The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1896-04-20
CHAPTER III.
"a Man Overboard!"

The mansion of Sir Loghlen O'Meara
was on the coast which the Dread
nought was now rather closely hug
ging, and, after passing it, the vessel
would have to steam a good round
number of knots before reaching We4-
ford.
So that those who were bound for
the baronet's residence would, after
having arrived at Wexford, be COM
PEELED to travel back by land fully the
distance which they had been carried
by sea beyond their proper destination.
James Frampton had been we'll used
to salt water; and when voyaging, as
now, it had been the captains practice
to lay to when on a level with Sir
Loghlens mansion, and to lend Tramp
ton one of the ships boats, who would
then pull himself ashore.
The same favor did the old domestic
now solicit, but Capt. Tarboy refused
the request, in consequence of the
storm which his nautical eyes per-
ceived was imminent.
But Frampton pleaded so earnestly
was, as he said, so good a sailor, that
no danger need be feared on his ac-
count-urged the illness of the barOnet,
and the great anxiety he was suffering
concerning the result of the mission on
which his servant had been dispatched
-entreated the captain to remember
that Sir Loghlen would be held in that
torturing state of suspense until late
.on the following day, if his old ser
wants present request should be re-
fused.
And at last, Capt. Tarboy yielded;
E-lt, of course, FramptOn was to go
in
to be kept in ignorance of what had
now been arranged, or, so great was
her devotion to her uncle, so eager was
she to be again by his side, that she
would certainly insist on accompany
ing Frampton.
During the preceding conversation,
Stanley Claremont and the peddler
had been lingering near the speakers;
and no sooner had Capt. Tarboy quit
ted the old servants side, than, ap-
preaching Frampton, the baronet's
nephew, said, II have not been listen
ing, Master Frampton, but could not
avoid hearing sufficient to inform me
that you are presently going ashore"
The old servants veXation and an
noyance were visible on his counten-
ance.
''Why in so great a hurry?'' pursued
Stanley. "Harkye! l do not believe
that my uncle is in very great danger;
but have an absolute certainty that
my own interests are in peril"
Frampton continued silent.
''Why, without motive, do you range
yourself on the side of my enemies?'
"Your enemies!' now exclaimed the
old servant.
Can I otherwise term those" said
Stanley, with
savage look, "Whose sudden presence
is about to wrest from me that inner
itance which, since Edwards death,
my birth has given me full right to eX-
pect"
Frampton was thinking how right he
had been in his miStrust Of the baro-
nets nephew and was congratulating
himself that the gentleman could know
nothing as to the present state of mat
tiers.
He was presently to be undeceived.
eff, sir, you would condescend to eX-
plain yourself" Frampton, with seem
ing innocence, said.
''Oh, you perfectly well comprehend
me-" Stanley cried impatiently. "But
there is still time! Why would you
become the auxiliary of a stranger,
rather than of me, whose affection may
be necessary to you"
The old servant opened his eyes very
widely, and stared wonderingly at
Stanley Claremont, who continued: "Of
that fortune which you might preserve
to me, you should have your share.
would not fail fifty to acknowledge so
eminent service"
And now Stanley bent eagerly to-
ward the old domestic and almost
whispered, my uncle has every con-
fidence in you-tell him that all your
efforts for the discovery of that which
he desires to know have been useless
he would believe you
Frampton shook his head deternfn-
edly.
Stanley stamped with rage.
with how much have you already
made my uncle acquainted?" demand
ed he.
with almost everything" was the
response.
"And of what have you yet to inform
him?'
"Of q name" replied Frampton,
(which l shall tell my master within
the next two hours, for so soon shall
I be with him."
Looking keenly at the old and faith
full servant, Stanley said: "And that
name is Sydney Drummondf'
Frampton started back, amazed, con-
founded! By what strange means had
Sir Logh1en's nephew arrived at that
knowledge?
And casting a naughty and defiant
look on the man whose integrity he
had found incorruptible, Stanley strobe
away to rejoin his new-found friend,
the already and most thoroughly cor
rupted Abraham Mailer.
The peddler saw by SANKEY'S counte-