The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-08-10

Orrville was one of those sober little
American towns which certain class of
novelist so delight to select as the scene
of their r0mances, and which frequently
lie asleep for so 10 ~ period Of time
that it is positive blessing when some.
thing out OF the ordinary course of events
happens, to awake them out of their
state of lethargy.
Orrville had been asleep for almost
twenty years, when an event occurred,
which, together with the attendant
incidents, completely aroused the whole
town.
Orrville was situated on Lake Wanona.
water in our inland States. In q Sc
cludsd valley, shut out, as it we're, from
all the rest Of the world by the sur
rounding hills, with solitary mountain
keeping silent vigil over the slumbering
scene, lay the beautiful lake, and on its
margin, the miniature town. The spot
was all that poet might fancy, or ro-
mantic lover sigh for; and when there
advertised IA new summer resort, the
Orrville House, at Orrville," with every
accommodation, etc., it is not surprising
that many persons who had been struck
by the surprising beauty of the place as
they caught flying glance of it in the
whizzing train, should respond immedi-
ately to the opportunity and engage to
spend the summer or autumn months at
so charming q resort.
Among the earlier guests at the Orr
vile House we're Charles Lacy, tai
cnted young barrister of limited means,
Colonel Harris and his niece, Matte
Harris, and also Q Mr.. Van Haven,
handsome young merchant from New
York.
Charles Lacy and Matte Harris had
been playmates in their childhood; but
the former had removed from his native
place and never had met the sweetheart
of his boyish days until time had trans
formed him into the full stature of
man. Both were now 90 completely
changed that they met ct Orrville as en-
tire strangers, and were only recognise
BILE 70 one another by the mention Of
their names and places of residence.
The acquaintance thus renewed ri pened
into ardent love. and Charles Lacy con-
sidered himself the luckiest fellow on
eartn.
ibid you hear the news, MATTER" Lacy
asked one morning. as his betrothed
seated herself at the breakfast table by
his side.
"No; what 10 it?"
johnson 4 Co., bankers in this town,
have been robbed Of over 500, 000."
"You don't say so! When did it take
placer"
s'Some time during the earlier part of
the morning. The thief, whoever he is,
made pretty fair hand Of it-left the
Arm with very small sum for its own
pocket book. It was . private banking
house and involves many Of the leading
pcrsons Of the town."
"Apd they haven't secured the guilty
mo; and are not likely 70 do so.
either. Men who take such soodly sums
~ this generally secure : safe avenue
Of escape. But can tell you this" he
added, lowering his voice, and inclining
his head toward hers; suspicion falls
on the Orrville House. but no one indi-
vidually, ~ far rs I am aware Of"
Just then . waiter placed letter by
his side. saying: Something for Mr..
Lacy"
e read thus: "Come to Dalton at
once; your presence ia needed immedi-
ately ct Mr.. Greenup's. Do not delay.
A. H."
ssWhat is this? Come to Dalton at
ono4l A. 81. Who can that possibly
bsl But I'll CO."
s'I'm called away for . little while,
uattie," said be, in explanation. re-
placing the note in the envelope. ''but
oxpect 70 be back soon. must 60 forth
With; and pressing her hand he left the
braaklAat room. hurriedly packed a few
necessary articles in his valise, and WAS
= 10 station in time TO catch the morn
ing train.
Il W. evening. The calm round
mooa smiled upon the placid little lake
n "a )or pensfvo glory. Nature breathed
hof eoEt npsical murmuripgs, and every
Ting aoomed 70 whisper peace, psaee"
hut ~ heart Of Matte Harris knew
ony1hlng but peaoe = she left the gay
crowd q thoughtless dancers In the
6GlllinotIy uehtod hotel for IN atmos-
1hqCQ n9te + harmony with her ed
&no1 ot&xfE Her heart vas very heavy
01rkiL - Wandered lislleoply down
r. r. . xs13 edeo. A Ntlle bon lay
4 k ~ ooaeo1 h6euo1f u Il.
Nl(o ~ ~ ~ esgl1 - un1istnrbod
~ ]5 psdilaaloss n IkeuokSs
/ ~ Z ekanGpr'' she musmured--
- . 16GGgo tfom or happy oondis
q q - aeol ] 90 hardly roalizs