Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-02-17
CHAPTER XVI

hills over which he was passing; though
decked in the gorgeous robes of russell,
purple and gold which they We're Just
DOMINIC. they were well worth more than
a glance At the Junction he changed
cars for Cincinnati BY the middle Of
the afternoon he stepped from the car
in the long dark depot OF the Queen City.
A bewidering number of trains were
standing on spider-web Of tracks, puff
ing and kissing for the start, like legi"l
of huge. couchant monsters, gathering
their forces for spring from their I'M
derground den. lie FASTENED to his train,
found comfortable seat. disposed his
palise under his head for a pillow, and
was soon ENJOYING a coy nap by way of
compensation for his early rising.
II was growing dusk when the cars
anally stopped in the Onion Station at
Washington City. Vance took q cab TO
the National Hotel, where he ate
hearty supper. and being very weary
with riding 50 long went early to he'd.
He was quite Inpatient mt even the few
hours delay which he could not we'll
avoid, having told them at home that
Washington was his destination.
Resolving TO make it as short as posi-
BILE, he c"'ed upon his agent immediate
liz after reakfast next morning. After
n few M utes' consultation, he gave Mr..
Taylor .structions regarding his city
property. and IN one hour concluded the
business which could have been done
equally as well by letter, had he chosen
60 do it that way
Without waiting to see one of the in
&eress!ng sights Of Washington. Vance
took the noon train for Philadelphia. and
was soon steaming over the beautiful
mountainous hills connecting Maryland
and Pennsylvania.
In Philadelphia he only paus ed long
enough to eat a good dinner, then board
ed the train for New York City. But
be did not stop in New York at present.
1t would 5e time enough to buy the dia-
n,onds on s way home. so he resolved
not 10 lose one day from his re-, object,
\ few hours Journey from New York
aud he stood once more in the grand old
"City Of Elms." where his happy. care
less college life had been passed, and
around which still fingered so many
pleasant and few painful memories.
He Went ut once to a hotel where he
had often stopped before, and called for
room. And now he was sadly at a loss
how to take the next step.
On his journey. he had pondered much
eon what Sam had revealed. Since he
came to think of it. he could see that
there was indeed n strange change in
Myra-that she had grown thin, pale and
sad before their very eyes; yet No one
had dreamed Of connecting Mr.. Louis
lie Dru with the facts.
Vance sat down aud wrote the whole
story to his faithful friend Florry. bid
ding her keep it until he came, or reveal
IL now, as circumstances seemed to di-
rect He went out and posted his let
ter, and then began seriously to look
about him.
In passing fine building on Third
street. he saw, upon sign, q familiar
name; NV. H. Herbert, Attorney land
Counsel0r-at-L Law
The very man. thought yaace. "If
/ remember Alright. Billy elbar'i
ed at Burke's with Louis. What u lucky
chance, the very first thing
No. Vance: not chance but a kind
Providence. directing the steps which
human wisdom failed 10 guide.
Vance called Mt Mr. Herbert's office
The lawyer recognized him at once. qnd
gave Nun Il CtEN4At WFitphle-
Il declare Douglas" said he, II nev-
er tholght OF seeing You again"
Il had no idea Of being here. few
days ago" said Vance. But business
brought me East. and | had a desire, be-
ing 50 near, 10 visit the old camping
ground"
Just right" said Mr. Herbert There
Is nothing gives me more pleasure than
to meet my old class fellows. See here,
Douglas, you must make my house your
home while you stay, We have plenty
of room, and my wife will be delighted.
Tell me where you stop and I'll have
your traps sent round at once
"Thahk you, Herbert, thank you.
would accept your invitation with pleas
urc. but as ! only expect to remain in
the city few hours. it would hardly
be worth while" said Vance. But
must visit several other points. and re-
turn to Kentucky as soon as possible"
Sorry to hear it. You can 20 home TO
dinner with me. anyway and have n
chat over old times? If you win amuse
yourself in the Office while I attend to
little matter OF business, IN 20 round
with you
Certainly Don't let me interrupt
you in the least" said Vance.
lie picked UP paper and pretended to
read. but his thoughts were not with
his eyes upon the paper They were
far away. in the old Kentucky home. -
with the loved ones there
When Mr. Herbert was ready. Vance
went with him to his handsome home,
ami was presented to his wife. Mrs.
Herbert was q New Haven girl, and
Vance had known her slightly in his
college days She echoed her husband
welcome, aud proved hersci q very en-
tar,ainiug hostess. After the excellent
dinner. they naturally fell into q chat
over old times. Vance resolved 20 make
the most of has opportunity.
Il wonder" carel, ssly, what becam,
OF ttsat dashing young Charleston felloa
lie Dru. think his Heme was"
Haven't heard Of him since he left.
answered Mr. Herbert
Il shouldn't think you would want to.
remarked his wife. sparkle in her pref
ey, blue eyes which did not escape Vance
Don't" was the reply. lie WASH
ny style Of man"
Nor mine SC ponded Vance. "liu
/ recalled dim it'll the rest
tMollit here. has no merry on him
said Mr. Herbert. laugbingh lie wa
handsome fellow, but none OF u
thought he would turn out the cold
bloodel villain he did"
"Ah, how was thutt' said Vance, cor
crallng his deep anxiety.
sit WAS public talk; but most Of ID.
think came out after you lett. I'm ~,
vraJi .ng.-sF ss ro fta-rfrutssf,s tr -otT u