Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-08-24
A MARRIAGE BY CAPTURE,
BY ROBERT BUCHANAN.
Author of "The Shadow of the SwOrd,' "God and the
Man, Etc.

menG, ana man, mOuHtSu Ou power
full mare, galloped into the inn yard
He was a slight yet powerfully built
man Of about 80, dressed In tight fit
ting riding coat, hunting breeches and
top boots. His short and curly black
hair and small black mustache contrast
ed strangely with his clear cut and fine
" nodded features, which were CHASTITY
pale.
Captain KennedyP' he cried, leap
ing from his horse and throwing the
bride to groom.
Here, sir, replied the captain, add
ing in low voice to the priest: "Mr.
Langford is almost out Of his wits over
the affair. Poor gentleman! It's him
that offers the reward Of fl00."
The newcomer approached and see-
ing the priest took his hand and wrung
it silently. His manner was full of deep
emotion and agitation.
"Well?" he asked eagerly, turning to
the captain.
"There's nothing new, sir, I'm sorry
to say"
GIVE been over to the barracks again
and questioned Jim Feeny. He contra
diets himself at every word. Last night
he said that only two men attacked the
car; now he thinks there were half a
dozen"
HE hasn It rightly come to his senses
yet" observed Kennedy. Hell sober
down before the formal inquiry"
"Do you think he's to be trusted?'
said Langford. "He may be in league
with the scoundrels "
"I'm sure he's not, sir. Jim's de-
cent boy and was great favorite with
his mistress. Well have to 60 farther
afeld for the men we're after.
Langford's black eyes flashed, and his
lips were set tight together as he cried:
We'll find them if we search the
world"
Don't you suspect anybody yourself.
sir?" said Kennedy, with a meaning
glance at Father John.
Suspect? IT, cried Langford II
know no one who would have lifted
finger against that angel" "
"Think again, sir. persisted the off,
GER Remember, it isn't the first time
that Miss Powers person has been
threatened, and on former occasion,
though she knew her assailant she
wouldn't t say word to convict him."
1.-The blessing Of all the saints upon
her!' murmured the priest Her heart
was too kindly"
Langford seemed to reflect, fixing his
eyes on the ground and tapping his boot
nervously with his riding whip. Then,
looking up, he suddenly exclaimed:
lyon mean that blackguard cousin
of hers, Patrick Blake?"
Kennedy nodded and the other con-
tinued:
lit can't be. won't believe it. l
know the fellows a drunkard and
blackguard, but after all he's gentle
man and her own kith and kin. "
Kennedy could not repress smile.
"That's just it, sir. as was explain
ing to his reverence. If Miss Power
hadn't inherited the estates under her
aunt's will, Patrick Blake would have
been the heir, and if Miss Power dies
intestate, as they call it, he inherits
after all Then just recall what took
place after the poor lady came to live
at the castle You weren't the only one,
sir (forgive me for saying it), who
thought her worth the winning. Pat
rick Blake began by cursing and threat
ening the lady who displaced him and
ended by hanging after her and wanting
to make her his wife. She sent him to the
right about, as he deserved. After that
she was attacked when riding on horse
back and had to ask for police protec-
ton. She knew well enough who was
guilty, but she held her tongue, be-
cause she was kind hearted and he was
her kinsman. The second time, when
she thought herself safe close to her
own house, blackguard molested her,
and you yourself saved her Put this
and that together, Mr.. Langford, and
you'll see we're not far wrong. At any
rate, I'm going over with my man to
Blake's place this morning, and If the
fellow can't give right account OF
himself We'll have him safe under lock
and bolt before night.
AS the officer spoke Langford listened
! with intense interest, uttering from
time to time nervous exclamation, as
the force of Kennedy s arguments SEEM
ed to dawn upon him.
1T looks black. he muttered. "You
say you are going there now?"
"As soon as the horses have had
feed"
"Then I'll ride over with you, and if
it is as you say
He paused, clutching his riding whip,
and his eyes flashed dangerously. Then
as Kennedy walked away to give his
orders he turned to the priest, with a
look so forlorn. so despairing, that the
! good fathers heart was stirred to the
depths
"God comfort you, sir " said Father
John. Its you that loved her as the
apple of your eye, and it's myself that
hoped to spake the holy words that
would have made you man and wife.
~ had no chance that way, replied
the young man sadly. II had nothing
to offer her but an old name and barren