Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-05-20
swell, Clarence, old man," said Dick

Sucu slS ue dIWdyS aSSulueu WnSn young Carson was in his cups, but at no other time, "what can I do for you?" He feared that Clarence was about to ask him to return the money Alice had won from him, but in this he was mistaken. Hang it all, Dick, y said Carson, "Fm in trouble, and want to dig out. want to leave Grimsby on the first convenient train. I've money enough, but I don't want any of those drunken dogs in the gamblng-room to know anything of my intention. I have committed d great crime to-night-one that will make all Grimsby ring with excitement to-mor- row-and I must not remain here any longer. What do you think I had best do?"
 "I should leave the country until the storm blew over," said Dick Dawson, promptly, anxious to have him out of the way.
 'I thought that was the right thing myself, but wanted your judgement. Yes, I'll go. But how, in the name of Lu- cifer, Dick, " he added with a leer, "did you obtain possession of the modest beau ty for whom incurred the knock-down You must be a fascinating old sport"
 "What? You refer to the factory-girl ?'' said Dick, adding. "Well, yes, she's a beauty and no mistake, but she is here not by choice, or by design, but by mere accident, I assure you"
 Dick thought if Carson had been mixed up in crime, he was certainly very lit- tle concerned about it, and hardened as the boss gambler was, he did not like to see man so callous.
 "Thats all very well for you to say, that the little beauty is here by accident; but you cannot get this particular chick en to believe such nonsense. No; people don't wander into Dick Dawsons den by accident-especially such unsophisticated creatures as this distrusting damsel. l tell you she is pretty, and no mistake, but hang me if I can understand why she took to an alligator like you, when she might have had me for a sweetheart without asking"
 "I tell you again you are mistaken, The girl is here by accident, and I am aching for good opportunity to send her home," said Dick Dawson, somewhat amazed over CarsOns unworthy suspi. cions.
 "Dont do it," said Clarence. II saw her fall in the river tonight and to all intents and purposes she is drowned. If you don't care for the girl, 1 will make her my wife, and take her to Europe. I like her, and once on the other side, I'll be good husband to her. Now what say you? Is it bargain ?"
 "You are crazy, man. Such a thing is not feasible"
 ''But tell you it is and I'll show you how. Come, let us step into this little room and have q qulet bottle" added Carson, while tell you scheme'
 When they were seated at q small table, and the champagne was sparkling in the glasses before them, Carson seem. ed to grow more infatuated than ever over his proposition to make Edith his wife and take her with him to Europe.
 "I will pay you well to help me out, he said to Dick Dawson, land, confound it, why do you hesitate? I mean nc harm to the girl, and I'll try to be as good husband to her as I would be to any woman"
 'But how can I help you?" asked Dick.
 "Just mention the matter to her. know her name. It's Edith Edwards She's the daughter of a fellow named Edwards who was nearly killed ill our mill to-day, and who labors under the hallucination that caused the accident. But let that pass. Go and talk to her Tell her want her for wife, and that she'll never regret going away with me from Grimsby."
 Dick paused, revolving the absurd proposition in his mind. Carson, seeing his hesitancy, said:
 s'Tn give you thousand dollars fo1 this service, or if you don't want to do it. let me see the girl myself. I'll wager that will gain her consent" Clarence Carson was ill the condition of one who has imbibed freely, and thinks the most fantastic suggestions per fectly logical. He could not see any good reason for Edith refusing what he considered most generous offer on his part, in fact a great condescension, the offer to make her his wife. Dick Dawson, who had not drank SC freely, saw the matter in different light, and knew there would be terri ble scene ill case Clarence carried out his wild idea. There was a thousand dollars ill the scheme, however, anc Dick was not the man to let go so good al opportunity to make so much money. He finally said to Carson: 'No, it would not do to have you spring this sudden offer on the girl. Let mt manage it. I'll accept your offer to set you through for a thousand, and yol shall start out in the 430 train ill the morning for New York; Good !" exclaimed Carson, who clasp ed his benefactor by the hand, ano poured another glass.
 "But how are you to be married? Who will perform the ceremony? It will no do for you to run away with her unless you are married"
 "As to that" said Carson, draining tht contents of his latest glass of wino, ''. think see my way clear. shall ask my friend, the judge, who is feeling goo( deal happier than myself, to perform the ceremony"
 'Just the thing; but will he do itf" sait