Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-06-12
THE BROKEN CREVASSE.
BY COL. EDw. B. TAYLOR.

Il
tations of love. From the first time that
l knew you 1 have distrusted you, and
you have deceived, cheated and robbed
my old fatherl"
"Girl, this is infamous! will not sub
nit to being thus DETAINED even by youw
And as Felix Cox uttered these words
he sprang from the wicker chair in which
he had been seated on the porch of Sedge-
wood plantation, and with flashing eyes
faced the girl who had so boldly defied
him.
She, winsome Alice Burnett, cool, calm
and self-collected, returned his gaze un-
tinchingly.
II am not afraid of you," she said,
"even if father has become your slave. l
know not what potent spell you have ex-
ercised over him, poor man ! but this l do
know--that since you came to Sedgewood
he has been a changed man. The servants
tell me that you gamble at nights, and
that you, skillful man of the world that
you are, have won large sums of money
from him. My hand was not the stake
for which you played, at any rate. Sedge-
wood, l understand, is mortgaged, and
we are practically beggars. Father is in
debt to you, and these debts are gambling
debts. Be it as it may, I hate you. Well
go out from here beggars, rather than
that 1 should sacrifice my womanhood
and become your wife.
For moment Felix Cox stood regard
ing her as she faced him in her innocence
and righteous wrath, and then con-
temptuous smile curled his lips.
r "You talk very foolishly," he said,
"and you do not realize what you say.
Know you that 1 have the power to turn
you and your father out into the world
beggars9"
II defy you'll" she cried; and her lis
some form Strengthened.
He took a step toward her, and by
sudden movement seized her hand.
"Do you know" he cried, "that I
love you with love that passes all under
standing2 ! would die for you'll would
commit murder for your sake! One thing
have resolved-you shall be my wife
Failing'in this, you shall die, and I will
die with you No man shall possess the
treasure that have set my heart upon !"
There was a baleful glitter in his eyes,
and his breath came hot and fast.
Alice Burnett shrank from him, and in
the effort to twist away her wrist from
his frenzied grasp, her hands were
scratched by his sharp nails, and blood
flowed from the wounds.
"See," she cried, holding up the bleed
ing hands, "you have hurt mel !"
And turning toward the canopied door
way, she uttered the single cry, " Help!"
Old Abel Burnett, her father, was pas
sing through the broad hall at the time,
and on his ears fell the frantic cry.
He was sixty years of age, but sturdy
and stout of heart. Alice was the apple
of his eye, and her cry for help fastened
him to her rescue.
He threw aside the heavy damask cur
tains that framed the door, arc stood
facing the couple, with rapidly rising
fire of indignation in his heart.
"What's the matter now 2" he asked.
Alice turned toward him, and her
voice rang out clear and distinctly:
"I have been insulted, threatened by
this mani" and she pointed her finger
scornfully toward Felix Cox.
"Insulted d-threatened2" gasped the
old man, and two white lines of anger
crossed his ruddy face from ear to chm.
elbow dare you, sira" and he turned
toward Cox, with his heavy cane uplifted
threateningly.
elbow dare II" sneered Cox, and his
lip curled contemptuously. "You know
we'll how dare. You are in my power.
I own every foot of land on Sedgewood
plantation. This house is mine and
everything that it contains. Defy me
and I will drive you out in the world a
beggar. / love this girl, and would
make her my wife. If she consents,
Sedgewood shall be released from the
burden of debt which hangs over it, and
you will be free man.
For moment after this audacious SEN
tence had been spoken, sturdy old Abel
Burnett. stood facing Felix Cox, and his
breath came in quick gasps. He seemed
struggling for utterance; his lips moved
but gave forth no sound.
Finally he spoke, and his. words came
thick and husky.
''Look here!' he cried, and he raised
his stout cane in his trembling hand,
''you have gone too far. / know that I
am in your debt. You have cheated me
at cards, and through my foolish fond
ness for the game, have beggared my
self and this dear girl. But she shall not
be the price of my redemption. You are
a villainous scoundrel, sir. Until the
sheriff takes possession of Sedgewood,
I am master here. Go, before I throw
you outr
And the old man, rising to his full
height, pointed down the graveled drive
way leading to the river road.
Felix Cox bowed with infinite irony.
Il obey your command, Colonel Bur
nett" he said, because, as you say, you
are still master here. Tomorrow you
will be a beggar on the highroad yonder,
and then we will see whether my terms
shall be acceded to or not. ] give you
the alternative -beggary on the one side,
opulence on the other; Alice as my wife,
Alice as beggar on the highway. Choose
between the two, and let me know be-
fore tomorrow at ten o'clock, or the
sheriff will take possession Of Sedewood
plantation"
He bowed again with sweeping ges-
ture, and striding down the steps Of the