Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-02-14
thief. assassini Now die, coward that you

| 6meI, assaSSn! NOW die, coward that you arep
 A sharp report followed.
 Captaln Starbright sank to the ground, and for some moments the avenger bent over hls victim.
 "Dead p he finally articulated. Then, hearing steps and voices approaching, at- tracted doubtless by the report of the re- volver, the man turned and glared at Lura Joyce, who still lay insensible on the ground.
 ''The ladyis dead. Ihave claim on her a claim that IS greater than these people with their millions"
 He bent quickly, lifted the girl III 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 lantern. One was Sam, the black stable boy, and the other the garden CT, Oscar Pagan.
 '.Helol what's this 9' cried the gar dener, as he flung the rays of his lantern | over the prostrate man in the road. '1t's the Cap'n, marse Oscar" "Captain Starbright, for truth" ex- claimed Pagan. ''Wonder what's come over him?'
 "Some uns shot the marse." | Just then, however, the Captain moved and sat up. It 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 scoundrels In the morning" Then Captain Starbright hastened 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 a hangman's rope. He was in 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.
 "l do not understand you, sir.'
 "An attempt has just been made upon my life, and believe you are at the bottom of it." he declared, fiercely.
 'You surprise me'' The widow was calm as an icicle, and this calmness only served to enrage him the more.
 He paced the floor and cursed in way that was terrible to hear.
 "Captain Starbright, I will not have this Tn my house," said Mrs. Penroy, with an unusual degree of emphasis. "Your storm
 
 serting that an attempt has been made against your life do not know, but one thing do know, and that is that have de- cided to assert my authority. I know well enough that am the only rightful heir to my fathers property, and shall at once as sert my claim. D
 Here was rebellion indeed.
 The Captain was quite astounded. since heretofore the widow had been meek pup pet in his hands.
 ''Your claim, madam!" affecting a smile. 'The will of Morgan Vandible left all his property to Grace.''
 II have seen no will.'
 ''It is in the hands of the proper person and will be produced in good time.''
 "That is what you say," retorted tho widow, with Q show of unusual spirit, ''but will not accept your assertion. be- ieve there was no will, and that am the proper one to take charge of Lone Hollow and the other property. shall visit Stone field tomorrow and lay the case before a lawyer. I will no longer be duped by you and your minions, Captain Starbright I fell in with your plans on former occasion because 1 thought my father meant to dis inherit me, and that the course prescribed by you was the only one whereby I 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 am determined to assert my rights, and now inform you, Captain Starbrlght, that your services are no longer required at Lone Hollow. Further, I refuse to consent to your marriage with my daughter.''
 'Indeed!"
 The madam took pinch of snuff from a 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"
 "I suppose so," angrily. q understand who has put you up to defying me-"
 "I have consulted only my own wishes" "I do not believe it.''
 "Have care, or your insolence may be re- sented."
 "The villain I encountered in the road just now has been here and set you in open rebellion against me, and agalnst your daughter. You have doubtless agreed to divide the spells with him."
 The surprised look on her face was evil dence that Mrs. Penroy did not fully con- 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:
 "It 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"
 "So thought, but he has returned, and tonight made an attempt to murder me, l believe, at your suggestion" "Are you mad, Captain2' "Very near it, believe, on account of your ingratitude, after have done so much for you" "So much, indeed l" sneered the woman.