Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-05-07
CHAPTER XIV.

chlldhOOd, all or his masters children?
Dinah was there, rugged out in fur
bellows and ribbons, her round, black
face bcaming with smiles, and aside
from those on the inside of the chapel
there were a good number on the out
side, waiting to catch a glimpse of young
master and miss when they entered the
door.
AT Is minutes to eight carriage
rolled up and the clergyman, Rev.
Elliot Chambers, with his wife and
daughter, descended from it and entered
the chapel.
Placing his wife and daughter in seats
we'll advanced, Rev. Chambers entered
the vestry, from which ten minutes later
be emerged clad in the robes Of tho
Church OF England
At this moment two carriages dashed
up from opposite directions.
From one descended Squire Hill, his
wife, Clarence and Clara; and from the
other Fannie, Herbert Lathrop and
Aunt Mag.
81 would Tom were here" said the
squire, "and the guests from Whining
ton. Something must have delayed the
steamer. 1t can't be helped; they may
be here to join us in the wedding supper.
I, 'The time has arrived, Clarence. See
the clergyman is waiting. Let there
never be delay in amarriage."
Il A moment more and Clarence and
Fannie stood before the man of God.
eff there be any here who know Of
any impediment why this man and
woman may not lawfully be Joined to.
gether in wedlock, let them now speak
or hereafter hold their peace"
I, There were none who spoke.
"Who giveth this woman to be mar.
.ried to this man"
/, Herbert Lathrop looked both pale and
nervous as he placed Fannie's hand in
that of Clarence. and in moment more
Clarence led his blushing bride one side
and Herbert Lathrop and Clara Hill
stood before the altar.
Clara appeared as lovely as ever, but
the expression on her face was not
one to denote happiness.
But a short distance behind Lathrop
and leaning against one. of the pillars
of the chapel, was Aunt Mag.
Her quadroon face was nearly as pale
as Herberts, and she had been CHANGING
nervously toward the door ever since shs
had entered the chapel. Now the time
had come, and he who was to attend
to the balance was not there.
s'Da fails me! Da fails mel" though,
Mag, ''but ole marster, done swal
the man what murdered you shall never
marry Clara Hill. A nigger's oatl
don't count. marster, but dis do" ant
she clutched tightly the handle of the
knife that her dress skirt concealed.
"If there be any present who know Of
any impeachment why this man and this
woman may not lawfully be joined to
gether in wedlock, let them now speak
or hereafter hold their peace"
81 knows, marster!" and the tai
quadroon stood erect.
Every eye in the chapel was turned
towards her with astonishment.
She knew that to pause would bt
fatal to her purpose, as she would be
elected from the chapel as insane, ant
before the onloollers could recover from
their establishment. she fastened on.
Herbert Lathrop murdered his uncle
saw him strike the blow. 1t was no
Angus Bruce"
At that moment steps We're heard OF
the piazza of the chapel.
lie struck the blow from behind thu
back of Angus, and 'cused him Of tho
crime. I was the only witness, an t
nigger's oath don't go; but Herbert La
throp killed ole marster.''
All seemed paralyzed. Herbert,
white face was whittier yet, and his hant
dropped towards his hip pocket.
Clara had turned towards her ia Their
and was Historically circulating:
Home, father; take me home!"
Fannie was leaning on the arm o
Clarence, speeches..
''she is crazy!" suddenly exclaimed
Herbert; ALWAYS was crazy!"
Certainly" said the squire; "yo,
were foolish to bring her here. Thi
is very unpleasant. All know wh'
killed John Lloyd He fed as resul
of the crime, and has become notoriou
the world over. This poor creature il
insane. Remove her. Corbett."
"Poor Aunt Mag" said Fannie; SSH
has surely lost her mind" and she triet
to go to her, but Clarence restrained
her.
81 will proceed" said the clergyman
AS Corbett stepped towards Aun
Mag her shawl fell from her head AM
shoulders, and her long black hair fel
to her very waist. Mag amt forget
marster!"
A step nearer Lathrop, and one Ion!
arm was raised on high; from the hant
cleaned the glittering blade of a dirl
knife. Mag won't fall"
'cHold!"
1t was a voice of command. Ever
Mag. stood still. with the knife-blad
poised in the air, as Hugh Gordon an.
Tom, followed by the two officers
strobe down the aisle.
81 forbid the marriage of Herber
Lathrop and Miss HILL" said Gordon.
what mean your" exclaimed tn
squire. "Youare stranger here. VIVA
impediment can you know of to IN.
daughters marriage?"
"None, Squire Hill, to your daugh
ter's; many to Herbert Lathrop's
Aunt Mag has told the truth. job
Lloyd died by the hand of his nephew
| Lathrop is self-confessed murderer
Last niRht in the library at Kendall
-Sr..-...,l. -.s.,-