The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-02-12
"Fhe girl Where Is she 2"
"You mean Maggie z"

IL don't know whether 1t was Maggie,
or Mary, or Betsy, or who; but it's the ono
dealt with"
"You refer to Maggie Osborne, pre-.
sume,' said Nlr. Sanborn. "She left here
soon after you went out, aud will not he
in the store again for several weeks"
"Magelc Osboruc ~ exclaimed Morton
in'oot. "Gone, tool Depend upon 1t,
she's got tho Talbot damonGs!"
Nlr. Sanborn stared in blank amazen,enl,
"nd mechanically gave Morton Talbot Mag
GIGS address; and it was not until Talbot
lett the store that he fully realized the
cnormlty Of the crime with which his
trusted employe had been charged. He
promptly wrote to Maggie, Offering sym.
pathy and assistance, and declaring his be-
lief in her innocence. And that was not
all, With John Talbot's assistance, search
for the missing diamonds was instituted
but MIR. Morton Talbot knew nothing OF it,
aud went on his own way to recover the
lost gems.
A long, steep hill. at the bottom Il
halfway up, the insensible form Of Mr.
Morton Talbot, 80 far on his search for
Maggie Osborne or the lost diamonds; ut
the top. comfortable farmhouse, and a
young lady just coming through the gate
to MIR. Talbot's relief.
Help was near, and with very little de-
lay the unfortunate Talbot was safely On
sconccd between two white sheets to the
good housewives spare bed.
Lis senses came back to HIM at last, and
his first words worc:
"Whal Il tremendous hill"
Then he bethought him Of his errand,
and startled the young lady in attendance
by asking abruptly:
"What would you do to a young lady,
il she stole your diamonds from you2"
'Never having been the owner of dia-
monds, l cannot say" replied the young
lady; "but believe l should, first of all,
get tho diamonds"
''Zounds2' exclaimed Mr. Talbot. "And
that's just what will do. By-thc-way, do
you know a person named Maggie Os.-
bornel Z"
Il do"
sis it posi- ?" exclaimed Mr.. Talbot,
as though 1t was the strangest thing in the
world. "Woll, you are the first one. If
I've asked one, 1 have askek hundred and
nobody knew the little thief"
"The aOhat sirs''
''rhiei She stole the Talbot diamonds,
and I'm aftor her |"
"Why why Pm astonlshedl knew
Maggie had a very taking way, but
never supposed she would go 80 far as
that"
"Nor nobody else grumblcd Talbot.
''thercs my boy, John won't believe u
word Of it. He's utter her"
''rwo after herr Poor Maggiel She'll
be caught, surely!"
"No, no, mol" Interrupted Talbot; "not
about the diamonds: but he wants her for
wifel'
"Ohl that's funny, now--isnt 1t? OF
course youll not allow it2"
Just let him try it" replied Talbot
with meaning smile.
'No, knew you wouldn't. 1t would
be scandaous. But you probably would
not care so much if she hadn't stole your
diamonds? Maggie is quite nice girl,
they say"
"Well, no. John has always been a
good boy, and if he really liked good, re-
spectacle gil, and wanted to marry her,
l don't know as should say much against
1t. Bat such creaturcl Bah Johns
Il fool |"
GLOW curious. But If she proves her
innocence. For instance, if you should
learn that she had not touched the dia-
monds al ali, and your son still wanted to
marry her you would not object. Of course
you woultln't.' az
mo. wonldn't' replied Talbo,-at the
same time he was thinking, "lll he safe
enough, Tor there's not The least doubt Of
hei guilt. And gu. IS III promise further,
for really like this girl. 1t won't do
any harm, any way, to give her good
opinion of me-" emo, l would not Oh
ject,' hc repeated: land more than that.
| would give them good setting up in
life. Pm able, and l would ,lo it, too"
''Thank you, father" were tho words
TINT came in answer to his !; and looking
toward the door, he saw John standing
there. 81 overheard your promise, father. I"
continued John, land think | shall DO
safe enough TO sot the wedding day Just a
month hence"
''uumphl Don't count your chicks too
soon. That Maggie Osborne never will be
your wife"
'Not until she, or some one else, proves
her innocence"
"foull be IN your grave long before
that, boy"
''My demlse will be speedy, then" SAID
John, taking something from his pocket.
''See the proofs |"
"Whatl hlercyl What Is it2''
''The Talbot diamonds, father"
Changed il you aren't rightl' exclaimed