Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1901-05-29

daily in the presence OF death. for
fanaticism and desperate men sur
rounded him. His safety lay in the
TACT that he walked in the sunlight.
where the results of an attack prom
lsed never less than life for life. And
Raymond Holbin was not the man
to barter his away; he bided his time.
n FAR more dangerous enemy was his
mother, who numbered official ar
quaintances in Washington by the
scores, and who knew when and
where TO plant the deadlest blow.
This woman, secure in her social posi-
ton, displaying by her own efforts
and the efforts of her stepdauphter
in hospital work devotion to the
southern cause, was in secret fast bal
ancing accounts with jefferson Davis
Friends of Raymond Holbin, for he
still had a few, with the aid of his
mother secured him bomb-proof po-
sition with rank of captain; and
there he stuck, with al the time for
plotting that might be demanded.
What seemed to Holbin an oppor-
tunity for "A swecIin revenge came
very unexpectedly. Up to then he had
been but an instrument in the hands
or his mother anC that large circle
OF invisibles known TO him who
Slapped the strength OF the confcder-
acy. Their many interests preceded
his. The opportunity came through
Louise. He did not dare to disregard
her card and responded instantly to
her implied command. armed with
his old secret and a virtuous indip-
nation. He had almost forgotten her.
year before, when she lad suffi-
GENTLY recovered from her illness to
permit it, he had sent her north, de-
ceived by sacred" pledges, to a new
hiding-place. The immediate opening
or hostilities had seemed to fix the
separation. 1t had never occurred to
him that she would make an effort
to cross the lines.
The new meeting between Louise and
Holbin was marked by great display
OF passion on his part; she was calm
and collected. suggestion of reckless
ness, however. in her eyes and every
movement; her face relentless and
white with despair of an abandoned
life. For the first time Holbin failed
TO move her 10 anger or 10 tears
Il came" said she, when his rage ad
spairing offer of money if she would
depart, mot because l need your as
Slstance-that is, your money. for l do
not; L am now we'll supplied" She
could not have touched him in a more
delicate spot. a swift jealousy. curl
Gus Indignation. filled him.
Whose money! he asked, breath
lessly.
lie is very rich, and gives with lib
eral hand when the woman is smart.
Is able, Is fearless, and willing to risk
her life at his bidding" 1t was not the
speech, but the cautious glance which
lnvoluntarily she gave to her surround
ings that awoke suspicion in his
breast.
Louise, you are "a
Hush! i am a mother robbed Of
her child; that is explanation enough;
Tor such a woman is capable of any
thing. even murder, as YOU know. RAY
mond. where is my daughter?" He
looked at her uncaSily. and the white
feather appeared in spite of his efforts
to conceal it.
she is well. and we'll cared for"
asked you where, and you have not
answered met"
Ihere Is much to be agreed upon be-
tween us before / tell YOU that" he
Sald' after pause, during which he
narrowly watched her. He took \
seat close beside her and continued
IN his old confidential, haIf-appeaIino
way: Louise, ] am ruined. dis.
graced man, and ripe for ANYTHING
mat will take me out of this CITY
he paused. but she did not answer or
seem to hear him, and he added:
by downfall began when I was nm
true to myself-to you. I have never
mad a moments good luck since.
everything has gone wrong with me"
sun she did not answer him. but her
BOSOM heaved once or twice and ,
strange look came into the white face
she turned towards him. 81 have NOW
no chance on earth except a chance
10 play for even and quit the country
Louise, II ! succeed will Won 90 back
with me into the old sweet ifeo
Will be true TO you; ! will right All
OF your wrongs-and I will no T.,
ther indeed to your child. Let ia on
Louise. out Of this wild, hearuess
country back across the ocean TO tho
WV i@'S ii0h HOHe, Dack 10 our flow
ers' back 10 the old life" He took
her hand, and this time she did not
withdraw it.
Ny child she said almost in
audibly. her face lowered and her
bosom rising and falling rapidly.
That will be all right-an right
swear TO you she is well and has
not forgotten you She never fails
TO ask for you. and at night TO saw
her little prayer" a cry burst from
the wretched woman
My baby. My baby" She sank
her face in her hands. then sprarg
10 her feet. You deceived me" She
said frantically, beginning TO walk
the floor, 81 cannot cannot believe
you"
II have no cause to deceive Won