Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1897-07-15
CHAPTER v.-CoNrrNUED.


Herbert had thoroughly reviewed the
matter in his mind and had come to the
conclusion that with the banker safely
out of the way anG he guilt fixed on
Angus in no uncertain manner he
would be able to make Clara Hill his
wife. Not9 outstanding all he had heard
her say, it was still his opinion that it
was his uncle's wealth alone that in
duced her to accept his proposal; but
how would the removal help him, in re-
spect to wealth? Fannie would inherit
all.
Perhaps it would be best to win Fan
ME or coerce her into marrying him;
but she was engaged to marry Clarence,
and the squire anxg Clarence would be
more than he could overcome.
He must have their friendship, for he
would need them both.
How, then, could his uncle's wealth
become his? Remove Fannie also? No,
that would never do.
One murder might be successfully
carried through. but two, not at this
tlme-and then there might be other
heirs who would inherit equally with
him-but, stay, there was the bankers
will among his private papers in the
vault at the banki He had told him
where they might be found in case of
his sudden death.
The first thing was to inspect that
will, and that he would do before MAX
ing further plans.
Clara Hill returned to Orion a week
after having accepted the proposal OF
Mr.. Lloyd, and it is ssfe to say that as
tbs Sunshine passed-the locality where
She had fallen overheard Angus
Bruce was the one who occupied her
thoughts. He had been seldom from
her mind since the moment when she
had heard him eXciaim, as she was sink
ing down into the rivers depths for the
last time:
Courage! Courage! Clara BeGe!''
and she, thought how instantly she had
felt 81 am saved!" and of the strong
arms of the brave Scot as he clasped her
in them and dragged her back from
death.
He has won my love nobly," she
thought. 81 am untrue to womanhood,
but he cannot have my hand
When she arrived at Orion she found
her father and Clarence very happy over
the state of affairs. Mr.. Lloyd and her
self had written them of the engage
Q ment.
This is well, Clara safa the squire,
as they were riding from the landing to
the house. You will lie the fairest and
wealthiest bride in the old North state.
Lloyd has wealth enough, but your
mother has no small dover for you, and
: you shan't leave Orion aforementioned
by your father.
II wish you to select two young ne
L.
any two that may please you. The girl
bring into the house at once and let
your mother and Aunt Eliza begin
training her for housemaid; the boy,
Clarence and Corbett can drill in the
care of horses. Thus you will always
have around you two servants whom
you know you can trust, and you shall
have bill of sale for them, receipted,
they go with you-yes. daughter, and
horses, and cows, and anything in Or
ton, that your heart desires; you will
be at ethe top of the ladder, child. Are
you happy?"
No, father, not happy, and yet, /
can't say unhappy. 1 know that Mr..
Lloyd loves me for myself alone, and
not for any ACKNOWLEDGMENT he ex-
poets to obtain to his wealth, by OBJ
tanning me for his wife. told him that
ali your wealth went to your eldest son;
and he said, that having me, he con-
sidered that he had the greatest part
of it,
why he has, SO he has; and his
daughter shall be mistress of the rest;
two splendid marriages
But, father, 1 came very near being
tie bride of DEATH
Yes, yes! and Bruce stopped here go
ing out and never spoke of it; feared 20
worry us, suppose, and the next day
Your letter told US all about it-a brave
and trusty man is Angus Bruce. 1 owe
him a debt that can never repay, but 1
can reward him well"
Speak not of rewarding Angus. ia
ther. You would insult noble soul.
But one object would reward Angus
Bruce, and that he will not seek
.'And that, Clara ?''
rs your daughters hand, he has her
iove.n
CLARA! you love Angus Bruce?'
eyes, father, yes; and he loves me,
know. It is love of which princess
might be proud. If you had heard his
cry when sank beneath his waves
Il can't blame the lad; can't blame
him. It is well you are to wed so soon.'s
Mrs. Hill did not seem as enthu-
siastic over the coming marriage as
did her husband and Clarence, and In
the weeks that interviewed between the