The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-11-12
N~NH~NNNNO
; A TERRIBLE TEMPTATION {
BY
I CHARLES READE
In
CHARLES READE

Then Mrs. Meyrick. being very
strong woman. dragged him to the hay
stack. and covered him with loose hay.
New" said she. trembling. where's
my boy?"
Hes nabbed."
"ohl"
"And he'll be Jagged. unless you can
beg him on
Mary Meyrick uttered piercing
scream.
"You wretch! to tempt my boy to this.
And him with FIVE hundred pounds In
his pocket, and my lady's favor. Oh,
why did we not keep our word with her!
She was the wisest. and our best friend.
But II is all your doing: you are the
devil that tempted him, you old villain.
Don't miscall me-" said the gypsy
"Not miscall you when you nave run
away. and left them to take my boy
20 jail No word Is bad enough for you.
you villain"
I'm your father-and a dying man.,
said the old gypsy, calmly, and folded
his hands upon his breast with Oriental
composure and decency.
The woman threw herself on her
knees. Forgive me, father--tell me,
where is he?"
"Highmore house"
At this simple word her eyes diated
with wild horror. she uttered loud
scream. and few into the house.
In a few minutes she was on her way
TO Highmore.
She reached that house. knocked has
tily at the door. and said she must see
Mr.. Richard Bassett that moment.
He is just gone out" said the maid.
Where tor
The girl knew her and began to gossip.
ssxr~A l-It
haven't you heard. Mrs. Meyrick7 Master
caught a robber last night. Laws, you
should have seen him; he have Grape
all over his face; and master. and the
constable. and Mr.. Musters. they be all
gone with him to SIR Charles. for to have
him committed--the villain. Why. what
nils the woman
For Mary Meyrick turned her back on
the speaker and rushed away In mo-
ment.
She went through the kitchen at Hunt
srcombe; she was so well known there.
nobody objected; she few up the stairs
into Lady Bassetts bedroom. "Oh. my
LADY, my LADY,"
Lady Bassett screamed, at her sudden
entrance and wild appearance.
Mary Meyrick told her all in few
words. She wrung her hands with a
grs at fear
Its no time for that" cried Mary.
save him."
How can -"
you musti You shalt" cried the other.
Don't ask me how. Don't sit wringlng
your hands. woman. II you are not there
In Ave minutes to save him. I'll tell all!'
Have mercy on mel cried Lady Bas-
sett. II gave him money; I sent him
away. It's not my fault!"
mo matter: he must be saved. or I'll
ruin you. / can't stay here; I.must be
there, and so must you"
She rused down the stairs. and tried to
get into the justice room, but admission
was refused her.
Then she gave n sort OF wild snarl,
and ran around 10 the small room adj
Joining the Justice room. Through this
she penetrated and entered the Justice
room. but not in time to prevent the
evidence from being laid before Sir
Charles.
What took place in the meantime was
briefly this. The prisoner. handcuffed
now instead of tied. was introduced be-
tween the constable and his assistant,
the door was locked, and Sir Charles re-
ceived Mr.. Bassett with a ceremonious
bow. seated himself. and begged Mr..
Bassett to be seated.
Thank you" said Mr.. Bassett. but did
not seat himself. He stood before the
prisoner. and gave his evidence; during
which the prisoners knees were seen to
knock together with terror; he was
young man At for folly. but not for fell
ony.
Said Richard Bassett, 'T have a cup-
boad containing family plate. II IL vau-
able, and some years ago / passed a piece
of catgut from the door through the CELL
ing TO bell at my bedside.
Very late last night the bell sounded.
flung on my trousers. and went down
with pistol l caught two burglars
in the act OF rifing the cupboard. / went
to collar one; he struck me on the head
with n crowbar-constable. show the
crowbar-I staggered, but recovered my
self and fired at one Of the burglars: he
was Just struggling through the window
He fell. and l thought he was dead, but
he got away. / secured the other and
here he is-just he was when took
him. Constable search his pockets"
The constable did So and produced
therefrom several pieces OF silver plate
stamped with the Bassett arms.
MY servant here can confirm this"
added Mr.. Bassett.
lit is not necessary here" said Sir
Charles Then to the criminal, Have
you anything 10 sayT'
4 1T was only a lark" ouavered the poo.
wretch.
1T would not advise you to say that
where you are going"
He then, while writing out the warrant
said. as a matter OF course. Remove his
mask"
The constable lifted II. and started back,
with a shout Of dsmay and surprise. Jes-
sic screamed.
Sir Charles looked up. and saw I'm the
burglar he was committing for trial his
nrst-born the heir to his house and his
lands.
The pen fell from Sir Charles fingers,
and he started at the wan face. and wild,
imporing eyes that stared at him.
He stared at the lad, and then put his
hand to his heart, and that heart seemed
60 die within MIN.
There was a silence. and horror fell
on all Even Richard Bassett quailed
at what he had done
"Ahi cruel man! cruel man. moaned