The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-09-03
M1cBIGAN CRY, Feb, Is, 1876,

Rsymund Bristol, Of Bristol Mansion:
I am indebted to you for my life. NO
doubt you remember where you were just
three years ago to-day. And you surely
have not forgotten the Indian that had his
tomahawk raised to split open the skull OF
his poor helpless victim.
Fortunately for me you, q stranger to me
then. appeared just in time to save my life.
while thereawas one redSkfn less. You re-
member Itold 4ou then that If 1t was
in my power to DO. you favor Ishould, II
my life should answer for It.
Well, now, the time has come whom
think can be of some little service TO you.
It is no matter how know these things,
but do, and know them to be true. You
are in love with that beautiful young lady
that lately and 80 strangely entered your
home. You will certainly believe me when
tell you that know how she was sent
there, and who sent her. but she does
not. ] also know that she is at present the
victim of some deep deception. and Is
being cruelty wronged. As true as there
Is a heaven above my head. she 1s
innocent as little babe, and you must not
think that there is any foundation to what
evil reports may reach you. for they are all
started through envy. She was stolen from
epeaceiul, quiet country home in Southern
Illinois and carried to Chicago. where She
was kept prisoner for some time; her cap
tor was Frenchman. and intended to make
her marry him, but believe she would have
killed herself before she would have become
his wife, Whatever she chooses to tell you
of her past life will be but the plain truth.
I do not know her name; the papers that
were in the box ought to have identltea
her. but there seemed to be some under,
hand game about the matter. and 1t all
seems very dark yet. She Is connected In
some way, however. with the nobility OF
England, and you can plainly see that she
is born lady. She was stolen by an un-
known friend OF hers from her captor,s
house and sent to. yours. and II he Is still
alive he does. not know where she is. You
are not acquainted with my name: and it
does not matter for the present You re-
member the man. ] am ever your
INTERESTED DEBTOR
As Mrs. Bristol, fni>.sed reading the
letter she looked up at lay with tears
in her eyes and % happy smile on her
face.
"Ray, my dear boy, I am so happy
for your sake and for hers"
The happy man had been standing
by his mothers side while she read,
and as she looked up with tears OF joy
in her eyes, Ray encircled his loving
mother in that strong, passionate en-
brace with his precious burden.
"This seems too good to be real, and
how happy we can all be together, and
now We must begin to prepare for q
wedding, for / long for the day when
she will be mine, and then no one can
get her from me-"
"You need not fear, Ray; no one
would want such a nuisance rs but
you, and I fear you are making very
poor bargain"
As Lenora spoke she gently patted
Bays cheek with her little soft hand,
while a mery little lavghrang through
the room.
"Well, I feel like new man, and
I just begin to realize that have had
nothing to eat since morning, and, for
the present, mother, I will leave the
little runaway in your care and go to
rouse some of the servants. I feel as
if I could eat the whole of a roasted
calf and five plum puddings. You
need not worry, mother, for i shall
not trust her to even your care very
long at time
II cannot sleep to-eight, so Imight
just as we'll sit by her bed and watch
with you as to be peeping through the
key hole"
He then laid Lenora on her little
bed and left the room in search OF
something to eat.