The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1881-02-04
WAS HE MAD5i

ID rsiio 70 srGb Ell a.. A-lue 11r3 oi lQHt
a4 In visiting the south Of England, have
you ever gone ont of your way to enjoy
few hours in one OF the p.any delight
full thriving towns which are scattered
like corn throughout that sunny landi
If not, then it has not been your fortune
to view the sparkling landscape of Hazel
ton, a quaint, quiet village, with modest
little homes, whose white paint ghstens
in the sunlight, and whose gardens
trimmed and orderly, exhibit blushine
roses and swect-scented flowers peepine
from midst dense masses Of green foliage
Some twenty years back, there was
situated on the outskirts OF Hazelton, Il
gloomy looking mansion, surrounded by
o cluinp of oaks and cedars which well
nigh hid the ediiice from view.
Bolton Hall had stood the storms of
many centuries, but time seemed only to
deepen the gloom of its surroundings.
The house was square in form, with a
turreted wing attached to its eastern
wall This wing exhibited great signs
of decay, and its moldering walls and
prison-shaped windows enhanced the
general gloom surrounding the whole
place.
In this wing were the fortunes of the
Bolton race made; here were formulated
those thoughts whose execution had
raised Peter Bolton, gentleman, from
comparative poverty and insi9nificance
to wealth and knighthood; and here was
the splendor of the same maintained by
o long line of descendants, terminating,
at the time of which we write, in Sir
james Bolton.
Sir James was man who had just
turned his fiftieth year; of tall stature
and well rounded form, with face
whose keen black eyes could either
twinkle with humor or sparkle with the
darkest of passions. He had evidently
lived well i'll the past, and his close-titing
vest betokened rare appetite for the
delicacies of the table.
Sir james was widower, his wife hav-
ing died shortly after their marriage
leaving her blessing in the form OF a
newborn babe to her youthful husband
Twenty-four y, as had transformed the
babe into II broad-shouldered young
man with blue eyes trimming over with
good-nature, while mouth and chin be-
tokened the resolution of the soldier.
Arthur Bolton had met Lucy Grey
while visiting village friend, and en-
joyed her society i'll many little picnics
and parties cotton up in the neighbor-
hood, and had declared his love and been
accepted And now, the two young hearts
were patiently waiting for the day that
would bind them together in unity and
love-
Lnorf,f,,l
Crisp winter had lifted her feecy cover
ing from off the fields and flowers, and
nature was once more re-asserting her
lovely sway, breathing sweet odors
through the sunny atmosphere.
Arthur Bolton was strolling through
the gardens, idly putting clouds of smoke
into the air, and giving himself up TO the
sweet reflections which love might beget
In such rosy bowers. -7.. vi
A rapid step sounded behind him, and
turning, he beheld his father
"Good morning, Arthur said Sir
James, in CHEEKY tone II am glad /
have found you" gsrtl ~
"Why, my dear father" replied Ar
thur, with a merry twinkle in his eyes,
edo you see your wild son so seldom
that the parternal heart is warmed at
beholding him enjoying a cigar amid the
sweet perfumes of your garden?"
cha! hal laughed Sir James; and for
few moments both gentlemen INDUCED
in considerable merriment. gyel ,U8
Sir james mirth finally ceased, and a
look of deep seriousness settled over his
countenance Arthur turned around,
and thoughtfully studied the old house
which he had never called home. ln
Father, he exclaimed, wheeling back
to his former position, "why do you not
have that old, broken-down tower torn
away, and erect modern wing in its
place? / have often thought that it cast
a gloom over our home. aud this morn
ing 1t seems really forbidding"
Sir james raised his black eyes swiftly
to the face of his son, and darted keen,
suspicious glance at him. Seemingly
satisfied with his inspection, he replied
In his usual tones
"No, Arthur, your father has too few
moments Of seriousness to remove, at
this late hour, the only objects that chain
his thoughts to the past. But, Arthur,
my object In meeting you here this morn
ing is of far too serious nature to wait
longer To-day, Arthur Bolton"-and
his voice became low and earDest-"the
fate of Your father and your home lies in
your handsl" ANA q
What. 800 .-....e.....,............
am ruined, unless"
Good heavens. father, what do Won
mean?"l exclaimed the Young man with
startled eyes and excited tones.
:. Unless, " passionately continued Sir
James, "you save me-" lttl..-af -of 20
"Thank God, if it lies in my powerl''
was the glad response. /" But how is it
to be done?". IN, -. ~. ,,,.., -,,.....I adm
"My plan is very simple. NV credi-
tors are beginning 10 push me 10 the wall.
i can stave off the event for a month,
and in the meantime You can hasten to
my plantation in Cuba--my last resource.
Straighten ont its affairs. which have
through my scarelessness become very
much confused, and sell il for what il
will bring. I have no doubt but the sum
realized will cover all my debts, and
leave handsome margin" Ron
A look of glad resolution lightened
the face of Arthur as he replied:
will run over to the Meadows and
see Lucy tomorrow, and then away