Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-04-20
CHAPTER XII.
THE REWARD OF THE WICKED.

Rev. Mr.. Knowles was nothing if not
hospitable. When this unlimited company
invaded his humble but comfortable
dwelling he hustled about with genuine
anxiety for their entertainment
Dear me dear mel" he kept saying,
softly. Il have seen nothing like this since
the donation parties in good Old Podunk.
I'm sure you're all quite welcome. I've
been out with the two ladies looking for
Won, but we failed to find you. However,
we encountered a young man called Jimmy,
who is connected with the press, and he
told me 10 return home and wait Tor You.
Now do hope that all this Quarrelling Is
over. and that you, sir"-pointing to
Drane-" haveldeclded To be man."
"Such is my present intention" said
Drane. 81 am getting a little tired of
being lunatic."
"You seem to have suffered some vio-
lence since you were here before" con-
timed Mr.. Knowles. II trust that you
are not seriously hurt. 1t often happens
that harsh experiences OF this kind are
wholesome and necessary to bring us TO
a proper state Of mind. Indeed, they al
WAYS are, if we could only see It,"
Meanwhile the other members of the par
ty were looking askance at each other
johnson was beginning to realize that the
newcomers We're the Kansas City Relief
Expedition, and that his own usefulness
and opportunities were nearly over. lie
was meditatlng auietan inoffensive exit
when he CHANGED to catch Nellie's eye, and
it rivetted him to the spot. She was look
ing at him with real tenderness of express
sion and certain admiration, too. Indeed,
johnson in Drane's clothes was worth look
ing at. He had an intelligent and not un-
comely visage, which had been much i'm
proved of late by the effects OF more food
and less drink. And Nellie looked at him,
thinking of the words which had Joined
their hands, and she grew quite pale, but
not with fear or regret.
Bessie was pale, too, for she felt very
painful interest in the scene. sue knew
that the strange men must include those
who had known Drane in the west, ana she
took Johnson to be o distinguished repre-
sentative of the family. whose words
would be full explanation of Dranes
mental condition. She tried to attract his
attention to call him to her side, and ask
him whether it was true that his untor-
tunate kinsman was unbalanced.
Mr.. Sanford Drane the genuine was the
first TO break the silence which had fallen
upon the party.
az beg your pardon" said he to Rev. Mr..
Knowles, but | really do not see why we
have oil invaded your house. Has this un-
happy young man n-pointing TO Law
renee" had any dealings with you during
his recent wanderings? should tell you
that am his uncle. and that | have come
to take him home with me. where trust
that rest and medical treatment will re-
store him to the full command of his facul-
ties" g,
"And is he, then, deranged?" asked
Mr.. Knowles. "Ah that explains much
which had been dark to me. fear that
have done serious wrong. / should have
made more careful inquiries before l mar
ried him to this young lady,"
Married ?" cried Uncle Sanford,
achast. "Oh. Lawrence, did not think
your wretched fate would have led you to
this"
my very dear. but deplorably mud
died uncle" said Lawrence, do not dis
tress yourself unnecessarily. l am not