Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1893-02-10

AT noon as she went to make her few
purchases at the store she heard
reports of n daring burglary that
had been committed the night
before. One of the robbers had
been killed and another wounded in the
arm. The police had the clue, but had
not arrested all who were concerned in
the crime. She bought newspaper and
began reading the details on her way
home. Fear and anxiety almost over
whelmed her.
Robert was still sleeping when she en-.
tered their lodgings. The police had
not yet arrested him, but how long
would it be before their home might be
invaded by officers of the law2 Seating
herself by the window she continued 10
read the details of the burglary, her eyes
suirused with tears, her heart beating
painfully, her head in whirl. The
words seemed to dance up and down the
page rs she read that one of the robbers
had been wounded in the left arm. 1t
was Roberts left arm that was bandaccd
A description of the criminal followed
IN which Victoria was sure she recog-
nized her husband. The police were
said to be on the trail, and it was pre-
dicted that within twenty-f four hours all
the burglars would be in custody.
A knock at the door made the moor
woman tremble SO violently that she
could not respond; she pressed her hand
to her heart; her limbs almost refused to
support her. The knocking was re-
peated. Nerving herself to the effort
and opening the door, she encountered
middle-aged man of gtntlemanly ap-
pearance. Victoria felt sure he was n
detective.
"Is Mr.. Desmond at home2" he asked.
"He is not" answered Victoria, coldly.
"Can you tell me when or where |
will find him2"
~ cannot" replied the wife; twill
you not leave your message with met"
81 regret" said the visitor, politely,
"that | cannot do so; my business is OF
a private nature. will call again"
He turned away. Victoria listened
breathlcssly until he reached the foot of
the stairs, then she turned frantically to
the crib and clasped her baby close to
her breast. "Better, far better for us
to die now and be beyond all the crime
and suffering and punishment Of this
world" Then she Thought of awaken.
ing and warning Robert, that he might
escape while there was time. 1t was
the most anxious moment Victoria had
ever spent even in that garnet room.
Overcome by the strain she sank to the
floor in swoon. When she awoke she
was surprised 10 find her husband gone.
For the moment she thought only of him
and was glad that their humble lodgings
would not be the scene of his arrest; she
longcd never again to be able to think
or feel and to be where anxiety aud fear
were unknown. Her glance happene d
to rest on her sleeping baby's face and a
revulsion of feeling swept over her. .sl
must be brave for the child's sake" she
murmured.
Another knock at the door startled
her. She opened it to find standing
there the same man who had asked for
her husband few hours before.
lis Mr.. Desmond at home now7" b,
anxiously inquired.
"He is not" replied Victoria.
"You are his wife, are you notl"
al am"
81 came from B. Brothers," he con
tinued, naming one of the largest bank
ing houses in the city. "Quite sun
of money has been deposited in on
London house to your husbands credit
a AL Il a. L:
the office. This is our address," hand
ing her a card. "Please request you
husband to come during banking hours
and as soon as possible"
The stranger bowed and retired.
Victoria hardly knew whether she wa
awaking or dreaming. The Earl mus
have sent money. she thought; but i
ypne Stto0 late--tnn Late ro,, ~ aLo -,