San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-03-03
NJ - = =
A TALE OF A CARAVAN.
BY ROBERT BUCHANAN.

Monk was lIVlu. Al TINS moment
Jones, who had been watching the scene
from a distance. came over. painting
and perspiring in ill-cOncealed terror.
'LOr', Mr.. Monk. what's the matter?
Look We now, we shall be late for the
wedding"
As he spoke. Marshall, the detective,
clapped him playfulIy on the shoulder.
How dye do, William Jones? I've
often heard of you, and wishedto know
you. Pray stop where you are, I'll talk
to yOu presently"
81 don't know whatyOu mean" Monk
now said, with dogged desperation,
with all this rigmarOle, Mr.. Lightwood,
or whatever your name is. 1t seemsto
me you are simply raving. If | am not
my cousins heir, who is, tell me that|
Ills daughter" said the man, quietly.
"IIe never married, and he never had
a daughter"
Ills daughter. an infant twelve or
fourteen months old. sailed to England
with him, was shipwrecked with him,
but saved by a special Providence, and
has since been living in this place UNI
der the name of Matt Jones'"
Your intended bride, you know"
added Marshall with an inSinuating
smile. "IIullo, where Is the young
LADY,"
Monk looked round toward the dog
cart and on every side, but Matt was
nowhere to be seen.
81 see her 90 into that theer cart"
said William Jones.
Call her" cried Monk. "Ill stay no
longer here. Listen to me. you two.
Whether you are telling truth or lies,
that girl is going 90 become my Wife-I
have her guardians consent. and she
herself, Imay tell you, fullyappreciates
the honor am doing her"
Indeed" said Mr.. LightwoOd. Smil-
ing. Unfortunately |. as Miss Monks
legal adviser. must have say in the
matter. Doubtless this marriage would
he very pretty arrangement for keep
ing the late Colonel Monk 5 fortune and
property in your possession. but can
not cOnscientiOusly approve of the
Young lady'S marriage to an assassin"
AN what-what do you
meany gaSped Monk, staggering as if
from a blow.
Tell him, Mr.. Marshall"
"All right. sir. Well, you see, Mr..
Monk, of MOnkShurSt." continued the
detective, grimly yet playfully. you're
accused of making away with-murder-
ing, in fact-a young gentleman who
came to Aberglyn few weeks ago in
that little house on wheels; and this
nice friend of yours" here he again
slapped William Jones on the shoulder)
sis accused of being your accomplish"
mo, no. never done it. I'm innO-
cent, | am" cried William Jones. Tell
'em, Mr.. Monk, tell ENID nowt to
do with it,"
silence, you fool" said the other;
then he added, turning on his accusers,
you are a couple of madmen. think!
! know nothing of the young man you
speak of! Ihave heard that he is miss
ing, that is all; but there is no evidence
that any harm has come to him, for his
body has not been found"
Here Marshall turned with wink to
William Jones, and nudged him in the
ribs.
Don't you think now" he asked, 1T
might be worth while looking for it in
that little underground parlor of yours,
down alongside the sea-"
William Jones uttered despGiring
groan, and fell on his knees.
"Im ruined" he cried. 20 Mr.. Monk,
it's your doing! Lord help me, They
knows everything"
"Curse you, hold your tOnguew said
Monk, with a look of mad contempt
and hatred. These men are only play
ing upon your fears, but they cannot
brighten me-"
"NoY remarked the detective. light
ing his cigar, which had gone ont. Il
think we shall even manage TINT in
time"
AS he spoke he carelessly. and as if
inadvertently, drew out pair of steel
handouts, which he looked at reflective
ly, threw up and caught underhand in
the air.
You accuse me of assassination"
said Monk, trembling violently. Il
warn you to beware. for | will not suf-
fer such accusations without seeking
redress. If you have any proof of the
truth Of your preposterous charge, pro-
duce it,"
AT this moment Matt. looking bright