Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1894-01-05
pleasure beaming on Berenice's admlrlng

face.
mot a particle. You have told your
story; let me recprocate in kind roi
half my life have been an active pusl-
ness man of Chicago This is my daugn-
ter's eighteenth birthday. Some time
ago l promised her that when this day
came | would abandon oil business ana
devote The remaining years of my wid-
owed life to her, my only child.
"Th.s have onlj been able to accom-
plish in part. ] have withdrawn from
two firms in which was interested, and
the proceeds. $500, 900 in bonds, are now
| in that safe.
The enormous sum mentioned, to-
gether with IFS unexpec ed proximity TO
him, caused Cole Winters q sudden start
OF surpr Sc.
In this action he was not alone. The
curious glance he cast at the cube or
polished steel, which held secure behind
it's bolts and bars aud massive locks more
than kings ransom, was duplicated by
pair Of dark sinister eyes which
CLEANED at the lower part of one of the
windows behind the backs of tho inter-
ested trio.
Il have fully twice ss much more safe
ly invested in lood paying real estate,
Mr.. st. Cyr went on. These bonds
draw only very low rate of interest, and
am desirous OF changing them to houses
and other rentable property. This, my
contract tn my daughter, prevents me
from attending to in person.
I'm glad you remember your obli5a-
tions, father" smiled Berenjce.
In week We are to leave for New
York. from where We will soon sail for q
tour Of Europe have as yet no agent
10 reinvest my money and care for my
property during my absence. You seek
employment. 1 will pay you $4,000 a
wear Is it bargain?"
my dear sir-what can say? l have
had no experience-
Experience an honest man can easily
acquire. while experienced men seldom
turn honest, You are bright, energetic,
sincere. Is it bargain?"
Besides the father and daughter, the
person at the window awaited the re-
sponse 80,
1If you think me competent, sir, I will
not otherwise disappoint you
Enough" cried Mr.. St. Cyr, extend
ing his hand I'VE will settle the de-
tails to- morrow. In tho meantime ac-
cept and promi to wear this as a
memento of this day. 1t belonged to my
only son, long since deceased.
The speaker removed and handed our
hero curiously wrought old-fashioned
ring, richly set with diamonds nd rubies
what is it, sir2" asked servant who
had entered the apartment in response to
sn electrical bell which his master had
touched.
Some refreshments, John. Serve
them here, and as quickly a. possible.
The man looked curiously at the ring
which Cole was in the act of pla ing up
on his finger, and withdrew.
I Half all hour later the little company
sep lrated for the night.
Master must think a power of that
Young man to give him that ring, mused
John, as he went sleepily do yn the stairs
after having shown Cole Winters to the
most sumptuous guest chamber in the
whole mansion.
It was long before sleep visited the eye
lids of our heroine, whose happy, inno-
cent heart kept beating time to new and
! glorious measure first love.
! When, at last, slumber locked fast her
outer senses, the new horn sentiment
controlled her half formed thoughts, and
dreams of Cole Winters foated through
Ter brain.
Again she heard the startling cry of
fire, and with fast failing strength saw
our hero her hero, as well-rIsking his
life to save her.
Hep! Help MurderP
From a vision at once awful and fasci-
mating she was awakened by these dread
full wo.ds.
They proceeded, as she thought, from
the library. where she hid so re emily
spent one of the pleasantest hours of her
brief life
In an instant; almost, she was there.
Day had broken, and objects were dis
tinctly visible.
The outcry had emanated from the
servant. John Kedzie, who stood in the
doorway. look of horror depicted on
his face.
Rushing past him, Berenice saw chairs
overturned, tho safe open, and papers
scattered about.
"Burglsryl' she gasped.
"Worse!" said John Kedzie, in hoarse
whisper.
She followed with her eyes the direc-
ton indicated by his trembling finger,
and saw sight that fairly froze her
young blood, and deprived her of the use
Of her faculties.
Before her upon the floor, frightful
wound in his throat, lay the lifeless body
of her beloved father. Paul st. Cyr.
[To BE CONTINUED