Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-06-19
MY TERRIBLE PLIGHT.

had every reason to be a happy mau
on that July evening in 1888, when the
mail train WAS swiftly carrying me from
Liverpool to London.
| was young, my prospects were good,
my business hourishing, and | was en-
gagged to a girl of my heart-pretty Betty
Davenport Her name, by the way, was
Eliza Ann, in compliment to wealthy
godmother,-a dreadful combination,
which It's owner Indignantly repudiated.
Mr.. Davenport was an engineer, and had
lately returned from South America. Bet
ty had the reputation of being a bit Of a
hirt, and there was certain merchant at
Buenos Ayres, James Andrews by name,
who her bright eyes and clear complexion
mad entirely vanquishe6. My sweetheart
always looked serious when the merchant S
name was mentioned. Poor fellow! On
his side, at least, it was no idle Irritation.
Since the fair English girl had refused him
he had neglected his business, and was on
the high road to ruin.
CurIously enough, had been mixed up
with his affairs in a strange way. Though
we had never met we knew each other
by name and repute, and as we both were
in the wool trade, had been the uncon
scious means of discovering a big swindle.
which he, as a last desperate resource, had
planned to save himself from bankruptcy
The attempt failed-he was ruined. And
by strange irony OF fahe, the man who
had won the girl he had wooed was instru-
mental in acceerating that ruin.
So my thoughts ran as the train thunder
ed through the black night.
At Rugby another passenger got into my
compartment, of which hitherto | had
been the sole occupier. | had read the
evening paper down to the advertisements
and had re-read Bettys last letter, so the
prospect of a chat was a welcome one
The newcomer seemed as much inclined
for conversation as | was, and we We're
soon chatting away on the thousand and
one topics in which men of the world are
interested A chance allusion of mine to
South Africa elected the fact that he had
spent some years of his life there, and this
formed an additional reason for sociability.
For before | succeeded to my father S
London business, | had spent two years in
the neighborhood of Kimberley prospect
ing for gold. Apropos of the wild state of
some parts of the country | incidentally
remarked that the custom acquired there
of travelling armed still chung to me,
and !, when on a journey, always carried a
pistol.
Quite an unusual precaution, " | added,
depreciatingly, lin this peaceful old Eng
land of ours.
Il think it very sensible one, return
ed my companion; lone never knows wnen
a six-shooter may be useful Would you
let me see yours?'
1t was an unusual request, and for the
moment rather staggered NE. And as he
bent forward | noticed that his face was
working curiously, and his outstretched
hand trembled
The train slackened speed; we were stop
ping at junction.
The porter came along the platform with
his monotonous chant, Change here for
Chesham." He put his head in our car
riage. Either of you gentlemen for
Chesham?' No, we are both bound for
London, so the man took himself off. But
he looked rather startled, and well he
might By the light of the lantern he car
ried he had seen the two men, one bent
forward, pale and eager, the other holding
pistol.
handed the stranger my pistol for in.
spection. 1t was dainty thing; | was
rather proud of it. My mate in South
Africa had given it to me, and my name
was engraved on it.
Horace Bligh," read my fellow travel
Ter 80 you" with a steady flame in his
gre, eyes, ale Horace Bhgh?' That
is ny nGme,' | replied, rather discon-
celtcd. The mans manner was certainly
strange; he toved with the pistol in a
dangerous way, and we were going at a
rate of fifty miles an hour. 1t was not a
pleasant position to be placed in. be-
gan to regret ny folly in complying with
his request.
went on coolly, perhaps you had
better return me my property. Pretty
thing. is it not? but loaded and therefore
unreliable. You are handing it careless y
and it might go off. 1t will be safer II
my pocket" | reached out my hand ii
tu1n, but my fellow traveller deity evadec
me. | shall never forget the awful eX
preston on his haggard face.
80 you are Horace Bligh.' Well,
am James Andrews, the man you have
ruined Not only that, but you have taker
the girl loved. | meant to kill myself i
had The chance. have it now. | have
also the means Of revenge. could shoot
you where you stand. But l will not;
reserve for you more hideous fate.
will kill myself with your pistol and IL
such manner that suicide would appea.
improbable. On you will fall the suspion
navthe certainty of guilt
rushed forward and tried to wrest th
pistol from him. A brief struggle ensued
in which he, endowed with maniac strength
threw me to the floor of the carriage. Be
fore could rise he placed the pistol IN tn
middle of his forehead, fired, and fel
dead
For one moment, horror at the tragi
end of Betty's some tine lover banishe
all other thoughts. The next | notice.
that we were slackening speed. | pulle
down the window and thrust out my head
We were nearing the end of the journey
Like flashes of lightning, one though
after another rushed across my brain. Il
was dead-James Andrews; the man VIII
mad every reason to bear me enmity. Il
was dead, shot through the head with m
pistol What more likely suppositio
could there be than that in the heat {
anger. of recrimination On his part,
had last self control fired at and kille
him.
Then ensued the most foolish action
my life. l leapt from the now almo:
motionless train on to the platform an
up the stairs into the street. | hailed
passing hanson, and told the man |
drive to my chambers in Fmnival's I'M
As he ratified through the quiet streets
congratulated myself on nv escape fro
an unpleasant predicament. 1t was u
likely that the porter would remember Il
face, and if he did there was not a vel
great chance of discovery. The pistol
GOOD Cod tt lifted nv hand t0 nv mock