The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1899-04-19

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81 should just think did" said the
young officer. "You caught chill
through being overheated, and the gov
ernor said he would make tailor out
me for being such an idiot
"You wouldn't be afraid now?"
queried the girl.
''No fear,n laughed her companion.
Life on a man-of-war soon knocks all
the fear Of spooks out of man.
LET us pay another visit, then"
A sharp walk soon brought the twain
to the rusty lodge gates Of Westerne
Towers.
How dreary it looks r' said the girl.
81 wonder if that scullery window is
still unfastened?"
Charley tried, and, to his surprise,
the sash slipped up without difficulty.
"It's q case of gentlemen first this
time" said he. stepping through the
aperture. "Come along, tomboy. II
you're not careful, you'll tear your
dress. The windows no bigger than
the lubber hole of brig.n
The easement being negotiated in
safety, together they wandered through
the cobweb festooned rooms Of the
once pslatial residence. Ascending to
a second story, Robson carelessly threw
open door of room which faced the
landing. Here an unexpected sight
met their gaze. Sitting before d wood
fire was an elderly man, contemplating
the flames with ruminant air. At
the sound they made he turned his face
toward them and started in alarm.
The next moment the youth was
across the room and graphing with
the stranger.
"You villain 81 he painted. "I've
got you at last Run, Allie Bring
some one quickly! can't hold him
long. Say he's deserter from the
navy"
The trembling limbs of the girl fail
ed to carry out the behests as she stood
fascinated, watching the unequal strug-
gle, which was speedily ended.
Youth and agility were no match for
the sailors sinewy arms, and in
short time Robson was ignominiously
pinned against the wall.
With lowering brows and eyes which
bore no good to his captive West stood
staring at the lad as if undecided what
to do with him. Then, catching sight
of the pale face of Alice. who was pet
rified with horror upon recognizing in
her companions antagonist the man
who had so persistently dogged her
footsteps of late, his own features as
sumed softer expression, and he NUT
tered, at is kismet ~
After pause of brenthless silence
the ex-sailor, addressing his captive,
said: "You are not so muscular as was
your father in his youth, young fellow.
The Charley Robson that knew would
never have allowed an old man to get
the better of him; but let that pass and
come TO the crux of the matter. You
want 10 arrest me for deserting from
the navy. Very well, you shall. if you
still wish to, after hearing what have
TO say"
Releasing the grip upon his would
be captor, the elder man, in a strange
ly cultured voice, addressed his aud
itors.
Years ago." he said, 81 was known
and respected in this neighborhood-a
man of substance and a member Of the
diplomatic corps. Unfortunately in
my official capacity became embroil-
ed in quarrel with a political oppo-
nent. and, as was more common even
Is years ago, the result was had no
alternative between fighting duel or
being dishonored.
Not to make a long story, my adj
versary and our seconds journeyed to
Guildford with me late one night, in
tending to settle our differences at day
break on the following morning. With
the courtesy that such affairs demand
ed, offered the whole party hospitaIi-
ty for the night.
''From the moment my head touch
ed the pillow until was awakened the |
next morning my mind was an entire
blank; but judge of my horror when.
essaying to rise, found the bedclothes
dabbled with blood and at the foot of !
my couch CORY hunting knife be-
longing TO myself. Simultaneous with |
my horrible discovery, the servant
found the man was to have fought |
lying foully murdered.
although conscious Of my inno-
eence, l dared not face the inquiry |
which was sure to follow, as who would |
believe my own theory of the matter,
which was simply that l committed |
the terrible act in my sleep, as FROM
childhood had been subject TO attacks |
of somnambulism? Hastily caressing |
my infant daughter, the only pledge |
left me by my departed wife, left the |
house like felon and fed the country,
and il was hunger for glimpse OF my /
dear child's face that has worked my /
undoing. My faithful secretary con-
nised at my escape, and subsequently
sent me the news of the finding of an
indictment for willful murder against |
Sir Richard Westerne. Yes; you will
be able to deliver up tojustice a more
important person than the deserter
West. Ny devoted retainer Burton,
who assisted me at such great risks to
himself, is not here to help me now.
He is dead"
''He was a villain, Sir Richard ~
cried Robson in wild excitement. SIT
was he himself who killed Lord Mar
Gus and artfully fOisted the blame upon
you in order that you should not dis
cover his defalcations. Ny father pos
sesses his dying confessions to that
effect"
The sudden revulsion Of feeling was
almost too much for the baronet. Tot
tering to the nearest chair. he buried
his face in bis toll worn hands. Silence
reigned in the room for few intense
moments; then Sir Richard, feeling a
gentle hand upon his shoulder, looked
up into sweet but still scared face
49,. l.f< f-s..le>oI e--o.- o..~.