Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1893-10-14
A STRANGE EXPIRATION.
A ROMANCE READY TO THE
AUTHORS HAND.
A Tale of Love aud Despair, Separation
and Wrong, usroism and Death
Drowned After Rsscu,ng the nIan He
Had wronGed.


weeks ago has brought to light a
romance which has rarely been equaled
and the story in the hands of nov
elist or playwright could be made OF
exceptional interest. According to
the New York Tribune cor-espon-
dents Informant, shortly before the
beginning of the war there resided
in prominent Southern city two
young men. The one was merchant
and the other an aspiring attorney
They were stanch friends and spent
much of their leisure moments in each
others society. The lawyer. at the
death OF distant relative, had been
made the guardian OF a girl who, as
she grew up, blossomed into most
beautiful woman. A warm attach
ment existed between the two and il
was understood that some day they
would become husband and wife.
At last the war broke out and a
call for volunteers was made. Young
men were urged to go to the front,
and the aspiring lawyer. finding his
practice small. and DESTROYS OF max
ing reputation. responded, leaving
his ward in charge Of a friend. who
promised to see that she should never
want As time passed, reports were
frequently received telling how the
young attorney was receiving fame
for his valor and promoted to the
rank OF captain In the meanwhile
the friendship which had existed be-
tween his friend and ward ripened
into love and the announcement Of
the intended marriage was made pub.
lie.
The ceremony finally took place.
Notwithstanding the encouraging let.
tiers that were being constantly re.
ceiyed from the battlefield; and
toward the close OF the war child
was born to the cou pic. They lived
happily until one day letter was re-
ceiyed announcing how in fort.
night the gallant soldier would re-
turn. bringing with him the title OF
colonel, which had been bestowed for
his bravery. A feeling OF remorse
came over the merchant for his cow
ardice in betrayiug confidence be-
slowed, and he begged his wife to 90
with him to some distant place and
commence life anew. On being met
with refusal. he one day disappeared,
taking with him his child.
When the former lover returned
he swore vengeance, but some months
later newspaper clipping was re-
ceived telling him father and child
had been killed in railroad acct
dent. Then he took it upon himself
to continue as guardian for the
woman. A year or so later. when
the cruel wrong was gradually being
forgotten, the two were married,
and with the birth Of boy in later
years their life was marked with
prosperity and happiness.
The life Of the betrayer after he
disappeared with his girl baby was
more eventfuL Not wishing to
stand in the way Of his wife's happi-
ness. he took advantage Of railroad
accident in which both his child and
self narrowly escaped death to give
his name as that of an unfortunate
who had been instantly killed and
whose identity was unknown to the
others. 1t was about the time OF the
mining excitement in Leadville and
the famous carbonate camp was soon
reached. Good fortune appeared to
meet his every effort. and within a
year he was considered among the
camps wealthiest men. As years
passed the child followed in the foot
steps of her mother and grew up to
be her perfect image Money was
lavished upon her education without
limit. and much time was spent in
travel For some years past father
and daughter have resided in South
ern California. spending consider
able time at Coronado.
Recently there arrived here a
prominent Southern attorney. accom-
panied By his wife. He was none
other than the betrayed friend. One
evening mother and daughter mot.
The close resemblance proved
astounding, and when on the follow.
ing day she recognized her supposed
dead husband the shock proved al
most fatal. During her brief illness,
however, she avoided confding the
truth TO her husband, but managed
to ascertain the abode Of her daugh-
ter. A visit was paid, and q speedy
departure urged. Father and daugh.
ter had arranged to leave on the fol.
lowing day. That day. while the
two were on tho beach watching
bathers, cry Of distress was heard
in the distance, and the piteous cries
of a drowning man near the danger
line soon attracted their attention.
In an instant the man recognized
as the unfortunate the friend whom
he had betrayed, and without a mo
ment's hesitation he throw himself
in the water, and being an excellent
swimmer, reached the man in time
to save his life. He carried the un
4 fortunate man to the ropes, where
/ aid soon arrived. At that moment
however, a heavy current dragged
the man who had risked his life under
the water, and being unable to grasr