The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-05-20
A STORY OF 40.
BY REBECCA NJ. SHOEMAKER.

lands death, new vein of oar was dis
covered lower down on the mountain side,
and a party from the East came on to
develop it.
Mr.. Earle Sherwood was the manager for
the company, and his father, wealthy
New York merchant, was one Of the prin-
opal owners Accident brought Mr.. Sher-
wood to Westbnurne's, and accident led to
a meeting between finn and Stella.
1t was the sad old story over again, the
story which is being continually repeated
all over the world. He was handsome and
fascinating and unprincipled, and she was
lovely and innocent and, before her rough
guardians had time to put themselves on
the defensive, the mischief had been dol e.
Stella's young heart had passed out of her
possession. And, one morning, when the
sun was shining and the noisy stream
poured out its merry music on the pure
mountain air, young Sherwood rode up the
rocky path on his white horse, to tell the
poor young girl that he was going away on
the morrow, and that he should lot come
back.
1t is little hard for you, my DEAR"
he said, lightly 'but, of course, it would
be out OF my power to marry one like you
| should be disowned by my set. Our
stations in life are so different-you cannot
understand. But shall always think of
you kindly-you have made the summer
very pleasant for me and now, if you will
shake hands and kiss me goodbye"
81 would die before l would touch your
hand ~ cried Stella, rising to her slender
height like queen. "You told me that
you loved me-you won my heart, ard
now you have ruined my happiness And
God help me | love you ~
There, there, Stella - said young Sher.
wood trying to stay her wild flood of
tears, "there is no harm done We have
both enjoyed the summer hugely, and you
have gained some useful experience. OF
course, never dreamed that you would
take our little Irritation so seriously"
A heavy step sounded on the refuse
stone behind the rude bench where the
treacherous Sherwood was sitting, aud Jack
Selford, one of the friends of old Garland
stalled oct of the underbrush and stood
before the young gentleman, with over
ing brow.
81 don't know what yer code of laws
may be, in the big town you hail FROM
young man." said the miner "but here
at Westhourne' the man as fools a woman
has a choice of two things marriage OIL
death ~
"Don't be tragic - said Sherwood, red
dening with anger and drawing a revolver
from his pocket as he spoke Il have done
the girl no harm. Stand out of my way,
or shall hurt YOU !"
Selford laughed.
He lifted his huge fist and struck the
cleaning weapon from the young mans
grasp, and then sent it ringing down the
precipce at their feet
81 will give you your choice" he said
grimly-" marriage or death p
go to the devil ~ Ioared Sherwood.
II am married already. And my wife, the
fairest and loveliest woman in New York,
ia waiting there for me. Marriage, indeed
Why, man, you must be crazy ~ and he
attempted to pass the turly miner as he
stood in his path.
''Stop ~ cried Selford, hoarsely. "You
are monster, and the wife who waits for
you shall never again look on your false
face !"
He sprang upon Sherwood, and bore hin,
down with his great weight. Upon the
very brink Of the awful precipce, the two
men struggled for the mastery, their eyes
wild with savage rage, their breaths hot in
each other face.
Sherwood S well-trained strength was no
match for the iron Drawn and sinew Of the
miner. He was losing granddaughter
moment, and he would be forced back and
down over the precipice
Stella darted forward and threw her arms
around him.
"Spare him, Jack - she cried. "Oh, |
pray you, spare him love him Heaven
help me, | love him still -
Selford fell back, his bronzed face work
ing with emotion
Quick as thought Sherwood seized on
the advantage, sprang to his feet and
snatched pistol from his pocket
lie aimed it at Jack s heart, and instan {.
ly there was a sharp report but, before
the ball sped on its deadly way, Stella had
rushed between the two men, and her up.
lifted white ann fell powerltss at her side,
while the blood dyed her blue dress
crimson.
At the sight of her pale and deathly
faint, Selford dashed down on young Shrr,
wood, and, with an oath that shall not be
written here, he hurled him headlong over
the precipice
Two years after ward, Jack Selford quietly
married Stella Garland, and the old forty.
miners, who had known her father, danced
at the wedding and showered gold dust
without stint on the wandering minister