The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1884-08-21
About noon I reached NV destination

eye.
On asking for John Boyd-my IA
theirs old friend-I was directed to q
certain Office, and presenting myself
there, was met by a pleasant young fell
low. somewhat younger than myself,
and whose features gave me a perplex-
ing remembrance of some face I had
nee known or seen, though where or
under what circumstances l could not
possibly recall. Still I was strangely
impressed with the familiarity of form
and expression.
I signitied that I was in search of a
Mr.. John Boyd. The young fellow as
sured me with a pleasant smile that I
had not mistaken the man. .tHe stood
before me-"
With a responsive smile I ventured
the assertion s'that l must surely be in
error, or else the secret of perpetual
youth had been entrusted to his keep
ing, as the John Boyd 1 sought had
been an old friend of my fathers in his
younger days, a period too far remote
in the past for supposition to render
him identical with the one now before
me-"
At these words his smile gave place
to a more serious expression.
"He was probably my fathers
friend" he said, simply. "My father
has been dead for several years"
Seeing that the subject was even yet
a painful one, / at once turned the con-
versation to other matters, and we were
soon earnestly engaged in discussing
current topics of a more cheerful ma
ture.
1t was only as l was about to take my
leave that I again referred to his ia
theirs death. expressing my W regret
and the assurance of my fathers sincere
sorrow when he should learn of it.
at has now been some twelve years
since his death, and the circumstances
attending it were peculiarly sad" young
John Boyd replied. stMy father had
been in the West, prospecting for a year
or more, and in company with friend
and comrade started on his homeward
way. They were lost in the wilds
of the trackless forest, and at last,
in trying to discover a trail, by
means of which civilization might once
more be reached, they by some fatality
became separated. My fathers fate
remains to this day. sorrowful mystery.
His companion, after many perils and
privations, finally made his way back
to anxious and expectant friends, and
after learning that no tidings of my
father had been received, he magnan-
imonsly retraced his steps, guiding an
exploring party, who sought long, but
in vain, for any traces of the lost one.'
Before young Boyd had finished his
narrative / regarded him with the
keenest interest. The strange impress
sion of unaccountable resemblance
first experienced grew rapidly into q
strong conviction.
The Young John Boyd ] now saw
was but a counterpart of the elder
John Boyd, whom I had seen in my
dream. Even the mole to the right OF
the nose, though smaller and less con.
spicuous, was not lacking.
How strange that I had not at once
discovered the likeness, which now
flashed upon me like a startling revela-
ton. I~nvoluntarily I asked a question,
yet feeling that l already knew the
answer.
"fWho was your fathers companion
on this fatal journeyP"
ga Mr.. Jacob Lagrew, who YET
lives near here. He is a successful
cattle trader, and has been very kind
to me on numerous occasions. The
friendship he bore my father doubtless
prompts him to these acts"
/ shuddered at these words; they
were so gratefully spoken, and the
terrible vision of the past night was SO
clearly defined upon my vet r~etentive
memory. Still what could be said OIL
donep
Was the dream clue sufficient proc.
for an accusation? My calmer judg
ment told me that assuredly it was not
Positive as were my w convictions
I had no visible grounds upon which tt
build my imputations. For proof l hao
only the strange vision of a restless
night.
A thousand conflicting thoughts per
picked me; but even in my uncertainty
1 felt that I must carefully consider thu
matter and weigh well my actions. II
this end 1 babe good evening to my
young friend, promising to drop il
again on the morrow, as my bushes!
would detain me until then and per
haps even later. 1 spent the Remainder
of the day and much of the night ii
bordering over the strange event.
brought about the last few hours. Al
one moment I had resolved on a Ger.
completely at a loss as to the besi
method of procedure. ! adopted, ap
parently perfected, then abandoned a
unfeasible, a dozen different plans. M,
excited brain would suggest an imme
date revelation to young John Boyd
followed by cooler dictation whicl
inquired into the efficacy of sucl
a course, and advanced the conflicting
argument that this act would bring onl,
additional unhappiness to him, withou
the means of substantiating the veraci
ty of my words.
The thought came to me TO boldl,
confront the guilty nan with a revela
ton of his secret crime, and wiring
confession from him by the swiftnes
of nv denunciation; but, then, wha
if his craftiness should aid him and pu
him on his guard while he demanded
proof or witness of me? In that cas-
I would be helpless. On the followin,
morning L was still lost in a sea O
doubt, and in this state of uncertaint
and indecision l once more found my
selfface to face with young John Boyd
I noticed a buggy standing before hi
office, and when 1 reached the door
found him with hat and gloves on, pre-
pairing to go out.
care you on a trip" asked, pausin,
on the threshold, and declining hi
kindly extended invitation to enter.
Eyes, a short one, he answered, "an'
not a very pleasant one. l fear. I hav
just learned that Mr.. Lagrew wa
tbroup from bio horSo oo,1u thiS nnorp
ing, and is seriously injured. l though
I would go out and learn the particu
lars, and also see if 1 can be of any sery
ice. By the way, suppose you rid
out with mep l should like your con
pany, and besides, if there is any neces
sity for my remaining, you a return
with the buggy"
eff my presence will in no wise in
convenience you L will gladly accep
your Offer" I responded.
IL