The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1886-12-04

/ "Do you not think that the sacred compact
between Mr. Rightbody and Mr.. Sisbie re-
/ fcrrcd to her.
1--WE reckon it do"
/ Mrs. Rightbody, flushed and animated,
would have given worlds had her daughter
been present to hear this undoubted confirm
! alton of her theory. Yet she felt little nerv-
Gus and uncomfortable even ON this threshold
of discovery.
is she here now"
"Shcs in ruolumne," said Seventy-four.
"a little better looked arter than formerly
added Scventy-ive.
81 see Then Mr. SilSbie enticed her away
"Eell, ma'am, it was allowed rs she ruined
away. But it wasn't proved, and it generally
wasn't her style"
Mrs. Eightbody triflcd with her next ques-
ton She was pretty, of course"
The eyes of both men Frightened.
"She was that" said Seventy-four EN-
phatcally
1T would have done you good to see her"
added Seventy five.
Mrs Rightbody inwardly doubted it; but,
before She could ask another question, the two
mon again retired to the corner for consulta-
ton. When they came back there was a
shade more Of kindness and confidence in
their manner, and Seventy-four opened his
mind more freely.
1--WE wish to say, ma'am, looking at the
thing, by and large, in far-minded way,
that, ez you seem interested, and ez Mr.
Rightbody was interested, and was, accord
to all accounts, deceived and led away by
Silsbie that we don't mind listening to any
proposition you might make as a lady-allow-
in you was ekally interested"
81 understand" said Mrs. Rightbody
quickly. And you will furnish me with any
papers!"
The two men again consulted.
ave wish to say, ma'am, that we think
she's got papers, but"
Il must have them, you understand" in
terrupted Mrs. Rishtbody, "at any price"
"We was about to say ma'am," said Sew
enty five slowly, "that, considerin' all things
and you being a lady-you kin have her,
papers, pedigree and guaranty, for $1,000
1t has been alleged that Mrs. Rightbody
asked only one question more and then
tainted 1t is known, however, that by the
next day it was understood in Deadwood that
Mrs. Rightbody had confessed to the vigi-
lance committee that her husband. cele-
brated Boston millionaire, anxious to gain
possession Of Abner Springer's well known
sorrel mare, had melted the unfortunate Josh
Silsbie to steal it; and that finally, failing in
this, the widow of the deceased Boston mil
ionare was now in personal negotiation with
the owners.
Howbet, Miss Alice, returning home that
afternoon found her mother with violent
headache.
ave will leave here 10y the next steamer"
said Mrs Rightbody languidly. Mr.. Ryder
has promised to accompany Us"
"But mother"
"The climate, Alice, is overrated. My
nerves are already suffering from it. The as
sociations are unfit for you, and Mr.. Marvin
is naturally impatient"
Miss Alice colored slightly.
"But your quest, mother"
ave abandoned it"
"But have not said Alice, quietly. DO
you remember my guide at the Yosemite
Stanislaus Joe' Well, Stanislaus Joe is-who
do YOU think"
Mrs Rightbody was languidly Indifferent.
"Wcll, Stanislaus Joe is the son Of Joshua
Silsbic"
Mrs. Rightbody sat upright in astonish-
ment.
"Yes. But, mother, he knows nothing Of
what we know His father treated him
shamefully, and set him cruelty adrifu years
ago; and, when he was hung, the poor fellow,
in sheer disgrace, changed his name"
"But, if he knows nothing Of his fathers
compact, of what interest is thisp
"Oh, nothing Only thought it might lead
to something"
Mrs Rightbody suspected that some
thing" and asked sharply, And pray how
did you find it outi You did not speak Of 1t
in the valley"
"Ohl didn't find it out till to-day" said
Miss Alice, walking to the window. He
happened to be here, and-told me-"