The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1881-08-24
CHAPTER XVI
TIE END OF A bright DREAM.


Hr. James Dalton had suddenly gained o
clue which was as unexpected as it was ex-
traordinAry. He thought himself dreaming
at first, and it was some time before he
could realize his good fortune; but, when he
did realize it, his discretion had to be
brought into full play, for he could scarcely
retain the secret
1t lacked three days of Christmas when he
called again at the house of his promised
bride. The evening was clear but frosty,
and light wind had sprung up. The art
ist concluded that he should be more COM
Portable indoor than in taking his usual
prowl about the city. At dusk he assembled
the steps of Clarices pleasant little dwelling
and rang the bell. Clarice was just spread
ing the cloth for supper as he entered the
room. The fire burned brightly and seemed
Vieing with the light of the lamp.
Everything looked neat and comfortable,
but the chief attraction to James Dalton
vas absent.
''Where is Celeste2" he asked, seating
himself in the large armchair.
''She has gone out" replied ClArice, nec-
Vously, busily setting the table.
"GOne outr' exclaimed the young man,
springing from his seat.
Eyes. She said she was longing for q
breath of fresh air, and wished to take q
short walk. AS she has not been out since
she came here, could not object, and she
pleaded very hard"
James DaIton's face did not betray the
tempest of doubt and fear which ragged
within.
GLOW long has she been gomez" he asked,
quietly.
Clarice appeared not to have heard this
question, for she did not answer.
Chow long has she been gomez" repeated
James Dalton.
almost an hour" said Clarice, rsluct.
antly.
A slight pallor was visible on James Dali
toms face, and his lips twitched, as he
picked up his hat,
'"Then she will not return" he said
''she has been trackedr'
Not long after receiving this intelligence,
the artist was again in the little wooden
church opposite the house which set back
from the street, in the suburbs of Brooklyn
city.
he took his station at the partly-cpened
window, buttoning up his coat to keep out
the wind. It was curious episode in the
history Of that holy edifce.
The next morning worship was to be held
the church, for it was Saturday night, and
here WAS O man-hunter Watching in its pre-
cincts in anticipation of prey.
There was bright moon shining, and
every object about and near the building
could be plainly seen. Occasionally, wind
clouds drifted across the horizon, but soon
were gone, when all was bright again under
the effulgent moonlight.
The streets were deserted.
single light burned in the upper part Of
the house which was being watched, just
the same rs on that former occasion when
James Dalton had spent the night in the
church.
More than an hour passed without any
thing TO interrupt the monetony of the
place when the watcher observed move
ment at the western corner of the house. It
WAS q cautious movement-some object
human or animal, he could not tell which, |
was evidently trying to get around to the
front door. Presently the object came out
from the shadow of the caves and passed
along until il gained the door.
1t was the figure of womanl
James Dalton's heart gave wild leap.
Who could il Der
The door of the house was In partial /
shadow, and he could not see whether she
entered it or remained outside Racked
with doubt and fear, his self-control almost
foorsoOk him; but he curbed his wild desire
to rush out and confront the woman, and
waited.
Some hours had passed when the door of
he house was opened and two men issued
forth. They came slowly down the garden
path, pushed open the gate, and went down
he street
James Dalton quickly left the church,
Oeked it, and followed the two men. They
we're crossing the fields back of the house,
md had quickened their pace. The young
nan kept some distance behind them, stag.
'ering carelessly along. He had put on an
usty black coat, the sleeves of which were
and had drawn q SLOUGH hat
yer his forehead. To all appearance he
Tas only half-drunken laborer.
Once the men stopped and looked back;
hen, as James Dalton staggered and almost
ell. they went on.