The Forrest City times., 1891-04-03


 In a few moments she reached the river, and loosed small boat from its moorings.
 Dragging it to the water, and wad- ing in knee-deep, she scrambled aboard, and began to pull with long steady strokes down the stream. The waves were wild but wind and tide both being in her favor, she made good headway, needless of her dripping skirts and uncovered head, with the black tresses blown all about it.
 Two hours later, wearied by her ex- crtions, she saw great brig bearing down toward her.
 Fortunately at this moment the moon rodeclear from the cloud wrack, and shonc full upon the boat.
 She shouted with her strong, young voice. and waved her hands wildly in the air.
 Then as the vessel swept closer n rope was thrown to her, the boat drawn alongside the brig, and she was soon ondeek, ,uncomfortablyc yconscious of the curious group of men who stared at their unexpected visitor.
 "Who are you-what brought you on the river so late?" queried the captain.
 The girl hesitated and looked about her.
 A little apart from tho group of lDr ,,.l,. ul, rightly guessed to be a passenger.
 Her great, wild eyes appealed to him.
 Stepping forward he spoke gently and gravely,
 Do not fear, child. Tell us where you belong and why you are here. {" "I am from up-river,' she replied. "I have no home. At the place where lived the people were wicked and cruel. Twas in fear of my life, and ran away, Iwant to go to some city and get work.
 What is your name?"
 "Margaret--Meg."
 "Have you no otherg"
 She looked at him slyly for a n in stant, and then added;
 Steele"
 He did not show his suspicion that this was but an assumed name.
 Her youth (she seemed about 16) and her iriendlessness appealed strong ly to the tender side ot Richard Win throp's nature.
 When he went ashore at P---he took the girl with him, and was driven in carriage to his mothers home. q fine old place in the outskirts of the city.
 Mrs. Winthrop took Meg in rather doubtfully, and gave her some light duties to perform about the house.
 As tho days went by Meg showed such aptitude. such intelligence, that the elder lady became greatly attached to her, and finally proposed that she should be educated and brought up like a d,,N,hter oi the house.
 To this Richard heartily agreed
 As for Margaret. she was not wholly happy.
 X dark secret lay heavy at her heart, which she knew should be revealed un- less she chose to exile herself from the home of her benefactors.
 But she had grown to love them deepy.
 She recalled her old life with a shud- der.
 Could she not atone by doing her noblest now-by a lifetime of devo- ton to the noble hearts who had taken her into their happy home'
 So she hushed the tiny accusing voice within her.
 She was sent to school, and in three years returned beautiful, refined. and intellectual woman, to whom Richard Winthrop lost his heart,
 She cried like a child when he told hes of his love,
 "What am that I should be so blesseds" she said.
 But her lover laughed in tender scorn at her tears. and took her to his mother for u blesssing. which was freely given.
 For time life went on like a happy dream.
 Margaret had been welded to Rich ard Winthrop three months.
 They lived still at the old home. One day she and Richard were sit ting in tho library, the long windows of which swung outward upon the veranda.
 It was June. and the apartment was scented with the fragrance oi roses from the garden.
 Meg was busy with melight needle work, when she became conscious of n shadow across her lap.
 She looked up.
 There at one of the windows stood 1.-the, slender, dark eyed evil-browed man watching her with sneering smile
 With wild scream she sprung into the farthest corner of the room. and stood there trembling in every limb and staring at him with distended eyes. "So have found you at last, my little demon," the man said, as he stepped through the window.
 What do you mean. you insolent scamp," shouted Richard, delaying his progress by a heavy hand upon his shoulder Get out oi my house." "Soitly, my gentleman, returned the other detiantely. My wife must go with me"
 Your wifeg"
 The stranger nodded grimly and pointed to Margaret.
 "Yes, my wife, Meg"
 Richard lifted his fist, but Margaret screamed and rushed forward tograsp his arm.
 Ut is true; Richard--what he says. am his wife, God help mel But l thought he was deadl'
 Al. l. l.. T. st !