Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1893-02-07

parees
The year went by as most years do.
Dir. Desmond was always kind and Ind
won a warm place in the esteem of both
Arthur Barstow and Annie Wilbur.
Everything seemed pointing them to
happiness. Arthur worked hard and
from early in the morning until late at
night could be seen supervising opera-
tions at the mill.
One day when berries were ripening,
Annie took basket and crossing her
father's meadow entered the woods
which covered the slopes of the sur
rounding hills. She followed \ wooded
path for some distance and then climbed.
q deolivity, which was covered with
berry bushes.
She had filed her basket and entered
the woods again, when She was startled
by the sound of voices. A name was
mentioned that caused her to stop and
listen. With trembling hands she put
aside the bushes, aud crept into the
thicket. Closer and closer she crept
until she could see into q little open spot
where an old shRnty had once stood but
where nothing now remained except the
foundation logs,
Upon one of these sat Mr.. Desmond
and directly opposite a man of most
villainous appearance. His clothes
were ragged and soiled. Bis torn hat
lay upon the log beside him and his
matted hair fell in greasy snarls over his
forehead. His face was distorted and of
a fiery red, with long scar across the
right cheek.
His shoulders seemed almost to meet
as he leaned forward with a frightful
look of interest on his face. while Mr.
Desmond explained the nature of his
plans.
You see, said Desmond. IL the
mill and dam are blown mp the work of
year viii be ruined. besides the ex-
pense, and in the course of tune '1lhRve
the place, for yesterday Ibonght up the
mortgages, but 1t must be worked ON
the quiet, have implicit confidence in
you, Grigson. y Desmond went on, " for
You have done a thing or two before to
my satisfaction and / guess to yours.
too. as paid you well; but this time I'll
make it worth your trouble; $500 down
and another $500 when the work is
done.
..1Iake it thousand now and Ave
hundred when done and IN take YER
said Grigson.
Desmond hesitated moment Very
well. il that's your price. it's settled"
and he opened his wallet and the money
was counted out.
Trust me to smash the structure. .
said Grigson. Saturday night at 10
o'clock, . he continued, 1T will be ready
for your Investigation. Sunday night
III touch the fuses and make for the
cave"
He rose and hobbled out of sight
If she lnarries him she'll marry pow
erty," Annie heard Desmond mutter,
as he departed in the opposite direction.
Her feelings cannot be described, but
there was look of determination ON her
palid face MS she took her way home
ward.
Saturday night came; Arthur and
couple of officers lay IN hiding near the
mill. At IL o'clock strange man APP
peared and began to clear away the top
of the rocks. An hour later Mr.. Des-
mond came in view. Grigson showed
him the work of the previous nights.
How many of them timbers will stand
after the fuses go Off" asked Grigson
triumphantly.
{" 1t Is even better than I expected, "
said Mr.. Desmond. wen blow the
thing to atoms Barstow didn't know
who he was trihing with when he re-
fused to sell this site at double its worth,
but guess he'll be willing to sell It
after tomorrow night. What think you,
Grigson?"
You're bout right, calculate, Mr..
Desmond, :" answered Grigson.
Tomorrow night, said Desmond,
about to take his departure. "I'lllsten
for the explosion, and if don't hear it
it will be because 49,
Because you are behind prison bars, y
cried Barstow, rs he and the officers
sprung forward. Desmond fought like
a tiger, but was oyerpowered after a des-
perate struggle and securely handcuifcd.
Grigson, however. disappeared he
had leaped into the river at the first OF
the attack and though the country was
secured right and left no trace could be
found of either him or his cave.
The evidence of the foul conspiracy
was SO strong that Desmond was con-
victed in spite of long. tedious trial, In
which he was defended by the best legal
talent that money could afford He died
before the end of his term in the State
prison and his indomitable win was con-
quered at last.
1t is needless to add that Arthur and
Annie were happily married.
Arbordale has since grown into largo
and populous city and bears different
name. but though the smoke from nu-
merous manufactures has taken away
the picturesque character of the place,
its inhabitants love to honor its founder,
the man who built the first mill. - Chi
cago News
school Days In Prussia.
In Prussia all the boys and girls are
absolutely required to go to school for
eight years. They must go daily to
school from the time they are six years
/ nId until fIiarz nra frt,r.koar, And the.