The Springfield herald., 1900-02-16

The Justice OF the peace availed him.
self of the opportunity TO dwell upon
Hr. Harrison's wealth. discussed the
possible losses which the var n60ht
infict upon his property and sGprsss-
ed his belief that large portion Of
his fortune was invested slsewhsrs.
The doctor listened a&tsntiveiy. bve
this did not prevent his scanning the
vicinity still more closely than be-
fore. He seemed trying TO NJ every
bend in the road, every distant land
mark upon his memory. and the house
with its doors and terraces received
the same scrutiny.
"A fine estate" he said. DO you
think its vicinity TO the city will af-
ford It protection? l have the con-
trary opinion, for it Ia an open Sc
cret that the march Of the Union
forces is directed here"
Impossible, How do you know?"
cried Thompson, starting from his
corner Of the carriage in terror.
Il heard 1t on my journey to the
city"
Il heard, on the contrary. that their
march was southwark, otherwise l GER
tainly should not have left town"
The doctor smiled mischievously at
the timid little gentleman. who had
turned pale with fright.
Why, the troops will not interfere
with a justice OF the peace. At the
utmost, you could only be obliged to
unite some loving couple within the
enemy's lines. in the bonds of matri-
mony."
Jest as much as you choose" said
Thompson. angrily. Il want nothing
to do with the enemy. At any rate.
I'll inquire about that rumor, and. for
the present, remain in the city, which
can only be taken by regular siege"
The carriage now stopped at the
house, the gentlemen alighted. and the
doctor dismounted from his horse.
throwing the bride to a negro who
hurried up.
Don't unsaddle my horse" he said.
city as quickly as possible. and at any
rate shall leave before the other gen.
tiemen-"
He let the two men precede him and
fingered. as If by accident, on tho
steps, looking after the servant
An unnistakable expression Of sat
istaction fitted over his face as he
saw that the animal was led TO a
stable close by the house.
Edward Harrison received the new
arrivals. and the loquacious Mr..
Thompson instantly presented Doctor
Black~ood. sparing the latter any e1-
PLANTATION by relating in detail the
cause OF Doctor Green's absence. Then
he introduced his clerk, pale, e.
Terminate fellow. whose manner was
excessively timid and deferentiAl, and
Of whom no notice whatever was TAX
en-.
Meanwhile, during the last half hour
Edward had had time to regain his
composure. These visitors must, OF
course. obtain no glimpse OF the ca
tastrophe which had happened here
He expressed in courteous phrases
his regret for having troubled the
magistrate in vain, his uncle's condi-
ton had changed SO suddenly for tho
worse that it was impossible to have
the wedding take place that day. Miss
Harrison was in a state of the ut
most anxiety and excitement Then.
turning with the same courtesy to the
physician. he added:
You are welcome, Doctor Black
wood, though l fear you can give US
no consolation. We were prepared for
the worst long ago, yet a physicians
presence is always satisfaction. I
suppose Doctor Green has told you
about the case7"
Yes" replied the doctor. whose
sharp keen eyes raised steadily on the
young mans face SO l should like
to go to the sick room at once. Pray.
don't trouble yourself. l prefer to see
the patient first alone, and will then
inform you of the result Of my exnm-
nation"
CTo be continued.)