River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1908-08-20

ahead after the fashion of Davy Crock
EFT, of whom you may have heard"
II have read of the exploits of your
great countryman," assented the chief.
Permit me to remind you, how
ever, captain, that if l remember cor
rectly, Crocketts motto warned one
to be certain of being right before go
ing ahead. Had you not better reflect
before honoring me with your conf
dence whether it is wise to trust a
perfect Stranger"
Radcliffe brought his broad, muscu-
lar hand down upon the table with a
vigorous thump.
I'm going by intuition, M. Debros-
ses," he exclaimed. eff you're not an
honest man, then I'll never trust
speech or appearance again.
Both are frequently delusive, as
you will learn, if you live long enough,
my young friend" said the chief,
gravely. 'But 1 think l can assure
you that you are not making an error
in the present instance. / promise to
respect your confidence and will en-
deavor to advise you to the best of
my poor ability"
Come to my room," said Radcliffe,
rising. There may be eavesdroppers
around here and what l have to say
is not meant for any ears but yours"
The chief followed his companion
to the latter's apartment and having
seated himself prepared to listen.
First of ALL" began Radcliffe, 81
wish to ask a question. Since your
arrival have you ever laid eyes upon
the present occupants of the chateau?"
The chief shook his head.
From what the good gossip, our
host, told me-" he said, 81 had fancied
some members of the family would
have appeared driving or walking
abroad, but so far they have escaped
my notice"
"Just So" returned Radcliffe. Were
they hermits they could not remain in
more rigid seclusion. Now, my story
is as follows, M. Debrosses: l became
acquainted with the Raymonds in
London about two months ago. Mrs.
Raymond was formerly the second
wife of merchant named Thurber,
who had one child, a girl named Alice,
when they were married Thurber
died suddenly and shortly after his
demise the widow welded this man,
Henry Raymond. They had been mar
ried about a year when 1 first met
them and fell in love with their step
daughter. My family is one of the
Oldest and best in New York and my
father is a wealthy man, so that as
far as birth and money went l con-
sidered myself an eligible suitor for
Alice's hand. The girl returned my af
lection, but her step-parents refused
to sanction our engagement on the
plea that Alice was too young at IL to
know her own mind in such a matter.
l might have attributed this ultima
tum to laudable discretion on their
part, were it not for a disclosure of
the real state of affairs made to me
by Alice.
According to the terms of her IA
theirs will, she received a handsome
legacy which was to remain under the
control of her Step-mother until Alice
attained her majority or was mar
ried. There was a certain Peter May
nard, a big red-headed dissipated
brute, and cousin of Henry Raymond,
who lived with them and apparently
possessed no other means of support
than that afforded him by his rela-
tives. This was the animal selected
by Alice's step-parents for her future
husband"
is NJ Raymond aware Of your
presence in Deseil?" inquired the
chief.
81 imagine so,' returned Radcliffe.
M. Claude shook his head. "Vio-
lence would avail you nothing" he
said, gravely. "One must meet the
craft of the serpent with guile I am
glad, however, that you have confided
in me-"
The American caught the chiefs
hand in his sinewy grip.
It'll do as you say. M. Debrosses,"