Pittston Gazette

              Win T « HUSHED IMO rOL. iL. No. .11. Oldest wsoauer in the Wvommg Valley PITTSTOX, U'ZEKNE CO., PA., FRIDAY, OCTOBER II, 188!). A WeeKly Local and lamilv Journal. An Experience giSlf-r - tM,. I ,,;st ,ss.f ttdwZ also, that Gerald Leslie was a ruined he to cross my path? 1 accedo to vour man; and he waited his time. condition, Sib. J Craig tTn thouJaZ th«°nt„ntlln8pi ,i^theprnuduh0ar^°f d°wn- ,lnd tw.M.tV thousand IHOIO UDOa planter one of those all-absorbing niy wedding day." ' passions, which, in a bad man s heart, -Then the biuiness shall be done rose in bio the storm and tempest. They | "Soon?' 1 ago but to destroy. At any price, even at the price of his own soul as well as hers, she must bo hfs. The insult she had inflicted upon him in dismissing him from her presence, had infuriated and humiliated him, but it had not abated one 6park of the wild ardor CDf his guilty passion; notwithstanding this he was determined upon becoming the husband of Caraillia Moraquitos. The reader is already acquainted with tho laxity of Louisianian morals. Tho wealthy Creole thought there could be no shame to tho Octoroon in becoming hi6 mistress. What was sho but a creature of the inferior race, born to obey her master, the white man? With Camillia s fortune, added to his own ample wealth, Augustus liorton would havo been one of tho richest men in New Orleans. But his real aud only rival in the person y» Paul Lisimon, tho Mexican. He was not slow to act upon his conviction. F.arly upon tho morning after his first encounter with Paul, he entered the office in which tho young man was seated rison put his bead out of the door : "Air. Lisimon," ho taid, "you are wanted, if has any one action of ray lire, since i have shared tiie shelter of your roof, and eaten your bread—has any one action of my lif i given you reason to believe me the base and guilty wretch this man would have you think rue? Speak, I implore you." lievo me, i am not ungrateful.™ "Paul Lisimon," said Pauline, fixing her limpid blue eyes upon the face of the Mexican,"you love Camillia Moraquitos?" "Love her—" You ask me how I giTe my 1; BY P. G. BROWS Losing all presence of mind, Camillia, followed by Paullue Corsi, rushed past the slave Tristan, and from the antechamber to the saloon beyond. "Yes." "And her name is—?" the gent'emen smoking; Cora and Gilbert. Margrave sat apart, and out of bearing of the rest. "Tell me, Miss Leslie," said Gilbert, m Augustus Horton left the deck, "why Ut4 you prevent my inflicting upon that uu the chastisement which he so richly served? Why tlo you compel me to remain silent and suffer you to be insulted with Impunity?" I do not Know you please." Paul hastened to the inner office. The lawyer was looking very grave, but he spoke in his usual friendly tone. "Miss Cora Leslie." There came a yearning for Him in my The Haines, fanned by the current of air through which she passed, rose toward her head. In another moment she would have been lost. "Good Heavens, my dear Gilbert, are you in earnest? You know this girl s history?'' I found earth flowerets would fade ah I wept for something that would sati-l Auu then—and iheu somehow I aeeine To lift my Broken heart tr Him in pra; So long ago. "Nay, why seek, to dissemble? Do you think I have not read your shallow secret from the very first' You sought to blind and hoodwink me, but I laughed at the pitiful deception. Paul, tell me, is this lovo a lasting one?" "Since you know niy secret," replied the Mexican, "concealment is useless. It is a lasting lovo—eternal as yonder blue heaven." "Where did you say you put tin money, my dear Lisimon ?" lie asked. The young Mexican waited with clasped hands for Don Juan* reply. The Spaniard coldly averted his face. It seemed as if he, too, shrank from mooting that noble countenance. "I do; and in my eyes that very history renders her even more sacred than a defenseless woman must ever be to the mind of an honorable man. I received a message this morning from Mr. Leslie's old slave, Toby, informing me that his young mistress is to come on board the boat at the iirst station, and begging me to bo there to meet her, as she might have need of my services." •In the small cash box," replied Paul 'there!" But the preserver was at hand 1 do not know— Ho pointed, as he spoke, to the table upon which he had left the cash box 011 the preceding evening. With a yell of agony, like that of a wild beast in its deuth struggle with the hunter, the negro flung himself upon the floor of the antechamber, and tore up the heavy Persian carpet which covered tho 100111; then, rushing upon Camillia, ho enveloped her slender form in this massive fabric, and with his own hands extinguished tho tlauies. I cannot t*ll you how I only know "I hat is-well; Silas, lose no time In turning the fellow from your doors, and let mo be the to hear of his dismissal. I shall not grudge you your ro- Very soon "Because I would not have you remnt that which, in Louisiana, is cCDauideredft Justifiable prejudice, l paraon Aun» tus Horton as I pardon his a later idf lalde, who was once my friend." "Oh 1 do not speak of her, Miss Leslie, my contempt—" j It was no long. V there ••Circumstances speak too plainly, Mr. Lisimon," ho said; "facts are incontrovertible—they are stronger than words, and they forec me to believe." He is mD Saviour new The young Mexican's olive cheek gro suddenly while. You ask me when I gave my heart to Chri I cannot t 11 ward This f«ol "They force you to believe that the man, who has been reared beneath your own protection, has been guilty of an act worthy of one of tho swelt-mobsmen, or experienced burglars of New Orleans. Oue word more, Don Juan Moraquitos— it is the last with which I shall trouble you." "Foolish boy. Then ruin and destruction will track your footsteps." "Ruin! Through my love?" "Yes; you have not one friend in this house, save her who now speaks to you. Camillia loves you, you will answer 1 Yes; but with the feeble passion of capricious beauty, which may change with tomorrow's sun. flow long think you will her lovo endure when she hears every creature in New Orleans brand you as a thief and ingrate? Will it. outlast the hour when she sees you placed in a criminal .7, en..)-. thief and shame? No; Camillia M raquit&ion proud, and from the hour that you leave thisJiouse with the clanking fetters on your wrists, she will despise and hate you—hate you for the very memory of her past love." The day, or just th« hour I do not now A.s Augustus Horton left the office he once more Hung a sinister glance at the articled clerk; but this time there was triumph as well as hatred in the flash of the )Dlanter's eyo. *no stood agnast looking on. "You must be mistaken, Lisimon; you very likely placed the box in some other {.art of the office?" » observed bv the el "And you took the hint?" "Gladly—proudly." Kemeuiber well Tue Spaniard's daughter escaped unscathed from this terrible ordeal, but the handsof tho slave were fearfully scorched and wounded. "My dear Gilbert, I'm afraid you'ro very far gone," exclaimed Mortimer, laughing. "Nay, Mr. Margrave! It is yeu whe are mistaken In all this, lou are a stranger here, and your nobis conduo* of today may compromise you In the eyes of every colonist in Louisiana. \ our place is not here by the aids of me,, a* Octoroon; you should be with Ad» laide Horton, a high-born daughter oi the Europe n race." _ It must have been, when 1 was all alone The light of His forgiving Spirit s lone Into my heart, all clouded o'er with sin; I think—I think 'twas when I let him in. As lie glanced at Paul Lislmon the "No!" cried Paul with energy, "I left It on that table, and nowtiere else. Oonae, Mr. Craig, this must be some jost of yours. You have removed the box since you entered tho office, and are doing this to frighten mo." Adelaide Horton's heart sank as she received the young engineer's cold salutation. She felt that he despised both herself and her brother for their conduct to Cora. Mrs. Montresor and Adelaide soon withdrew to the saloon, for the sigltt of Gilbert Margrave was painful to the impetuous girl. glitter of some gold ornaments hanging to th» Mexican's watehchain caught his eye. Amongst these was an oval locket of dead gold, ornamented with two initials Don Juan Moraquitos offered any reward he might choose to name to the deliverer of his child, but, to the Spaniard's astonishment Tristan refused all his master's offers. I do not know I cannot tell Dou when "I listen," replied the Spaniard. "I appeal to you by the mumory of tho dead—by thC? memory of him who was more than a father to me—by the memm y of Lhtt last hour of, It seemed as it tho sound of this name struck upon tho most sensitive chord in tho nature of the haughty Spaniard. Ho started as if ho had been shot, and dropping into a chair that stood near him buried his face in his hands. Silas Craig liftod his eyes with a glance of pious horror. I only kn-^w He is so dear siuce then TIm' planter parsed so close to Paul wa - enabled to distinguish these o. ana an Al. t*le enamel "Was there any box on yonder table when we entered this room, Morrison''1" said Grail:, u • * * r sir. ••If noWMty of ra.'Q i» ■ I ""god of by the replied Gilbert, wit* ••You deceive yourself, Mr. Margrave," said Cor»; "Adelaide has a generous heart, and I know that In secret she r+- grets our broken friendship—you, above all others, should be indulgent to her faults." \ ou ask ni» where I gave my heart to Christ that 1 "So!" he muttered, fts ho mounted the thorough bred Arabian waiting him at born Tho Spaniaid would have iriven him 1UU ueru 1 cannot say; That sacred place has faded from u As yesterday "You see, my dear Lisimon, It must be you who are jesting. Were you any other than the beloved protege of my respected client, Don Juan Moraquitos. I should positively begin to be alarmed." #A11 gifts of .money ho also refused—refused with a gloomy determination which Dan Juan and Camillia tried in vain to overcome. m Vvuird the S«lni.a w«a_a the deck a German band was stationed, and every now and then some sprightly waltz or polka sounded on the summer Sit, Perhups IT.». tJw-*,*•» i' Wt'T I should not Remember wnere How I should love that *j tniuk I could not tea' myself awa*. For 1 should want forever there tjstiy door of Silas Craig's house, wears a rlbert with her init iiiniiii; hoi portrait, no him then ; hut, by the she shall be taught md loathe him." DU£ in putting his "No!" he said, "lot me stay with you, my master and my mistress. The poor slave, Tristan, asks no more." Close acainst one of the paddle-boxes a group of eager gamblers had seated themselves round a card-table, and it was amongst these that Mr. William Bowen planted himoelf, while Silas Crai« conversed in an undertone with Augustus Horton. dou blur "Jesting!" exclaimed Paul; "I swear to you that before leaving this office last night, I locked the cash box containing tho dollar bills and placed it upon that table. Search where you will, Morrison," he said, looking at tho clerk, who, at a whispered order from his employer, had begun to search the office, "unless there has been witchcraft about, you will find it there and nowhere else, for there I left it." Paul Lisimon" knew the pride which formed the leading principle in Camillla's character, and I10 felt that there might bo truth in theso bitter words. I do riot kuow— Paul Lisimon raised his eyes and reeoeuized one of the most Constant ad•nirers of Cainillia Moraquitos. But it vas with a glance of supreme indiffer"o that the Mexican regarded his rival. _,astus Morton felt the sting of that careless look; it was the glance of one who, secure in tho affection of her ho loves, is incapable of jealousy. "llr. Craig is within?" he inquired, addressing himself especially to Faul, '.hough a colored lad at a desk near was he person who answered all inquiries. 1 ushered the clients into Silas Craig's Mid asked to seo Silas Craig, In vain the old negreas, Zarah, pleaded with her son, Imploring him to ask freedom for himself and hi» mother, that thov might return to the native shore from which the captain of a slaver had brought them. Ho refusod to listen to her entreaties, and turned from her with a gloomy scowl. "This Is horrlblo!" he exclaimed; "tho guilty wretch daree to call upon the namo of tho dead, dares to wound his noble benefactor's sensitive heart. Why delay any longer to reason with this hypocrite? tho officers of justico are without, lot them at once to their dutv." "Yea," replied Cora, her long blaok eyelashes drooping beneath the Englishman's ardent gaze; "amongst all her English admirers, there was one alone for whom she felt any real regard. Do you know whom I mean?" "I?" I cannot tell you where I only know ere long to d Sila-- l was not "Oh, Heaven," he cried, deed Leri ib!e !'* "this is ln- lie came ami blest me tliere [oul J sedition You ask me why I gave my heait to Ch order to carry it out. ho had re;o to a plan as subtle as it was dia- "Hear me, Paul. It is in ray power to save you from theso fetters" and this shame. It is in my power to bring Silas Craig and his haughty employer, Don Juan Moraquitos, groveling to your feet to emplore you for mercy—to entreat your forbearance to save them from the fate of a felon." Gilbert Margrave and Mortimer Tercy stoo 1 near the side of the vessel talking on indifferent subjects. It is a wondrous norD: listen while I tell you why I cm repl AilL "No, Miss Leslie, nor do I wish te know," answered Gilbert, wltn energy; "for amongst all the young girls who adorned the farewell ball given by Mrs. Montresor, there was one and one alone to whom my dazzled eyes turned as the star of the brilliant throng. Do you know whom I mean?" cated, a ato oilioo coraniuni- ader is aware, with an occupied bwelerks. Craig opened the door of the apartment as he epoke, and beckoned to three men who were waiting on tho staircase.Presently the bell rang agaiu, and the steamer stopped at the first station, which was situated at a short distance from Gerald Leslie's plantation. My heart was drawn t length to se»*k His fa I was alone; I had no rest-'ng place: I heard of how he lo\ e i me with a love Of depth so great—of height so far abo?e apart nit Don Juan and his daughter praised tho fidelity of tho slp.ve, and promised him every privilege that could render his service a happy one. Only one person in that household divined tho secret clew to tho negro's strange conduct. That person was tho seemingly frivolous and light-hcfartod Frenchwoman, Pauline Corsi. t this one door of oomvwon the two rooms, and "Como, come, Mr. Lisimon," said Craig, in an altered tone, "this is really too absurd. Wo no longer believe in magic or the juggleries of tho fiend. You say you left tho this apartment last night. It must therefore be here this morning if vou have spoken the truth." thnrr ieation C• visible mole of en- "Yes; they have a warrant for your arrest," replied Silas Craig. "You have carried it with a very high hand, Mr. l'aul Lisiinon, but you will sleep In jail to-night." "The police!" exclaimed Paul. "You are mad!" exclaimed Paul. "What in mercy's name mean you by these words?" "Miss Leslie knows nothing as Vet of the fatal truth," said Gilbert. "I tremble lest she should ever learn It." A I human fe-n— I longe • such love to slia And sought it then. inner of ie secret entrance. nee. "He is," answered Paul, quietiy dropng liis eyes upon his work, and not Df America, which eomle pa-sage leading into "Listen to mo, Paul Lisimon, for these few minutes, bought from tho vigilance of tho.ollicer without yonder door, must decide the fata of both of us. Thirteen years ago, Don Tomaso Crivelli expired in the arms of his brother-in-law, in an apartment at the end of the gallery outside this door. Yuu have often been in that room." "Then tremble for her today on hoard this steamer," replied Mortimer, "these .people know all and they are pitiless." "I shall be here to protect her, at the worst; but tell me, any idea of how it was that this mulatto Toby applied to me above all people?" Cora did not answer; but a vivid blush suffused her face at the young engineer's question. Upon ..y knees is prayer the house in Columbia street. The existence of this secret passage was knowi, only to Silas Craig, William Bowen, and the banker aud manager of the garo- You ask me why I tfcou ht ihis I g Clir'si ing t spoke Marcus take "If I havo spoken the truth!" echoed Paul, the hue of his cheeks changing from pale to crimson. A depth of penetration lurked beneath that girlish exterior. She had read the true meaning o! Tristan's conduct. The young Mexican did not condescend to answer this speech, but, turning to Don Juan, he said with quiet dignity—• "Since this man's accusation appears to you stronger than my declaration of innocence, I cannot blarno you, sir, in believing him. I freely own that the chain of evidence forged against me is a damning one, but sooner or later, the day will como when I will shatter that chain, link by link, and prove yonder wretch tho base-it of his kind. In the meantime, I would but ask one favor of you. I have papers and letters in my own room, which are of priceless value to me, suiter mo to gather those together before they convey me to prison." "See," continued Gilbert, opening his sketch book; "do you remember the bouquet which you left upon a side table in the anteroom. In the center of that bouquet bloomed this tiny blue flower, which we Englishmen call the forget-mD»- not. It is withered now. Say, Cora, can you forgive the hand which stole the blossom?" Would heed my prayers is gC •ard to your master." 1 at his desk, a ledger I knew he rti£d upon the cross for n I nailed him there and on tho table by his iron cash box, the lid of ho dropped hurriedly as the young er entered the office. before him "Not a creature has entered this room since you left ii," continued Silas; "for there is but ono key to tho door, and that has been in your possession until within the last ten minutes. The boy, Marcus, sleeps in the offlco; call him, Morrison." The mulatto lad made his appearauce. "Marcus," said his master, "did any one enter this room last night?" The slave—the negro—the thick-lipped woolly-haired African--the lowest type of a despised and abhorred race, loved his :nistre»s,the wealthy Spanish heiress, the beautiful and haughty Camillla Moraquitos ! I heard his dyl.iRcrj. "Father, forgive I ww Him diink death's cup, that 1 tain. My head was bowed upon iny breast in »ha He cal ei me—and in penitence I came. He hear i m) prayer; I cannot tell you how, It was by means of this very passage that the foul plot, which was to entrap 1'unl Lii-inion, was to be carried out. "The instincts of the despised race are strong, ' answered Mortimer; "he knew, no doubt, that you felt no uncommon interest in his young mistress. See, is not that Miss Leslie yondor, amongst the passengers, dressed in black?" ;ht livf T1 eour D ledger contained the secret acs of the transactions of the nivste- Three days after his interview with the planter, Silas Craig summoned the young Mexican into his private otlice. . "I have. It is sacred to me, for it was there my earliest friend breathed his last sigh." The blush faded from thek cheek of the Octoroon, and clasping her hands en* treatingly, she exclaimed with earnest. ness— s garobling-house in Columbia street, cash box was nearly filled with bank "My dear Lisimon," ho said, motioning Vaul to a seat, "for once in my life I am tempted to desert, business earlier than u uul. 1 have an engagement to dine with my client, Mr. Horton. The dinner hour is five, and I have, unfortunately, an appointment hero at half-past five with a wealthy old client of mine, who is going to bring me a few thousand dollars he wishes me to invest for him. Now, in this dilemma, I fancy, my dear Lisimon, that vou can assist me." CHAPTER XIII. "That chamber is hung with Indian embroidery of shells and feathers upon leather. These hanffinsrs are about t wo feet Troni the wall, leaving an aperture behind large enough to admit of a slender person's hiding behiu 1 the embroidery. On the night of your benefactor's death I was concealed behind these "It is; she is coming this way with Toby." Nor when, nor » here; Why—I have told you now a, lost in that den of iniquity by the DratDle and deluded votaries of tho bier s green cloth-covered altar. Silas io ledger, which was secured 1 LAS CRAIG was right in his conjecture. Paul Lisimon wont straight from the lawyer's office to the Villa Moraquitos."No, massa, the door was locked." "I know that; and no one entered by any means whatever?" "I will leave you then, my dear Gilbert," said Mortimer, and pressing hi3 friend'6 hand, he strolled into the saloon. "Oh. Mr. Margrave, reflect! An idle word, idly spoken, may occasion evfl of which you cannot dream. It Is to your hpnor, I appeal! You would not in flirt now sorrow' upon a heart already almost broken. What would that flower say? that in its brief hour of bloom and freshness Oora Leslie was admired. The flower has withered, and the hope* my life have faded Itke the frail petals of that poor blossom." TIE OCTOROON j u which the usurer wore ha i massive bra locks, t he key o ng to a "No one massa, unless de debil go through de keyhole." "When Mr. Lisimon left his office last night had lie anything in his hand?" ••Noting, massa." Cora Leslie was pale as lily. Her bla'-k robes seemed to increase this almost unearthly pallor, but they could not take from her beauty. She advanced slowly, looking about her with a glance of terror, while the faithful mulatto followed close at her side. Presently she perceived Gilbert Margrave, who silently awaited her coming. ' hiek moved t gold chain, which was never rCD- —the iniquitous vol- Don Juau had not once lifted his head since the mention of his brother-in-law's name. Ho replied to Paul's request, in a broken voice— hangings. t or c as further secured by being placed n iron chest, proof against fire and You, a spy?" But for what reason?" "But he might of had something in his pocket," muttered Silas in an undertone. It was there, and in the eyes of her he so dearly loved, and of the haughty benefac- . "Don't doubt that I had my reason  reasons which at so.ue future time I will reveal. When I carried the child Camillia to her uncle's bedside I heard a few wordsdropped which excited my curiosity ; tCD gratify that curiosity I concealed myself at eleven o'clock that night behind tho hangings of the dying man's bedchamber. There 1 heard Tomaso Crivelli dictate his last, will and testament to the lawyer. Sdai Craig, in the presence of your lather. The signature to that will ua- nftersviDrd witnessed by two person?, one a creature of the attorney's, the other a dependent of Don Juan Moraquitos." A STORY OF SLAVERY DATS. hie vi Paul merely bowed. They wore not alone In the office; one of the other l'aul Lisimon turned upon his employer with Indignant fury. •'Let him take the papers he speaks of,"' lie answered, "I will bo responsible for him." BY MISS M. E. BRADDQN. traiif- York loney trained by th ions momlilv to New here it was linked in the name clerks, a young man of tho namo of Morrison, was standing at tho lawyer's desk waiting for further order-*. "Mr. Craig," he exclaimed, "could you Jare to insinuate—" tor of ills vouth Tho principal police officer bowed. "I will accompany you to your rooms, Mr. Lisimon,'' he said, "and remain withyou while you collect those papers." The crimson blush which suddenly dyed her cheek revealed how little she had expected this meeting. "No, Cora, no! The flower has but ons meaning—says, 'I love you T " "MCD!" cried Coia, with an exclamation almost of terror. "But do you forget who I am? Do you forget that I am an Octoroon, the daughter of a slave?' [coxtixued.J & Co icitor j prevent the i "No, Mr. Lisimon, it is rather too late in the day for insinuations," answered Lhe attorney with a sardonic laugh, "you were left in charge of a sum of money; you were told to place it in this room, "to which, no one but yourself had access. The fact Is only too clear; you have disgraced tho bounty of your patron; you are a thief!" that the young Mexican was eager to disprove the* lying accusation brought against him. ne was me attorney employed oy Augustus Horton, by Don Juan Moraquitos, and by most of the wealthiest men in the city of Now Orleans; men who affected ignorance of his character, because his style of doing business suited their purpose. '■What I want you to do. Lisimon, is to remain here till half-past live and receive the money from my client. You will give him an acknowledgment for the sum, and you will place tho money, whether it should be in notes or gold, in this small cash-bos, of which I will leave you the key. I shall also give you the key of tho door of this office, which you will carefully lock on leaving the place. As there Is no other communication, all will be perfectly secure. You understand?'"Father, father!' exclaimed Camillia; "can you suffer this—can you allow the companion of my youth to be sent to jail as a common felon?" "Mr. Margrave," she exclaimed. ambers ot tiie notes, into tuc A THif.F ! "Pardon me, Miss Leslie," replied the young engineer, "if I have ventured to make myself, without your permission, your companion upon this journey—but the hope that I might be able to render you some service has induced me even to brave your displeasure." s may seer His proud spirit revolted at the verythought of the base nature of the crime of which he was accused. Theft—the most contemptible, petty theft—a theft upon the employer who had trusted hinr! "I forget all, but that I love you." "Do you not know that In this country it is considered a disgrace to lientow an honorable affection upon a creature of the despised race, and that the shams attached to me would attach Its'-If alp® to you?" s Crait: no rn ariy- "He merits no other fate," replied Don Juan; "he has proved himself unworthy the name of an honest man." He knew as the pro- It was at Silas Craig's office that Au gustus Horton ftrst saw Paul Lisimon. He found Camillia within doors, and, in the presence of Pauline Corsi, told her the story of his wrongs. "He has not dune so," cried Camillia; "he is innocent!" The two men encountered each other in an office opening out of the private room occupied" by the attorney. no very J In "A thief!" shrieked Paul. The lawyer's gold-headed bamboo cane stood in" one joiner of the oflice; before the clerk, Morisson, could interpose, Paul Llsimon jnatehed thlB cane In his convulsed gratp, and bounding upon Silas Craig, itruck him across the fuce. "But what has all this to do with me?" a?ked Paul. Cora looked earnestly at Toby; the faithful creature's eyelids fell before that searching gaze. "Ah, Mr. Margrave," she said, "It was Toby who told you of this journey?" stron£iy t-.inpected to have been committed, universal hatred and execration would be heaped upon his guilty liofid. More than this, there was a tribunal he dreaded more than all the established Jeeds of darkness were The lovely eyes of the Spanish girl flashed with indignant fire. "What leads you to believe in his innocence?"'"It may have much to do with you. Th atniirht I learned a secret—" "A secret!" "I know all, Cora, but I lore rou -I love you!" cried Gilbert, falling on his knees at the young girl's feet. Paul was seated at his desk, copying a deed; he looked up only for a moment as the planter entered the apartment, and immediately returned to his work. Ho knew that the visitor was his rival. Augustus Horton, but, secure in the love "My own instinct," replied the fearless girl. Completely, Mr. Craig," said Paul "We always hated this man, Craig, by instinct, Paul," she said; "that instinct did not doceive us." "Yes; and one by the aid of which I can save you from shame and humiliation, and elevate you to the proudest position even your haughty spirit could desire.'"Forgive me, dear young mistress I thought that I was doing right." Cora sank into a chair and covered her face with her hands. "Cora, you weep!" "I thought you would be able to do this little bit of business for me," replied the lawyer, rising and locking his desk; "here are the keys," ho added, handing raul the key of the door and the smaller one belonging to the cash bos; "you will keep the office key in your possession until you see mo tomorrow morning. Be very careful of it, for have no duplicate. It's now half-past four, so I have not.a minute to lose. You'll find my client, Mr. Graham, a curious countrylied old fellow, Lisimon, but I've no doubt you'll be able to manage him. Good afternoon!" "Liar !" he cried, "I see the drift of this louble-dyed villainy. I am the victim of a plot, so demoniac that I shudder at the blackness of its treachery. The money bas been removed through your agency —removed in order that my name may be branded with a crime. I fear you not, rile schemer; be it yours to tremble, for Heaven looks down upon us, and will defend the innocent," Again the brow of Don Juan grew dark with fury. "I am deeply affected with this proof of your kindness, Mr. Margrave," said Cora; "but I regret that Toby's indiscretion should have imposed upon you a task which will, as I believe, be useless." rts of New Ui leans knew that Pauline Corsi appeared to sympathize sincerely with the lovi**, andexpiessed the utmost contempt for Silas Cruig. J "Your own instinct!" he exxclnimed; "beware, girl, do not force nui to believe yod have another reason for thus defending this man. Do not compel me to despise you!" "I do," she replied. In faltering accents, "1 feel myself, so despised aod abandoned in this cruel country ; and It is so sweet to hear words of love* and consolation from—from one—" of Camillia, he was utterly indifferent to his presence. Not so the planter. He looked long and earnestly at the handsome and Spanish face of tho young citizens would have recourse to t rors of Lvnch Law. furia While Paul was seated by Camillia, her hand clasped in his, her "large black eyes bathed in tears, yet iifted confidingly, to his face, the sound of the footsteps of several men was heard upon the staircase without, and Don Juan Moraquitos entered the apartment, followed by Silas Craig. "You can do all this?" Ho glanced round suspiciously as Augustus Horton entered the room, and thrust the locked ledger into an open diawer in his desk. --ile tins conversation was passing between father nnd daughter, Paul Lisirnon and the officer proceeded to the Mexican's apartment, which was situitod, as the reader is aware, upon the ;ippC-r floor of Villa Mtfraquitos; but tho Spaniard's elegant abode was only elevated one story above the ground floor, -o that the room occupied by Paul was aot in reality more than eighteen feet ibove the garden, into whi Dh it looked. The police officer followd his prisoner ,nto the room, and seated himself nenr the door, while Paul unlocked Ills desk ind examined its contents. "I can." "And you will?" "On one condition." "That is—" "However that may be, Miss Leslie, it is a task which I accept with pride and •joy." Mexican "Ah, Cora, speak—speak, I Implore!" "From one we love !" Simply as Paul was dressed, in the loose linen coat and trousers suitable to the climate, with an open shirt collar of the finest cambric, under which was knotted a Mack silk handkerchief, t iere was something so distinguished in hi? appearance that Augustus Horion coulC not hetp wondering stranger was who had found . Silas Craig's ofllee. So grea "You renounce forever all thoughts of Camillia Moraquitos; and that in the hour, when through my aid, you are elevated to name and fortune you make me At this moment the little group was approached by the captain of the Selma. whose sharp eyes had espied the dark skin of Toby amongst his aristocratic passengers. "Cora, my adored," exclaimed,Gilbert, with rapture, clasping her hand and seating himself by her. They had not been unwatched during this interview. The eyes of jealousy were upon the unconscious lovers, for Adelaide Horton had emerged from the saloon, and gliding at the back of the little table, had heard the latter part ef their conversation. accustomed conciliatory smile, '.'this is indeed an agreeable surprise. I scarcely expected to see you so soon again." ieat- Augustus," he said ivith his He rushed from the office, and had left the houne before Silas had recovered from he terror these words had struck to his juiltv heart. The brow of the Spaniard was dark with passion, but beneath the red eyebrows of the lawyer, there sparkled the light of malice and cunning. '•I dare say not," answered the planter, coolly, taking out a cigar and lighting it at the taper by which Craig scaled his letters. • your wife "Hollao, what are you doing here, nigger?" he exclaimed; "don't you know your place is at the other end of the vessel?"Silas left the office, followed by the clerk, Morisson ; and Paul, taking up one o? the New Orleans papers, prepared to await tho expected visitor. The client arrived, punctual to his appointment, at half-past live. Uo was an elderly man, a planter, whoso estate lay at a distance of several hundred miles from New Orleans, and who had thb highest gpinion of Silas Craig's professional and moral character. "Pursuo him!" he cried, hoarse with 'ury; "pursue him and drag him to prison. Yet, Stay, It is too late now to Dvertake him. I know where to find him —at the Villa Moraquitos." "You — my wife!" exclaimed Paul, thunderstruck by the' words of the Frenchwoman. who t "Release the hand of that man, Camillia Moraquitos!" exclaimed Don Juan, with suppressed fury, as he beheld his daughter and Paul Llsimon seated side by side; "release his hand, or never again dare to call me father!" "And may I ask to what I owe the honor of this visit?" said Silas, looking with considerable curiosity, at his client's thoughtful countenance. "Yes. Is there anything so monstrous in the proposition? I am a few years older than you, it is true. I have not tin' Spanish beauty of Camillia, but flat tering tongues have told me that I am not dostii ite of the power to charm—I am 110 love-sick girl, but an ambitious woman, with a brain to scheme and plot a glorious future—I ask no love from you, but a share in the future to which I can elevate you. Do you refuse my offer?" The mulatto retired without a word, but not without a push from the indignant captain. cuno»ity, the lawye that when his busine. r was •ended, he ling She knew the worst now. Thin man— this man to whom she had given her heart, unasked and unsought, loved and was beloved by the despised daughter of a slave. Wounded pride. Jealousy, revenge, humiliation, all mingled in the passionate emotion of that moment. Blind with anger she knew not what she did. ask a few questions about th clerk. "Poor Toby," murmured Cora, as she followed with her eyes the faithful slave. "In soodncss' nun as he lit a cigar from a box o upon the attorney's (leak, " "I'll toll you, Silas Craig. That young ilesican yonder; that Limison, or Lismion, or whatever his name may be— tiiat hanger on and dependent of Juan Moraquitos, must leave your office." CHAPTER XII The young girl raised her eyes to the faco of the Spaniard, and met his angry gaze with a glance of calm defiance. The papers which he wished to secure were a few brief notes that had beenwritten to him, at different periods, by Camillia Moraquitos. The young girl had jften slipped a few lines of affectionate into her lover's hand at 1 time when the lynx eyes of strangers jreventfld their exehanrins a word. Craig." he Hun RISTAJf, the ne- gro, sat In his little chamber, in that quarter of Don Juan's fine mansion which was devoted solely to tho slaves. "You see, Miss Leslie," said Gilbert, • 'the company of Toby would have boon no protection to you." iv ho "Why should I take my hand from his?" she said, calmly; "wo have been playfellows, companions, and friends from childhood. You have seen our hands locked together often ere today: why do you wish to part us how?" young aristocrat whom you have as a pigeon tor jDi ueking, under j of teaching him the Jaw?" Silas started and stared wonderingly t the planter. "A worthy man," he would say, Bhakiug his head wisely, when speaking of the money-lending lawyer; a moral man, a'chureh-going man, and a credit to New Orleans. I am sorry there are not more to follow his pious example." "1 should have gone with him, Mr. Margrave. Is not my place his? And am 1 not an Octoroon?" "You know all, then?" 'By this time the deck of thefelma was crowded with passengers. Augustus Horton still carried the New Orleans paper in his hand and was talking to Silas Craig about the attack upon Mr. Leslie. "Confess now, you sly old fox," he said, laughing, "you are the author of this article? Why be too modest to own so good a work?" "A youn.u aristocrat' "Yes man I saw in tho nex 1. I sho"' Ver1 "Ay, you may stare," said Augustus; 'never you mind my motives. I say he faoi .LlBimon knew that, brief  letters were, they contained quite enough to betray the secret of the lovers, and tc draw down upon Camillia all the terrors of a father's wrath. "I do," replied Paul. "Camillia Moraquitos may ease my image from her heart—may join with the rest and think me guilty; but, to the last, she, and she alone, will possess my love. Through the deepest abyss of shame and degradation I will be truo to the guiding star of ijiy life. Keep your secret, Mademoiselle Corsi; it can never be mi&e at the price which you propose." office n, young A Spania «mc go! "Yes. Alas I I see that it was only I who was ignorant." from his appoaran... black f'jes and  Silas Craig laughed u "An »»-i«tV»ei'at!" hCD ■ "Bat, my dear young friend, my impetuous friend, that is utterly impossible. I have no particular affection for Mr. l'aul Lisimou, I assure you, but hie articles have been signed." "Let them be canceled then, let the fellow bo kicked out of the office." Paul received the money, which was in.tlie t-liape or a roll of dollar bills. A dark and gloomy shadow rested upon tho Inky brow of the Though tho voico of tho Spanish girl was cairn and unfaltering, and although she met her father's ga/.e without one quiver of her snowy eyelids, her slender form trembled with emotion as she "1 have the numbers of the bills in my pocket-book," said the old man, as he handed the packet to the Mexican; "I'm rather a cautious old fellow, you know, my dear sir." "A chance word from Mr. Percy revealed the secret to mo, Miss Leslie, upon that very night when I lirst saw Ha secured the little packet with a ribbon which the Spanish girl had once worn in her hair, and thrusting the packet into his bosom, prepared to accompany the officer. Burr-ly you must vean Faui Lisimon?" "Who is Paul Lisimon?" '.'Why I thought you were a constant visitor at Villa Moraquitos!" "I am so," replied Augustus. "And you have never met Paul Lisimon?"time past the watchful eyo of his mother, tlio old ne- negro. For soma spoke you." "Shall I tell you why?' asked her father "Oh, Mr. Margrave, I do not seek to deny my origin. See, I wear mourning for my mother, un I my Journey of today is a pilgrimage to her grave." Gilbert Margrave started from his seat, Silas Inked thoughtfully ut his visitor, nd then rubbing his said with a v chuckle: Paul wrote an acknowledgment of the suru, and handed it to Silas Craig'e happiness, but she sought in vain topen- ■ss, Zarah, had detected her son's un- • Voh; 1 wait to learn As they were about leaving the apartment, a low rap sounded upon the pane! of tho door. "Fool!" cried the Frenchwoman, "you have refused rank, name, station, and wealth—nay, more than these, revenge ! Be it so ; abide by your choice. Perish in ignorance of the mighty secret which I havo kept for thirteen patient years, and which will be a fortune to mo if not to you. Rot in a jail; dio in a transport ship; drag out your life In a penal settlement; Paulino Corsi has spoken for tho first and last timo." "Now, Cora," he whispered, "1 can no longer remain silent. I have now a right to defend you."' client el rate tho causo. There wa» much of the savace in the character of this man, and even in his mother he sometimes inspired alarm and suspicion. "Because Paul Lisimon, tho man whose boyhood lias been spent beneath this roof, whose education has been shared with you, who lias ever been treated as a son, rather than as a dependent, that man is a thief!" A couple of chairs near Gilbert Margrave were unoccupied ; one of these lie offered to Cora, and, taking the other, Mated himself by her side. "But, my dear Mr. Horton, allow me to remind you that, in the first place, I have no excuse for canceling these articles, or for kicking Paul Lisimon out of "Perfectly correct, perfectly correct, my dear sir," Mr. Graham muttered as he read it over—'Received of John Graham, fifteen thousand doflars,' — dated and signed. Thank you, sir, and good The person who thus demanded admittance was the French governess, Pauline Corsi. The captain |of the Selma atthH moment Joined the group around Augustus Horton. "Never, man! Don't question me, but answer me. Who is this Paul Lisimon?"His was one of those natures, burning, as Afric's skies, created, sometimes, like tho venomous serpents or those tropical climes, only to terrify and to destroy. ■•ljot me speaK to your prisoner—alone —If only for a few momeuts?" she said, pleadingly, and with all the fascination Eeculiar to her manner, "let mo speak to im, monsieur, I implore 1" A noisy laugh from a group on deck at tins moment arrested their attention. "You are talking of the article in the New Orleans 'Messenger,' are tou not, gentlemen?" he said. "My articled pupil, a young Mexican, ft protege of Don Juan's who is studying for the law.'' my office and that, in the second, I cannot see why I am bound to comply with any absurd whim which evon my most important client may hapscn to take into his head." evening llad Canilllla been unprepared Kir this accusation, the blow might, for a moment, have paralyzed her. But she had heard alt from Paul's own lip , and she was prepared for the worst. Paul summoned the mulatto lad to show Mr. Graham out, and then, after locking the money, in the cash bos—a small metal casket, which might have easily been carried in the ample pocket of Paul's loose linen coat—he left the office, and double-locked the door behind him. This group was composed of Silas Craig, William Bowen, and two or three other passengers, all gathered round Augustus Horton, who was reading a paragraph aloud from a New Orleans newspaper. The following wero the words which greeted Cora's ears: "We are, captain," replied Augustus, "and here is the author," he added, pointing to Craig. "Who is he, and where did he comc asked Augustus, eagerly. wj - But he was a privileged being In tho house of Bon Juan Moraquitos. He hatl saved the life of the Spaniard's idolized daughter. from "Thatno one knows,"answered Craig; "the brother-in-laCv of Don Juan Moraquitos, Don Tomaso Crivelli, brought him to New Orleans thirteen years ago, when the little heiress was about six years old." Augustus liorton threw his cigar aside with a contemptuous and Impatient gesture. "He Is no thief!" she exclaimed, proudly; "were he that, he would uot have eomo hither to seek for sympathy from Camilliu Moraquitos." "You are welcome to speak to him, mademoiselle," replied the officer, "but I regret to tell you that whatever you have to say, must be said in my presence."She walked to the door of the apartment, and, opening it, admitted the of- "Then, allow mo to compliment yo«, sir !" said the captain, addressing Silas. "You have done a service to society, and I hope the colonists will take warning." ficer. "I am not used," ho said, with a chilling hauteur, "to ask for any service for which I am not prepared to pay liberally. Send this young man about his business—making it appear that he has oeen to blamo in the affair, and besides what you lose by canceling the articles I will give you live thousand Yes, only one brief year before the period of which we write, Tristan, the negro, had by his courage and activity preserved Camillia from a fearful death. "yousee,"she said, "thero lias been no attempt at escape." Without on if glance at l'aul, she descended the staircase, and returned to the chamber in which she had left heart-broken Camillia."The conduct of Mr. Leslie in daring to foist the child of one of his slaves upon the highest circles of society, merits the punishment with which he has met. The citizens of New Orleans have shown their indignation at his offense, by abandoning all communication with him. Gerald Leslie walks the streets of his native city a stranger and a ruined man.". "Deluded ghl, he has been discovered in an act of dating robbery— robbery which is most contemptible, 1/einK aliivd to treachery of the basvst natur®. He was trusted, and he betrayed his trust." The Frenchwoman shrugged hor shoulders with a graceful gesture. "1 hat they will never do," t-aid Adelaide Horton. advancing to the center el the group, "while yon permit a malattress to take her place on board tomi boat amongst the free citizens of "hew Orleans." "Indeed !" muttered Augustus, biting his lip fiercely; "and the children were, brought up together, I suppose?" "I think that's all right, Marcus," he said to the boy. "Iss, nias.-a." "That is very hard, monsieur," she said, looking thoughtful. 'You sleep in this office, don't you 'Iss, massa, Late ono evening the young girl and her governess had sat talking together in Caniillia's luxurious boudoir. The slave Tristan had been admitted to the apartment to amuse tho capricious beauty with his songs and antics. But Camillia had soon grown weary of this diversion, and turning to Mademoiselle Corsi, she said languidly : "Nay, Mademoiselle Coral," interposed Paul, Vho could not understand the Frenchwoman's desire to see him alone, "you can have nothing to say which this man may not hear. Speak freely, I have no secrets." That night Paul Lisimon was lodged in the jail devoted to the reception of those accused of felony. "They were." "That explains all," said the planter striding toward the door. "Then there's no likelihood of auy one entering that room without your being aware of it." The lip of the Spanish unutterable scorn. curled with She pointed as she spoke to Cora, who had advanced with Gilbert Margrave. I him about his business! "Trusted !" nho exclaimed, did you say! Father, I ask your knotYiCdge of mankiud. by faith in Nature's fcui'est Index, the"human countenance, is that the man to trust "trusted, cu by all our "No matter," replied Augustus Horton; and, without another word to the lawyer, he left the apartment and passed once more through the office where I'aul Lisimon was seated. "All what?" asked Craig, "Yea. If possible in such a manner as to disgust Don Juan with his protege." A strange smile illuminated Silas Craig's crafty countenance. No, massa; not unless Marcus was CHAPTER XIV. "Oh, this is infamous," exclaimed Gilbert Margrave; "that man knows that you are here and he reads that paragraph on purpose to insult you. I will not endure k." Ihere was a simultaneous movement of surprise amongst the passengers, as if a pistol had suddenly been fired upon the deck. very deaf "But perhaps I have," answered Pauline. "See, monsieur," she added, oxtending her plump little hand uuuu one finger of which there sparkled  diamond ring, "tell me what you think of those diamonds." " # hicii, fortunately, you are not. Keep a Bharp lookout, my lad, and I'll ou a half a dollar tomorrow." « - ION the very day IBM Mr follow'u8 ,,iat on f.j fw which the events &D'' & li a ocourred which **1*1 is |S we have de»1T~ Jffl scribed in the ter, the Selma , steamer started }*£V 5 from Now Or" leans, loaded with gay and fashiona~~-i ? i ble company. It was nine o'clock in the morning when the bell rang tnrthe starting of t lie vessol—a gorgeous summer's day, the sky blue and cloudless, the Mississippi dancing in the suu- Jisgust Don Juan with his pro- give "Tell Tristan to leave us, Pauline, he is noisy, and ho wearies me." pan puuuea to anas uraig as ana spose, end the lawyer quailed beneath her Hashing glanoe. For a moment lie shrank back abashed and powerless to reply to the Spanish girl's disdainful words, then recovering himself with an effort, he said, with an assumed air of meekness: nv living creature? He was about to rush forward toward Augustus Hortou, but Cora caught his arm in her slender hands and arrested his steps. As Adelaide uttered these vrords, Mr*. Montresor and Mortimer P. rejr emerged from the saloon, and watched the scene which was taking place. This time it was with a glance of intense malignity that he regarded the young man, who, scarcely conscious of his presence, sat with his head bent over his woik. les, he sail , lind t ellow out in some piece Paul left the office and returned to Villa Moraquitos, where, for once in a way, ho found Catnillia alono with Mile. Corsi. Her father was absent at a dinner party, given Dy Augustus Horton. Generous-hearted as was tho Spanish girl, her education had taught her to look upon a slave as an infeiior being, unblest with these liner feelings which demand our courtesy and consideration. She dismissed Tristan as sho would have dismissed her lapdog when tired of his nntics. A black and gloomy frown obscured the negro's glittering eyes as he was thus unceremoniously ordered from the room. trickery or d He ia not really guiliy, if he only ap- shonor Paul Lisimon started, for he recognized the ring. It was one he had often seen Camillia wear. "What do you mean. Miss Florton?" asked the captain. . "Oh' Adelaide, Adelaide," murmured Mortimer, -this •• despicable!" :DDiig. peaiB bo. A to "For pity's sake," she cried; "for my sake, Mr. Margrave, not one word! The sting of the insult will bo lost if unnoticed. Let him think those cruoj words are unheard." "So," exclaimed the planter, when he found himself alone : "I thought that you were an iceberg, Camiilia Moraquitos, and that the burning breath of passion had never melted your frozen nature. I never dreamt tnat I had a rival; but the mystery is solved. This Mexican, this nameless dependent on your lather's bounty, is doubtless he for whom you scorn the proudest suitors New Orleans can offer. I should have known that a woman is never utterly indifferent to a man's attentions save when sho loves another. No matter, Camiilia, you will Und it no trifle to brave the hatred of Augustus Horton. My rival is younger and handsomer than I; it would be hopeless to attempt to win her love while he is by to sue and be preferred ; but before the year is out, I will have thrust him from my pathway as I would an insolent slave on my plantation." "In such a manner that Don Juan may cast him off ?" asked Silas, with the same ihis very dinner party was a portion of the villainous plot, concocted by Silas Craig and the planter, for the destruction of Paul Lisimon. ing smile The French governess had been sent to him then by the devoted girl? Terrified at ami ashamed of what sh« had done, the jealous girl hid her face h» her hands and retired rapidly from tba ieek, followed by her aunt. '•Yes, do that, and I will doublu your reward. Instead of live thousand dol- I will give you ten." It's rather a critical business." Yes, but a sort of bueyuess that I nk is scarcely now to you my said Augustus,* with "a "Donna Camillia is pleased to be severe. We lawyers aro certainly not over-trusting in our fellowmen—we are too often deceived; but I thought I might safely trust the itrotetre of Don juan isioraquitos. l aid not uilu£ to find him a thief." "They aro magnificent s'.ones, are they not, monsieur?" repeated Pauline, still addressing the officer. It was indeed as Gilbert Margrave supposed. Augustus knew of Cora's presence in the boat—he had seen her with Gilbert by her side, and he was determined to be revenged upon her for the contempt with which she had treated him. The ovening llew by like some blessed dream to the young Mexican. Camillia was by his side; she sang to him wild and plaintive Spanish ballads, whose mournful and harmonious cadence "They aro, mademoiselle." "I will tell you, sir, what Mia* Horton meant," said Cora, advar ring to th« oaptata; "she would have to: ) you thai I am Gerald Leslie's daughter.'' hotild It was unobserved by Camillia, but not unmarked by Pauline Corsi. "The ring Is worth eight hundred dollars, and it is yours for eight minutes', private conversation with the prisoner." "Impossible, mademoiselle." orthy Silas, drowned his soul in rapture. The words written in tho love-breathing language of that Southern land, fiorn whose orange groves and palaces the ancestors of Camillia had emigrated to Southern America. The elave retired, but ho did not go far. Between the boudoir and tho paloon there was an antechamber, the floor of which was covered with a square Persian curpet—a carpet of immense "Liar!" cried Paul' LIsimon. "Dastard! You know that I am no thief. You know the base plot which has been planned by you—from what motive I know not—for my destruction. Now that all is past, I can see the base scheme from the very first. Your pretended confidence; your desire that I should remain alono in your office to receive a sum of money which you might have as well received yourself; your trusting me with the key—of which, you say, you have no duplicate; your simulated friendship, "and your affected surprise this morning upon missing the casket containing the money; all these ar-e so many links in the chain of Infamy which you have woVen around me; but through all I defy you. The money was tanen from the office by no common robber ; it was removed either by you, or by an agent in your employ." "Tho inner office has but one door," answered Silas Craig, "you possessed the only key of that door—nay. more, the mulatto boy, Marcus, slept in thevlerk's office, and must have heard anybody, who attempted to enter tho inner chamber. Heaven knows," ejaculated Silas, sauctimouiouslv, "how much grief I feel at the discovery of such baseness in tho adopted son of my most respected client; but guilt such as yours must not, for the benefit of society, go unpunished." "Eight hundred dollars for eight minutes. That is at the rate of a hundred dollars a minute." shine This was tho planter's love. The love of the profligate who seeks to humiliate his victim in order that he may subdue her. "In that case, madam, capti.in, " you must be »w«:o- " replied Lh« That contemptuous curve of the lip was not lost upon Silas Craig; but the usurer himself entertained a consummate disdain for these men who despised his character, but were yet content to make use of him in deeds to which they would have been themselves ashamed to Amongst tho passengers on board the boat were Augustus Horton, his sister Adelaide, Mr, Montresor, Silas Craig and William Bowen. "That my place is with ihe slave# at the other end of the steamer. Pitdoa me, sir. for having forgotten my r*al posithm!"value, thick as velvet pile "True, mademoiselle," replied the officer, "but if in those eight minutes my prisoner should take it into his head to jump out of that window, I am a ruined man." A happy evening; alas! the very last of happiness that Paul was to taste for long time to come. Upon this carpet, close to the door of the boudoir, Tristan threw himself, like a dog on the threshold of his master's apartment. This latter porsonage had exchanged his ragged skin-jacket and patched cotton shirt for a costume which aped that worn by the fops of New Orleans. CHAPTER XV. With one proudly disdainful g'ance at Augustus Horton, Cora fciowly retired. The passengers watched h« i in alienee, wondering how the strange scene would end. FTER Augustus Hortou had read the paragraph iu the New Orleans paper — a paragraph in every way calculated to wound the sensi- i)wn "I think it can bo done," he said quietly, "and 1 have no objection to do it, upon one condition—" But even in the society of Camillia 1'aul could not quite repress a certain uneasiness about the money he bad. left in the cash box in Silas Craig s office. "She sends rue from her,"he said bitterly; "lam noisy, and I weary her; it was not so in tlio days that are long gone bv, when she anil I were playfellows." The negro gone, Caniillia reclined upon i sofa, and amused herself by looking Dver a pile of French novels, which had ately arrived from Paris. To do this he drew toward her a little inlaid table ipon which stood an elegant reading amp. Pauline Oorsi was sealed at the other stremity of the apartment, working irisklv ai a large piece of embroidery, ind lost In thought. 8he dhl not ther* .'ore observe the proceedings of kti •'1 pledge you my honor I will make no attempt to escape 1" said Paul, eag- Ho followed close at the heels of Silas Craig, to tlio evident annoyance of the lawyer, who seeuicd, however, unable to 3hake him off. erlj-. Giibert Margrave advanced to Auguttus Horton, and addressed him in a fcDn« ofqntet determination, far im-ie impreaeive thau the loudest passii n «'**?. Horton," he said, i • in-ult lafllcted upon Miss Leslie wa D•(?*! ed al«« to roe, since J was by her D-ide at tk« time. Whether her cause I e just or qbC And that is The oflicor reflected for a few moments, and then looking searchingly into the faco of the young Mexican, he said, energetically, "I've known many a gentleman pledge his word and break it as if it was a bit of cracked china; but our profession teaches us to reckon up a man by the cut of his phiz, and I think you're an honorable man, M. Llsimon, and I don't think you guilty of this business that's brought against you, so give me the ring, mademoiselle," ho added, holding out his hand for the valuable trinket. "I'll step outside and wait while you say what you've got to say." He walked out of the room and closed the door behind him, leaving Pauline and the Mexican together. "That, over and above the ten thousand dollars i am to receive on the day on Ho disliked the responsibility of tho trust which hud been forced upon him by his employer, and was impatient to return the key of the oiUoe to its owner. Augustus and his party wore bound for Hortonville, the plantation and villa of which we have already spoken, and which was situated upou the banks of the river, somo miles beyond that belonging to Si- CHAPTER XI. which Paul Lisimon is dismissed from this oflice and from tho house of his patron, Don Juan, you give me twenty thousand more upon tho day of your marriage with Camillia Moraquito's." ROM the hour in which Augu tus Horton lirst looked upon tho noble face and form of Paul Lisimon, he enter- Octoroon — h« looked toward Cora to see what fiTect the insult h d had upon her and Gilbert Margrave. tive nature of the For this reason ho was at his post earlier than usual the following morn- las Craig "As you please, sir," replied the planter. "I shall land aX Iberville." Tho planter bit his lip, and his brow ow crimson with vexation. Silas Craig did not enter tho clerk's oflice till much later than his customary hour for beginning business, Morrison and one or two others began to speculate upon the probability of their employer having drank rather too freely at tue planter's dinner table. The. attorney was also bound for his plantation, whither he was taking William Bo wen, who was henceforth to act as his overseer. They were seated side by side, and appeared engrossed in conversation, apparently unconscious of all that was passing around thom. Tho planter threw down the newspaper with a smothered ejaculation of rago. "Enough. I also will land there.' "Why not throw the Englishman overboard?" said Craig, In an* undertone to tome of the passengers. Augustus Horton overheard the words and turned fiercely upon the lawyer. "I allow eo Interference in this," he said; "tho quarrel Is mine aloco. Percy, you will be my second?" "Pardon me," replied Mortimer Peroy, "as Mr. Margrave is a stranger in Louisiana, he may have difficulty in finding any one to assist him In this matter. You will excuse me, therefore, if I give him the preference." "How do you know that I have any thought of seeking to win Camillia Moraquitos for my wife?" he asked angrily. tained V Oil UK M'-xi.-nn Augustus llorton was elated at the success of his villainous plot. He had lodged the only rival whom ho feared in a felon's jail; ho felt that Camillia Moraquitosjnight now bo easily won ; but his heart—if the profligate who yields only to the dictates of passion can bo said to have a heart—was full of the image of Cora the Octoroon. w — that, deadly ami unrelcntlr How do I know ?" o *'« trcd which jea usurer. "Augustus Horton, it i'lD L; e your proud uature UD despise mo, alt-hough you come lioro to demand my • Despise my code of morality, il], but do not dospiso my powers "ration. There is not a client answered the may young pupil. For some time Camlllia read on undisturbed : but by and by growln# weary ol her book, she cast it trom her with an impatient exclamation, and stretched out her hand to reach another from the volumes on the table beside her. In doing this she upset the reading-lamp. me glass globe broke with a crash; tho inflammable oil and burning wick were spilled upon tho gauzy muslin folds of her voluminous dress. She utterod a shriek of horror, for In one brief moment she found herself in flames. The nogro heard that shriok; and swift as the panther darting from his lair, ho bounded from the threshold whore ho had haan Ivtnor '•Curse her!" he muttered; "is there no way to humble that proud soul? lie, the Englishman, is by her side, deferential as if he were talking to a queen.. NCD matter! my tarn will come." He withdrew to the saloon with a crowd of friends and satellites' who Hocked round him as one of the richest ousy alone can nourish D attorney appeared in a peculiarly lie temper that morning. He shook i with Paul, spoke to each of the Bo It distinctly understood, the plan ter did not love Camillia Moraquitos. rvices amiab hands Lovel Ly as was tho Spanish fril l, there clerks, commended their work, and then, holding out bis hand, said, very graciously, "Now, my dear Lisimon, the key of the office. I suppose Mr. Graham lodged that money in your hands last night?" "Paul Lisimon, I came to save you," said Mademoiselle Corsi. one who, in the eyes of Augustus, Df per who en 'You come from C'amillia?" was yet lovelier; and that one was Cora, the daughter of Gerald Leslie, and the hapless quadroon slave, Francilia. Cora, the Octoroon ! is this office whose inmost I have not reckoned up before Paul Lisimon turned from him with a gesture of loathing, aud addressed himself to Dou Juan. "No, I coino of my own accord. That ring is Camillia's; she gave it to mo at my request, as a bribe for your jailer." "Noblo Kirl!" Just a* the boat was about pushing off, two young mon stopped on board. The lirxt was Mortimer Percy, the second (lilbert Margrave, the young engineer aud artist, who carried a sketch book,| iu order, 1 suppose, to catch somC) of tho beauties of the Mississippi banks a9 we glide past them. -n ve miciites in my company. It is kDMk wCD lawyers acquire, if wo are fit -or our business. Shall I tell you your to thrust I'aul Llsl- ho is William Bowen had lost a handful of dollars at; the gaming-table, and followed his patron, Silas Craig, in order to obtain a fresh supply from that gen. leuian.planters of Louisiana. Yes, the fatal word which branded this lovely and innocent being is contained in those three syllables. She was an Octoroon, removed in the eighth degree from the African race, with a skin purely white as the tint of the lilies sleeping upon the lakes of her native Louisiana. One drtDp lio did, sir, j you will iind it in the "You hear this man," ho said, "you hear him, yet you surely do not believe one word he utters. Look in his face, CDu which 'liar' is branded iu unmistakable characters, by tho hand of Heaven ; and then believe him if you can. My patron, my benefactor, friend aud protector of rnv otherwise friendless youth. "As you please," answered Augustus indifferently. Gilbert grasped the hanCl ct his old friend: "Thanks, Mortimer" he WhlsD pered, "your heart is generous as ever." "Perhaps you won't mind having ms for a second, Mr. Horton," said William Bowen; "I'm rather aa old hand la that sort of affairs-'1 ruotiv in wist "Ay.noble girl!"exclaimed tho Frenchwoman bitterly; "because she gave one from tho costly heaps of jewels her foolish fathor has lavished upon her; but I, whoso brain devised tho plan, deservo no word ot praise." Yes, if you ca mon from my offit fSitas nodded and unlocked the door of the inner office. "Oh, bye the bye," he said, just Btep this way, Air. Morrison I have some directions to give you." "\ou dread a rival in this handsomo youBR man. \ou would biand his name, already an obscure one, witu shame uud infamy; you would cause hiin to bo "To tell you the truth, my dear Mortimer, I have far graver reasons for being here. I eomo to meet somo one." "A ladv?" The deck was therefore almost deserted. A few passengers, ladies and gentlemen, lounged here and there, upon the comfortable benches; the ladies emoloved in some "efcarant needle-work. The clerk followed his employer into the office. Five minutes afterward Mor- 'Pardon me, Mademoisello Corsi, be- (TO BE contiki KD.)