The Virginia enterprise., 1908-08-21

EFT, of whom you may have heard"
Il 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, Crockett's motto warned one
to be certain of being right before 60
ing ahead. Had you not better reflect
before honoring me with your conf.
dence whether it is wise to trust a
perfect stranger?'
Ratcliffe brought his broad, muscu.
lar hand down upon the table with
vigorous thump.
I'm going by intuition, NJ Debros-
ses,' he exclaimed. IF 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 think I 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 Ratcliffe,
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.
~f o1 Do
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, Il 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 Ratclihfe. Were
they hermits they could not remain in
more rigid seclusion. Now, my story
is as follows, M. Debrosses: became
acquainted with the Raymonds in
London about two months ago. Mrs
Raymond was formerly the second
wife of a merchant named Thurber,
who had one child, 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 year when l 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 wealthy man, so that as
far as birth and money went I con.
sidered myself an eligible suitor for
Alice's hand. The girl returned my af-
fection, but her step-parents refused
to sanction our engagement on the
plea that Alice was too young at II to
know her own mind in such a matter.
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 fa-
ther's 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, 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 Al1ce's step-parents for her future
husband"
rs NJ. Raymond aware of your
presence in Deseil?" inquired the
chief.
Il imagine so." returned Ratcliffe.
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 contided
in me-"
The American caught the chiefs
hand in his sinewy grip. .--.
| I'll do as you say, NJ. Debrosses,' .