The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1881-06-11

said, kindly. "Why will you not believe
me in my good intentions 2"
"Why should II" she cried passionate
ly. Did not my fathers trusted friend!
the man whe had sworn to be my second
father, seek my life ?"
"Ah p said Barclay, with start. "My
conjecture was true, then. he deeoyed
you to the river, then after believing you
safely out of the way, he left your coat and
hat upon the bank to give the impression
that YOU had committed suicide =
Eyes" she answered, ''but the river
was more merciful than he, for it cast me
ashore alive. Sick with horror, and madly
afraid of the whole world, came here
where my father lay, to die upon his grave
Now you know all. If you are that man
emissary, may God forgive you.
II am the emissary of mercy, returned
Barclay. II an here to do justice on a
villain and to restore you to your rights
Will you trust and help me r
She looked at him.
"You have a good face" she said, offer
ing him her hand, Il will trust you.
"Then, said Barclay, "keep up the
character you have assumed for one more
day. Tomorrow night | shall bring East
burn here with witnesses. Play the or
gan when you hear us enter. We car
safely leave him to accuse himself.
II will do as you wish, she answered
"IIow can | thank you
"By following my directions, " replied
Barclay.
With few words more of advice ht
left aer The next move was to go di
rectly to the landlord of his inn, relate The
whole story, and secure bis support.
At 10 o'clock on the next night, II
company with the landlord, be called
upon Stephen Eastburn. Cutting shori
4 his smooth salutation, Barclay said:
'Mr. Eastburn, the obscure manner oi
your wards death has given rise to strange
rumors 10 the village. Her spirit is said
to wander in the old church. We desire
you to accompany US there tonight 10 order
/ to set their stories at rest.
'sGhost absurd Do you mean tC
make fool Of me ? | will not 90 to tht
church at this hour Of the night.
"Allow me to observe, said Barclay
sternly, "that the rumors, unless you aid
| in dissipatiug them, may eulminate in :
charge of murder.
Something significant in his tone seem
ed to render Eastburu suddenly submis
sive.
"0f course | viii 90, out Of politeness
/ if you insist We shall probably bag :
church mouse. They are proverbially 5,
starved as to be incapable Of fight.
No reply was made to his attempt a
/ humor, and in a very uncomfortable fran.
Of mind be went with them to the church
aud was shown into pew in the dark be
tween them After moments silene,
the low tones Of the organ sounded through
the church, accompanied BY a woman I
voice.
"What is this p cried Eastburn, start
ing up, "whose voice is that ?"
BE silent, said Barclay, steruly.
At the same instant the glass from his
lantern fell broadly upon the orgaa
Standing before il, looking down at them
was the figure of Ada Morton.
sob, God, gFoaned Eastburn, ehok
ingly. "She has come back from the othel
world to accuse me of her death"
aYes, said the girl, solemnly. "Steph-
en- Eastburn, you are my murderer.
II confess il" shrieked the wretch y
ask mercy! Take me away--hide mC
from this awful sight
The light turued out aud the girls fgur,
disappeared The hogror-smitten East
burn, shrieking mingled prayers aud curses
was taken to the village and imprisoned OF
the charge of fraud aud attempted mur
der In course Of time be was convicted
and punished.
On the day he was sentenced Barclay
called on Ada Morton, now Installed 10
her fathers house.
81 have called to say good bye, Mis-
Morton"
| The bright light faded from her face
and look of pain came in its place.
You are going away had hopes
you would stay with us
any work here is done, be answered
Il have restored you to your home, ans
to-day your enemy receives punishment
/ What more is there to do ?"
Nothing, she returned, brokenly, ''bu
to forget the poor girl whom you have be
/ friended. That viii be easy
aNo, he replied, earnestly, $50 difficult
that | shall never accomplish it. To sta
as your friend is impossible. ! must g
away and labor to crush out this longing
| this love for you which has overgrown m!
whole heart, or stay to cherish it, for you
sake, Tell me, dear Ada, which must
do?"
She looked up at him shyly, aad can,
nearer to his side as she Whispered =
"Stay.n