Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1897-01-09
MARTINsBURG W. va. SATURDAY. JANUARY 8. 1897

would often mediate upon them, and
wonder ii there was the shadow of
truth in any ofthem. She was conf
dent she knew All. and believed he
had been misrepresented. Her love
for him was increasing constantly, and
she depended on the future for the
pleasures in store for them, giving but
little attention to evil reports, "He is
too kind, toogentlemanly, honest and
upright. / viii continue to love him
though all the world forsake me. =
But the dark clouds OF the future were
not lowering around her alone.
Troubles grew thick and fast, ever in
creasing. Busy-bodies were plying
their nefarious schemes with some
effect, when the following note was
received;
DEAR ALF IL would be pleased TO
have you call at my residence Thurs
day evening at 1880 p. M, if accept
able; no reply requested.
Yours, KATE.
The invitation was gladly accepted
aud at the hour named Aft was in the
presence Of his affianced. He was not
ignorant OF certain reports which had
been circulated detrimental to his
character, and presumed that 1t was
in reference to this that he was called
in question. and he was not disap-
pointed. He reviewed the past care
fully and asked If he had in any way
departed from his sacred promises.
"Am not in every respect the same
that was two years past, true to my
promises, faithful to my pledges to
you; but have one word to speak to-
night, which will make you happy or
miserable. Ifyou desire to do so, you
can withdraw from me and in future
we will be as strangers.
These words were uttered in a
tremulous voice and the strong man
was as child. This was solemn
moment to both, but when Kate cast
a glance into the pale blue eyes of
ALT and saw the tear drop on his
cheek, which shone out as radiant as
diamond, she knew he was her best
friend, honest, honorable and true.
Placing her hand IN bis, she. said:
Il will never forsake you. | would
not live without you for all this world
contains. Then there was a scene
that can be imagined better than
pen can portray. The silver lining
that had been partly obscured was
now visible and vow made there in
the stiffness of the night. which death
alone could sunder.
But there was no cessation of hos
tllities on the part of their enemies.
A new device, as the last resort, must
now be introduced at all hazards, to
prevent the wedding.
While Alt and Kate were. enjoying
the lovely calm, which usually follows
a storm, quietly and lovingly plan
ming the future, their enemies were
plotting a separation in numerous
ways. Finally conclusion was ar
rived at, that on certain night, at a
lonely place on the road, ALI should
be waylaid and thus complete final
separation. His friends were not long
in communicating to him what they
knew relative to what was to be his
fate, but ALI knew faint heart never
won fair lady, and little attention did
he devote to rumors. He knew no
cowardice and conceived he would be
equal to the emergency. His super
Tors in physical strength were few.
On the night in question he re-
NAMED several hours in sweet COM
munion with his intended wife. How
short the hours were, and how rapidly
time had passed. The hour for de-
parture had arrived and ALI was ready
to proceed on his dangerous journey
Placing her hand on his arm Kate
informed him Of a request she had to
make, which was that he should take
an entirely different road home that
night. ALI, rising up to his full
height, replied: AT any other time
/ would gladly accede to your request,
but for special reasons tonight | must
return the way came. :
ooh, ALI! my own, my dearest
friend, are you aware Of the danger
you may encounter tonight"
eyes, / know it all and am prepared
to meet it. 1t is for you live, and
should it become necessary, darling,
for you will die. Farewell until we
meet again" And the perilious jour