Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1893-08-25

just then, too, as Colonel Ridley cut
his old friend clear, the Doctor recovered
his senses, and hardly needed the kindly
assistance that was given him to get
upon his feet and be seated.
| And then, what joyous greetings all
aroundl What glad exchange Of thought
and feelingl What happiness and hopel
For nearly quarter of an hour the
three conspirators were as much forgot
ten by all the other actors in the scene
as if they had never existed.
But at length the gaze of Col. Ridley
came back to the blanched face of the
robber and assassin who had so cruelty
requited the affection and kindness OF
which he had for years been the object.
"Of course you are surprised, Agnus
| Hillington, to see me come back to you
| in this manner--lille one from the grave
but there is nothing very singular
about it" explained the Colonel, as stern
of voice as of mien, as his glances played
| like lightning upon the features OF his
miserable captive. "The blow you gave
me has left a scar | shall carry to my
| prave,n and he raised his hand to livid
mark on his temple, "but it merely rem
dered me unconscious, and In less than
minute after you left me for dead on the
sands In Cape Town, after enticing me
there with my two millions, under pre-
tense of a conspiracy on the yacht, ! was
rescued by my faithful Hindoos, Ilppoo
and Rettle, who had followed us without
my knowledge"
Agnus Hillington writhed in his bonds,
but he did not need to ask single ques-
ton. the whole story of the Colonel's de-
liverance from his murderous machina-
tions having been revealed In those few
declarations. j.,
"Of course most men would have had
you arrested and punished, pursued the
Colonel, " but gave myself the satisfac-
| ton of getting at you in different way
[ waited in Cape Town, with Tippoo and
Rettle, and took a fast steamer, while
you took the slow one, so that l, reached
England and America several days
ahead of you. proceeded direct to The
Elms. of which took instant possession,
with my servants. There is not only
secret underground entrance to the
house from the river, but there are also
secret apartments in the dwelling, and
hence was able to remain undiscovered.
To Mr.. Radd Moreland, to be sure, had
the pleasure Of revealing myself on
certain memorable occasion, but 1t was
under such circumstances that he TOOK
me to be creation OF his tremens. and
he has never been able to realize until
now that am mortal like himself"
How intently Radd looked at his "Mr
Chapman" in the light Of these revela-
tions, need not be stated.
sand 50 we have reached the end OF
our little games, Agnus Hlllington, con-
cluded The Colonel, "you in your way
and l in mine / not only got here
ahead of you, but have kept constant
watch upon you. My one great object
has been, of course, to recover my two
millions, but have not neglected to put
my sister and niece on their guard against
you, and the upshot of all your wicked.
ness is that you are now an outcast ana
beggar"
The words were succeeded by rum
bling of wheels, and two-horse carriage,
with lanterns at each end of the forward
seat, came dashing up to the door.
"We are now going to take leave OF
you," exclaimed the Colonel, arising,
sand we do so with the belief and hope
that we are rid Of you forever. ALI
need add is that we shall leave instruc-
tions with Sammy to turn you loose about
midnight, and l give you fair warning
that any further grievance we may ex-
perience at your hands will be promptly
and vigorously punished.
And within five minutes after the ut
terance of these remarks the Colonel
and his friends were being driven rapidly
away from Egg Island cottage to the
landing, On their way back to The Elms
The party included Lottie and Mrs
Barnett, of course, they having returned
frnm their stroll on the beach in time to
take their place in this departure.
X
The third night subsequent to these
events, while Radd, Hillington, and
| Hutchley were having a carousa in the
humble cabin Of the latter, near the
waters edge, there arose one OF the most
terrible storms known to the annals OF
Lake Michigan, and the next morning
not a single board or timber of the build
ing was visible. 1t had been swept away,
with its occupants, OF whom no trace
was ever discovered.
But Perry and his friends knew moth
ing of this catasprophe, and indeed they
had a great deal to think about without
it, for on that night, in the presence of
Colonel Ridley and DR.. Robinett, Vance
became the husband of Jessie Moreland,
while her mother became the wife Of Mr..
Wyevile.
And Just year later, in the elegant
parlors of The Elms, which had been
newly refurnished, the fair Jessie sat
holding a sweet daughter, while Vance
stroked her hair tenderly and contem-
plated that miniature image of his bride
and of himself.
"You see, he said, with a smile as
proud as gentle, as he lifted and patted
one of the chubby hands of the baby,
shat there is no curse resting upon
you, as you once told me. l knew then,
as I know now, that there was no oc
casion for your haunting fears, and here
is the proof. Dr. Robinett says that
your hands and those of my dear mother
in-law will be sufficiently restored in an
other month to admit of laying aside all
those gloves and bandages forever.
What more do we need, darling, to fill
the cup Of our happiness to overflow
ing?"
Nothing more, my own dear Vance
nothing whatever" assured Jessie, in
all the radiance of her beauty and glad
ness, as she raised her lips to the hand
some face bending over her. @We are
indeed very happy"
y ~. xNlh