Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1899-05-10

mo fearr' laughed her companion.
Life on q 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 1t looksr' said the girl.
II wonder II that scullery window Ia
still unfastenedT
sash slipped up without difficulty. Its
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"
The easement being negotiated in
safety. together they wandered through
the cobweb- festooned rooms of the once
palatial residence. Ascending to a sec
ond story. Robson carelessly threw
open a door Of a room which faced the
landing. Here an unexpected sight met
their gaze. Sitting before q wood fire
was an elderly man. contemplating the
dames with n ruminant air. At the
sound they made he turned his face to-
ward them and started in alarm.
The next moment the youth was
across the room and graphing with the
stranger You villainv' he painted,
I've got you at last! Run. Allie. bring
some one quickly! can't hold him
long; say he's a descrter from the
navy"
The trembling limbs Of the girl failed
to carry out his behests as she stood
fascinated. watching the unequal strug-
gle. which was speedily ended. Youth
and agility were no match for the sail
or's sinewy arms. and II a short time
Itobson was ignominiously pinned
against the wall.
With lowering brows and eyes. which
BODIED no good to his captive. West
stood staring Mt the lad as II undecided
what to do with him. Then, catching
sight Of the pale face of Alice, who was
petrif1ed with horror upon recognizing
In her companions antagonist the man
who had so persistently dogged her
footsteps of late his own features as
tered: 1T Is kismetw
After a pause of breathless silence
the ex-sailor, addressing his captive,
said: You are not SO muscular as was
your father III 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 to arrest me for deserting from
the navy. Very we'll. you shall. II 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 audi
tors.
Years ago" said he. II was known
and respected Il: this nclghbOrhood, n
man of substance. and n member of the
diplomatic corps. Unfortunately, IN
my official capacity. l became EN-
broiled in quarrel with political op-
poncnt, and, as was more common even
fifteen years ago. the result was had
no alternative between fighting a duel
Or being dishonored.
Not to make long story. my ad-
versary and our seconds Journeyed tc
Guildford with me late one night, in
tending to setle our differences at day
break, on the following morning. With
the courtesy that such affairs demand
ed, I offered the whole party hospital
ity for the night.
From the moment my head touched
the pillow until l was awakened the
next morning my mind was an entire
blank. but judge Of my horror when
,ssnying to rise. 1 found the bedclothes
labbled with blood, and at the foot of
! ny couch a cory hunting knife belong
/ ng to myself. Simultaneous with my
horrible discovery the servant found
/ .hc man l was to have fought lying
/ .ouliy murdered.
Although conscious Of my innocence
[ dared not face the inquiry which was
sure to follow, as who would believe
my own theory Of the matter. which
was simply that committed the terri
+ ble act in my sleep. as from childhood
I had been subject to attacks of SOM
nambulism. Hastily caressing my in.
'ant daughter. the only pledge left me
5y my departed wife. left the house
Ike a felon and fed the country. and II
was hunger for a glimpse Of my dear
,hild's face that has worked my undo
ng. My faithful secretary connived at
NY escape, and subsequently sent me
the news Of the charge of the willfu
murder against Sir Richard Westerne
4 Yes. You will be able to deliver up t.
justice more important person thar
the dcserter West. My devoted retainer
i Burton, who assisted me Mt such greai
/ risks to himself, IL not here to help me
now. He Is dead"
| He was n villain, Sir Richnrd!' cried
! Robson, in wild excitement. 1T waf
le himself who killed Lord Marcus
order that you should not discover
lis defnlcntiOns. My father possesses
nis dyiny confession to that effect"
The sudden revulsion Of feeling wal
Utmost too much for the baronet. Tot
tering to the nearest chair. he buried
MS fnce In his toil-worn hands. Silence
'cigned in the room for n few intense
moments. Their Sir Richard, feeling
gentle hand upon his shoulder, looked
Up into sweet but still scared face and
Two halffrightencd grny eyes.
Daddy, dear" Charley heard trem
nlous voice murmur softly as he stole
from the room.
Powerful friends at the admiralty
soon CLOSED over the delinquencies .oi
the seaman West, and Sir Richard
Westerne once more assumed his prop
.r raUk ard station. AS time wore on
,nl the vividncss of Ills past misery
| iiae,!. he cou!l even afford to joke
I:,out the E:nt.rr; AMI sometimes, upon
, nc rare occasions that he saw q certain
young officer. would, much to the
,musement of hts daughter. simulate