The Penn's Grove record., 1886-06-12
THE STORY

IOLQhuC6 u1bh lOhS oASSA 80 WV
concluded" said the colonel, IN re-
Spouse to a question from his niece.
s'But my part was small enough to
allow me to relate the circumstance
without vanity.
81 do not like to be particular as to
names; it looks too much like scandal;
but you may satisfy yourself that 1t Is
a true story.
stHenry Morgan and Cosmo Rol-
shoyen, as l shall call them, were both
suitors for the hand of Camille Ches-
ter. This young lady was the daugh-
ter of ia very wealthy Southerner
whose name was well known In wash
ington before the war. az.
81 believe she was the most beautiful
woman 1 every saw-no offence to pres
ent company, and she was as high splr-
tied as pretty.
81 received but imperfect reports as
to the character of Cosmo Rolshoven;
but he was a very fine looking man,
with something of the reckless, dare
devil in his co~untenance.
"Morgan was altogether different;
he was rather plain as to his features,
but intelligent-looking and very well
informed. .
.'To conclude, he bore the best sort
of character among his neighbors, while
Rolshoven was admired more than
liked.
miss Chester is supposed to have
treated her two lovers in such manner
that either's C in her favor ap-
peared doubtful to them, and, of
course, they gave themselves full bene'
fit of any smiles which she may have
bestowed upon them.
'sThis was before the declaration OF
hostilities between the North and South,
and when both gentlemen Joined their
party under arms they were, as we sup
pose, anxious to settle matters In Gu
pid's tent.
s.They chose the same day for put
ting their fortune to the test. Perhaps
Rolshoven gave more attention to his
toilet, than did his rival-he might
have further to go, or anything you
please-certain it is that Morgan was
first upon the spot. ...
'sHe met with a reception which his
character seems really to have deserved,
and when they walked out into the
park late in the afternoon Camille
Chester had promised to become his
wife.
"Soon after they left the mansion for
the outdoor air, Cosmo Rolshoven rode
up to the gate, and being informed by
an ~ofieious darky that Miss Chester
was strolling about the grounds, he
started off in the direction the young
lady had taken, hoping to overtake
her.
"Not being aware that she was not
alone, he began to form a most melting
speech in his mind, which should bring
her to capitulate Immediately.
"What was his astonishment and
chagrin when he came to an angle in
the little brook which formed the
boundary of Mr.. Chesters estate, tc
find the lady of his love seated upon a
hillock, with his rival at her feet.
1--WE may imagine that ugly feelings
were in his heart when he understood
the lady was already another's, and he
cursed his steed, as though his being a
few minutes behind his rival he had
lost his cause.
"After watching as long as he could
bear the sight, he returned to the
house, and ordering out his steed rode
off, notwithstanding Mr.. Chester's in
vitation to him to remain to dinner.
sit was late in the evening wher
Henry Morgan rode homeward, and hi
had traversed but a mile when a darl
hgure upon horseback barred his pas
sage.
Morgan recognized Cosmo Rolsho
ven, although the latter sat on hi!
horse in the middle of the roadway will
the air of one who was about to ultel
the old demand, Your money or YOU
lfe."
1.-THE young men had been school
mates in former days, and although
they had never eeen friends, there wa'
a sort of 'fraternal feeling as Barni
calls 1t, at least upon Morgan's side.
"Hello, Rolshoven," he said, some
what astonished at the mans de
meanor; sis that youpn
YES" growled Cosmo, and then HI
was silent, scarcely knowing how Il
begin the quarrel he vas determined t
force upon his rival.
Morgan coughed slightly. "Youap
pear to have something to say to me-
he said.
Eyes; l have something to say, Nor
gam" growled the young man, Il have
a pair of pistols in a cast here-yol
know how to use them, and must pro
tect your life.n
Morgan vented an ejaculation Of sur
prise, and demanded the reason fol
this strange speech.
II was an obser yer of your interview
with Miss Chester a few hours back.
have always hoped to make the young
lady my wife, and since you have dis
possessed me OF her, l shall make al
effort to deprive you of life."
Morgan drew himself upright in his
saddle with an impatient movement.
81 have dispossessed you of nothing
Rolshoven," he SAID quietly. "Youl
speech can meet with but one excuse
"a - - -