Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1891-03-14

moody, ill conditioned fellow, and her
innocent spirit could not fathom him.
Thus were matters shaped on the
night of a grand political harangue and
torchlight procession. In the enthusi-
asm of triumph glee club had been
formed by 40 young vocali.ts, and their
gayly decorated wagon and bright co,
tunes presented the chief attraction in
the long line of march. FosSie. attired
as Goddess of Liberty, stood at the rear
of the wagon supported by Lynn Graves
who was fit knight for the lovir g
service.
Bands were stationed at inter l.
along the columns, and from the hug"
wagon resounded the campaign songs in
a chorus of patriotic young voices The
customary banners, transparencies, mot
toes. caricatures, and illuminations de
lighted the throng.
In wild excitement William Bedford
forsOok the ranks and dashed ab ut al
random, start ing in his recklrssness and
obtruSive in his actions. Seeking every
opportunity to approach Fiossie i'll her
new grandeur h. glared upon her furi
ously. She needed him not; happines-
made here careless, and her secret as
revealed
Before the hour of midnight il Il
chmed from the distant steepe the
merry makers were at their respective
homes. Mr.. Bedford's family separated
after few moments of animated dis
cussion and comment upon the various
hars and mishaps of the celebration.
Williams mood had changed. He sat
quiet and Thoughtful. taking no part in
the conversation. But as FIossie said
good night, finging back her radiant
smile, he abruptly arose and babe er
stay moment
In wondering fear the girl halted,
then came back reluc antly to where he
stood.
81 have found you out, " he said in a
slow, passionless sort of way, Il know
now why you have no love for me. "
"Oh, William, don't talk so-don't
look so! | have never harmed you-why
viii you torment me? don't know
what you mean.
"Yes, you do, )" he replied in tn same
measured tones, "and hat want to
say is this: The man you love shall die.
have sworn it, l said l would kill YOU,
but-what? CRYING? Poor little Flos-
sie!' In strangely tender way he laid
his hand upon the bowed head Of the
sobbing girl, whose nerves could no
longer be; the tension OF excitement.
"Why l wouldn't harm you, h" con-
tinuel; you couldn't help IT. Don't
know he has bewitched you? Yes, he
added tiercely, "and l hate him! A
sunrise he dies! We shall be happy yet,
Go TO bed now, my Goddess "f Liberty
Tomorrow he diesI"
The girl was benumbed with fear. If
this we're not sheer Madness then what
was it? What should she dop Gently
she bade the man good night and noise
lessly crept up to her uncle's room,
which adj lined hers. No one had a.
yet fallen asleep. Flossie expressed her
apprehensions in a cautious voice.
The mother, ever watchful, instantly
arose and went to her sons room. She
heard him striding about, but her efforts
to enter were rudely repulsed. Anxious
and unsai,fied she returned to bed, but
in an hour all was quiet and she, too,
overcome by the unusual fatigue Of the
day, fell into dsep sleep.
But to Florence sleep was impossible.
Only mile away was the Graves farm.
Should she venture to go in the dead
hour Of night and VAN her lover? He
had sister With whom size had fire.
quently passed the night, and as for the
future no one save the two families
need ever know that she went alone and
for such purpose. Ere the morning
her couSn's strange mood would doubt
less have passed away
Softly coaxing the big house dog, the
girl sped out into the stnrlit night.
Love made her lrave. and to this low
she owed her life. Her mission was
speedily accomplished. Her lover took
the precaution to change his sleeping
apartment in compliance with her whim,
and the new sun found her fast asleep
beside her school fellow, Marian Graves.
Long ere merciful friends Mould arouse
her, the neishbprhood was ringing with
news of a tragedy sueh as wag never be-
fore recorded in the annals of the clark
and bloody ground. In the dark hours
of night William Bedford had killed
father, mother, sister. and then shot
himself. OF the whole family not one
was left.
The Bedford ho nestead is deserted.
and the neighbJrs say it is haunted
Flossie never knew the ghasty details
of the tragedy which left her sole heir
to the proper Y. Lynn Graves mar ried
her almost Immediately, She was so des-
olate and unprotected. and took her
and the dog to Kansas City. where amid
new scenes she tried to forget the past
The qualifications Needed.
"You say you want a position on the
staff of this paper? What experience
have you had?"
"None at all. want to get the ex-
perience here."
"paG yQy write short hand?"