The Holly chieftain., 1905-08-11

Al. PoSi'te, pciieNlIS ali tne willie IL is
a base counterfeit and not the gen
uine Travers who has come to keep
the contract, you are of the same
mind still-you do not desire to back
out?"
Not l." answers Jack, sturdily.
The papers which passed between
us are binding-there is no need of
duplicating them. This fortune will
be divided as agreed upon-one half
to each. You understand the arrange
ment? Now let me introduce you,
senor to these few people who are to
witness the ceremony in order to con-
form to the law. all other provisions
OF which l have carefully prepared
for
First, there is the minister. gen
tleman in the black garb of the Pres
byterlan church. Only one other gen
tleman is present, Cuban evidently,
from his name.
There are two females-one OF them
a Scotch lady, and possibly neighbor
or owner of the house; the second
character upon which Jack is inclined
to spend more than casual glance.
She is only girl, with dark face
ard deformed figure-a girl who
could perhaps only rec.ive jeering
attentions from cruel boys in the
street.
Her face it is that attracts Jack;
one forgets her deformity when look
ing into that, it is SO strong, so
changeable in its emotions Here is,
indeed, character worth studying
In love or hate she would be for
midable antagonist. He wonders what
relation she bears to Jessie Cameron,
and seeing soft look come over her
face as her eyes fall upon the fair
girl, guesses that the daughter of
Senor Roblado worships the Scotch
lassie. which somehow gives him
great relief.
With such guardian Jessie Cam
eron need never be quite helpless.
Quick as flash the dark-faced
girl gives him frowning look as
she advances-a look that may mean
many things, but which Jack rightly
interprets.
Then and there he knows absolute
ly that he has no need of going fur
tier in order to find the author of
his strange letter; If she had signed
Ee1 name Juanita to the scroll he
could not be more positive.
At first Jack wonders why she
frowns and darts lightnings at him
out of her sloe-black eyes, until he
suddenly remembers that undoubted-
ly the daughter, as well as the father,
believes him to be that miserable i'm
poster of Howard Spencer
Come, this will never do He must
find chance to whisper the truth to
the senor's daughter and make her
his friend.
When one really desires such an op-
portunity, it is not so difficult to Gre
ate 1t as might be supposed; and
while some of the others were engag-
ed in little discussion concerning
The particulars of the ceremony, Jack,
in few words tells the girl the truth
concerning his identity.
Then her dark face for the first time
lights up with smile, and she gives
him little brown, slender hand.
Then it is better than l thought.
But you will keep your promise just
the same? Perhaps circumstances
may arise that will make it necessary
for you to claim my sister. Who can
say? If they should, am glad for
her sake that you are what you ap-
pear to be-a gentleman"
Thank you,' he replies. 81 have
already told her that should she need
assistance at any time, not to forget
me as distant cousin"
I'VE are ready, Senor Jack" calls
out the genial old gentleman.
Jessie Cameron no longer bushes,
but looks very pale She will not meet
Jacks eye, but stands there at his
side with downcast head.
1t is a strange marriage-possibly
as singular ceremony as has ever
been celebrated within the limits of
"Edinbro' town"
Jacks responses are made boldly,
while the brides voice falters, as
though she realizes how poorly con-
structed for marriage of convent
ence are the forms of religious cere-
mony.
Then 1t is over.
: Jack Travers, bachelor exeunt-
enter the benedict, receiving the con-
gratulations of the happy senior.
The next act in the drama promises
to be of an altogether different ma
ture, and just as likely as not war
will follow love.