The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1898-09-10
CHAPTER XVIII.
CONCLUSION.


TOO late!"
Just as Beatrice Mercer hurried to-
ward the house again the words eman-
ated from the shrubbery near the pit,
and the speaker stepped into view.
:. It was Raymond Marshall, but not
the Raymond Marshall of few days
previous. Hope, joy. excitement illu-
minated his radiant face; horror, too.
Swallowed 1t, as he glanced after the dis
appearing plotter. Then he drew into
the open space another form.
@She meant murder. oh, cruel! cruell
How can she be SO heartless? And
loved her, trusted her as a sister"
| Courage, Edna" spoke Marshall.
THE faithful Bruno led me here in
time. 1t seems, to rescue you. You be-
llieve me now-that this woman de-
ceived me into that marriage, farce
that cannot dim our love, though 1t may
part us In this world?"
"Oh, Raymond, let me leave this ter
'rible PLACED"
yes, 1 will take you back to the
farmhouse. Then to return and learn
the meaning of this woman being here.
lWaitl Some one else is coming.
He had been led to the spot by the
clever Bruno not ten minutes previous,
had discovered Edna in the pit, had res
cued her, and now both shrank into the
Ishrubbery again as two forms crossed
the garden.
The steward and the housekeeper. re-
turned from the village, their words
reaching the ears of the listening Ray
mond Marshall caused him to start vio-
lently, for they we're discussing Beatrice
Mercer.
Creeping nearer to them, within two
minutes hint, word revealed to Ray
mond Marshalls quick mind marvel
Gus suggestion.
He Guessed at the truth now. This
dark schemer, Beatrice, had assumed
Edna Deane's name and place. her
plots, her sudden wealth, her strange
movements all verified the surmise.
For a few moments he reflected.
Then. as the two people entered the
house, he took Edna's arm, and led her
towards its open front portals.
Through the windows Of brightly
LIGHTED apartment he could see an old
man reclining in an invalid's chair, and
near to him sat his pretended daughter,
Beatrice Mercer. :,
Without word Of explanation to the
shrinking Edna, fired with the zeal OF o
confident discovery, Raymond Marshall
entered the house.
wild cry rang from Beatrice Mer-
GERS lips, end Mr.. Ralston stared WON
derlngly at the intruders as Marshall
and his trembling companion abruptly
entered the room.
"Alice-Edna!" exclaimed the Invalid;
who are these peopleP" :,
Alice? Edna?" repeated Marshall,
eagerly. SIS that the name she gives
herself2 Pardon me, sir, but l have IN
truded here because deem 1t o duty 10
unmask that woman yOnder.
THAT woman-my daughter ex-
claimed Ralston, Indignantly.
"She Is not your daughter. Beatrlce
Mercer, your plots are known. silence!
/ will tell my story"
White as marble Beatrice shranK
back as In forcible, emphatic words
Raymond Marshall, sentence by SEN
tence. revealed his suspicious. he
forced her to assent to his surmises; ne
compelled Edna to relate her story
With look OF anger at the woman who
had deceived him, with loving glance
at the timid Edna, when all had beer
explained and made clear, Mr.. Ralstor
opened his arms to his real daughter.
ayes. yes. 1t is true!" he murmured
sShe has her sainted mothers face
OH how could be so deceived? AS K
you
aYes. as to me-" cried the bafflet
Beatrice, scornfully. Il am unmasked
So be it; but still have the power u
rule. I know your secret-you, al
escaped convict. You will be glad q
silence my lips with half your fortune
or / betray all.
Ralston paled and shuddered. At tina
moment the door opened, however. Al
emaciated form crossed the room.
"Rodneyln cried Mr.. Ralston, amazed
II was the messenger he had sent TO
Edna to the Hopedale seminary, tn
man who had seemingly persisted at Tn
ayes. it is l." replied Rodney. Mi
raculously escaped death; just recoyere
from NV illness attending exposure an
injury. and In time to refute what tina
impostor says, for overheard her word
and YOUR own. Ralston, light has com
at last, The man for whose crimes 20
suffered Imprisonment is dead; ant
diving. he has confessed all and cleare
YOUR name from every faint OF guilt
aOh. thank heavenl" cried Ralstol
fervently. AT lasti at last. Alice
Edna. my darling child. at last ca
offer you an hoIored name, lovin
homei'
MAY you be happyl" sneered Be-
trice. inadvertently. II am bafi1e'
beaten-at every point except one,
seems. Raymond Marshall, rememp'
that the law gives me your name! &c
are NV husband. That is more TO n
than the honor Of being an ex-convict
daughter or q wealthy heiress!'
$50 be It'll" spoke Raymond Marsha
so,emnly. in name / am your hu
band. but Edna Deane or Alice Ralstt
has my love till death. Fear not;
shall not bring reproach on her "a
name by remaining near her until q
law annuls a fraudulent marriag
Edna. must hasten to your friend
the Blakes, and tell them that you
safe. They are very anxious about 70
Tomorrow will come to see that y
are safe and happy, and then 1 iea
YOU to battle this woman for my rights
He passed from the house as
spoke. His heert was happy, despi
the complications that evil plotters n
cast about his life. :,
Il say, old fellowi' uttered mauai
tone. as he neared the road OUTSIDE y
mansion grounds.
.Meil. what 10 W. demanded Ms