The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1892-10-07

which he found but little trouble in do
ing, as Doster was handsome and cour-
teous, while the widow had not grown
too old to lose all interest in the sterner
sex.
Mrs. JeInigan had a valuable farm
outside of the prospect of {, .veloping a
elated with the idea of increasing her
worldly possessions, and as Mr.. Doster
seemed to be the medium through which
she was to develop her new found wealth
he rapidly grew in her favor.
The widow furnished the means to
erect temporary works and agreed to
give Mr.. DosteE all the help he required
to develop the new found mine. He
labored faithfully and each day as he
called at the widows house to report his
progress the friendship between the two
increased, and it soon began to dawn
upon the widows mind that she enter
tanned more than business interest in
the mysterious stranger, while Mr.. Dos
ter, though ever courteous and gallant,
could not conceal his admiration for the
attractive widow.
and did everything in their power to dis
courage the match, but fate seemed to
be against them and gradually but surely
the couple was drawn together, and so
strong became their affection for each
other that friends decided to let love
take its course and the two who were
most interested take the consequences.
X <
The marriage day had arrived and the
Jernigan household was all astir making
the final preparations for the happy
event. Mr.. Doster had succeeded in
convincing the widow that the gold mine
was valuable and that it would eventu-
ally yield her handsome fortune.
Notwithstanding Doster had been in
the village three years nothing more was
known of him now than on the day of
his arrival, and having failed to crafty
the curiosity of the citizens of Trenton
he had not made any friends except the
landlord, the editor of The Budget and
the Widow Jernigan.
Doster was as sharp as brier and took
the precaution to make marriage con-
tract with the widow before the consum-
nation of the marriage. By this con-
tract Doster was to have half interest
in the gold mine and all other worldly
goods with which the widow was en-
dowed.
The guests had nearly all arrived and
the grounds and mansion were ablaze
with light. The widow was lady of
exquisite taste and she determined to
make this the most brilliant social event
that the people of Trenton and vicinity
had ever witnessed.
The hour for the ceremony arrived and
the couple entered the parlor, the bride
looking exceedingly lovely as she leaned
upon the strong arm of the handsome
and distinguished looking stranger. The
minister had proceeded with the cere-
mony and in his solemn voice said:
eff any one present can show any suf-
ficient cause why this ceremony should
not proceed let them now speak or here
after hold their peace"
Il forbid the bans," said tall, athletic
stranger, entering the room hurriedly
and placing his hand upon Doster's shout
der; 81 arrest you in the name of the
commonwealth of Massachusetts,"
The widow shrieked and fell to the
floor fainting. The guests were greatly
excited and the house was in an uproar.
As soon as quiet could be partially re-
stored and the widow removed from the
room the stranger who had created the
disorder asked for permission to explain
his conduct.
Il am detective" said he, "and have
been looking for thisman for three years.
His name is not Doster, but Henry B.
Johns, formerly cashier of bank in
Boston. Three years ago he was found
to be over half a million dollars short in
his accounts and while an investigation
was being made he absconded. choosing
this quiet and out of the way place as a
safe retreat. While passing through
your town last week in search for another
criminal eot glimpse of Johns and
fastened back to Massachusetts, to get
requisition papers for his arrest"
The detective left with his prisoner
and the crowd dispersed, having been
greatly disappointed in not seeing a mar
riage, but comforted to some extent by
having at last found clew to the mys-
terious strangers history.
Arriving at his hotel Doster asked per
mission to pack his trunk before depart
ing for his old home in Boston. The de-
tective granted it and stood at the door
as Doster began his preparations for the
journey. The work was nearly com
pleted when the sharp report of pistol
rang through the room and the lifeless
form of the defaulting cashier Law