Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-02-04

"And that'll not be until you're married
miss, y replied the faithful John. "Says
to myself, I'll see if can't fancy Susal
Steele, the postmaster daughter, for know
she's sweet on me, by the pretty way sh,
hands me the afternoon letters; and won
let no one suffer disappointment az have
If can help it."
"A very good sentiment, and very gooc
resolution, john" replied Janet, hastily
concluding the interview with remark
that it must be near dinner-time, for she
was afraid she should not be able to sustain
further conversation with becoming serious.
ness.
The dinner-hour at Weldon Hall was fix
ed for eight o'clock; but when half an hour
after the appointed time had elapsed, and
Sir Wilfred Pearson had not put in an ap-
pearance, the cook became impatient, and
the Baronet's proposed entertainers began
TO wonder what was the reason of their
guests want punctuality. Roland Cavel
especially could not understand it, for lov-
ers are proverbially too soon when their
mistress is to make ono ef ths couapanv
which they are to ioin and in the character
:. .over Roland Cavel expected his friend
to appear.
II can't imagine what can detain the fell
low" he said, at length, to Janet. 81
think I'll 60 and look after him. A walk
will do me more good than idgeting here"
And he went out.
The night was much darker than Roland
Cavel expected; but few stars glimmering
here and there awaited the tardy advent Of
the moor,
The way, however, wa. familiar; 90 10
land lit cigar and meysa brisL'-
in aatisibsbier :. ~ forward
= -oI meeting his friend every
, moment; but no sign of Sir Wilfred Pear
sons approach was apparent when he reach
ed the gate of which the -Baronet might be
expected to enter Weldon Park.
Roland cast aside the end of his cigar,
wondering at this and leant against the gate
for moment considering his course. There
were two ways by which Sir Wilfred might
come to Weldon Hall-by the high road and
by the Wood Riding. which was the shortest
way Roland Cavel decided that his friend
would take the Riding route; and accord
ingly, crossing the road, he entered the
wood through gate guarded by tall post
bearing the information that the way was
private.
Roland advanced along the dark path,
expecting to hear horses hoofs; but no such
sound greeted his ear.
''Sometbing has happened at Dalemore
Place." he thought II had better 60 all
the way and find out what it is."
Making up his mind that he would have
to do this, he lighted another cigar, an6
proceeded lesurely.
All at once he was startled by the SOUND
of mems voices-angry voices he fancied
and the fancy made him hurry onward lesi
mischief should be done. The voices were
accompanied by the striking of horses
hoofs upon the stony by-road, as if the
animal was impatient to be gone.
Was il Arab, the Baronet's favorits
steed? Roland felt almost sure that it was
as he quickened his pace into run, hi
heart seeming to increase its palpitation Al
the same time with vague dread.
Another half dozen steps-a turn in the
road-and he recognised the mounted figure
of S-r Wilfred, and distinguished his voice
He was speaking in loud tone Of annoy
ance to some one standing at his horse!
head, who was evidently intercepting hi!
progress.
"You rascal" he was saying, '1et 60 my
| horses rein, or you shall feel the but-tene
of my whip!'
'.Not until you promise to give up YOU
intentions" was the answer. s'A blow car
be returned with an interest you are un
aware of I am armed!'
'sIndeedp' exclaimed the Baronet, scorn
fully. cit would scarcely do for you tt
come out on such dirty work unless yor
were. Let 60 the rein, say! I give vol
one more chance before strike"
And Sir Wilfred raised his whip as ht
spoke.
sStrike," replied Sydney Dreyfus, for il
was he Strike, if it please you; but giv'
your word at the same time that you viii
not offer her your hand, or, by Heaven
| YOU are dead man! No one shall marry bel
if do notr'
And the click of a pistol-trigger was
| heard.
''CowardP' Missed Sir Wilfred, letting hi'
whip descend, but with no other effect thar
that of starting his horse though it did moi
free it from it's captor. "Why cannot you
accept refusal like an honorable man"
sBecause don't choose" said Dreyfus,
coolly. "Do you promise, or do you not p
"Nop' thundered Sir Wilfred; 81 make
no promise of the kind. Why should II
Stand off, before ride you down! I am moi
afraid of your threats, not IP'
Sir Wilfred made his animal plunge
violently as he uttered the last words, and
by so doing wrenched it from the hold ol
Dreyfus; but the next moment he would
have fallen fatally wounded to the ground
had not Roland Cavel, springing forward,
turned the aim Of the pistol directed at his
friend by catching the arm of the villain
who pointed it; turned it-how can the words
be writtep?-in such way that it caught
the bough of tree, and fell from the hands
of Dreyfus, discharging in its fall the muir.
derous ball it contained at Sir Wilfred's de-
liverer.
Roland Cavel dropped to the ground, shot
through the heart.
Sir Wllfred Pearson, conscious only of his
own narrow escape, for he had not seen Ro
land, rode on, without drawing rein, te
Weldon Hall, intending to set the servants
on the track of his intended assassin; but
on arriving there, and hearing that ROLAND
had gone in search of him, he turned pale
and retraced his steps, followed by Richard
4