The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-04-20

to retire, but Mrs. Gary darted between
her and the bedroom door, and picking
up knotted stick, shook it at her and
showed her teeth.
"Divil bit ye go in there this night!'
she cried. I'm not agoin' to risk
havin' me throat cut by SIGH desperate
character as ye are, for see murder in
yer eye."
Widow Cary staggered to the cabin
door and with an oath dashed il open.
$50 now" she said, fiercely, can
don't dare to show yer face here agin.
Go to yer highwayman, Congo to the
dogs, if we like, for here we can't remain.
I'll tear yer reputation to rags for re
fusin' Falix DAILY, I'll turn livery one of
me grand frinds agin We before the sun
all the powers I'll drop down on me
knees an fling me curse at ye!
care you mad?" exclaimed the poor
girl in sore distress. Pray, close the
door,"
81 will whin ye are on the outside, an
not till thin"
"But I"
The widow raised her knotted stick,
and brought it down with cruel force
upon her step-daughter's shoulder.
Though the pain was keen the girl
uttered not cry. She walked slowly
toward the door, and there she paused
and looked responsibility at her brutal
step mother.
II am going" she said, "and as long
as live will never again cross the
threshold of this door,"
And Nelly Cary passed out of the
darkness, sobbing as though her heart
would break.
She soon reached the lonely highway,
and paused for moment to dry her eyes.
81 will 20 to Mr.. Desmond's house"
she murmured. "Con's parents will
gladly give me shelter, for they are kind
and good"
Pale and trembling the poor girl hur-
ried on through the darkness of the
bleak March night, and within half an
hour she arrived at Desmond Farm.
Three days later.
Mr.. Felix DAILY was seated in his pri-
vate apartment in the Shamrock Inn,
frowning darkly at the fire, and evidently
in bad humor.
ST cannot drive Nellie Gary out of my
head" said the gentleman to himself,
and he crossed his limbs and folded his
arms "Her handsome face seems to
haunt me. think of her by day, and
dream of her by night. I will not lose
her. I will do anything to win her, and
by all the imps that wait on Satan l will
not give her up"
He arose from his chair, and leaning
against the mantel, resumed:
I'm fool to grow discouraged. Con
Desmond will be tried next week, found
guilty, and transported. 1 am sure of
that. Then the coast will be clear; l
will play my cards we'll, and in the end
succeed, or my name is not Felix DAILY.
A knock at the door. "Come In, who
ever you are" SAID Mr.. DAILY.
The door opened, and gaunt old man
entered the room.
"Who are you and what do you want?"
growled Felix DAILY. 81 don't know you"
perhaps not" said the visitor,
slowly, "but know you."
"What is your business?" demanded
the gentleman Of leisure with frown.
The old man advanced toward Daily
and stared at him for a moment. His
lips were pressed together, and his deep
set eyes were flashing brightly.
"My name is Desmond" he said. II
am Con Desmcnd's father"
Father of robber, eh?" exclaimed
Felix DAILY. "Well, You have my sym
pathy; but must repeat, what is your
business with me?"
II came here to tell you what l think
of you," replied Mr.. Desmond, looking
straight at the man before him. Il came
here to look upon the secret enemy ofmy
son."
Days face grew pale and he appeared
uneasy.
"You are contemplate william and
cowardly dogw continued the farmer, in
bitter tone. ION this wide earth
baser reptile does not breathe. Had l
my own way, I'd have you dashed through
the public streets, with bowling mob
behind you"
with az oath, Felix DAILY caught up
his walking stick from off the table and
sprang at the aged man.
"Ycu gray-headed rascal, he cried, in
rage, 'I1l teach You lesson !"
He raised his cane to strike, but the
farmer forced it from him, and swapping
it in two, he threw the pieces at
his feet.
Coward that you arer Kissed Mr..
Desmond, ''your well-laid plot to ruin
my SON has come TO light. Driscoll has
confessed"
Felix Daily started back with fright
ened look on his face, and sank down