The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-05-22

to be Vane Hamilton. my husband"
Your husband? What do you
mean?"
Il mean that he came to Grovedale
last February, stated that he had been
suffering from loss of identity, and that
was the reason he was absent so long.
He professed to know nothing about
the bank defalcation. but, after an ex-
animation, he felt, or so he said that
he ought to pay the nine thousand dol
lars, as there seemed to be indications
which pointed to his having presented
the altered notes at the banks, al
though he is far from being satisfied
that he was the one. He has taken his
place at the mill where you worked,
and all Grovedale seems to be sure
that he is the real Vane Hamilton-all
but me-"
The sick man. who had listened to
her statement with real or affected
establishment that seemed to rack his
very soul with torture, started up as
if relieved somewhat by her last
words.
You did not receive him, then; you
knew he was not the true Vane Ham
ilton." he cried.
Il did not feel sure that he was; but
he lives in the same house with us.
and the children are greatly attached
to him, particularly Clare"
What does it all mean? the villain"
and he raised himself in bed and glared
wildly about him; then sank down eX-
hausted, but his hands worked convul-
sively, and he continued to gaze at
Constance with a look of mingled hor-
ror and reproach. What does it all
mean?" he repeated, in a whispered
tone.
I don't know. I don't KNOW" said
elapsed hands in deep misery. "Why
must this come upon meme, a feeble
woman, alone, for l dare not trust
either of you, and my uncle is but a
reed to lean upon. What can l do?"
But don't you know l am your hus-
band? Have you any doubt?"
You do not look as much like my
husband as he does"
II grant it; but there are other
means Of judging
There is none, none, except this
vague impression that he is not,
and"
And that I am. Bless you, my dear
est, for those words. With them l
can be brave. 1 will wrest you from
him. l win get back my home, all
he has stolen from me, and you shall
help me-"
Il? Oh. can do nothing"
AT least, you shall not stay under
the roof with him another day. You
shall not, Constance"
Constance trembled at his authorita-
tive words and bent her head obedi-
emily.
Il will do as you say in that respect
1 will leave the house, with my chill
dren, until the matter is settled"
And it shall be settled soon, just
as soon as 1 can leave this bed. and
1 am getting stronger very fast now.
I could almost rise now, walk to the
mill and confront that man."
"Heyday! you are getting well fast,
Mr. Edes," said DR.. Peck, walking in,
and bowling courteously to Mr. Hamil-
ton. who would you confront at the
mill?"
THAT scoundrel who has taken my
name and place"
We'll, you must get little stronger
first" and the worthy doctor looked
at Mrs. Hamilton with sage nod, as
If there was nothing to be alarmed
at in such rawlings.
Or. Peck" said his patient, irritably,
Il am as sane as you are. l knew
you perfectly well, too, long ago. Have
you forgotten giving me the wrong
medicine, and pumping it out of my
stomach afterwards ?"
The doctor looked bewildered.
Il recollect giving the wrong medi-
cine to this lady's husband"
Exactly, and l am her husband"
A burning blush stole over the face
of Constance, and she arose to go
without so much as a glance at either
man.
DR.. Peck stood staring until she was
gone and for some time afterward.
Then he said, sternly, You have
driven her from the room with your
rawlings. Mrs. Hamilton is a most es-
timable lady"
II ought TO know as much about my
wife as anybody. DR.. Peck. There is
a most foul conspiracy afioat to rob me
of my wife, family and fortune, such as
it is. But now l am myself it shall
go on no longer The shot which I
firmly believe was fired to end my life
was benefcently ordered to restore me
my faculties instead 1 am myself
again, doctor. l am Vane Hamilton,
and / shall so declare myself and APP
peal to the courts to restore me my
rights
MY man, you forget we all knew
Mr.. Hamilton, and that he was a diff
ferent-looking man. His hair was light
and yours is dark"
Il care not for that. My hair was
light once. 1 did not know it was
dark until yesterday" and then he ex-
planned each circumstance as he had