The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-25
A GYPSY DANCER.

At the date this story commences
about the year 1743, there resided IN
the West Riding of Yorkshire, England
family of ancient pedigree and great
wealth. This was the family of Sir
George Pasely, gentleman OF the OLD
English school.
Sir George was married, though not
until he was already an old bachelor,
but his wife was a young and lovely
being, of tender age, compared WIN
his own, for when she became Lady
pasely she was but 10 years OF age.
Sir George dotted on her, and indeed
she was worthy his fondest regard, De-
ing everything in person and mind tnat
the heart could wish. But, alas! the
destroyer, Death, came. and the same
hour that made him father took the
gentle mother and fond wife to her
long home Time rolled on, and the
sweet child grew daily more like what
her mother was, while Sir George loved
her with deep and absorbing affection
There was a young man, wild and
reckless spirit, that claimed to be next
of kin to the Pasely family with Sir
George. and would doubtless, from
some peculiar cause known to law, be
able to establish his right to the es-
tates now holden by Sir George, pro-
vided he should die without issue.
Therefore the birth and growth of lit
tie Louise Pasely was watched with
jealous care by Ernest Renwood, who
hoped one day to possess the broad
Pasely estates for his own.
Four years had passed since the birth
of Louise, who proved to be sturdy
and beautiful child, when Renwood saw
that he must bring his designs to an
issue, and not leave any longer his
hopes to chance. He therefore formed
the resolution of adopting some expedi-
have seen, she stood between him and
the rich lands he so much coveted. He
was not naturally a hardened villain,
but that most powerful incentive to
evil, that most thriving agent of the
Evil Spirit, avarice, was goading him
on to the brink of perdition; and he
was an orphan and had been reared
lacking the fostering care and godly
counsel that forwarns and fore.
arms youth against the temptations OF
manhood.
1t was late one mild summers night
when he came to this conclusions; he
recalled to his mind that at a wild and
secluded spot some two miles from the
immediate neighborhod of Sir Georges
estate, there were encamped at that
very hour a band of gypsies, who he al
once conjectured might be of service
to him in the plan he proposed to
execute, viz, to rid himself of he little
Louise Pasely, heiress to the estates
that he was determined to possess.
Louise disappeared on the subse.
quent night and on-the following morn.
ing, when her absence was discovered
CONSERVATION filled the hearts of all.
Twelve years, with all the changes
that so long period of time brings
have passed since the loss that had sc
wrung the heart of Sir George. He hai
grown gray and many a wrinkle crossed
his manly brow.
A gypsy band were in the West Rid
ing of Yorkshire, England, and the
beautiful danseuse Minitti, with hel
handsome companion, was perform
ing to the delighted villagers of the
country. 1t did not escape the inquisi
tive eyes of the spectators that hel
companion, Fernando, watched with
loving eye each motion of Minitti.
The little own in the environs O.
which the gypsy band were encampet
was one day thrown into commotion by
one of the inhabitants declaring thai
an article of considerable value hat
been stolen from his house. One of thu
inhabitants even remembered to have
seen female of the tribe near the door
OF the house whence the jewel was
missing, and was ready to make oatl
that it was none other than Manitti. the
danseuse of the tribe.
This was quite sufficient, and upor
such strong circumstantial evidence the
beautiful girl was seized and rudely
carried before the justice of the county
for examination. In vain was all proof
offered by the tribe as to her innocence;
no court would heed gypsy's evidence
and the justice was forced, though com.
passion was in his heart, aye, and il
beamed broadly from his countenance
too, to commit the girl
Immediately after the justice had
pronounced the sentence, and the weep.
ing girl was about to be borne away by
the officers of the court, young man
stepped suddenly forward from the
crowd and said, while he thrust aside
the rough hands that were extended to
seize Minitti:
Stand back, if you would not have
me take your lives. The girl is inno-
cent stole the jewel. Why should you
charge tbs upon that gentle being, in
nocent and pure, aye, purer than the
best of We! It is who am guilty"
Ihou!" cried the gypsy girl, Elm
possible, Fernandez" for it was her
companion of the dance. And the gen
tie girl, rejoicing to find one friend so
near her in this fearful moment, threw
her arms about his neck and wept upon
his breast.
Even SO, dear Minitti," he replied,
but fear not for me, I shall soon be
released again. Keep up brave heart,
dear girl"
AS ne said these words, the justice