Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-11-25

] 'NeOIge, sue ctlcu, viii YOU protect
me from this mans insults and prevent
him from intruding his very disagree
able presence upon mc?' she walked
proudly by.
Il have only stated fact which you
would like, perhaps. to keep out of Mr.
Castlcton's knowledge until he is more
securely hooked"
But she was out of sight. if not out
| of hearing, ere he could finish, and the
hand of George Castleton upon mis-
shoulder caused the angered man to
/ turn.
George Castleton. he said, "dc not
dare to lay your hands upon me. have
a far better right 10 these premises than
you. and if had not il is not such as
you that would stay me-"
However much stronger YOU may be
than ]. the young man unilinchingly
answered. ''you must not think, Mr.. Tai
bot. that | stand in awe of YOU"
ii don't doubt your courage in the
least, Castleton," was the more collect
ed reply; 'but you are f0ol-in all
tricndliness | tell it to you--you are 4
fool. This fine lady has blinded YOU
with her beauty and YOU are bent on
winning her far hand ut the same time
as tine great wealth she is supposed to
possess. Well. man. she has not Il cent
not Il cent. do YOU hear? She is not
Jonathan Wats0nS daughter, and. us
there is no will, Mr.. Walson'S 5 only son
by his first wife will be the sole heir"
You speak in riddles, sr. What
proof have you that Odilla is not what
she has always appeared to be, and that
Jonathan Watson has q son of whom he
never spoke and of whom no one has
ever heard? You are either mad or the
discoverer of very strange and improb-
able things. If you are not prepared to
furnish incontrovertible proof for these
statements, strong and fearless as you
pretend to be, you will find yourself be.
yond your depths, sr'
Bah! Do you take me for child,
to cry in triumph over an uncertainty
| know whereof l speak. Jonathan
Watson was married in the East when
he was young and Dennlless: he had
child, and left it and its Young mother
to fare the best way they could. He
went West and made a fortune. He
procured divorce and married again.
He did have child by his second mar
rlage. but she died, and this girl, the
daughter of one of his servants, was SUBJ
stituted for the dead one without the
fathers knowledge"
The young lover stood pale and
dazed, wavering, uncertain what to do
or say. Talbot's manner carried con.
vlction with his words. and Castleton
did not for moment doubt that his
story was true. Neither he nor his
companion had noticed the approach of
Il young man, now within easy hear
ing distance. He was dressed in gray
travelling costume. He was tall, broad
shouldered, and erect, and his large blue
eyes lighted up countenance of un-
usual beauty and intelligence. He had
barred his head to the evening breeze.
and his long chestnut hair shaded the
neck of an Antinous. 1t was impossible
to look upon his face and doubt for a
moment the noble integrity of his soul.
He considered the pair before him with
evident amazement and indignation,
and listened us one who had q right to
hear
"Oh, you are palc," the lawyer con-
tinued. Il dare say you love the pretty
daughter of Jonathan Watson's servant.
So did l once. Now hate her. l of
fered myself to her as humbly as q shep-
herd boy might court a princess. She
not only refused me; she spurned mo
from her feel as though l had been q
loathsome reptile. Do you think am
made of slime? That was more than
flesh and blood could endure. 1 was
bent upon revenge, and revenge is
mine. She will 90 hence in poverty and
disgrace. Her fair hands will have to
earn miserable existence. Her proud
heart will have to bow itself down to
labor at the command of others or sink
to worse-unless the gallant son of
Judge Castleton will take her up from
the gutter where she belongs and make
her his wife," he added bowling. ''if
yon love her rs did you will do it.
"And your revenge will be LOST
''No, not lost; deprived of some of its
sweets, no doubt, but not lost. will
still have the satisfaction of proving that
she is the child of servant. | will take
all this property out of her hands
every cent-and place it where it right
fully belongs"
''How did you discover" stammered
the young lover.
"HowP Oh. it was Just immense
luck, that's all. l knew by chance of
the divorce; worked it up and found
the boy, noble fellow. 1 looked around
the second marriage and found the
mother of Miss Odilla, and she told all.
Oh! nave the proofs, perfect as the
most rigorous court can demand.'
And you will carry out that diaboli-
cal scheme?"
That will, without Il scruplc, can
tell you. And you-will you marry Miss
Odilla Grubbs-I think, is her rightful
lamc?"
Marry her! Of certainty shall.
But before that will find way to
,hastisc you in a proper fashion,"
'Bah! Why. man, can break your
bones with no. more effort than it
you'd Ia ke to crush sparrow" laugh
I'd the lawyer. But the eyes of both
net in deadly hatred, and they looked
nto each others cyeballs like wild
beasts preparing for Il fray.
The silent witness now calmly ap-
'roached and laid his hand upon the
awyer's shoulder. You are mistaken,
dr. Talbot" he said, you have no
roof whatever of what you assert con-
erning this young lady, and you had
'etter keep a still tongue on that sub
ect"
aNn nronfSN crind Talbot. ,tuhat do