The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-12-01

il. In the wild delirium of a passion
that WIS never equaled in the heart of
man, | married the most eonfiding aud
lovely creature that ever lived The
fraud was detected. My wife-my liv-
ing wife, forced herself into the house
where | had sheltered my falsely-Son
bride. Zalima would not love the
villain who had wronged her. She left
ne; and without her l care very little
whether it is - prison or a grave"
But what If Xulima loves you yet
Nha. if she only desired that in this
trial your right 70 her could be estab-
ished%'
The prisoner shook his head.
Il only say" continued Ross, "if thi:
were the case; ii q new trial were grant
ed, If there was no lack of funds to
pave the way through court, would you
not, having n new trial, suppress the
proofs of this former marriages. Might
not your wife herself be persuaded to
aid in clearing you
"No," replied the prisoner, firmly.
1T could not be. My wife pursues me
with that strong hate which Is born OF
batiled passion. Zulima ceased to love
me-
Because she believed her marriage
unlawful, said Ross.
1T was unlawful. / have acknowl
edged it again and again. Zulima has
nothing left-nothing but her freedom
from the man that had wronged her,
to hope for. would not deprive her OF
that.
And if the means were before you
II you could obtain new trial, this
first marriage, you are certain, would be
proven against your
Il am very certain" replied the pris-
oner.
Remember, if they fail to prove the
first marriage, you are free forever, and
Zulima Is your lawful wife. Is not this
worth an effort -
The unhappy man clasped his hands,
and for a moment there broke through
his sad eyes a luster that was perfectly
dazzling.
Worth an efortr' he said "Oh,
b avens | would die but to see her look
upon me again with love, for single
moment.
"rhen why not make the effort? ~
because l know that Zulima has
ceased to love me. She Is young, beau
tiful. feel that she has brought me
here, not for revenge, but that herself
may attain honorable freedom. | would
not raise my hand % thwart her in the
just object"
The two men looked anxiously at
each other. They we're astounded by
the strange magnanimity of the pris-
oner.
a tell YOU, said Ross earnestly, "this
thing can be brought about Your
counsel have seen the witnesses. Gold
is a potent agent. Even your wife
Yields; she will not appear. You can
be cleared Of this charge; you can claim
Zulima as your lawful wife. We pledge
ourrelves to accomplish all that we have
proposed"
"Gentlemen, you seem kind, and /
thank YOU; but | know that the wrong
which I inflicted on that young girl has
been followed by her aversion; she has
told me so. She is not my lawful wife;
without her love--her firm, earnest love
| would not claim her if she were. All
that she desires is freedom; that she
shall have, though it cost my life in
stead of a few years imprisonment"
Ross arose ard went into the corridor,
where he conversed in low voice and
very earnestly with the turnkey. Mean
time the prisoner sat down in the empty
chair. and, burying his face in his
hands. seemed to be lost IN bitter
thought When Ross returned, he arose
and stood up, but his face was haggard,
and he seemed to suffer much from the
struggle that had been aroused in his
breast.
''Then you are determined not to claim
a new trial?"
81 am, was the reply.
perhaps it is as well; but we are the
friends of ZuIima. She suffers, she
shrinks from the thought of your inn
prisonment. This new appeal may be
impossible, but there is another way.
Your trial has done all for Zulima that
can be accomplished; it sets her free.
Now she would give that to you, which
your self-devotiou will secure to her
freedom. Tonight. De Oranges, the
means Of escape will be provided; at
day-break, tomorrow, a vessel sails for
Europe; you must become one of her
passengers
"And does slss desire this?'' asked the
prisoner, aroused all at once from the
stubborn resolve of self-sacritice that had
possessed him.
''She does we are her messengers"
"To-night-this is sudden! and she
desires it2 She deems the trial that
has taken place sufficient Tor her
emancipation from the hateful bonds
that made ner mine. You are certain of
this2n
'Most certain"
fFArJ Tho ,,oaans of Asca ne 81
leave that 10 US. The time, mid
night; De ready That is all we desire of
you"
'I will be ready" said the young man,
falling into the chair which Ross had
Just left, aud overcome with sudden
sense of freedom-freedom given by the
woman whom he had so deeply wronged.
His nerves, hitherto so firm, began to
tremble, and covering his face with both
hands, he burst into tears. When he
looked up, the two strangers had left the
cell.
The next morning, when Ross entered
his counting-room, he found the turn
key talking with his partner. Just then
Mr.. Clark entered also, but with har-
assed and anxious expression OF counte-
nance.
My friend, said Ross, advancing to-
ward him, "you have come at the right
moment to hear this mans news from
his own lips l fear it viii give you
pain. No, / had better tell it myself ;
he is a stranger, and knows nothing of
your interest IN the matter. step this
way. sir"
dWhat is this? For what would you
prepare me? Zulima-"
as well, and becoming reeoneiled to
her loss; but De/Grainges-"
"What of him, sir? what of that un-
happy man q inquired Mr.. Clark, stern
ly.
"He has broken prison; he escaped
last night"
Mr. Clark staggered. The color left
his lip. and he leaned heavily on the
back Of a chair. HMy poor, poor wife!
will her trials never have an end he
exclaimed, with deep feeling, and, turn
ing hastily, ne left the counting
at viii be some time before he ac-
knowledges her now" said Ross, in low
voice, to his partner. ''See how his step
wavers."
'That may wayer, but his pride never
will, WAS the low reply.
"Neverw said Campbell.
And he was right. Poor, poor Zu-
lima
To be continued
Criticism of Unwholesome Fiction.
There never was a more unwholesome