Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-10-04
UNDER A CLOUD
 CLEARING HIMSELF.

~ Thrilling and Absorbiiog Story Morris was thero also, by appointment, not at all expecting what was to come. !: "Gentlemen," said Lyman, steadily, though he was pale with a pallor greater than that left by his recent illness; "I have a confession to make which you are all three entitled to hear. You, MT. Everleigh, and you, Bergman, know part of it-that I fell from my integrity and appropriated funds that did not belong to me that were yours, MT. Everleigh, being almost the full amount of Edson's dedication, returned to me in trust to be restored to you. had been in communication with Edson and knew when to expect the package, as well as what it contained. 1 wish only to state the facts, not to excuse my actions. I laid my plans deliberately, as you must know, for it was who robbed the express train of the pack ago which was addressed to myself"
 "Youi" echoed the banker and his clerk, in breath
 "I had been handy, as boy, in the use of tools It was very simple work, meeting the train few hours out and cutting through the floor, for the noise of running deadened any sounds I made. 1 treated you rather roughly, am afraid, Bergman :: but l think it does not require my assur- ance to convince you all that I was in no manner interested in the robbery which fol-; lowed. All that desired and all secured was that one package which was being for. warded to me-"
 "Bnt, Lyman, why-why did you do such a thinga"
 leigh. wanted to secure an interest in the flynn fn fnr would place mo as nearly as possible equal with you. did not intend to use your money for that purpose when 1 purloined it. only meant to hold it back until the inheritance Farraker had promised my sis. ter and myself came into my handsi with that, I meant to come to your relief, to earn your gratitude, to secure my own place Then should have turned over the trust, but before that week was out came the news that our fortune was a myth, our legacy comparatively nothing."
 elf you only meant to keep the package back, why should you go to such a length as to rob the express9 I am afraid that your story will not hold together, young man," remarked the superintendent, se- verely.
 II expected you to ask that question. It was because Ingot had possessed himself of the secret of my correspondence with Ed son and was on the watch. It was to blind him and throw him off the track that took that desperate step, and yet 1t did not avail my purpose. He suspected me and found proof for his suspicious. had lost trifle, piece broken from watch-charm which caught ir the machinery of the truck; he found ii there, and used the power it gave him fo1 his own ends.
 "This is all, think, that I need tell. Pun. ish mo as you will; you can not be too se. vere."
 MT. Everleigh was tho picture of distress and sorrow.
 "I-I must have time to think over this," he murmured. II can hardly realize it. Mr. Starr," to the superintendent, twill you do me the favor to consult with mo be- fore you take any steps in the matter so far as 1t concerns your company7 Como with us, Norris. want your clear head to help me in this. I am utterly upset and confused.' He did not give another word or look to his offending partner, but went out of the room, leaning on the arm of Norris Berg man, while Lyman's eyes followed them 1 with Q look in their depths which seemed to say that his punishment had already be- gun.
 "It is as it should be. He is worthier than I,' was the bitter admission of his humbled spirit, yet it was hard to sec him. | self supplanted in his old friends confidence so soon.
 The silent unclosing of the doop at his back did not reach his ear, but he turned l almost immediately to seo Althea standing | there, and ono look into her face told hin1 | that she had heard all which had passed. It was the first time he had seen her since | in those dreams which had frightened the later stage of his siokness-dreams which he did not dare to believe as reality. 1 A great surge of shame and despair went | over him; he could not speak, could Tot meet her eyes.
 "Carol told mo what you meant to do. have been in there, have heard it all. Tel me what you did not toll my father for al his questioning-why did you take your first step aside from honor and truths Why die you so wish to stand equal with him, and te make him your debtor in gratitude? There must have been motive behind it all"
 The clear, low, even tones struck coldly on his ear; the proud, intent face held none of the pitying softness of which he ha6 dreamed. The courage which had sus tained him through hls confession, bitter as 1t had been, deserted him now.
 II dare rot tell you why" he answered
 reluctantly and brokenly.
 II insist that you do. You owe 1t to your
 self and to mo that you mako every thing
 clear. ask you again, why did you take
 that stepr'
 "Miss Everleigh, you will scorn ant
 despise mo when say-because I loved you
 Yet that is the truth. I was mad, enougl
 to think that might win your gratitude
 and in time something more. I shock you
 do not7 But the madness passed when
 knew myself for what I was and am
 Though I have been heart-sick with jeal
 ousy and longing, I declare to you tha
 there has not been one moment when
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