The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-03-02
AUGUSTA DANE.

One day he left her, taking with him their
little boy, years old.
The next day found Augusta in New
York. Two days were spent in fruitless
search. Ali her husbands haunts were
visited. In Philadelphia Augusta was
again baffled in her search. Still she de-
SPARED not, but went on her way to Balti-
more. Arrived there, she resumed her
weary, weary search.
As she turned away from a place where
her inquiries had again been unsuccessful
her hope and courage, for the first time
since her loss, began to fail her. As size
walked slowly along, uncertain where next
to direct her steps, gentleman passed and
looked earnestly at her. Augusta, OPP
pressed with her sad and anxious thoughts,
had not noticed him. All at once voice
saying, Mrs. Dane, you surely do not
intend to pass me without recognition, do
your" caused her to start and raise her
eyes. 1t was friend of her husband who
was speaking to her.
81 beg your pardon, Mr.. Davis. was
thinking and passed without seeing you, -
answered Augusta.
you husband and child. What fine little
fellow that boy of yours isl You must be
very proud of him. Davis remarked.
Augustus heart gave a mighty throb,
and in voice which she vainly endeavor-
ed to steady she replied:
Eyes; L have been detained at home
and did not join them at the time ap-
pointed. Where did you leave Mr.. Dane
-and-and-my son?''
All, how her voice trembled as she asked
the question:
II left them in Washington, - replied
Davis. Il met Fred at Ms last night
(naming gam ing house in that city,. I
only arrived in Baltimore an hour ago.
Augusta scarcely heard any further
words that were spoken. She had room
but for one thought. She reused herself
sufficiently at length to utter a few words
of leave taking, and the next train to
Washington bore Augusta on her way
thither.
At length she reached her destination
Stepping into a carriage, she gave the Or
der to drive to Ms.
The carriage stopped. "Wait here for
me. Keep your carriage door open. 1 shall
not be away long" And she assembled the
steps of the house.
+ A negro opened the door in answer to
her ring and refused her admittance, but
Augusta was prepared. Holding up $1O
bill, she said, "This is yours if you permit
me to pass.' Sambo found it impossible
to resist, and the door was opened to ad-
nit her.
(Which way must goP" inquired Au-
gusta as soon as she was fairly inside the
hall.
do you mean right among all the gen.
tlemen, ma amp asked Sambo, with open
eyes and mouth.
(Which way must go?'' repeated She
Right at the top of the stairs, ma am,
where you see the bright light from under
the door,
AS she placed her hand on the knob she
breathed a silent prayer, and then she
opened the door noiselessly and entered
The room was brilliantly lighted Her
n lod fOy
quick glance took in all at once. Seated
at che table near the center of the large
rom and with his back toward the door
was her husband, and by his side stood a
little child Yes, there was her boy, stand
ing like an angel of light amid that crowd
of desperate men.
No one had seen her enter. All were in
tent on the game then in progress. An
other moment, and owing to some turn of
fortune q fearful oath burst from Fred
erick Danes lips.
Augusta took step forward just then.
Her boy turned and saw her. my moth
er, oh, my motherl'' screamed the child
and sprang into her arms.
With her child olasped to her heart An
gusta felt a power within her strong
enough to defy the world. Her husband
had risen from his seat, reused by the
childish exclamation, and stood gazing at
her in speechless amazement. The room
was crowded with men, who were looking
on in speechless wonder at the strange
scene enacted before their eyes, Augusta
was the first to speak.
Frederick. let me depart in peace with
my child
Never" interrupted he. "Put down
the childP' And he made movement to-
ward her. Augusta turned white to the
lips.
Frederick" she again pleaded, 'tthink
of our child's future. You surely would
not doom our boy to live q life such as
yours has been!''
Cease your talking and give me the
boyF' shouted Dane, and again he made
movement toward her.
Quick as thought Augusta raised her
hand and leveled a small revolver at him
which she had concealed in the folds of
her dress
She clasped her child still closer to her
breast as she spoke:
Frederick Dane, am a desperate wo-
man! Take heed. Do not defy me further
For Gods sake, leave me and do not force
me to desperate deeds! Stopi Advance
one step, and the consequences be on your
own head!''
While Augusta was speaking she had
moved nearer the door. Her husband stood
if petrified. With one last look Augusta
turned and left the room.
Augusta Danes days now passed peace
fully and quietly. Her son grew up into
a true, noble, honorable man and became
one of the most distinguished members of
the bar in his native city.-Exchange.
Burial In Tea.
Great, indeed, is the popularity of tea,
but few will be prepared to receive the
startling intelligence that in certain part
of ho rnrid tho laaf hat