Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-05-31

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You wouldn't be afraid now?" quer.
led the girl.
No fearl" laughed her companion
Life on man-ef-war soon knocks all
the fear Of spooks out of man."
Let us pay another visit, Them
A sharp walk soon brought the twain
to the rusty lodge-gates of Westerne
Towers.
How dreary it looks" said the girl.
Il wonder If that scullery window is
still unfastened?"
Charley tried, and to his surprise the
sash slipped up without difficulty. ITS
case of gentlemen first this time"
said he, stepping through the aper-
ture. Come along, tomboy. If you're
not careful you'll tear your dress. The
windows no bigger than the lubber-
hole of brig"
The easement being negotiated in
sefety, together they wandered through
the cObweb-festooned rooms of the
once-palatial residence. Ascending to
n second story, Robson carelessly
threw open door of room which
faced the landing. Here an unexpect
ed sight met his gaze. Sitting before
a wood fire was an elderly man. con
templating the flames with ruminant
air. AT the sound they made he turn
ed his face toward them and started
in alarm.
The next moment the youth was
across the room and graphing with the
stranger. you villainn he painted,
"Ive got you Mt 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 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 In short time
Robson was ANONYMOUSLY pinned
against the wall.
With lowering brows and eyes, which
BODIED no good to his captive, West
| stood staring at the lad as if undecided
what to do with him. Then, cntching
sight of the pale face of Alice, who was
petrified with horror upon recognizing
in her companions antagonist the man
who had so persistently logged her
footsteps of late, his own features as
sumed softer expression, and he nut
tered: ut Is kismet!"
After pause of breathless 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 to arrest me for DESERVING 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 strangely
cultured voice, addressed his auditors.
years ago." said he, 81 was known
and respected in this neighborhood, a
man of substance, and n member of the
diplomatic corps. Unfortunately, in
my official capacity, became embroil
ed In Quarrel with a political oppo.
nent, lnd, us was more common even
fifteen years ago, the result was had
no alternative between fighting u duel
or being dishonored.
Not to make long story my adver-
sary and our seconds journeyed to
Guildford with me late one night ill.,
tending to settle our differences at day
break on the following morning. With
the courtesy that such affairs demand
ed offered the whole party hospitality
for the night.
From the moment my head touched
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 bed
clothes dabbled with blood, and at the
foot of my couch a CORY hunting knife
belonging to myself. Simultaneous
with my horrible discovery the servant
found the man l was to have fought
lying foully 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 l committed the terri
BILE act in my sleep, as from childhood
had been subject to attacks of SOM
nambulism. Hastily caressng my in
FAINT daughter, the only pledge left me
by my departed wife, left the house
like felon and fed the country, and 1t
was hunger for glimpse of my dear
child's face that has worked my I'M
doing. My faithful secretary connived
at my escape, and subsequently sent
me the news of the charge of wilful
murder against Sir Richard Westerne.
Yes. You will be able to deliver up to
justice a more important person than
the deserter West. My devoted retain
err Burton, who assisted me at such
great risks to himself is not here to
help me now. He. is dead"
HE was villain, Sir Richardv' cried
Robson, in wild excitement. st was
he himself who killed Lord Marcus and
artfully foisted the blame upon you in
order that you should not discover his
defalcations. My father possesses his
dying confession to that effect
The sudden reyulslon of feeling was
almost too much for the baronet. Tot
tering to the nearest chair, he buried
his face in his toilworn hands. Silence
reigned in the room for few intense
moments. Then Sir Richard, feeling a
gentle hand upon his shoulder, looked
up into u sweet but still scared face
and two half-frightened gray eyes.
Daddy, dear" Charley heard trem-
ulous voice murmur softly as he stole
from the room.
Powerful friends at the admiralty
soon CLOSED over the delinquencies of
the seaman West, and Sir Richard
Westerne once more assumed his pro-
per rank and station. AS time wore
on, and the vividness of his past mis-
cry faded, he could even afford to joke