Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1890-08-23

and on his refusal to do that, Walter Mayhem
had struck him DOWN from behind -
To this effect did Dan Ashton depose, and his
sworn testimony, in the event of his decease,
would brand his cowardly assailant a MUIR
derer, and in all probability cause him to be
hanged for the crime.
AS the day wore away the ominous prediction
of the medical men assumed more justitable
had been cioven by Mayhew's deadly stroke.
grew weaker and weaker, sank lower and lower,
until all hope of his ultimate recovery vanished.
Then the doctors In attendance had told Dan
of his critical condition, and he had received
the dread intelligence with low moan Of min
gled pain and fear, and had covered his wan
drawn features for q few moments with his
trembling hands
Then he had called Nancy to the bedside aud
whispered in her ear:
at once. must them before 1 die-must
beg Marks forgiveness, and tell HARDWOOD of the
trick played upon him. Send for them, Nancy,
at once, or it may be too 10 tsi''
About hour later, when the day was
waning, when the blinds were drawn and the
gas was alight, strange company was gathered
together in the room wherein Dan Ashton lay
Near the head of the bed were seated mine
hostess and her foster daughter; on the other
while at the foot of the bed were the doctor in
attendance and Mr.. Richard HARDWOOD. Dan
was speaking to the young man who stood near,
"Mark l am glad you have come. They say
am dying, and before l go l want you 10 for
ut is 1 who should ask for forgiveness.
Dan, - said Eliot, lowly and contritely.
mo, no. lad! deserved all you could do to
me for making you believe that Nellie there was
deadl 1t was Mayh-w's scheme, sure enough,
but ought never to have helped him to carry it
out. did so because loved Nellie and wanted
her to marry rich mani!
''Say no more about it, Mark cried. 81 am
glad that am not murderer. However did
you escape from that pit?''
81 did escape, thank Godi but Mayhem tried
to kill me because said would set ~ou free by
showing myself unhurt; and because l also
swore to reveal the truth respecting Nellie s
parentage.'
What do you mean. Damp the girl cried as
she bent towards the speaker, her pale face
flushing with hope Ashton's words had stirred
in her breast. DO you know anything of my
mother and father?''
IT do!'' he answered solemnly.
'For God sake tell me, then!'
81 will. 1 mean to confess all. Before die I
want to tell the whole truth; and then / can
meet God with less fear!"
Richard HARDWOOD gave great start, his sallow
face grew deadly pale and he took an involuntary
step forward.
'!Danl'' ne exclaimed in an imploring tone
and then he paused suddenly with the eyes OF
all fred aS 9uess st sIna :; upon him
to say, Mr.. Harwood,'' Ashton replied with a
wan smile. ''what have to confess you win
be glad to hear. deceived you. That story
knew it at the time spoke.
GOOD heaven. Dan! is this true.'' HARDWOOD
complete change as he walked forward.
at is. To shield myself and to trade upon
your fears invented that tale.'
But the certihcater'
81 will explain all that soon.''
but who was the woman found dead in the
snow with Nellie there in her arms
my wife!'' the dying man said huskily and
he covered his face with his hands.
Then Nellie sprang forward and sank on her
knees beside the bed.
"Was that woman in whose arms was found
my mother, Dan?'
:.she was, Nellie. I married her in America
Il am your father.
A CRY OF sunrise fell from the lips Of all pres
emit. Then the doctor stepped forward and
warned the patient that he was only endanger-
ing his life BY subjecting himself to such exci.e-
ment.
'.It doesn't matter now Dan cried. 81
must make q can breast OF 1t all. Do not stop
me; will speak.
Then followed brief silence. Amusement
and expectation wereto be seen on the faces of
all there; and each one waited eagerly for Dan
Ashton to speak and clear up the mystery his
words had indicated. Presently he spoke.
About twenty-five years ago, he began.
81 left Warringham and went to America
leaving my FIRST wife behind me. STAYED in
New York and there met q beautiful girl
ma med Margaret Miner. She was an orphan,
was poor and married her, telling her was .
single man. was not known then by my own
name. Out OF O mere whim-I cannot tell you
now why did i'll had assumed the name of
George Bentham Harwood-the name of your
brother, Mr.. Harwood. -
81 understand, nan,'' the miIlowner said
with evident satisfaction. $50 on with your
story
al never told the girl had deceived that 1
had married her in false name-that was
married already; and sitter Living with her fos