Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1891-06-25

must uOG--pTON6 u HOCkcTys DOIil ndu
duty to discharge, and it could not be
altogether cold and mechanical. "Mary''
said the Colonel, "do you know that |
loved you when we were children in
Kentucky!" and then he pressed her to
his heart, and then cloud passed over
their heaven of blue, shadow fell upon
them! But there was no shadow that
could tarnish those two noble souls.
They were at the time in a sweet vale
well known to the writer.
"Mary, do you hear those birds? Shall
we ever see another in red and gold like
that?" said the Colonel, pointing. cit
is southern bird. What notes! But it
seems startled!''
Mr.. Wentworth's next interview with
Mr.. Nichols resulted in an early call on
Mrs. Morton, who was urged to 60 with
Mr.. Nichols and his party, and meet her
husband in California. TO this PROPOSE
ton Mrs. Morton could not consent.
Advice and entreaty proved unavailing.
She could not. She must first hear from
Mr.. Misunderstanding her to come
with an explanation of the long silence
and apparent neglect. She then told her
whole story to Mr.. Nichols, who, at once,
approved of her decision, although he
believed fully that her husband had done
ucT uO lnbclClOudl WTOuS.
Great was the stir in the village of
M when the news spread around that
Henry Morton was alive and well in CAL
ifornia. Were they to lose one SO gen
orally beloved? Would she go to her
husband after all that had passed were
among the many questions that passed
quickly from mouth to mouth.
Soon after Mr.. Nichols return to Cali
fornia letters came from Mr.. Morton to
his wife, full of grief and regret for all
that she had suffered-and their long and
cruel separation.
1t was all owing to his partner in bust
ness, in whom he had placed the most
implicit confidence. Many of their let
tiers this man had destroyed, and others
were found hidden among his private
papers; for as soon as his villainy was
discovered he fled-taking with him
large sum of money belonging to Mr..
Morton. His motive it now appeared in
destroying all communication between
Mr.. Morton and his wife, was to prevent
her coming to him. He knew that Mr..
Morton had sent for her, and knew also
that her presence and influence would be
barrier to all his schemes of getting
possession of the bulk of Mr.. Morton's
property. No wonder that Henry Nor
ton came at last to think Of his wife as
dead, and ceased making further arrange
ments for suitable home, deeply sor-
rowing for one whom he thought would
rejoice in his success in business. And
no wonder that Mrs. Morton looked like
wise upon her husband as dead.
In due time, by Colonel Shelton's ad-
vice, Mrs. Morton Joined her husband.
Let it suffice that Mrs. Morton found a
beautiful. and even luxurious home pro-
vided for her. Everything that wealth
and affection could lavish was there, and
she was received with an humble and
grateful! Joy. 1t was resurrection of
the old life and love!
AS for Colonel Paul Shelton, he retired
to his ranch. of which Mr.. and Mrs. Nor
ton were duly informed in letter of not
merely formal cOngratulatiOn. His nat |
urally robust constitution had suffered a
severe shock in parting with the only
woman he ever loved. He parted, how
ever, manfully. His strange malady
grew, and baff1ed the physicians skill.
There was no special form of physical
ailment-only he grew weaker and weak
er as the year passed.
AS soldier, the Colonel felt his situa-
ton keenly. There was no one, with the
exception of now and then an Indian
trader, and his faithful servant with
whom he could talk. When alone Mary
Morton's name was frequently upon his
lips. There were times when he longed
for one more battle Then why not live
for her sake! Should d man die, contrary
to Shakespeare, ''for love?' 1t was as
with the strong castle when the mine has
Slapped it's foundations. 1t was passing
sad and strange. "But why long for one
more battle. That were unworthy true
soldier" And he banished the very
thought from his mind and heart.
1t was only short time after the
events narrated in the last chapter that
two men in ''buckskins'' called on the
Colonel. Both of these men were traders,
and necessarily interested in preserving
friendly relations with the Indian tribes.
One of them had married beautiful In
dian girl-the only daughter and child of
the chief of the largest tribe of Sioux
whose whole history was a sad yet beauti-
full romance. The Colonel knew him well.
He was one of the most honorable, as
well as daring of men-and loved his
wife as the life of his soul. He was also
a Kentuckian. Two such men were
naturally drawn closely together. Crit
fin, the name of the trader, never passed
over his route to and from ST. Louis,
without giving the Colonel call. Upon
the present occasion, however, he had
called upon a matter of business, and
his companion was really sheriff,
whose object was the arrest OF noted
desperate, who was suspected as being
the man who robbed Henry Morton of
large sum of money, in consequence of
which he was compelled to flee from
California.
s'You will remember, Colonel, when
we last met, that you called my atten-
ton to the descriptions of this man in
certain papers that had fallen into your
hand? And you seemed to be deeply in
terested in his capture which l fully ap-
preciated?"
eyes, 1 remember-but l always
thought that he fled to Missouri"
'sThe very man! l will tell you. ! am
now, as you know, on my return from
st. Louis. Hardly had we reached the
plains before a man, well mounted. but
otherwise answering the descriptions
spoken of, joined us for the purpose Of
going to the Indian country. l did not
like his appearance; but how could we
get rid of him."
.sBeing suspicious of him, you mean