The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-11-17

IDS was scanning affAIBnmeut, anu
should have given good deal for a
look at the oountensnoe OF the man at
whom the words were directed. But he
had nerve. and I heard his light laugh.
ut is an interesting story which you
have told; but. my dear girl. you have
got things awful1y mixed. The young
man in whom you are 20 interested
came up from New Orleans with me on
d tho Bonnie. Belle. He IL q professional
gambler whose name I have forgotten.
We parted at the Southfeld landing,
and the next time I saw him was when
reached Aldine and found the mob
hotfoot after him. went into the inn
with them, not dreaming whom they
were hunting. Then learned for the
first time that he was supposed to be
myself. Every one was referring to him
O. Hank Boyer, because it can't be de.
MED that he bears close resemblance
to me. Since no one scanned TO suspect
ny identity and the people were In q
most dangerous mood, I let the fancy
90, relying upon the future for it's cor
ssction. II they expected the pleasure
Of lynching Hank Boyer, I was willing
they should have it, and one of these
days should have the laugh ON them.
That's all there is to that story, dearest
Esther"
This piece Of fiction may be classified
o. Of the daring order. II must have
been that long immunity had rendered
Boyer reckless, for when all the circum.
stances are remembered no yarn could
have been more absurd. He must have
known that lite falsity was certain to be
exposed very soon, but with the. rash
self confidence he had already shown.
be probably believed he could brazen it
out, though how q child could have
seriously entertained such a belief is
beyond my comprehension.
"That story, Henry, would be inter-
esting If 1t were true, but it is not, and
both of US know it."
"You are ready to accept the word
Of any one in preference to miner" be
remarked in an aggrieved tone.
Eyes; should accept that Of a con-
vict in the penitentiary above your aft
davit. I repeat that it was you who
stole the horse from Colonel Mansley,
from me, and then ounningly made it
appear that an innocent man was the
criminal. You consented even that he
should be supposed to be you for the
sake Of making your villainy successful,
though it is beyond my understanding
how you hoped to succeed. But heaven
has prevented the success Of your wick
edness. The man is Free and you can
only save yourself by flight. Accept my
counsel and fee without an instant's
delay"
A slight sound showed that the caller
had risen to his feet. His voice had
mournful, pathetic tone as he said:
"Are you in earnest, Esther"
"Never more SO. Until had received
the proof never believed it possible for
a human being to be as base as you
have proved yourself to be. Once held
you in some regard, and even pitied
you, believing You were vlllf1ed and
were innocent Of the wrongdoing laid at
your door, but now know that great
rs have been the sins Of which You were
accused the half Of them has not been
told. Idespise you beyond the power Of
language to express.
"Those are cruel words, Esther" he
pleaded, taking a step toward her.
"But true. Stopl Do not come nearer
or I shall call for help. I pray that I
may never look upon your face again.
Henoeforward we are strangers to the
end Of life.'
but, Esther, dear Esther, will you
not hear me?''
"Not word Out Of my presence,
and if you wish to save your worthless
life you will not linger by the way. The
whole truth will soon be known, and
You will have to take the place Of that
man whom you SO deeply wronged"-
But the caller had heard enough, and
did not stand on the order Of his going.
Miss Mansley and I once more were
alone.