The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-01-04
(Chapter KILL
A DISASTER.

A DISASTER.
Mr.. Walter Brymer was taking a conn
try walk through the charming neighbor
mood of Darlinghurst. He strolled along
ut an easy pace, swinging his stout black
thorn, and bordering over embryo specu
iation upon a colossal scale. 1t is a
strange fact how few men who have sue
caeded in amassing prodigious fortunes
are content to quietly invest their money
and settle down to enjey life upon the in
terest; the business instinct to which
they owe their wealth is forever breaking
out, and impelliug them to still go on
hazsrding their luck. But this, after all,
is only consistent with that quail OF
gyarice that is implanted in most human
hreasts Rare, indeed. are the instance:
4 which mans estimate of enough is
not always just little more than he al
ready possesses. The Sydney merchant
was feputed to be, and no doubt WAS,
worth near upon a million sterling; yet
his brain was but seldom otherwise &C
eupied than with the contemplation of
figures, and the rehears II of gigantic pro-
jeess by which he might hope to yet swell
his golfers.
Mr. Brymer had arrived nearly abreast
of the head of the little green lane in
which stood Dunbar House and Mrs.
NGrray's cottage, when he heard rapid
Gathering of hoofs, and an instant later
q rsdeFless horse swept round the corner,
and rushed like the wind past him, rails
ing cloud of dust like a little whirl-
wind He stopped to watch the wild
osFeering animal. which in q very few
minutes vanished from his sight round Q
bend in the road. He then strolled on
aili be came to the opening of the lane,
ard looking down the narrow, shady way
TO see whether the late rider of the runa-
way beast was in sight, he saw figure
l5ring prone in the middle of the road.
Guessing that this was the person who
had been thrown, Mr.. Brymer advanced
along the lane to offer assistance. AS be
drew near he saw that it was woman
she lay SO stirless that ct first he mag
iaed she mad been killed. But on coming
ND with her, and bending down over her
figure, he found that she still broathed.
although her eyes were closed, and the
dust round about her clustering golden
hair was stained with marks of blood.
Mr. Brymer took long survey of the
prestrate girl, filled with admiration OF
her beauty and pity for her condition,
whilst he reflected what he should do.
He looked about him to observe whether
there was any house near by to which
could go and summon help. Whilst he
was thus occupied man came round the
curve of the lane and advanced towards
him. After gazing for moment or two.
Mr.. Brymer perceived that it was his old
acquaintance and fellow passenger. Mr..
Louis Hartree. The other recognized Mr.
Brymer as soon as he had him in view,
ard called a salutation whilst he came
long.
"Why, what is the matter here?' he
reclaimed as he drew near.
"a young lady has been thrown from
er horse, and is. I am afraid, rather
adly hurt. L am glad you have arrived,
II really l was quite at a loss to know
hat to do"
sesurely it cannot be-" said Mr..
irtree. staring har at the PROSTATE
rure whilst he continued to approach.
Yes, it is then! Dear me, Brymer, I
lsow this poor young lady. Her name
5 Miss Clara Lambert. l hope that she
not much injured"
tShe is insensible at present.
Mr. Hartree came up with the motion
ess figure and stood for a moment or two
looking down upon her white face. He
hen dropped upon one knee, and took
her wrist in his hand
"She is still alive said he, s'though
her pulse beats So feebly that I can scarce
Iy feel it. She must have fallen upon
her head. Look at the bloodstains
there"
stWhat are we to dos' asked Mr.. Brym.
81 will have her carried into my house
at once. 1t is quite near-Just round the
corner yopder, in fast. Wait here, Brym-
err will you, till 1 return with help"
he ran off, leaving the Sydney mer-
chant standing by the prone girl, who
never once showed the faintest signs of
life. After an absence of about three
minutes he reappeared in sight, followed
by couple of men bearing shutter,
which was intended to serve the purpose
of a stretcher. This they laid upon the
ground by the side of the PROSTATE girl,
and gently lifted her on TO it; then the
four of them raised it upon their shoulder
8ad marched with their burden towards
Dunbar House.
Cecil Rawoon was standing at the win
dow of the dining room, which over
looked the carriage drive leading up to
the hall door; Mrs. Hartree stood beside
him chatting; luncheon was still upon
the table, and although the young man
appeared to be intent upon what the lady
WAS saying to him. his eyes the whole
time were mechanically wandering
towards the entrance of the grounds on
the look out for the return of Clara Lam
bert
"Why, whatever can this be?'' ex-
claimed Mrs. Hartree suddenly, breaking
off abruptly in her speech as the little
procession carrying the girl upon the
shutter appeared in view.
Some accident must have happened,
said Rawdon, after gazing for an instant.
They are bringing somebody in upon u
stretcher''
"And girl, too, unless I am very
much mistaken" said Mrs Hsrtree.
$50 1t isp' exclaimed Rawdon, turn
ing shade paler. "Shall we go out and
see what is the matter?"
They went to the hall door and out
upon the terrace BY this time the four
enshadsnesred the house, and Mrs. Har-