Pittston Gazette

              KhtabliHlifd IH30. i \ Oi. \I.\ III No. I. Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, SEPTEHBER 3, 1897. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. #1.00 |M*r Y« ar in Adva ic«. i «anee, wncre trie efreUrnstances aitect»d my whole life and promised to annul -.11 possibility of future happiness, i iu.1 held aloof with n supiueness for R - k £ttv BY m J ifej PUTO6 l^-v-;^!{Copyright. 189*. by J. I J&cmeot £f\ 's I had line or.Ttieoui counters stilt reninined, ml scattered over the floor were a marry her some f1a\ you've been brought both to Cle sium place togeilder. And I know she lofes sou." iTxikt see ho been wholly sealed. Perhaps there waD n set-ret entrance proviCled. But then «'!i_v should your property have heen selected? Were you alone when the discovery was made?" "Do you think the bank officials have done nothing'/ Do you think you could .ind any shrewder detectives than have indonbtedly been working on the case? if the bank with all its tremendous resources has not succeeded in running the robbers down, how can you expect to succeed when 3'our limited means would nmke your search merely a Kuperfieial one?" happy I am in again meeting an olrt friend." v empty' boxes unit barrels. I thought tin- wliiti-liuired oh! man whose form ;o familiarly associated with 1 door The soft, sweet tones of her voice, which I loved so to lie.'ir, lD:id now a tremble to them. 1 glanced at her. anCl —well, Florence was still my true Heart, us she had been throughout, notwithstanding my doubt and fear. larm which it felt had been "Vou are more certain tli n ! nm of yhiomilv. which I ©on Id "not now condemn myself As5 for the 111 Irs. S the roots, and I glanced over to the corner with u fancy that lie was here Etill. seated behind tile desk. that." I answered, bo Hire f knew tli Iv enutitrh "Xo. sir. A woman who used to act as mirse girl when I was a young one was with me. and also Mrs. Snyder, the widow who takes care of the house." that was easily c lifter the shot fieeit "I hare sold yov every tli Kolf. liccfiiiKt' 1 have 110 mother to eon tide in; and you will no more violate my eopfidenee than a mother would; of that I am certain." Dllt 111 nils officials had used If n le had t i of 1)C Vhy. vhere's de dot D■ pone?" ■d out, in tones of excitement. What door. Fa rah ?" Sarah v effort to cover their property, the shrewdest detectives had Notwithstanding ■' hunnted. it waftijioi i put 011 the cast "Yes, I know. I believe the old widow onn be relied upon to say nothing about the circumstances if she is told not to. IIow about the other, your "The past year has been an eternity to me," I finally said. bv woold have 's to I this. Cn£f hart LIow could 1, then not? been discovered "Hut, heavens, man! what am I to do? Carry this load to the grave? Why, Mr. honntag, this suspicion of me, you cannot imagine what a horrible thing it is, how it darkens my life!" I exclaimed, in bitterness of spirit, as I realized how hopeless my case seemed. "And who is to blame for that, I wonder? And, too, when was the mysterv tieared up, since you are now speaking to me?" she said, with a joyous laugh, which told me as plainly as words could how she had missed inc. hearing the report of a j: place. "Nel. you know, von rem«mber. Der sed to be a door to Me stoTe cellar. "Aeb. Nel! 1 got no lee tie vons ol' mine own." she answered, witli trembling voice. There were tears in her eyes, too, when she said: "1 Would do as to succeed! LIT. After breakfast we went through tin- now dere aiu't nny." Where could L begin ? the least sifrn of a clew to work on 1 soon drove into Twineburgh, and had no trouble in locating Mr. Sonn- There was not old nurse?" house Sarah was There Had been a ldorway, t,brought which I had stolen "She would do anything' possible for me. I was her idol when a child, and now devotion for me seems to have 'jeen augmented in proportion to my •stature. Sarah is wholly trustworthy, and if I requested her not to mention the matter she would have her tongue out out rather than breathe a word 1 noticed that nil the windows wer closed. Therefore it was no sudd*-!! gtif n.ueh for you as a mudder; J guess 1 rouM, Xel." many times fur the purpose of filling my poeUets with r;iisiMSimC! C!ried fruit. There wrCC* none now. The wall of solid. tag's offier "It is not cleared up; sometimes I think it never will be. I coulo not have found fault with you had you forgotten me. Will you forgive me when I confess I was fearful you had?" of air that caused the si or door. Bat nothing was Iler love was graleful to me, orphaned us 1 had been for many years, Hid for the last year without a friend tCD console or advise inc. An undersized old fellow with brist:eated at a desk. "You have been patient so long under your trouble, a little more endurance will not hurt you," Sonntag said, in answer to my despairing words. "You'll come out of it all with flying colors some day. Now it may not w hieh lid give one re n to si cred rv fori fronted us. ffra linn r wa: as anything unusual al t thf It really iwemed a matter of very lils back toward the door. lie took no notice of mc, and, after standing for a few minutes gazing at the back of his bead, I made known my presence. "1 w ish to speak to Mr. Sonntag," J said. plact \VC little importance, but. -Sarah kept np excited exclamations about it, until I "15nd you vas foolish, Xel* to say you tiot see her undil you fint de robbers," Baralt went on—"foolish of yon. and hart for her. too. I bet you tilie liaf lots of heartache." "No. I do not think J can quite forgive that. V\ hat reason had you for mistrusting me?" she earnestly askud. Llpptncott Co.] Anally came to the at and I of it." lcokeil first brushing1 aw t of one of thi iiaII win l;e curtain illy stopped her. "Why, Sarah. 1 don't see anything very strange in the walling up of a cellar doorway. No doubt Mr. Sonntag. my lawyer, had it done. 1 remember tlie place was dark, damp and unhealthy. He thought it best 'o ha'C it closed up, perhaps. There was another door from that cellar leadin" outside, was "That's good. The discovery had best be kept secret," the old lawyer said, reflectively.CHAPTER V I semoiancc to human ton**., nut nevertheless undoubtedly u voice: for after a time I could distinguish a word now and then. dow of cobwebs "You passed me this morning, you know, without bowing." On the first evening of my occupancy of the old homestead I recalled Mr M or ley's \wu-ds and thought with sorrow how niu'cti'Vifj-ien iA^ft.3grhcn; had been to mine. From this I t I could over the "What else could 1 do, thoiigh, in hotlur?". I exclaimed. moment," cainc the answer, in rpiick. jerky tones, lie did not even turn his head, lint went on with his work. "Take a chair; bo at leisure In a "There is another thing I wish to mention, though perhaps it is hardly worth dwelling upon. Mrs. Snyder thinks 'here is something strange about the house. And she has so succeeded in impressing my old nurse with the ideo that Sarah is quite concerned about my staying. She seems to be imbued with an Inexplicable fear that something harmful threatens me." • orchards. On the brow of Sunset Hill "I was so Btartled, and we had gone by before I realized that it was you who were standing there. That was a slight cause for mistrusting me, sir." "It was and 1 aiu Indeed, I have been a fool right tliiWgh the whole affair. I see it now. 1 had no right to make such a promise." j If there were in the world weird, mis ■ shapen little folks like fairies aiid j gnomes, and we could hear their conversation. I imagine their voices would I juiind like this one to which now 1 was jt half lie C stunt, was a lurirt "Veil, you are innocent, and she lofes you, and knows, too, dat ytT lii-'n't ••ob de bank. So den it vottld be no dishonor to druBt her lofe and be happy in id." 'notw; 6vid» It was n splendid Btrticturr fur the country, ntid 1 fanciet ilcnt of tliiD cifv had Iv owb I rnt down and looked around. It was a typical small-town lawyer's office 1 was in. There were a few law i books in n small, rickety bookcase on I one side of the room, a few rough : wooden chairs, warranted to cause a backache only to look at them, a few \ old maps and calendars, most of the latter of former years, hanging on the walls, a wooden spittoon filled witii sawdust on llic floor, a rusty stove, from which the diseolorations of the fires of the last winter had not been removed, standing in one corner, and, lastly, the desk before which was seat| ed my agent and lawyer. A year had {rone by, a year of heartache, disappointment and unfulfilled ft Wealthy rrsi scovered the nd built him there not?' listening. tities of Nelsonvill "Yes. right unter your betroom vindow." Sarah answered. J-'nrail's lopic founC1 nn echo in inv I'ortyaps it was unjust to Flor •nccVi lo\p i»it to a*lC lior to share mD mrilt'ii. I knew, if I eovild share any 1 • There wn« no wonder Mr?. Snyder | had been impressed by it, if this were : the voice she had heard. i Strange indeed, and unnatural, as j though not of this world, it seemed to me. A creeping sensation came over ! me. not exactly like that produced by i fear; there was more of awe, of sol! emnitv. about it. a summer rr idence her* icnrt "Well, I do not think you were a fool. But, forgive me, that promise was a foolish one, and—and just a trifle unkind." The tears again started in her eyes, and her voice took on the tremble which went so appealingly to my heart. "WhofDe plnee i Ilill?" 1 aslM-d. that over 011 Sunset "Well, that can bo easily broken down if you want to pet in the place. But what wou!d be the use of all that trouble? 1 don't want to use the cellar""IndeedI What do you mean wher. you say there is something strange? You mean mysterious?" the old lawyer asked, in the manner he would have used in cross-examining a witness. "Some rich man's from de eitv," Sa sorrow or trouble of hers, how happy rah answered i would be. Do you know h nnriie?" I contin We soon reached Sarah's house, and 1 reined up to allow her to alight. Then tied, moved bv curiositv "Veil, I Cliil know now? I forget eferysirvg soon," Sarah Hut then I remembered the noise which had seemed to come from beneath my bedroom. and the cause of which f was unable to discover through- "Never again will 1 be so foolish!" I exclaimed. "I will see j'our father and tell him I have broken my promise, that it was impossible to keep it, and that it la simply absurd to subject us to the misery of a longer separation. May I fell him that? May I speak for both of us?" vhnt is it 1 continued on uiv way "Yes; Mrs. Snyder claims to have seen mysterious lights at night, and heard strange noises." The sound of the voice was intermittent. There would be a few words, then a pause, and so on. I could niakf replied Twineburgh was about two miles utross the valley beyond Sidington. Jt was a lively little place, of about 2,000 inhabitants. One of the great trunk lines of railroad ran through the town. Here Mrs. Snvder chimed in "TTis out the rest of the house, Mr. Sonntag's eyes lost their shrewd expression for a few moments; he relapsed into deep thought. namf s Morlev." "We might tnke n look at the other door." 1 finally said, reflectively. 1 thought the old fellow, judging | from his back, was in complete harmony with his surroundings; but 1 soon found 1 had misjudged the man. ► For when he finally arose, turned toward nio and favored me with a searching glance from a pair of the keenest steel-blue eyes 1 had ever seen, it was *erv evident Mr. Sonntag was not as | rufcty as his surroundings. no sense of the few disjointed sentences "What?" I exclaimed, in amazement "Morlev? Sylvester Morlev?" ' We ascended the stairway and went aronnd the house. Thick vines, reachin:; to my Ix-droom window,completely hiil the outside cellar door. It lasted but a few minutes. Indeed, so . tarief was the conversation, if that i* "I ton't know his first name." the old The road to Twineburgh crossed the track at Sidington station, near the "Have these mysteries any relation to, or any connection with, the sealed cellar?" he finally asked. what it was. there was no time to make an investigation. widow answered depot She hung her head, -while the red Hush spread over her face. Then she murmured: "Yes, speak for both of us. Why not, since it is true? Perhaps you'll find father has changed his riews a trifle." "Tlas he a daughter? Is she here? As 1 reined up my horse to a walk and glanced up and down the track before crossing. 1 saw t he station agent standing on the edge of the platform. "The woman said nothing about the strange events being located in any particular place, and I did not think to ask her," 1 replied. The old lawyer's question opened up a new train of thought. Could it be possible that the strange voice I had heard proceeded from the sealed cellar? After a long period of anxious listen, ing 1 settled down again for sleep. And ' when at lust slumber came, it was "Yos. and (die so fine and proni. Aeh. find so pretty! Yos, she is here. 1 V v live here now in de summer." eontinned the old ladv, plnd for the opportunity of I see dem nlmost I parted the vines, and found again the solid foundation wall. This doorway had also been walled up. troubled. Vague, shadowy dreainsflit, ted across my consciousness, and through them all was a sort of premo- I nition of future events, which seemed to have a bearing' upou the robbery. ' The next morning- I was awakened by the bun shining in my face. Hardly ; had I pot my eyes open and my senses ! aroused to my new surroundings, when [ a loud and long-continued thumping j on the front door caused me to  out of bed. Hastily donning a few garments. I went to the door and opened it. Sarah was so greatly impressed by this new discovery that her excited exclamations broke out anew, and she again began to plead with me to leave 1 nodded to the fellow and he answered with a grin. Theu, as he slowly came toward me, 1 slopped the horse "Ah! She loves you then." s mpartir news. look so to you, but to me it appears that you have done a great deal yourself, in the investigations which no ioubt are still in progress." "Not in his opinion of my innocence, I hope," I said. "I have been told be Rtronglv objected to m.v arrest. And m Speak out, I My. or TU tire I" t f (TV C' ]Dev drife bv And him. df There was something familiar to me j about him. Had I met him before? 1 I could not rememfoer. utatvnch, vh:it n fine shentJenian! lall and straight, such a fine pcard. and waited kvng+np, and the cloud lia lifted from my life. And, oil, 1 rub so hotnesick for just a glimpse of my dear love's face. not been lie looks so prout. too and Again 1 sought to quiet her fears by laughing at her, although it did seem a trifle strange that my agent should have walled up the doorways. 1 was satisfied he had had it done, and 1 won dered what his reasons could have been. Perhaps, after all. Mrs. Snyder was right in aflirming that there were mysteries about the old bouse. Perhaps this wall«d-up cellar was the seat of supernatural demonstrations, and my agent had sealed it up for that reason. the place You took the trunk, didn't you?" he Arising, I was about to make myself known, but before 1 could utter a word he stepped briskly up to me and with a smile extended his hand. "Ah! 1 suppose the women are superstitious and think the place is haunted. Such ideas generally get abroad about old. long vacated houses. But you do not mind their talk? You are not afraid of ghosts, are you?" The old fellow's eyes twinkled merrily. I know whose influence caused him to do so." The garrulous tion satisfied me old widow's descrip Mjr heart beat rap- "Mr. flunsicker camc far it," 1 replied.nsked "How can that Ibe ? I have done nolhng.""And that is exactly what 1 mean. That very course seems to me to be a great feature in the search, though you cannot see it in that light." Bonntag smiled in a knowing way. "Not mine, really," Florence earnest'y replied. "Father believed you were innocent, and took the stand he did for that reason. 1 did not know about the robbery until after the first, meeting of the trustees. It was at that meeting that he opposed your arrest. I remember he felt quite triumphant afterward, for most of the trustees insisted upon your immediate arrest, and it was oifty after father said that he would n/bver consent to it that they gave up the point." A few days after my interview witb Mr. Moriejr I had received a note from , Florence: fell* 1 had eonip into this secluded place with 110 thought further from my mind than that 1 should find Miss Mor- "1 saw the trunk was gone when 1 came back," he said, in bis lumbering fashion. "Did Jake take you over to "I am glad to see you," he began. "Of course you are my client, Mr. Nel- "Dec r Mr. Conway: Father has Informed me of your resolve not to call on me or attempt to keep up the friendship which made me fro happy, until you are freed from all suspicion. 1 appreciate the manliness; which prompts you to such a resolve, and 1 wish to at.sure you from the bottom of my heart that 1 respect and trust you. 1 know you are innocent, and shall always believe so. Keep up a brave spirit. The mystery will be explained and you exonerated. Remember, 1 believe In you wholly, and shall always remain. Your true friend, ••FLORENCE MOKEEY." 1 took the worn note from the locket which I wore around my neck and pressed it to my lips, as 1 hud done many times since its receipt, and I won tiered if her heart was still true to the sentiment expressed in it. The harvest moon was resplendent and the white beams came into the window w here I sat in my night robe, flood lev here son Conway?" Was there a design of fate in this? And—was she still my true love? Perhaps I should see her; lDut. 1 remembered m.v determination and my promise to her father, and how far 1 still was from removing' the condition imposed on the renewrtl of our friendship, and. I ho,--.:, our love. ''Yes. I am much obliged to you for directing me to him," 1 said, shortly. Nelsonville?' "Yes. that is my name." 1 answered, somewhat surprised. "But, as you have probably never seen me before, although your face does seem familiar, i should like to ask how vou knew." "Well 1 have never come across any of those shadowy beings. 1 could tell better after I met one. I hardly think talk alone could frighten me." I replied, somewhat shamefacedly, remembering how nearly 1 had been unnerved the night before by my own reflection. "In what respect has my supineneBS aided the case?" I asked, curiously. Mrs. Snyder was standing there, and "I thought niebbe he would "By allowing the real perpetrators of the crime to feel secure in their position, knowing as they probably do that you are still the only suspected party." an unmistakable look of relief came over her face when she saw me. Having said this, be ' shifted his weight to the other foot. I patiently "I do not intend to lose uny sleep over it." 1 said, lightly. "Sonntag must have had good reasons for doing this, and I can easily find out what they were oy driving over and seeing him. 1 want to have a talk with him, anyhow." j "Nothing remarkable about it at all. You wrote me from Paris, you remember, staling the probable time of your arrival hoiue. And, although l,have been here only 'six months, I have got to know, by sight at least, every one about this place. Therefore I knew you were a stranger, that Mr. Conway j v%as about due, and—well, there you have it. Have jrou just arrived?" "Ach my! you schleep so sount I vas afrait somesing de matter!" she said, "llreakfns' vas retty long dime alrctty." "Nice country around Nelsonville," he finally went on.' "Some of the city folks beginning to find it out and go there for the summer. Mr. Morley's been there six months now. Know Mr Morley ?" waited, "1 will be over some time to-morrow, and will see if anything can be done regarding the mysterious cellar," Mr. Sonntag said, as 1 rose to leave. "And —pardon me for referring to the unfortunate affair—have you heard of any new developments in the robbery case?" 1 was much impressed by the old fellow's words. "All right, it,** I replied. I'll be right over and eat This afterthought filled me wilh an impatience to coinnieuee some kind of "You ought to have been a detective,'* I remarked, at which he turned his sharp glance toward me and answered: "Now that is pleasant to hear," I cried, joyfully. "What reason have you to think he has changed his views regarding the promise?" "This morning, after we had passed you, I said: 'That looked like Nelson Conway.' Father laughed at me, and answered that it must have been an hallucination produced by constantly keeping my thoughts upon you." investigation on my own hook. While I was dressing the recollection of the strange voice of the last njght came to me. Now, in the broad glare of the forenoon, when all mystery takes flight and the hallucinations of the darkness become trivial, I wondered if my imagination had played me a trick. It seemed as though 1 had heard the voice in a dream, so unreal did the circumstance appear now. I had had a short interview with Mr Perry, the president of the bank, just before iny departure for Europe. It had been most unsatisfactory to me. for Mr. Perry was able to hold ont tip hope of immediate relief, fie was just as earnest, however, in advising me to still keep on my course of apparent indifference and do nothing iu the way of n search myself. Here the rumble of wheels reached piy ear. As 1 glanced down the roadway and saw the appreaching turnout, why did my heart beat faster and a dimness cloud my sight? "I am slightly acquainted with him,'' I replied. "Yes, I might have done something In that line. But I prefer a quiet life." "What!" I exclaimed, "you know of it Sonntag followed me out to the bug- ITy. 1 took up the lines, but a thought incurred to me, and I delayed my departure to voice it. "Then there's nnother feller comes up from the city. Let's see—what's his name, now? lie's got a little hut a mile or so from here, and comes up to hunt and fish. Guess he don't shoot very much. I never see him take any game back to town with him. Oh. yen, now 1 remember. Ilis name**.lawson." "I came yesterday noon." "Indeed. And where are you stop- too ?" "Certainly. I llvec near Philadelphia at the time and 1 read the papers," he leplied, smilingly. Mrs. Snyder had also glanced-in that direction. "Veil, now look, Mr. Mel." she began, excitedly. "You can see yourself how dcy look. Dey Is coming. lDnt isdc Moneys." Si# hervrt-ihi11 pw—U Trtie the informn- ping?" "Over at the old house, of course. Where else should I have gone?" "Do you know Mr. Morley?'.' I asked. It is impossible to describe the fascination of Florence's manner when she told me this—how maidenly bashfulness blended with love's boldness, how the blushes dyed her smooth cheek, while her eyes shone with a confident, happy light. ing my white drapery with light. There "It seems I cannot escape hearing of that terrible affair," 1 said, bitterly. "And I acted the part of a fool, too, in the matter. Instead of putting forth every effort to find the perpetrators 1 let the thing go; let others, who could not possibly have had the interest in i he case that 1 had, undertake investigations. I am rightly served for my Kiipineuess, for 1 have heard nothing about it at all. 1 know what I knew the morning of its occurrence, not a bit more. Others have failed; I intend to see now what I can do." "No, I do not," was Sonntag's answer. "Then where did you get your information about that gentleman's defense of me?" were no bounds of human life; the . woilj sermed left wholly to the-crisk*:t» and katydids. With a sigh from the depths of my lonely heart 1 replaced the note in its receptacle and arose. I was standing by the huge chimney, when again,' breaking in ujxin my thoughts, came the sound of that mysterious small voice. Since that interview six months had "Oil, I supposed you would have put up nt the hotel here in Twineburgh until we could get things in a little better shape for you at the homestead. How did you find things?" 1 V i'f tion before the widow's tongue. There were two persons in the light road-wagon which was being whirled toward us nt a rapid rate by the spirited horses. I could not be mistaken in the graceful poise of tlie head and the general outlines of beauty about the young lady, nor in the grave dignity of I started in surprise and became a little more interested. . "Oh, such news gets out sometimes. Still, 1 don't mind telling you. It was from Horace Jackson I received the information."As on the night before, there were no "What? Not Horace Jackson?" I completed sentences: only a word between pauses of various duration. The sounds were plainer. however; not louder, but more distinct. ■i'V tJre o * • CD )V ll asked "Considering that the house has been vacant so many years, 1 wns very agreeably surprised to note the good state of repair it is in," 1 replied. "Then at lunch this noon father asked me if I—I liked you as much as ever. 'Liked' was not the word he used, but never mind, we'll use it now." Turning from the window, I saw right opposite me, on the other side of the room, a tall white figure. What was it? There it stood, while I /fazed spellbound, motionless, mysterious. In a lightning flash of thought Sarah's t -' r«- ■ came to nDe. "Yes. that's his name. Acquainted with him?" "tTom Jackson!" 1 exclaimed, tn surprise. "You know Jackson, then?" Ilere was a mystery indeed, one which did not choose only the shades of uight for its manifestations, but came in the daytime, as though possessed of such subtle and unaccountable qualities that it might defy research. "1 used to know Mr. Jackson quite "I have tried to follow out the plans of mv predecessor as far as possible. You think you will'enjoy yourself in Xelsonville?" he asked. Hushing an in- "Yes; merely a speaking acquaintance, though. He comes here quite frequently." "And what did you answer?" 1 asked, eagerly and expectantly. the man "Seerns to be a nice fellow," the agent remarked, relleetivelv. well." The carriage swept along. When nearly opposite us. the young woman evidently caught sight of the group standing Iwjek from the roadway, for she leaned forward and sunt a glance past her father toward us. I saw. even though mv sight was dimmed by emotion. her face turn pale and her eyes expand. She gave no other sign of recognition, however, and the oarirage "That not a day went by that 1 did not think of you. And oh, •Nelson," slie continued, her voice deep and fuU in its earnestness, "that was not half the truth. Why should J hesitate to  less it to you, my dear friend?" "A very pleasant gentleman. Oh. by the way." I went on, "is there a teletrraph Instrument at the depot?" quiring glance at me "You intend going Into the then?" he said, dryly. affair, "How can he get away from the bank?" 1 asked. Then i grasped iny pistol, which was lying on the table beside me. "Oh, 3'es. 1 hope to have absolute rest and peace, at any rate," 1 replied, somewhat hesitatingly, for my sojourn at the old house had certainIv not begun rest-fully. I had slept but little the night before. "He is not employed there now. Jackson has become quite wealthy, at least so he himself says. He has made some big strikes speculating in coal lands. He said he could not afford to devote his time to the bank for a paltry ralary when his interests outside had grown so important. So he left about live or six months ago." "Now, then, if this is a practical joke, Intended simply to frighten me, let It stop," I said. It was with some difficulty. I confess, that my voice was kept steady. After the roice had ceased, and I continued my toilet, the sound of talking, coming from the walk outside, reached C DD "I do, with all the energy and resource 1 am possessed of." "And I could send n message when- "To be sure." 3 1 o ver 1 want to?" "l)o you know how near you came to being arrested for the crime?" Sountag asked. Here 1 made use of my disengaged arm. I could not help it. I drew her closely to me and kissed her blooming cheek. me. "Yes; that is. whenever I'm here." "Well, but supposing I had an important message to semi when you are not here?" 1 asked. "Where could I "Whoever you nre, spwak «nnd explain, or I'll see if you have substance enough to stop a bullet!** 1 glanced out of the window,and saw Surah and Mrs. Snyder again in most earnest conversation. "Nothing about the arrangements 1 have made for your comfort to prevent It, is there?" he asked. "Why, yes. 1 know, of course, that would have happened could anything have been found aguinst me." swept by "1 certainly shall not go on if 1 am interrupted," Florence said, in gentle re- ~ monstrance. . Somewhat surprised to see mv old nurse so early in the day, 1 called to tier: Ami this was all. After a year of separation. a year of longing and homesickness. I was greel; d with a stare by the girl who had declared she would always trust and believe in me. find you?" I paused for a reply, but none came. elapsed, and 1 had heard notnifig iron, hinj. I now resolved to take the ail'aii in my ttttn hands. For to go on living with Florence M or ley so near to me. and still refrain'from indulging in hex "Yea. and aheto fine and pront.** "1 live up the track about a mile," he "Ko. You have done well. I want to ask you, before I forget it, why did you have the cellar off of the old storeroom walled up?" "Well, there was enough to hold you. on suspicion at least." "Then he did finally fulfill his threat of leaving," ] remarked. "He was always talking about leaving," ] continued, in explanation. "As he still held on to his position notwithstanding, it got to be a standing joke in the office about Jackson quitting the job." "What did your father say in an- "Speak out, I say, or. as sure as there is a God in Heaven. I'll fire!" I called ngain, and again received no reply. replied "Then why did you not arrest me? I am sure 1 was willing. 1 courted a trial." swer?" 1 finally nsked. "Hello. Sarah! What's the trouble? What broiight you here at this time?" "This direction?" "He said he thought perhaps it was unjust tff both of us to insist on your keeping the promise." The white thing remained there, in spite of my threats. After another pause, during which the cold chills chased up and down my spine, I raised my arm. took deliberate aim and flred. "Ach, Nel. bud 1 am glad to seeyou!" she exclaimed. "1 couldn't schleep all night." I wHtVlied the waj'on until a bend in the rond hid It from \ iew . and then still looked toward the s;»ol where it had "Yes. The house is right by th«: track, jifst where the switch begins." "And what's your name?" "Ask for Hunter." A look of perplexity came over his and, ns he did not seem to comprehend my question. I went on more face "It was very seriously talked of among the trustees. But the president upposed it, for one." Sonntag said. sweet society, would sini| Iv be tor- "Did he say that?" I exclaimed. "Then Florence—" but really it is enough to say that the dear girl promised to be my "Now, that was too liad," I said "What kept you awake?" t-ure "Come. Nel." Sarah finally said, breaking in upon my thoughts. "We hat not seen all yed." di sup poured Tt appeared to me tlint the fellow did not relish my questioning. He seemed to be ill at ease under it. explicitly "There were two doorways. oTie leading to the storeroom and the other leading to (he outside. Both these doorways have been built up with solid masonry to correspond with the foundation walls. I simply nsk out of curiosity what your reasons were for having It done—not that I have any objection." "Yes, I know he really believed me "Ah, indeed? He seemed, then, to desire that every one of his associates might expect his leaving at any time?" remarked the lawj-er, with a significance 1 could not then account for. A rattle of breaking glass followed the report of the pistol, and a dark *pot appeared in the center of the white figure.. The flash of the pistol had been reflected back, and in an instant I realized- the truth. A touch on hit arm recalled my thoughts, and 1 i Umccd around into the solicitous face of my old nur*e. ; inuocent." wife, even though the suspicion should not be removed from me. providing Mr. "I vas thinkin' of you all alone in dis olt house, and so much strangeness abotid it," the good soul replied, with her honest Old face upturned to me. "Rut his objection was not thestrong•st influence which arose in your belalf," continued my agent, "The trongest, most powerful opposition to our arrest came from one whose influ■nee outweighs even the president's." "f guess tie young voman is putty,'" said Mrs. Snyder. "Ach. and you dink so, too. Mr. Nel." "Hoes Jackson po to Mr. Morley's house when he comes up here?" 1 asked. Morley's consent could be gained; and she moreover promised to do all she tould to help me pain his consent. CHAPTER VI "I guess he does, sometimes. He ain't been up lately; not for five or six wyeks At least I haven't seen him." "1 suppose so, or he would not have reiterated his intention so frequently. And he's become rich? No wonder. He told me once he was interested with .Mr. Morley in a few business ventures. Well, he's lucky. You'll (be over, then, to-morrow ?" "That was very foolish. Nothing is going to happen to me." 1 said, lightly, although 1 was not so sure of it now. When we were as? rllnp in the main lift 11 on the first floor. Sarah's Inst When we arrived at the cross roads, Florence insisted on riding her horse the rest of the way to her home. With u scornful ftuigh and a condemnatory exclamation at my foolishness, 1 placed the pistol on the table and ffot into bed. reninrk mint* to ine. "We h "Yes. she is beautiful, verj- beautiful." I murmured, more to myself than for answer to the widow's clumsy at- When I went outside tlie two woraen were still thlking, und there was an awe-fltricken expression on each face. been over the vi bole house. Wliiit more is ihere to "Does Mr. Morley stay «t Nelsonvilie all the time?" I asked. "Or does be go to town everv day?" My question was n simple enough one. Mr. Sonntag seemed to think it necessary to ponder over it, however. "One of the trustees?" 1 asked, eager- have »o inDt ? tempt at pleasantry A thought occurred to me after I had assisted her to remount. I laid my hand on the bridle to restrain her geing. see?" I i Sarah's watchful old eyes and the promptings of her affect ion for nie discerned something more in the fixed gaze I hail sent after the wagon than a suddenly awakened admiration. "He goes to the yitv three days in the week; sometimesniore'n that, lletakes the morning train here at Siding-ton. "You cannot mean—" "Sylvester Morley," interrupted the lawyer. Then a slijrbt scufllinp noise, jseem- Inp to come from beneath, reached my cur, and I said, aloud, and with a lanph: "I've stirred tip the rats, at any rale Hello, what's that?" I exclaimed, as a deep, muffled sound, accompanied by e slight jar. immediately followed. Ii was as tbonpb a heavy door In some distant part of the house had slammed "What are you two superstitious old girls doing1 now?" ] asked. "Hatching up more mysterious tales?" "Ach. Nel! haf you forgot ,de place you nlvays vanted to grD '«D and ve vouldn't led you. because it vas damp 'i'he cellar you have •eferenee to is directly under the room you proposed in your letter of instruc(ion to nif- to occupy," he flnnlly wiid. ic f-'i-e "Yes. Good-day." "Do you mind if I ask you a question?" I inquired. CHAPTER Vm. Mrs. Snyder gravely shook her head, as thouph seriously condemning levity on supernalural subjects. Sarah rested her hand on my arm. and gazed up into nty face. There was deep concern in e*ery line of her countenance. and dark?" iind comes up to Twine burgli afternoon train." rDn tlu "Mr. Morleyl" 1 exclaimed, joyfully. For 1 knew, great as Sylvester Morley's inltuenee was, there was oiie who wielded a greater, since she could influence her father. Was it her sweet self that had come to my aid through her father? It would be happiness to know this; but then—why had she passed me without a greeting? When I again passed the Jepot at Kidington on my way home, * here was a lady on horseback talking to the agent. "Assuredly not." That's so You mean the cellar.'' - "Vhat is id, NelV Do you know her?" the pond soul nsked, anxiously. I bowed my head and drove on The fellow's words ve me fi Iloraee Jaeknoii n fr Yes, and there used to be two doors "Then tell me, do you see much of Horace Jackson? Has he asked you to • marry him?" "Yes, he has asked me to marry him#" she replied, drooping her head. "Indeed, there is a compact between us about it." • Yes. tvcs. to lie mi re. You van lost und ve couldn't fnit yon for a Vhen ve did, you vns food ft t o— vonst "I'll tell von some time," I answered thought •eqnev "And they have been built up?" he long dime asohlecp in de cellar Yes, yes; beautiful indeed was Florence. lovelier than e\er. and pood and Yes. Do vou not know about it?" I broke in It needed no second glance to tell me ft was Florence Morley. Her face was turned toward the fellow, and so she did not see me. I drove along slowly, keeping my eyes upon her, and debating in my mind whether I should stop and address her or not. For quite n time I sat np in bed and listened, but no more unusual soundfollowed.MNel, yon come wise mc." she said, leading the way. 1 followed around i he comer of The house. Jtnd she stopped tiefore n window, the shutters of which were cloned. Well, come alone I.et us have n lool true-* ■well, 1 did not wem to feel so sure of her faith. Kbe had passed me bv without extending a salutation. 1 could nol blajne her for not recognizing me, After the resolve 1 had made, but it ent me to the heart, nevertheless. linked, in surprise. "No," lie replied. Khortly. "Then you did not Lave it done?" "Certainly not. 1 had nothing- to do ivitli it. Know nothing' about it," he If they are at it." I said, eagerly. The noise like n slamming of a door had seemed to com* from below. Perhaps I should My face must have told a whole story to the shrewd old lawyer. When 1 turned toward him again there was n very grave expression on his face, and a contemplative look about his sharp eyes as he regarded me. "Oh!" "Yes. Now, please do not be foolish and feel badly over it. But I have promised Mr. Jackson that 1 will marry him if the robbery can be traced to you, and the stolen property, or a portion of it, be found in your possession." Mrs. Snyder's words concerning niys terious happenings in my house am' fiarnh's unreasonable fears for my safe ty. followed by the twt*erents just men tioned. did have nn effect upon me.nl though the first event was due wholly to nn ordinary cause, and the second the apparenl sound of n slamming door might be. nnrt probably was. jnst what it seemed. A gentle ujght breeze had nrisen. and some of the windows in the upper part of the house might have been loft open, thereby products," a draught and causing nn intervener door to swing shut. True, the noun' seemed to come from benenth me' P- w JW "Look!" she exclaimed, pointing to v.ard the shutters. "Mrs. Snyder says int van not rtere yesterday." discover the cause down there On opening the door leading dowi ereil, decidedly It was a strong temptation, and only fear held me back, a cowardly fear too. 1 doubted how my overtures might be received. I had chosen my course of my own accord and I would follow It If it was contrary to her wish she would find a way to tell me. from tiie din in mm. a must v odor as Tlie remainder of the forenoon was spent, in going through the barns and over the farm. built up. it lias been done within six For when I received your letter announcing your intention to occupy the house for n time, I went all through I he place, and those doorways were not sailed rov nostrilR wet J.ike those of most Pennsylvani: farmhouses, the downstairs wiudowi were provided with solid board shut It is, peculiar how the serine of smell brings back to one old associations and "You seein highly elated by this," he "Good heavens! him that promise?" Why did you give A small Mructure. twenty or lliirt.v feet fr«iu the liou.se, hud been used to do (he cooking, baking* churning, washing and ironing In. We could not jfHjn access to the cooking house, as it hn(l In'pii called. tlw* door being locked Tlifcrt had 1k*hi no cart" titkeii of this place, and i could hardly see through the dust nqd dirt which obscured the windows, when 1 attempted to look inside. taid memories I wolieeted that musty odor perfectly, arid it brought back the (lovs of boyhood more vividly than anything' else had done. built up then. I even went into that .•ellnr. It was a damp, musty hole, and "Oh, I am. What young man would not feel highly honored in knowing that a man of Mr. Morley's standing had defended him?" 1 exclaimed. "Well, he bothered me so, lately, that I gave him the promise to get rid of him. His part of the compact is not to mention the subject again until you are shown to be the robber. So you see how absolutely safe I am in this." In the center of this particular pair was a fin a 11 round hole, from the edges of which o feto chips running with ibe grain of the wood were broken. ters. After passing the station I allowed my horse to continue at a walk, so that Florence must catch up with me if she Intended to ride to her home from Sidington.I intended to call your attention to it »nd ask what you wished done about it." "Well, Hint's pf range! Who could save done it!" 1 exclaimed. thoroughly perplexed. "ITow did you get into the norerootn? I had to kick open the door." "Oh, 1 had a key to the outside door, i iul got in that way. H'm! It is.as yon Dav, verv strange. indeed. Hut resume We descended the stairway, and found the cellar bare and empty. J peered into every dark nook and cor The old fellow saw the blush which spread over my face, however, and he smiled as he replied: "I do uot court your confidence, but it is plain there is some power behind Mr. Morley which led that gentleman to defend you. Now. believe me, Mr. Conway, 1 do not ask for curiosity; there is a grave purjHJse in the question 1 am about to ask you," he went on. as the smile died from his face and what seemed to me to be deep concern appear I'd instead. "The question is this: Are you an especial friend of Miss Morley's? Are you engaged to "Well, what of it?" ] nuked, hopinc that 1 could avoid giving an explana tion, for J was a trifle ashamed of my self for firing at my own reflection. ner. but there was nothing which could The resolve to stick to my promise was growing weuker since Sarah's comment upon It. A word from Florence, 1 knew, would cause me to break it, and I really was impatient for that word. "Does Jackson believe I am guilty?" 1 asked. have caused tlic nols« tutu mai was prooaDiy imagination In the silence of night b sudden noisC is rather difficult to locate. IIo« oftes the most uommou events, under un "Nothing to he necn here, Fatah." 1 said. "Maybe we can find something "Then- in nothing to be seen in there, anyhow," J stiid. lint 1 remembered the pile of cokes and the loaves uf bread which h:id issued from the old Dutch oven built in one Bide of the cookhouse. How 1 wish for some of the "No, he does not. In his inmost heart he does not. And he used to affirm his belief in your innocence until—" She hesitated here, and seemed reluctant to proceed. 1 waited in anxiety, and she finally went on—"until lately he, for some reason, has changed liis opinion. "Soruepody shot through de sliuttei nnd try to kill yon. maybe, It's a bullet hole, alnt it? Oh. Nel, didn't vou hear ufinterest in the old storeroom." My grandfather, in his latter days, had kept tlio village store and 'post office. r four scat. Mr. Conway." familiar circumstances, become inex jf? Mrs. Snyder heard it from In p ica i i s. , house, and she look out her vlndow am I am no. of a ffuperstltious make-up a „„„ Dv d f roaC1 and therefore Surah* vague fears did1 Vrt.« »w — v i v i . , *ou can t May here. SvA. } ou go bona not produce in nu* a feeling of fright; | vvj7 |||e ♦. but there wu& ft watchfulne« about m.v I CQ(j|d not forhear n smile at S« wnm ■» .thong), there were "funnj rnh.„ fearR bl|tC reraelllU.rmp lU thmgfc to CiKe S* term, about the ,v,.re lhe nseq1lenpC. of deep af house, wb,cb would become appar-gH /eRtion fa feh for wc J cheeked th« 1,0 '""e- ... ii, frivolous reply which my tongue wa.« Nestling my head dawn om thteijl- , to I|1tpr low, redolent with the grateful liatftl,. I .CWhy L](Dss r (lpar ' fVttg aroma of spruce, I Horn*. njy.' ltesjrt) Sarah." J said, taking hold of , . . . ,, her arm, "come, I'll explain that, and «eep 4RI not had DvllCMl v„n km,w au,ut it you'll ia,,,i, r • v.. J(l * DO i* i U Again the thought Occurred to me lhat 1 had met Mr. Sonntng, or at least K-ii him. fomcwhi re before Soon the sound of approaching hoofs beating the hard road reached me. Nearer it came and nearer, until finnlly 1 caught a glimpse, out of the corner of my eye, of a swaying petticoat. The house was built on llie njcfe of a small hill, ko that it v i good things now! After a midday dinner. I harnessed the horse in Hie buggy. According to my instructions, my agent had provided me with a single rig. and 1 now proposed to use it to drive Sarah home and ; then keep oil down the road, past Kid' ing(,CMi Station, across the river to Tv\ ineburgh, in which place Mr. Bonnj tag. my lawyer, resided. 1 hod never seen Mr. Bonn tag. My , former agent had died nearly a year i D* ". and six months after his death Sountag had bought the law business ' front the heirs. j Ijli}iil been advised of this fact by a letter from the present incinu$t#ft, ,-yix Ing references as to abilty. j qjyuptfy* etc. Mr. Sonntag had alsv re•jIMtfied me to allow him to assume three nCo±i* 'Did 1 ever meet you?" I asked, vole ?inv thought At least so he says. And it made me angT.V when he told me tliat be had. hurli on tli itrect side aucl twptu.thr lie glanced quickly at me. and the«, suiilcJ s« he said: "Look like some onC She pulled in her horse to a walk, and then I turned my head and glanced at her. My heart was in my throat when I looked, but the smile that greeted me dispelled my fears like mist before the morning sun. Continued on page four. reiir The cellar waw divided into two opart merits l»y h thick wall Of pUitie. Oik Florence Morley marry her?" lisitor at the Morttys, or at least un til recently—why? 1 knew lie liad some you know, do 1?. One often meets peo pie who put them in mind of some one else. .Now, regarding this cellar affair is there anyone you know who is in terested in your property ?" he asked In a brisk, business-like manner. "No. But, had the suspicion of the robbery not fallen upon me, I probably would have asked her to be my wife long before now," I replied, rather wondering at myself for telling this to the old fellow on so short an acquaintance. over Mr Of tNs Globe for If RHEUMATISM,! , ■ NEURALGIA and similar Complaints, I I and prepared under the stringent ra MEDICAL LAWS.^ prescribed by eminent phvaciann^ffipj ESj DR. RICHTER'S (WM m? " ANCHOR "*351 |PAIN EXPELLERJ I World renowned! Remarkably suocewfnl! B ■Only Rennlne with Trade Mark " Anchor,''B ■ K. Ad. Blchtcr A Co., 215 IVarlSt, Now York. ■ 3( HIGHEST AWARDS. I 13 Branch Houses. Own Glassworks. M Endomwl &rwommeiided 1D} Parrer & Peck. 30 Luzeruo Avenue. M O. C. Olick, 50 North .Main St. Ml J. H Houek. 1 North Main St HRV . Pitttston, Pa. RICHTCR'S I ** ANCHOR " STOMACH A I, best fori 1 apartment was. used for the business relations with Mr. Morlc plies, 'ihe other section wusiujin divided in two. the front faC-lttg on il Jackson himself had told me so. liut then wliy did he not transact his husiecss at Mr. Morley's office in the city? street nervingf as the store aud jDost otlice, the rear, a ileep. caveruous, un- Put the smile was not all that told me of her emotion at again meeting me. The deep brown eyes were suffused with tears. With my own heart leaping for joy, 1 reined my horse to a standstill. In an instant 1 was at her side. derground r in, having beeu  ♦lie storage of barrels of vinegar, mCD- lnsnes, tobacco ftiid drift] fruit* S. f Ah, she loves you, then?" boasted to my,tDld nurse it would, aid: me " WWit was some iHne before „.y The\vomcn went along i„i„ ,,y ro„ nf* bP~aIl fo *atufe* domflin " Y;on see that window? Vo« re men of vague faneje* aed .mllstincf .Cfeas ber the shutter8 wert. al a k , which characterize the ,*rkDd between t dosfl(J VVeU , nau Iorgom.n ajl „1J1M, wakingand sleeping. .-It last night, and after J was undressei T hen, trliiKmt before my eyes could j clad in my white nigh open, I suddenly Bat up in bed and robeC from ,he glags. Yo1 listened with hearing sharpened by the. lvomiDn mnfSl hnvP nia(1,. I1)e M)lm,w]ia nense of expectancy which bad come Nervous by your talk while making ii] oxer me. j my bed. Anyhow, I was a tritle fright f ' ,'iro"gh *he silence of my room i rnr(j aj my .own shadow, and fired a hul there came stealing the sound of a voice ,et flt it fi(, ■ see no Qne trirt) f( —but such a voice! Not possessed by i kI1, mc at al! ]t was only (,vvll foo) any human being, surely! Pitched on! i(lbneBSD of which j beartm a high, quavering tone, and yet so soft ,shalne(]. Now ,Pt mP gct somP bn.ak. and small; bo faint, a* thotig-h l*Dme f anCj then we'll go all over the house from a great distance; so pWIn, a. to you therf. can l)e nolLi(1,, in bedakie;bemrtngam could do me ham," Nelsonville for another reason. Floi Mice Morlev was the attraction. lit' of my race—a lonely uum. and one who is siek at heart, 1 was about to "That ] cannot say. 1 believe she did think very highly of me nt one time; liut I promised not to hold any communication with her until my Member!up that she had passed me by without a greeting, lnv heart grew iii lit We ilesC C*TiileCl tiieojH'n Ftairway.lt-a*! nig dwvii to the stiDrC'P)cun itorir t1i« main hall. The Cloor was «1 4he;lDot- Mr. Sonntat face became Kerioit inno- She extended her hand, and with my ossistance sprang lightly to the ground. seary with doubt nnd i thought there was a touch of pity on Lt. pence was known. It is a year since tl.en. Whether her feeling for me has •hanged or not 1 do not know." "You have ttuck to your promise. I took her horse's bridle over my arm and. with the disengaged hand, helped her climb into the buggy. tom, imCl tit fi l«oked. Upon C• 1 thought it was * examination, I dis- CHAPTKR VII The probability that 1 had n rival in the field, and one who had a free road ivlule 1 wail handicapped by the suspicion of a crime, fdled me with despefa- "Cheer up. Mr. Conway. The tables will turn some day, and you will for get the time of trouble and despoil don cy," the old lawyer said, cheerily and hopefully; "perhaps sooner than you oowred that it 1 . .. ».ighi m ttlin, C,f th, stir' 'gy"1"1', of ,,,v *™n r/. t',nw funding timbers. A few vigoroos P*,T» the of th® ,Dnfnksoon caused it to open, uno we .tepp.# **« «»»«»* down int.. the room. "P"'- n,"st Dv,lln5 *" pr"1!t Mr The Hhutt.-iTMo the window, were rwjuent. and wrote him to closed, but therq was above the door ' 'V e1'ect' . „ ,, . leading to the street a small transom. I tb« o Sarah s « ' Through the dust and moisture-be- iT',?* mfelf ° °hJ grimed glass a few rays of light 1 t"1'1 "f U°P?hZ^7bJ£s trated, producing a twilight K|oouD in j nml n'y. ii,„ , , . . , * . ! would never he realized. the apartment, but not so C\ep that we i , „ , „ . « .....ku ..... , ' "Acb, yes," answered .Sarah, "you vill I only become tightly t hen ?" "Tie the horse to the back axle, then come here beside me," were the first words she said. 1 lost no time in obey- Ing. jammed lDv "Why, certalnlyl" I answered, with ome iudignation at the implied doubt i in ii, lie run to his brisk, business me. Imagine, if you please, the overwhelming joy to be seated once more beside her who held my whole heart in her keeping. Had 1 only followed my first im Now about the investigation you do- ntervene without making an attempt to clear myself! If you want anything if consequence done, do it yourself, tvas a maxim 1 had always believed in. ind tis far as possible followed out But in this one most imoortant in- those doorways. Who was it, and for what purpose? If it was done with thi idea of a hiding-place, what was thr thing to be hidden? Something which was never again to be reproduced, evi dently, or the room would not have 1 iro to engage in," Sonutag said, I i hanging the subject rather abruptly. "What do you propose to do? How go i bout it?"' I could not trust myself to speak, and It was she who Ibegan. "Oh, hire some 6mart detective," 1 replied. "1 suppose that will be the July way. What else can 1 do?" "Are you not pleased to see me once more, Mr. Conway? Because if you are not i vertainly will not tell you how