The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1884-09-25


The next morning early, he was
aroused from his slumbers by success
sion of heavy raps at his door.
He hurriedly dressed, and was very
much startled and annoyed at behold
ing before him three men displaying on
their coat lapels police badges.
I'VE arrest YOU Henry Carlton, in
the name of the law, for larceny, COM
mitted last night at the firm of Palmer,
Ray & Co. No delay, hope, ia nee
essary on your part. Ills best to come
right along"
Poor Harry was dumbfounded. He
could not understand at ALL but,
reasoning that the mistake would soon
all be righted when he was allowed to
inquire into the affair, he became less
downcast. But, ali, false hopes How
difficult for the innocent to work, even
with right on their side. if they cannot
control might.
He had the morning before ex-
changed his heavy coat for thinner
one, to accompany Miss Ray, and
after coming back to the office re-
changed again, the weather having be-
become quite cool. And now, horrible
to witness, bills to the amount of four
thousand dollars, besides large amount
in bonds, were brought forth from the
breast-pocket of the coat he now wore.
Great Godl" he groaned, where
did that come from?"
"You can tell that best yourself, no
doubt" answered Edwin Palmer, satiri-
cally.
Four long, dreary weeks sped by,
with Harry Carlton languishing in
prison, and Erma, with pale cheeks and
sad, hollow eyes, praying for his &C
quittal.
"Too late," she moaned, wringing
her hands, "too late have learned to
love him too late. But, my Harry is
no felon. Some one is working his in
jury, 1 would stake my life on it. Oh,
my love, my love-"
! When Edwin Palmer called to press
his suit, and urged a speedy day for
their union, Erma felt in no haste to
marry. Her sentiments toward him
had vastly changed since her ramble
with Harry, but she did not like to
wound his feelings by acquainting him
with the fact. She felt exceedingly
guilty. He is more loyal than l." she
tearfuliy exclaimed.
"But L cannot tell him now, 1 can
not!" she moaned piteously. "My
heart is too sore" Then occurred to
her the prophetic words of the space
wife: "He'n cause your heart to greet
sairly, sairly," spurning the remem-
brance from her.
! With clenched hands and curse on
his lips, Edwin Palmer left Erma, in
wardly blaming that hound in prison
for it all" exclaiming wrathfully: "He
is just beginning to reap his just re-
ward, for he not only has stolen
money!" he chuckled, "but Erma's
heart.
Yea, he went, little guessing what
was in store for him.
He had an appointment to keep that
night with one of his colleagues in
crime, and the place chosen for the
meeting was the brow of the mountain.
AS 1 have said before, Edwin Palmer
was a great coward, and he shivered
violently as he hurried along on foot,
casting frequent and fearful chances
around him, his ears alert to every
sound, his eyes strained to their utter
most, striving to pierce the night.
A peculiar whistle was heard, which
Immediately was answered by the now
assured Palmer.
The two met and proceeded at once
to business. From their conversation,
they were members of gang of des-
peradoes, for which a large reward
was being offered. As yet they were
not suspected of the relation.
They had gambled until they had
lost what they had previously gained
by crime, and had met this night to ar
range for q raid on some reliable firm.
They were discussing the probability
of firing the safe of certain bank,
when tall, black figure emerged from
the shadows and confronted them.
Edwin Palmer's companion skunk
back into the shade, and he was about
to follow, when the apparition adj
dressed him thus:
Edwin Palmer, if you stir from that
spot will shoot you down like dog
Now, confess your crimes. Are you
one of the mountain cut-throat gang?
Speak, villainl"
"And make you my father confessor ?
Ha, Ia, ha!"
DO you see this weapon? Answer
me, or it will be the worse for you; 1
swear it,"
well, yes; but never take life"
"You do not, Ell? That remains to
be proven. Edwin Palmer, are you the
wretch that caused Harry Carlton to be
imprisoned? Speak, coward !"
ooh, mercy, mercy L ami" he walled
family, while his knees smote together
II have but one score more to settle
with you, and snail then send you upon
long journey. But before do this, L
command yon other villain to come here.
You see l was prepared for this meet
ing. In the presence of your confeder-
ate in crime, Edwin Palmer, wish you
to sign your name to this document. 1t
is only the confession of your two late
crimes that I'have already questioned
you about; read it if you like. The
first, your alliance with this gang of
cut-throats; second, causing another to
suffer for your SIM"
Drawing dark lantern from beneath
her cloak, she offered pen and ink to
the trembling youth. He signed his