Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1893-09-21


duced into the pages of novels had
arisen in my quiet little home.
remembered that had met my wife
by chance; that our introduction was
brought about by chance acquaint-
ance, who really knew nothing Of
either OF us; that she was alone in the
world, without any living relative, or
claimed to be so; teacher of music,
with few pupils making hard struggle
for life. Very possibly n disreputable
father or brother had turned up, to
whom she was obliged to give assist
ance, and whom she did not wish me to
know It was pity, but would have
no more of this. | would get ut the
truth and help her II could Then
terrible thought occurred to me. What
If it should prove that she had married
early in life; that worthless husband
had returned, and that she was trying
to get rid of him? In that case what a
goose would be to NEEDLE and force
upon myself u terrible knowledge which
might avoid.
1t was cowardly, perhaps, but loved
Fleda so dearly that had rather be
deceived In such way-I never doubt
ed her utter truth for one moment
than to be undeceived to my misery.
And, hoping against hope, permitted
two more weeks to pass by without do
ing anything whatever Then came an
hour when graver doubts possessed me.
My wife had sold the diamond ear
rings which my sister had given her
upon her wedding day. came by this
knowledge while examining her desk
for letters, and believed that she in
tended to give the money thus raised to
the mysterious person who had the
power to call her from her fireside when
he pleased
The night en- which | followed her
was as beautiful as night could be. The
mir was warm and full of the breath of
flowers. My wife wore white dress
and pretty hat with daisies around
the brim. She had told me a deliberate
falsehood, asking me to stay at home
to receive friend who might call
while she went to the dressm akers
house.
A wild hope that she had only been
to this dressmaker before, and that the
jewels were sold to pay some extrava-
CANT bill. filled my heart, but it van
ished as followed her, and saw her
leave the road after going few PAGES,
and take by-path which ran back
into our own orchard. 1t was small
place full of old apple trees. The noon
light failed to fill it, but saw amidst
the shadows of the foliage the darker
shadow of mans figure.
"Ye've kept me waiting" he whis-
pcred.
81 could not help it," my wife re-
piled.
The man gave low growl.
"Ye've got the money!" he said.
''For your own interest you've got
the money, the five hundred dollars"
Where had heard that voice before?
''No,"my wife faltered, mot SO much;
the jeweler would only give me three
hundred, but have that"
"Ye must raise the other two"
growled the man. "Oh, you'll do it, 1t
won't be great dale to pay to save
them we know of from twenty years in
Jail. Produce it and tell me whin, or,
afther all, I'll tell the truth; it's my
duty anyway"
"Oh, good Heaven! I've given you all
have!" cried my poor wife. II can get
no more"
She seemed almost to faint What
ever this mystery might be, it was my
duty to defend her.
strobe out of the shadow, and, with.
out warning, stood before them.
"Fleda," ! cried, "what does this
mean2 Whom are you talking to9
must know! will know! Do you fancy
| have been blind to your meetings with
this scoundrel?"
''Oh, don't speak so, dearest!' she
cried Don't anger him. Go away.
You don't know your danger"
:" 'DangerI cried, clutching the
collar of the man, who strove to rush
past me. Come; let me see whom
have here"
/ dragged him into the light, and
saw our porter, Honest Jim, and no
other.
Jim, by all that is comicalr' said.
"And what is he to you, wife?"
'Oh, don't! Don'tw cried Fleda. 'He
knows ALL He knows ALP
'Fleda," said l, whatever he may
know about you, have no fear You
are my wife. love you Nothing can
alter that"
''Oh, it isn't ], Henryl 1t is you'll He
knows all about Razzle Dazzle, and
what you did to get the money to bet on
him. 1t was such temptation, know,
my poor husband! And he swore he
would not betray you if gave him five
hundred dollars. But have not been
able to raise it. will, though. Spare
nv husband, and l will Yesl Oh,
will earn it, somehow" cried Fleda,
wildly.
what coufounded matchmaking trick
is this?" said l. shaking Honest Jim
furiously.
PHASE, let me gol" groaned Jim.
''You put it into my head with your
talk of your missus fearing you'd go
wrong. was up before you the night
| of the storrum, and she met me, and
wus aisy tuck in. An tried it ag'in.
You an the divil put it into my head.
Here's the money back. Don't choke
me! Here is the money back"
"What did he tell you, you silly
child?" asked Fleda-
THAT you had robbed your employ
ers to get money to stake on Razzle
Dazzle" said she my only thought
has been how to save YOU"
'Gor' said to Honest Jim. "Show
your face in the Office again If you
dare"
! dismissed him with kick and took
Fleda in my arms.
$50 you'd be true TO me II were both
fool and rascal?" said L Poor little
goosyl'
And you'd love me If had some
,+,,,-.. lsfaoo eoi1 LSlado