared
by the older residents of the isle,
who silently asked each other whether
the schooner came as friend or foe.
The question was soon answered. The
schooner anchored in the bay; in the even
ing boat rowed towards the shore, and
four sailors and landsman leapt upon the
beach. Two chests were in the boat, and
these were brought to land and placed on
the beach, high up, out of the reach of the
tide. This done, in silence the sailors,
obeying the instructions of the landsman,
returned to the boat and rested on their
oars, waiting for further orders. The man
who remained was roughly attired, and for
a moment or two he stood silently regard |
ing group of islanders who were watch (
ing his proceedings. Presently he APP
preached them, and addressed them in
courteous tones.
81 am flying for my life, he said. 81
come to you for shelter and protection"
His demeanor was so easy and uncon-
ce-ned as to appear to some to afford con-
tradiction to the serious import of his
words /; but it was evident to the more
experienced that he was in earnest
In front of the group stood one of the
magistrates of the isle, known as Father
Sebastian.
"This is not a sanctuary" said Father
Sebastian ait is land whose inhabitants
desire to live in peace with all men. If
you are flying for your life, you have COM
mitted crime"
"Not So" rejoined the stranger, in a
light tone, and it was apparent from his
speech and bearing that he was gentle
man, despite his common dress, unless it
is crime to have opinions. 1t is one of
the misfortunes of our family. l have
played part in too turbulent civiliza-
ton having opinions, expressed them
having the honor of an ancient name to
uphold, upheld it. No semblance of a
crime can be laid at my door l simply
happen to belong to the party that is out
of power, and being down instead of up, 1
am naturally disguised with the world.
Until my turn come again, l seek the Sc
.ourity that is to be found in forgetfulness.
In this follow the footsteps of my grand
father who, fifty years ago, under precisely
similar circumstances, sought refuge here,
and obtained it. He did not abuse your
hospitality. Our name is Mauvain."
"Your name is known" said Father Sc
bastian. 81 am old enough to have dim
remembrance of your grandfather, who,
after he left this isle, sent US remem-
brances which we still possess.
"Our family were ever grateful" said
Mauvain, with bow. In my boyhood
1 often heard my grandfather speak in
terms of admiration of your ways and
modes of life therefore" he added, with
touch of pleasant sophistry, 'your vir-
tues are to blame for my intrusion. These
papers will prove that l am the person
represent myself to be-" He paused for a
little while to allow Father Sebastian to
examine the papers, and then continued {:
81 beg you to place faith in my assurance
that will not bring trouble upon your
peaceful isle, All 1 ask is permission to
remain here till 1 can return to my native
land"
He held out his hand, which Father Sc.
bastian accepted, and thus Mauvain was
made free of the isle.
Thereafter, from time to time, brig or
schooner came to the isle, bringing Mau-
vain letters and newspapers, which he read |
with eagerness, and bringing also imple-
ments and tools of use to the islanders, |
which Mauvain employed in the way
of barter and exchange. BY these means he
became the owner of land, and he was soon |
looked upon by the islanders as one of
themselves. He had already told them he
possessedopinions; inaddition, he possessed |
ideas, and being of an energetic, restless
nature, he strove to make them popular. |
In this he was unsuccessful. The island. |
ers would have none of his crotchets. The |
IL Il. &