The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-01-03

INC lduy Is uedu. nave Il CHILLI oii ici
"a claim that IS greater than these people
with their millions"
He bent quickly, lifted the girl IN his
arms, and with defiant cry, rushed away
with Lura into the shadows of the hollow
Immediately after two men came to the
gate with a lantern. One was Sam, ere
black stable boy, and the other the garden
er, Oscar Pagan.
"Hello! what's this s' cried the gar
dener, as he flung the rays of his lantern
over the PROSTATE man in the road.
'1t's the Cap'n, marse Oscar"
"C4ctcin Starbright. for a trnthA" 81
SzaTlncu agan. ~ onder what's come over
hing
"Some uns shot the marse."
Just then, however, the Captain moved
and sat up. 1t proved that he had not been
touched by the bullet, but had tainted from
the astoundment caused at seeing and recog-
niZing his assailant.
"No harm done," said Captain Starbright,
"only was assaulted by tramps. Keep a
sharp lookout, Pagan. I'll make a search
for the scoundres IN the morning"
Then Captain Starbright fastened to the
house and was not long in gaining the pres
ence of Mrs. PenrOy.
The Captain was more deeply troubled to-
night than he had been in years. A ter
| rible danger menaced, and before his men
tai vision dangled hangman's rope. He
was in a tremor of excitement, and his face
was very pale when he entered the pres
ence of the widow Penroy.
"What is the trouble! You are as pale as
ghost, Captain"
"Mrs. Penroy. you are playing false with
me,' cried the Captain, in a sharp tone.
that quivered with anger.
81 do not understand you, sir"
Gan attempt has just been made upon
my life, and believe you are at the bottom
of it," he declared, fercely.
"You surprise me-"
The widow was calm as an icicle, and this
calmness only served to enrage him the
more.
He paced the foor. and cursed in a way
that was terrible to hear.
"Captain Starbright, will not have this
IN my house," said Mrs. Penroy, with an
unusual degree of emphasis. ''Your storm
ing will do no good. What you mean by as
sorting that an attempt has been made
against your life l do not know, but one
thing do know, and that is that 1 have de-
eided to assert my authority. I know well
enough that I am the only rghtful heir to
my fathers property, and 1 shall at once as
sert my claim. -
Here was rebellion indeed.
The Captain was quite astounded, since
heretofore the widow had been meek pup
pet in his hands.
"Your claim, MADAME" affecting smile
1.-THE will of Morgan Vandible left all his
property to Grace"
II have seen no will"
SIT is in the hands of the proper person
and will be produced in good time"
'That is what you say" retorted the
widow, with a show of unusual spirit
'but l will not accept your assertion. [ be-
lieve there was no will, and that l am the
proper one to take charge of Lone Hollow
and the other property. l shall visit Stone
field tomorrow and lay the case before a
lawyer. will no longer be duped by you
and your miniOns, Captain albright. 1
fell in with your plans on former occasion
because l thought my father meant to dis
inherit me, and that the course prescribed
by you was the only one whereby l could
retain home. One word from me at that
time would have caused father to will
every thing away from his relatives. Since
am convinced that he made no will I am
determined to assert my rights, and now
inform you, Captain Starbrlght, that your
services are no longer required at Lone
Hollow Further, l refuse to consent to
your marriage with my daughter"
"Indeedr'
The madam took pinch of snuff from
gold-covered box at her side, and regarded
her visitor with the coolest disdain At
once the Captain thought of his encounter
in the road, and jumped to a sudden conclu-
sion with regard to Mrs. Penroy's sudden
change Of 'front.'
MADAM, you will rue this"
"No threats, Captain. know what am
about"
81 suppose So" angrily. '';' 7stand
who has put you up to defying
81 have consulted only my ca, ,es.n
81 do not believe it."
"Have care, or your insolence may be -
sented."
"The villain I encountered in the road
just now has been here and set you in open
rebellion against me, and against your
daughter. You have doubtless agreed to
divide the spoils with him."
The surprised look on her face was evil
dence that Mrs. Penroy did not fully COM
prehend the mans meaning. He, however,
less shrewd than usual, SO blinded by indig-
nation was he, failed to comprehend, and
proceeded, with fierce wrath:
cit is Karl Vandible, the runaway vaga-
bond and social outcast, who has come here
and set you up to defy the expressed
wishes of your father. But let me tell you
that your scheme will fail. It shall be my
work to expose his villainy and yours, and
to secure to that kind old mans grand
daughter the property that he in his dying
moments said she should have.'
For full minute Mrs. Penroy could not
speak from astonishment.
"Karl Vandible is dead. You told me so
yourself"
$50 thought, but he has returned, and
tonight made an attempt to murder me, l
believe, at your suggestion"
care you mad, Captaina"
every near it, believe, on account of
your ingratitude, after have done so much
for you.''
$50 much, indeed p sneered the woman.
81 believe nothing you say Even if Karl
should live he has no claim on my fathers
property"
"No, but he will assist you to win
against the wishes of the dead, and in rppo-
sition to the interests of Grace. 1t is nice
plot, but it will not work, rest assured Of
that"
"lf there is no will shall WIN"
"But there is will"
"Then call on you to produce it."
at will be forthcoming in good time.''
Every good, will see about that Again
say that you are no longer wanted at
Lone Hollow, Captain Starbright.'
st may not choose to go at your bid
ding You, ike myself, are only a guest
here" said the Captain, with a smile that
had in it more of venom than pleasantly.
81 will show you"
Mrs. Penroy sprang up and seized BELL
pull She was not quick enough, however.
twill retire, but not from Lone Hollcw,,'
said the Captain. bowisg and striding from
the room.