Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1883-10-11

"And they haven't secured the guilty
parties?'
NO; and are not likely to do so, Ell
ther. Men who take such goodly sums
as this generally secure a safe avenue
of escape. But | can tell you this" he
added, lowering his voice, and inclining
his head toward hers; suspicion falls
on the Orryille House, but no one indi-
vidually, as far as l am aware Of"
Just then waiter placed letter by
his side, saying, something for Mr.. La
cy."
1t read thus: Come to Dalton at
once; your presence is needed immedi-
ately at Mr.. Greenup's. Do not delay.
A. H."
What is this? Come to Dalton at
oncei A. II. Who can that possibly
be? But I'll 60"
I'm called away for little while,
Matte" said he in explanation, repla
cling the note in the envelope, but ex-
pect to be back soon. l must GO forth
with, and pressing her hand he left the
breakfast room, hurriedly packed few
necessary articles in his valise, and was
at the station just in time to catch the
morning train.
1t was evening. The calm, round
moon smiled upon tie placid little lake
in all her pensive glory. Nature breath
ed her soft musical murmurings, and
everything seemed 10 whisper Peace,
peacew
But the heart of Matte Harris knew
anything but peace rs she left the gay
crowd of thoughtless dancers in the
brilliantly-lighted hotel .fOr an atmos
pher more in harmony with her sadden-
ed spirit. Her heart was very heavy to-
night. She wandered listlessly down to
the waters edge. A little boat lay
moOred there. She seated herself in it,
where she felt she could be undisturb-
ed i'll her lonely meditations. Her
thoughts soon found utteTance.
What changer she murmured-
"what change from our happy condi-
ton of week agoi l can hardly real
iZe it, A bank robbed, and Charles ar
rested as the perpetrator of the robbery
and thrown into prisOnl How could
they ever suspect him? Yet the Cir
cumstancGs are very my sterious, and Il
hasty Investigation points to him. 1t is
evident to me, though, that he only left
Orrville mpOrarily-thath he was really
called away. Strange that he should
have destroyed that letter, and that it
turns out there is no such person as
Greenup in DalJonl 1t is not at all
strange that he should have become ex-
cited when a couple of men laid their
hands on him as he WAS getting out of
the train, and told him he was a thief
and was wanted at Orrville. Who
wouldn't get excited under such circum-
stances? What nonsense they allegel
They say he might have written the
note himself and passed it through the
post. But l know be has not the least
link of connection with the affair, and
the authorities have NO right to impris-
on him when he can obtain bail from
half dozen different persons. But the
people here are so excited that they will
listen to nothing" A tear trickled down
her pale cheek. "Pshawl I'm not such a
baby; all be right yet"
She sat In the boat until all the lights
in the hotel gradually disappeared, and
was Just about to rise and return to the
house, when figure, coming down the
path toward her, duced her to retain
her seat. The figure proved to be that
of the young merchant, Mr.. Van Haven.
Matte had always been atti acted by the
handsome face and winHing manners of
the gay New Yorker, and rather enjoyed
his society than otherwise. So she re-
mained seated until he took bis place
by her side.
Lets row out upon the lake." said
Van Haven, without an unnecessary
good evening, as he raised the oars and
pulled gently from the shore. at is a
very quiet night, and we shall not be
distuI bed. Most of the folks have re-
tired. We must move cautiously"
"Why?" questioned Matte, rather
surprised at the remark.
why! Do you want to betray your
self"
"Betray myself Pray, what are you
talking about, M. Van Haven?"
Just then the moon, which had been
shining upon his back, fell upon his
ace, and revealed countenance with
An unsteady strange expression, and to
the great astouishment Of Matte, that
her companion was asleep. Van Haven
had been known to walk in his sleep,and
perform a'great many marvellous feats
while in that condition; and Matte
Harris herself had happened to meet
him once while enjoying somnambuliS- !
tic ramble. She WAS not at all frighten- !
I'd by the circumstances under which |
she suddenly found herself placed, but |
aStOnishrt; and, being a |
young lady of q good deal of mischief, |
and possessed of the usual amount of |
curiosity, of course she determined to |
let her companion continue on his noe
IHrnal excursion.
What are you talking about?" re-
peated Matte, her saddened features |
giving place to on amused smile.
You know well enough what l am
talking about, Jim. We must secure it
.G-night. 1t may oe found where we
nave hidden it, and that would be the
asst Of us. That letter was sharp thing
If ours, wasn't it? | trsmble lest Lacy
DE- cleared, though; then suspicion would |
EEK some other party. So we'd better
ind other quarters as soon as we can
possibly do SO without causing any COM
nent upon it; and, of course, we will
lot let the money remain where it is
low"
At the mention of Lacy's name and
money" Mattie's mind, which for the
,aSt week had been invariably coupling
hese words together, caught eagerly at
he suspicion thus aroused, and her very
orm shook as the light of a great dis
'losure suddenly flashed upon her. She
lad found one of the guilty parties
concerned in the bank robbery, and
.ould liberate her loverl
The discovery was almost too much
or her. A dim mist suffused her eyes.
She clutched eagerly the side of the
,oat. But she soon recovered the first
hook, yet did not permit herself to
peak. she tremled 80 violently.
Van Haven continued:
I'VE must leave tomorrow; don't you
hink sa?"
Yes" ventured Matte. Now let's
70 quist, fo fear we should be heard"
"All right"
They moved slowly and noiselessly
cross the ripping waters of the lake.
Until they reached the opposite shore.