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r3 Eli Let us go back, dear reader, to the waking moments of Verne SeI-ton. We shall see, as we proceed, that it was not Verh'e who had been found dead in the streets. Fate had spared her, and for a far different end. And at the mo- ment Rutledge Chester was writing that letter-wich never found its Way to the lonely Jightd1ouse--Verlie was going through the strangest and most statt ting experiences that ever fell to the lot of a young girl. T-he swoon into which she had tallen-caused by the intense pain of her sprained ttttkle-lasted an hour or more. The cool tlakes of full- ing snlow drifted.down upon her uptunr eddaee speedily revived her. The cry of terror froze on the girl's lips. The sound ot voices reached her from the thick grove back of the ruins of the old church, scarcely ten rods dis- tant, and without vetiectimo, and almnst needless of the excruciating pain of her sprained ankle, Verne crept toward tin- thiek group of trees that overlooked the point from whence the sound had issued. And there amidst the snowdr.rts, the humble, weird scene, illuminated by the broad glare of two bull's eye lanterns, the girl beheld a sight that burned it- self upon 1m memory while lite lasted. A 'troup ot tive men stood behind the tim, "tlat Be ed against g yoke! How she must have stretched out her white arms to the dark sky,, praying for the help that did not come'. At fipsl she must have hoped Uldene had gave for assistance; but as the hours rullud on the hope died out, and she realized that she had been deserted in her crip- pled helplessness and left alone to die. Uldene had swept her Dival from her path at a bitter cost. Let her triumph i nthe knowledge until an avenging Gud motes out retribution for her crime; for retribution tollows every in commuted, sooner or later. Like a ttash, memory returned to her, and she remembered. Hel. first thought, as she lifted 1iettselt upon her elbow und saw that she was alone, was that Ll- dene had gone to summon help; but as the hours dragged slowly on and no help came to her, terror seized her. The paper fell from Uhlene's grasp, and the world seemed to grow dark around her. She never doubted but what it was Verlie-the fair-haired aster whom she had lured so inhuman- ty to an untimely end. _ Even in this hour no keen repentance touched her heart, which was harder than adamant and colder than marble as she pictured what poor T1rlie's wak- ing moment must have been, or the pain and torture she must have suffered when she found herself deserted, alone, helpless, in the dnrk.grave-yard, with the snow falling around her. The thought had no sooner crossed her brain, than _suddenly a horrible sound fell upon her ears-the sudden, trlmost Simultaneous rrTovt ot two pistol shots that mug not sharply on the night air. Two days latef, looking ovm- the even- ting paper, Uldene's eyes fell upon the following item: "Found Dead in the b'treet.-A young, fair-haired woman was found, quite dead, buried under the snow-drifts, early last Tuesday morning. The body was removed to the morgue, mud as it re- maénod unclaimed, unrecognized, up to yesterday, it was interred by the proper authirities." "Had harm betallen her beautiful sister?" was her agorrjzed thought. "Ah! yvhat could detain Uldene?" “The waves will litre betray me," she cried, under her breath. “They have had other fatal secrets to keep." Turning away with a shuiidor, she quickly retraced her stops homewurd. With a quick movement Uldene drew the fragments at the letter into the fiver. To her horror they would not Eink. The waves drifted the white tiakes together toward the sea, and out ot her sight. She was in a parox_\sm of terror. What it they should sail on and on. swept on by the hand of an aveng- irng fate, until they reached the solitary island? What if the waves dashed them high on the sands of Black-Tor Light-House, and they should\full into the hands of Mark Settou? "I have separated Verne and Rut; lodge Ghester," that was the thought that doadcned her conscience, "and in the tune to came his heart will turn to me. It must. Love will win love. I should have gone mad or died it verlie had 'won him. l love trim so." Early the next morning Uldene left the house for the ostensible purpose of mailing the letter. When quite out of sight of the Chester mansion she turn- ed in an opposite direction from the post-office, hurrying quickly along through the crowded thoroughfare until she found herself on the wharf. She glanced furtively about her. No one was observing her; and drawing the letter from her pocket, she tore it into minute pieces, telling herself that, in case of war, a general would open and destroy the dispatches of the enemy if he could, lt was the only emu-5e kit to her in this case. "Certainly," assented Mrs. Uhestcr. "Do so by all means. It will greatly allay your father's anxiety it you also inclose a few lines." A few moments later a servant alt peared with Itutledge1s letter, euvolop ed and directed, but unsealed. It was so with L'ldene. She had taken the tirst fatal step in a horrible decep- tion and she told herself it was too late to turn back now. "1 should like to add a short postseriot to llutlodge's letter," she said, in a VUlL'C thatwunded like nothing human, "and, if he does not mind. 1--1 will mail it." Uldone could have cried out in terror as she heard these words: and the thought tiasluxd upon 11pr that she must prevent that letter from reaching its de, stl-nntion at any cost. No 0110 yet ever took the tirst fu-tul stop in dccvptmu and am washout being dragged still further down the slippery, steep path, and at last plunged headlong into the dark abyss yuwulng to receive her. aV--a WW»??? "1 tun/hot surprised that this is a great 1resrgylation to you," Mrs. Clli'sfi‘r went on, looking pityingly into the girl's dead-white face. "It will no doubt be quite as much of a s1rrprise for your farther and motlut Rutledge is in the library now, writing tluun lt full uh" planation of the affair. It will probably reach there on the same day Verlie ar- rives home." UIdene feigned the greatest astonish- ment when Mrs. Chester broke thrs startling news to hot, accounting for hor sister's sudden disappearance, and thut Rutledge had traced her to the wharf where she had taken passage on an out- going stgamer for home. "U’ldonef’ she cried, faintly, mmmgfizm Parted byFategg A DUEL AND AN ABDUCTION. Author of "parted at the Altar," "Lovely Maiden," "Florabel's Lover," "lone," Etc., Etc. "rlorabers Lover, "1one, 2m, 14w. 7â€"- CHAPTER VIII. By LAURA JEAN LIBBEY "where With a feeling of sick terror, Verne staggered back against the wall, as the dreadful conviotiot1 that she had fallen into a den of pirates or smugglers fore ed itself upon her mind. "1Am't let her go, captaju. She will turn informer." shouted everyone pre- gent, simultaneously. Rough slab benches were rangad around the walls, and formed its only article ot furniture, and upon them benches lounged a score of nlen--a tierce, dark, blood-thirstrlouking crew, from whose nautical air Tru-lie at olive knew them to be sailors. All were arm ed with pistols and daggers stuck in their belts, and were heavy black crepe masks pulled low over their swarthy faces. In a few words her captor explmnod the situation to the men, adding thoughtfully: "As she witnessed the duel, and in that particular locality, our safeTy de mauded that she must be bound by an oath ot silence, are she is permitted to go free." I tombstone; two were conversing eagerly f in undertones; and two faced each other I fifteen paces apart, with pistols in their I hands. Ere the territied girl could fully Icomprehend the scene, the confereme ended, the seconds resumed their places, and a voice cried out: "Are you ready for the second shot?" The two combatants nodded assent. Then, like the shock of doom, the horrible command fell on the stillness (If the midnight air: "One, two, three! Ready! Fire!" The trash and ringing report from the two smoking pistols mingled with the command, and one of the principals threw up his arms and fell without a moan-without a crT--faee downward on the snow that was already eziii'sonevl with his life blood that had spurred front the dead-wound in his breast. “Dead!" cried both seeonds-"stiot through the heart!" "Forewaiaied is foroarmed," returned the man, abruptly. "In such a case it is useless to stand here parlering wih you. I sha] take you to where you shall have plenty of time to consider my pro- position at your leisure." As he spoke he threw back the folds ot the heavy cloak which enveloped h a fair captive, The blaze of Strong light for an instant nearly blinded Verlio. Then, as her eyes became accustomed to the dazzling light, she found that shé was in tt high, rocky cavern. The lights from the lanterns were shut " as it by magic, and left them in total darkness. With a dextvrous movement a thick cloak was thrown over 1101-, and despite her frantic strug- gles and stitied screams, Terlie found herself in the grasp of a pair ot arms as strong as steel, and she was borne swiftly over the tmow-crushed ground, then down a long ti1ght of Spiral stnre steps, that seemed to ‘Iead down. down into the very bowels of the earth. The voices sounded nearer and noa'vr. 'lhere was the sharp, metallic click of a massive, rusty key turned in a lock, and a poirderous door was thrown back upon its hinges. There was a shuffling of many feet, followed by the loud ex- clamation ot a score or more of voices, crying in a breath: And Verlie's captor answered, with a sardonic laugh: ' I "An unwelcome guest." ' [ 1,57 :3; A narrow, subterranean, serpentine passage was traversed, and far " could be heard the indistinct hum of gruff voices. "1n Heaven‘s name, what have you there. captain'."' " would never promise what you ask!” cried Verne, defiantly. "On the contrary, I shall take pains to bring you to Justice-and at the earliest oppor- tunity, too." "1 am not!” she returned, bravely; “as you shall soon see. Already friends are coming to my rescue. 1 roll here scares- ly all hour ago while walking with my sister, and sprained my ankle. She has tiown away for assistance. They will soon return.” -"lillttruLtl", said tti man whoa ilretub “These gentlemen will not interfere; my word is law to them. It you knew what they were discussing now, win would tremble. It is a qturstron of your lite-or death. You have heard and seen too much. But 1 say that you shall depum, providing that you will talu the oath required .of you-ond break it at your peril." "Are you mad, to brave me thus, girl?" he cried, frowning darkly. "You are in my power, remember." A scorntul, sneering smile cut in upon her words, and her captor answered. with a scom1tul laugh: ""011, he would have it," respundud the prfmcipal, coolly and cynically, II he turned on his heal. He had swarculy proceeded a dozen paces ere he sturtvd back with tl low cry: "A Tvom,an-a spy --by all that}; wonderful!" he cried, aghast. la, that moment of time, while her attention was attracted elsewhere, they had made away with the body of the fallen duel'ist; and the girl noticed, thh a thrill of horror, that they had dluwn black masks over their faces, and ware debating together in angry whispers. In great surprise he advanced a step or two, and asked gruffly: "Who are you, girl? What business have ybu here?" __ Directly in the path before him, 'tet race white as death and frozen with horror, stood a young girl, clutching 101' suppolnt against tree. lie clutched her arm firmly with his strong right hand, but Tevliy Slflon shook her arm free as though a son-pent had stung her. . "Murderer!" she gasped, rec i'ing from him. "Uh, how dared you take a human life? Do you think God will for- give you on the gallows for the trim: I witnessed?" He was a man probably twent.rwis,rht years of age, singularly handsome, wirh the dark beauty of a Greek god-o hand seine face, but hardened in iniquity. He sprank forward again. and clutch- ed her arm so tirurly in his grasp that she could not wrench it from him. "So you witnessed the duel, did you?" he repeated, grimly. "That is bad tor you-for you shall not go tree 1mtil you have registered a solemn oath never IO reveal what you have seen and heard here to-night." The girl's dauntloss blue eyes never quailod beneath the gaze of the dark ones bent upon her so steadily. "And you shall tell, too what brought you here, girl." "1 shall appeal to the gentlemen pre' sent to protect me tro myou," said er lie, raising her eyes to his compumons CHAPTER IX. ONE NIGHT'S MYSTERY, ma: That was a drive and a night Dr. heath never forgot. Where was this tiark-ttytxnvtuyd stranger taking him? he wondered. And why was he so silent? He had not caught so much as a glimpse of his face. A slouched hat was pulled over it, revealing only an tuuwHine nose, and a pair of piercing , hard, bldlinnt eyes: the rest ot his he! was entirely tgggtaLed h: 1trtt,tetllt,t iissii.iiii “For Heaven's sake, doit stop to talk new!" exclaimed the gentleman. "ITl tell you as we drive along. We have live miles to go through this blinding snow-storm, and the road is beastly." "is it a gentleman o") a lady whom you Wish me to soc?" asked the doctor, hurrying on ilss overcoat. "A lady," was the abrupt reply. “is she one of my patients or a strang- er. and what is the nature of the case?" The doctor hastened after him lo the carriage, and the driver whirled them off directly. In tite minutes he had joined thO gentle-man waiting in the passage be low. He found the stranger puciug up and down with great imputieune. "Bo you have come at last," doctor," he exclaimed; "your minutes hare seem- ed long hours." "It's life or death, Marse Lance." de- clared Black Hagar; "htstr life am in yol hands. Poor thing, it am a pity to let her die, she am so young un’ fair." An hour later a tall, bearded man stood upon the steps of Dr. Keith's re- sidence. There came such a thundering knock at the front-door, and, directly after, such a peal at the office bell, as made the doctor spring from his bed and grind something like an imprecntion with the groan that fell from his i'ps. "You're to go and see a person taken suddenly and uncommonly bad," his ser. vnnlt announced; "the gentleman says his carriage is at the door, and your” to come immediately, it you please, sir.' Dr. Keith gunned. 'rhefsnow' Wis falling and drifting, the night was dart as the regions of Pluto. "A doctor'." he cried, staggering track and gnashing his teeth in impotent rage. "It isn’t to be thought ot; no one must see the girl here. Why, that would ruin us, you old foal. Send for a doe. tor, indedif, to sproud the startling dis- covery of this underground cavern that leads to the harbor. and that, too, in the very heart of the city! Why, woman, you must be mad." She had been vainly trying to restore the lovely young stranger to communa- noss, but all her efforts seemed fume. The little white hands grew icy cold under her touch, the strong, cordial sh: had forced between the girl's wh"te lips failed to draw back the fleeting b oath and the lovely face, framed in its shown of golden hair, grew marble-white under her frightened gaze, "it am no use, Marse Lance," she de- clared. “The pain o' this bar foot has set her clar dolarus. She can't be brung too; you‘ll have to fetch a doc- tor. Shu'." When he returned to the cavern again he found Black Hagar still working over her patient. __ _ __ "Uh, Lor' 1" she cried out in astonish ment, gazing down on the white, up- turned face, upon which the tittul 1115's ot the swinging oil-lamp glimmcrcd titfully, "this young gal am as a born angel. There'll be a scene when--" "Never mind making comments; " tend to your own affairs," sharply ex- claimed the man whom she addressed as "Marse Lance." "Set about restor- ing her if you can. She has a badly sprained ankle. The deuce and all would be to pay it 1 were obliged to call in a doctor. I'll come this way in the course of an 'hour and see how she is." "Be quick about it, then," he retorted, impatiently, as he turned on his heel. An exclamation from Black Hagar quickly arrested his steps. "rll 'tend dat ur chile, Nurse Lance!" she cried. "Am she dead or in a faint like?" “She has minted," he replied, briefly. "rll fetch her to, quick Huff. You 11101 don't un'ytan' sech Tairs." He pushed impatiently past her, and laid the slight, girlish tigure in his arms hastily down on a rude couch, fashion- ed out of buffalo robes and blankets, that occupied the further corner. She had no choice but to follow, bot the tirst few steps became so painful she dropped at his feet in ty (imp mum”. liaising her quickly in his arms, he bore her swiftly through a long, narrow passage, and into an inner apartment, where an old colored woman sat busily sewing. "No," cried Verne, indignant”; "not to save ull 501E from death, much less mm _"t"s,:,svrot, would 1 see you csmgw tm- “umshment of the law you so “only deserve. You, above all, should face the gallows, for 1 saw you take a human Life to-night." "110;", Manse Lancer." she cried. "what in the world has yo' got mar?" - 7 Black Hagar hobbled after him with an the curiosity ot her race. - _-. ln 3. single. moment, as; it pando monium had suddenly been let loos“, each man was on his feet with a volley of oaths, and, in a twinkling, a score or more drawn revolvers glistuncd in the garish lamp-light. "Lower your weapons, comrades." commanded the handsome young chief, grimly. "1 will attend to this detiaut little beauty." The lovely blue eyes flashed him I look of scorn; the golden, curiy head crusted itself moudly. "Do not tone-h me!" she cried as he grasped her arm firmly. "Out of my way'." he cried. harshly, to the men who would have barred his exit. "1 will give her into Hagar's hand for the present. Before we dis- perse to-night we will settle her future. You will follow me," he said not un- kindly to Verlie. 1 may tind it dltfiqu-t to sudbue. I am sorry it is not in: my power to comply with your request. Neither 1 1101' my men would feel sate in this mu-onrt after- wards if we let you go free, "In short, it is my painful duty to inform you that you must remain will us, at least until such time as this hur- bor cavern is deserted by us, unless, as 1 said before, you are willing to tuku a solemn owth never to reveal what you have seen or heard this night. Will you take that oath?" “The very moment I am free, that same moment I will inform upon you, and tell them the cmtrnnce to your ru- tpeat must be somewhere in the may ot the ruins ot the old Stowe church in th? churchywrd. 1 will consider any self Llo- ing an act of justice to the 1sorid in ridding it of a band of rubbers and murderers." "Allow me to set you right, fair lady." replied her cantor, with a cyn'cal smile. "We did not entrap you. You threw yourself into our power. And" (here be lowered his voice to a significant whisper) "let me bog of you to use mun respectful language when speak'mg ot us. There is a. spirit in my men that your words will be apt to mouse, and which dressed as captain, with a sudden tlash of his eye, and in a. tone 'that' made the boldest quail. "You have no night to make me your prisoner," panted Verlio, indignantly, “and I demand my freedom. 1 can sue you are a cowardly set of Jaw-breakers, and 1 know you must be the pirates ll ho infest the harbor. and for whose appro- honsion such large rewards have been otrered by the authorities; but to wuylay and eutrap defoncolcss girls is a crime which ought to be too mean {or even outlaws." A fierce murmur ran through the cavern at Vorlio's daring wmds; but no one dared expvess his amzor aloud: Sigma-H Mun-Mn ileum Inuit l , DHAPTER X. , D' l “I": WHAT HAPPENED AT MIDNIGHT. When Rutledge Chester had left the library after that startling disclosure tc his mother as to why Vex-lie had left them so suddenly, Mrs. Chsetor walked slowly up and down the mom, buried in the mpgt prgfoumd thought. A moment later Mrs. Chester had hur. riedly quibted the library. [ The sound of her footsteps had sea ree. I: died away are a white. tromblirur' and thrust aside the curtains or me bay window, and the slight figure the silken hanging had concealed sprang pantingly into the room. "She is glad he did not choose mel" she panted, with a little wild laugh. "Why I wonder? Am I not as lovable as Irerlie with her fair, babyish, dimpled face and coaxing ways? What could have been in the letter she spoke of, I wonder, to prevent Rutledge Chester from wed- ding me, it he had but loved me. I must, I will know. She keeps all her letters in The carriage door was shut to with 'tl bang, and the vehicle whirled off int, the Plutouian darkness from whence il came. "I will see that young girl again," thr young doctor muttered, as he made his way through the snow-drlf-fs up the step: of his house. "l will 40 througn thr: and water and seas of blood but what I will unravel this night's mystery.” It was Uldeue herself, white as a venitable ghost, and quivering with bit ttr.,_suppressed rage. "There is no need for you to see hm again," was the brusque reply. "You at: well paid for your night's work. It yon', , wanted, we know where to find you." "But there is need of my coming again," persisted the young doctor. “Excuse me, I shall be the best judgt ot that," reverted his companion naught ily. "And mark me, doctor, breathe one word of touright's experience at you! peril. You never know whether you an surrounded by friends or foes." “I shall nof rnentiCn -it,"ritu,rmed the dorrtmr, equally haughty. "When shall I come 21min to see the young lady?" he inquired, stepping oiti of the coach and into the deep snow drifts. At that moment Black Hagar made , sign to the man pacing up and down outside, and immediately the young doc tor was requested to take his departure. Again he was blindfolded and conduct. ed back to the main road, olaced in . carriage, and, after a long, swift ride again found himself in front of his own door, richer by 11 bank-mote for a large amount in his vest pocket, still accom panied by the dark-browed stranger. Her words aroused the young doctor recalling him to a some of duty. The swollen ankle was skilfully treated, and the delirious fever (a complication of dis eases in this ease) ullayod; and the blur eyes began to quiver with retuming con- sciousness. A moment later and the blue, velvety eyes had flared open wulu "Why am yo' doin' nuffin fo' her, doe. tor?" demanded the black woman, sharp ly oying him, with a glowexdng light in her eyes, not at all pleased at the up! admiration with which he was gazing on the girl's face, and muttering that Mary Lance was a fool to bring a handsome young man like this to doctor the girl and that ten to one he would fall in low with her. and there would be no end to the mischief then. The doctor hastily approached the couch. He could scarcely r6'prc-'s the cry of surprise that rose to his lips as his eyes fell upon the face on the pillmv It was the most beautiful girlish face he had ever behold. "Your patient i; in there. doctor," one of the men said briefly, 1hnfastet1ing the blndage from his eyes. Dr. Keith found himself in a large, circular opartnwnt, whose walls and roil- ing were draped in heavy folds of satin; and from the ceiling, suspended from a gilded chain, was a silver lamp. Upon a luxurious couch in one and of the room lay a slender form. A tall negro wo- man,' with a bright red turban bound around her head, was bending over the sufferer. He was conducted down a path and down a flight of stone steps, the precau- tion being taken, however, to bind a heavy woolen scarf tirrnly over his eyes. Another iong path was traversed. Then a door was swung back on its h'ugcs. Dr. Keith hesitate-d 21 movinent, weigh ing his chances ot escape. . "Before "daylight, docio/'r was the prompt reply. "Here, none of that."' they oselainwd, throwing up his right arm. “Yum have fallen into rough hands, my line doctor, and the best plan for you is to come along quietly with us. It you act like a man, we will SHOW you how we treat men; but it you got up a scene, by the Lord Harry, we will show you how we deal with fools mighty quick. You must consent to have your eyes firmly band. aged, and come along quietly." "It I go with you," He asked, “when may I be permittod to return?" f‘And dd you assure me I am to see some one in need of my professional sor- vices ?" he inquired. “Yo-s," answered the spokesman, "and each moment is valuable." "Then I will go with you," he re- sponded. And Dr. Keith remembered, too, thc story of the aged doctor, who had ttC- companied a stranger on just suuh a Wild night, and was never seen again. A dozen or more tragic fates of doctors recurred to him. His musings and strange forebodimgs were brought to ar abrupt end. The coach was brought to a sudden stop, and immediately a score or more of dark forms surrounded thr carriage in which the doctor and the mysterious stranger sat. The (hers of both sides of the vehicle were thrown Violently open, and by the light of the carriage lamps Dr. Keith saw that thr couch was surrounded by masked men 'J1ootpads.r" was his "mental Jj/car tion, as his humd quickly sought " breast pocket. He remembered the story of the "Mud Philosopher," who for many Soars had made away with doctors in so mystrtri oils a manner that the cruel crirms were never traced to him until after his own death, when he left a half-written book explaining that doetqrs Humid never be permitted to exist, as they int, rfered with God's wishes by curing the sick when they should be left to the wili ot Heaven, and further explaining that ht had been patiently engaged in the work of exterminating them for years. He was no coward. this fair-haired young doctor; but as the carriage whirl. od along he could not help but remem- Del' than them were, pemups. more [may ling events in the lives of doctors than any other class of men in the world-- events that might have been romantic, it they had not ended in eruel trng d:e . around it. a3r, Kugust Gaining her own apartment. after tak- ing particular care to secure the door, Uldene pantingly sank into the nearest i seat, drawing the letter from her pocket. ' Slowly the clock on the mantel struek I the hour of ont-then two. Still Uldene l Sefton sat with the fatal letter in her I hands. Ward by word for the twelfth time she had slowly read and reread anrk Serton's strange revelation (con- l cerning herself) to Mrs. Chester. At last she knew all of her history that was known. to the Seftons--knew that the honest, bsrtmzett light-house keeper was not her father, and that 4he golden- haired girl who had won Rutledge Chem [ ter from her was not her sister. She read, too, with a white, awful face, MR» 139113.! m as“ {9119‘ grot,,lyit "No one shal lever know. I promise you, Miss Uldene," she answered, slowly. "Thank you," replied the beautiful, guilty culprit, gliding from the roomy Dearly as the girl loved her mistress, the glittering bauble overcame her scruples. ' There are few 'mvaidg that can with- stand a persuasive argument of that kind. . "On the other hand," continued Ul- dene, bautiously," keep my pitiful habit of sleep-walking a secret-a dead seeret be- tween you and me-and I will reward you handsomely for it. Do you consent?" "Will you take this and promise me this shall be tt dead secret between you and me?" she asked, keenly watching the girl's face. The ring had been a present from Mrs. Chester to Uldene at Christmas. She, had no idea of its great value. “You were trying to open Mrs. Chas ter's, sate," declared Nanon, bravely. "Do you know what I could do with you for making such a false statement?' whispered Uldene, gliding up close to her-so near that her hot breath scorch. ed the girl's cheek. "I could say it Wns you who attempt ed to open that safe to-night, and my sudden entrance prevented you from ne- complishing it. Who would believe you! word against mine? The consequence would be instant discharge, and it “will". be hard for you to' gain another sitilntiol 7 As she spoke she slipped a glittering ring from her finger, placing it in the rirl's muurh, toil-hardened hand. There are women that possess the deadly magnetic fascination of a ser- pent, and Uldene was one of them. She held the girl spell-bound under cool, keen, steadreres. "Oh, where am I?" she cried, in pre. tended bewildevrmmt, and clasping het white hands. "Oh, I am in somebody's room. I-l pray you will forgive me My old habit of sleep-walking must have come over me again." "I have heard of people walking about in their sleep many a time before," whis- pered Nanon, significantly, "but I have never heard of a somnambulist doing what you tried to do tonight.” "No matter what you could do; I would stand my ground, and lot the whole wide world know what you have tried to do," declared the girl, defiantly In moments of the most thrilling dang er, hardened criminals display the most heroic coolness and courage. Uldene Sefton had counted the cost, and had planned what she should do in a case of emergency, should she be discovered In her attempt to gaia possession of that all-important letter. Cleverly as Uldene had carried out her daring idea, she had not sueeeded in de. ceiving the French maid. "You impudent creaturé, how-dare you intimate such a thing?” gasped ur dene, fairly livid with rage. "It is true," whispered the girl stohidly. Uldon-e sprang from her knees before the safe and turned to the couch. Mrs Chester moved uneasily on her pillow but the sound did not wake her, and again ‘Uldene knelt trembling before the safe. Quickly abstracting the two letters she found in Mark Seftou’s well-knowr chirography, she thrust them hastily In htrr pocket, closed the safe hurriedly and softly, and turned quickly toward tlu couch to replace the key-turrurd, and found herself face to face with Nanom Mrs. Chester's maid. Quick as thought she executed ber clever plan. She gave a little suppressed scream, gazing around her with well. Bimulated surprise. In a crimson velvet jewel case to the right lay the sparkling Chester dim monds, and on the left a packet of papers, and beyond them several letters "Why, what did I try to do?" said Uldene, in pretended wonder; but be heath her cool bravado she was terribxy excited. \Vith white, set face, Uldene glided to the safe and inserted the key. The door swung back on its hinges with a loud, ominous creak. Here was an 11nlooked-for dilemma Mrs. Chester moved uneasily on her pil- low, and at that instant a cord about her neck attracted Uldene's attention Without an insmnt's deliberation she crept to the couch and bent, with bated breath, over the sleeper. "Fate favors me," thought Uldene-- she had detected the fumes of a simng sleeping potion Mrs. Clxostvr had taken before retiring, to allay the intense pain of an aching tooth; "she will sleep safely enough through it Ml," The girl drew back with a smothered gasping cry. "Those hirrrible words again! What could they mean?" It was midnight at last. The gilded clock on the mantel chimed the hours softly: but Uldvne heard it, and springing from her couch, where she had thrown herself, she tip-med to the door and stole noiselessly from the room. The gas jets under their ro-so-cdiored shades were tunned low, throwing grotesque weird shadows frickeiing down the cor ridor. , Quickly severing the cord in twain, In. dene held the coveted key in her hand As she turned away she distinctly heard Mrs. Chester murmur: "Ah, thank God! fate has not destin pd my boy to love Uldene---beaut1ttl hapless Uldene." with a cloud like that resting on your name." "I glide so well I might be mistaken for a ghost if any one were to see me," thought Uldene, pausing before Mrs. Chester's apartment. "Ah," she mur' murod, with infinite satisfaction. "she has not fastened the door. It yields to my toueh." She throw it open softly and entered The shaded night lamp upon the table threw a dim light about the mom, re- vealing the form on the couch and thr safe beyond in the alcove, half concealed by heavy velvet curtains. . Trembling with snpprexsod excite ment, the desperate girl stole carefully forward, and was soon knooling before the iron safe. The key wns usually i, the lock; it was not there new. be theie. I "iviff EH ft To-Tu/f-ws", to. night." Wich hurried steps and beating heart sho reh'ucod her stops to hor own room, and there she found Mrs. Chester wh, had come to break the stuljillug news u her as to why Verne had disappeared so It she had not boon a consuman actress. during that scene she must haw betrayed herself. _ She never remembered how the long evening wore away. __ _ her as u suddenly It (vas an intense relief to her when she found herself alone. ft To-Tu/f-hir, Fo Pa ge ' Main geily mi an mm ii It was a scene from "The Jaller's Dattghter"-a scene where a iailer's daughter, “1110 had fallen in love with I. handsome prisoner, steals the key from beneath her stem old father's pillow, and throws open the door ot her lover’s prison and sets him free. The next was a. scene from "Cupid at Sohool"--a men'y, fun-loving romp " boarding-school, who had fallen in love with the young French damglng-master, and mho was detected at midnight being let down from the dormitory window in a clothes basket by her schoolmates to keep her tryst with her impatient lover. The anger depicted upon the grim face of the Virago at a principal, who had some _unexpeetedlz upon tho scene. When the silver clock rang out in musical chimes the bout of nine. the lights in the room were subdued. there was a soft sound of music, and the rose- colored silk curtain was drawn up on one of the prettiest tableaux ever " ranged. When she saw the expression of ear- nest, almost adoring love that Rutledge "trrled so hard to represent, a crimson flush seemed to search her cheek and brow. It was "only acting" on hls part, but it was all strangely real to her. She lulled herself with sweet dreams that were fatal to her. A wild, longing wlsh came to her that the rehearsals might go on forever. They seemed a part of her existence. Under the able superin- tendonce of those who had taken the at- fair in hand, the drawing-rooms were most effectively arranged for the tub- Ieaux. The inner and smaller one was divided from the large room by a long, sweeping curtain of rich crimson silk; ty very neat stage had been erected; and in the 'large room the chairs for the guests were arranged in a circle. It was little wonder that these re- hearsals nearly betrayed the secret Ul- dene would have died 'rather than tNe veal. "Charades and tableaux at nine." So read the dainty satin program. “Dancing wt ten." Soon after eight" the roll of carriatpss began, and burden after burden was deposited at the Chester mansion. The dread moment has come. Her lover must unclasp her arms, when-ah.? how shall I picture it'?--he finds that the bright young life of his beautiful love has gone out with the last, fervent caress, and, maddened with despair, grief and horror, the desperate, heart- broken lover: Clasps his darling closer in his arms, and leaps far out into hte Waves with her, and they are never seen again. They would have been parted in life; but they have gone down into the dark abyss of death clasped heart to heart. ' "The Parting of the Lovers" was one of the sweetest and saddest love poems ever written. The scene which they were to enact, and from which the poem took its name, was sublime. It repre- sented a lovely, dark-eyed girl and her lover, who had met upon the sands at midnight to take a last, tearful farewell of each other. A strangely cruel fate parted them. A dying father's curse, it they two wedded, had torn their hearts asunder. The scene is sublime. The white stretch of beach, and the dark, curling waters at their feet, lighted up by the tender, pitying light of the moon; the two figures standing out against the dark background; the girl's beautiful white arms clasping him, while the tragic sorrow on her lovely face, reveals but too eloquently that it is for the last time. It happened that long before Verlie’s departure cards had been sent out tot a grand ball, to be given by Mrs. Chester Tableau): were to be the main feature of the entortninment,and Veulie had rehears- ed with Rutledge to enact that beautiful tragic love-poem, "The Parting of the Lovers." Rutledge would have given much tr have been able to resign his part, but those having the tableaux in charge would not hear of it. Uldene could take the iibserrtee's place, they declared, and so they settled it. There was no help for it, so Rutledge mantuily crushed out the throb of de- spair in his heart caused by the bitter- sweet memory of a tair face lost to him forever, and went on with the rehearsal. These rehearsals but ted the flame of hapless Uldene's love. They were as dangerous as an intoxicating draught, or a sweet, honeyed poison. He turned for sympathy tor biilrnri,Giu in this way they were thrown into each otper's society more than before. He must have been blind that he did not road the story those wondrous dark eyes, half hidden by their eurling lashes, told him; that he did not notice, it by accident his hand touched against hers, how her little hand trembled, how her cheeks flushed, and paled at the sound of his voice, and her heart beat at the sound of his approaching footstep. Were the senator and his wife blind. too, that they did not notice the girl's wild, idolatrous love for their handsome son? Ah! so it seemed, or they would have parted them at once. It would have been a deed of mercy. As tor Rutledge Chester, he plunged recklessly in the mad whirlpool of social life, to forget, as far as was in his power, the fair-faced girl whose loss had made the world desolate for him. It happens" so often that a great love is lavished in vain; it was so in Uldene's case. Handsome Rutledge Chester, who had given all the love of his heart to bountiful, golden-haired Yerlie, never knew, never dreamed, of this growing attachment that was springing up in Uldene's heart for him. There was Gmething" pitihii% her great love for him. A GREAT SURPRISE. Rutledge Chester‘s determination to go abroad was a serious blow to his mother; but her grief was slightly assuaged by his promise that he would remain With her a least a mouth longer. That was a month never to be toy gotten by Uldene, tor it stood out from her life like a bright star long after the future years were clouded over with the deepest gloom. With every day that dawned, with every sun that rose and set, Uldene's love for handsome Rut- ledge Chester deepened. The world was nothing to her; she became absorbed in this one passion; it was her life, her all. There are some to whom the fatal gift of a great love is given. They are thy happiest, even as they are the most miserable. They reach the highest bliss that lite offers, and they know the most bitter of its pains. "What curse is it that rests over my head like a drawn sword?" she cried out, sharply, as she crushed the letter in her death-cold hands. "Am I to live without love all my life through? I can- not--1 will not believe it! Though it should he my eternal doom, I will wed Rutledge Chester it I can win him, for I love him better than my own lite-bet- ter than my own, soul. Aye, though angels or devils warned me, I should be deaf to their warnings. I would defy fate itself to become his bride." fiiuf striigTTed 56 Trarif Fo te7T, m7neeraEg the Little babe she was fated to leave with the honest light-house keeper's wife; and a horrible fear ran through Uldene's heart as she read the awful warning those dying lips had uttered. "This bibe hmust never love tor she must never marry." CHAPTER XI. 'i) L! (I? Hamilton grain buyers are looking tor a 'light M lypiyy, " to any Mr. Chester has had a miracul- ous escape. He has had a bad ftll--ts slight scalp wound-ami was stunned. that's all. I'll venture to say he will be all right in a day or so." "Oh, doctm', tell me-is he badly hurt or not? I-I cannot bear suspense,” he heard her say. piteously. . _ The usual restoratives were applied: then he iiared open his eyes. Ulden. stood beside him with a white, seamed face. “Badly hurt? Oh, no, my dear," Fe- plied the doctor, cheerfully. "I am that! Rutledge Chester looked up into her face, his own flushing painfully. Hia heart smote him with a strange pity. The great, dark, velvety eyes that tell so quickly under his gaze were wet with tears. Should he open his eyes and falter.. "Forgive me, Uldene; I have uncon- sciously discovered your lore for me?" It would be worse than death to the girl's proud nature; the shock, the cruel embarrassment would prostrate her. Yet it was equally embarrassing to him to receive the assurances of her Wild. idola- trons love, with closed eyes, she be lieving him to be unconscious. Rutledge Chester was a gentleman and a man ot honor in the strictest sense of the word; yet between duty and de- licacy he scarcely knew which way tn turn. _ Fortunately the doctor's quick foot- steps relieved him in his strangely trr- in; dilemma}. _ . He felt the clasp of the clinging arm! about him. The passionate, wailing, broken words of love that were nabbed out over him fell like a shock upon his startled ears. Sheer amazment and co!!- tstornation chained his dazed menses. She clasped the unconscious form at!" closer in her white arms, caressing him with piteous agony, and mumuring broken words of love over him. For a few moments the force if the fall stunned and bewildered Rutledge Chester, but the action of the cold water with which Uldene bathed his he. brought back his dazed senses at once. _ "Leave me with mm unnil’the doe. tor and his mother come," she whisper- ed.cmotfoni_ng them, all away. "Rutledge! my lover. oh, my love! it you die, Heaven must let me die, too'." she sobbed, wildly, covering the white, unconscious face, the closed eyes, and the matted hair with passionate kisses in her terrible grief. "What would life he to me without you?" she moaned. "Oh, Rutledge, my love, you will never know how well I loved you. I would give my life for yours. I would meet death to save you one pang." Lt was little wonder people held their breath as they gazed upon the hand. some time of Rutledge Chest'er as the impassioned lover. There was nonethinu almost sublime in the adoring love that lighted up his dark, grave, kind! (not. as he bent over his love. A wild cry burst from Uldene's white lips. In an instant she was kneeling be- side the bleeding, unconscious form. She raised his head in her white arms, nt- tempting to staunch the blood that flow- ed from a wound on his temple, with sobs and bitter cries pitiful to hear. Silemtly they quitted the apartment, closing the door softly after them; and the gay strains of the dance music that struck up in the grand ball-room tstifled the sound of her wailing cries. Unconscious, did I say? It was not quite that. A In stepping back from the narrow platform which had served as a stage, one of the planks beneath the Brus- sels rug gave way, and Rutledge was precipitated to the floor below-a dis- tance of ten feet or more-mis head striking one of the pillars that supported the groined roof as he fell. -. The white wave: seemed to dimple “a sparkle in the moonlight which fell upon the faces of the two lovers clasped for the last time in each other's arms. Buf " they gaied upoi {iii ard Ji tet. (in! he held clasped in his arms. thedr wgnder gm. Her long, dark curling hair tell around her lovely face like a black veil. Wu it fancy, or did the ,rondrous fam, of Uldene Serum really whiten under their gaze, and her lips grow ashen pale. A Wis it love or -teriror that siAie%" the daAr, upraised eyes? The scene held the va-st audience spell- bound, and frightened them as they gazed until the silken curtain shut out the scene from their sight . Then, at the tinkling of the all": ull, the lights were turned low attaht. mm- was to be the last tab-lean and the M. of the evening. The softest and sudden. strains of music floated through tho room. There was a hush, and as the silken curtain went up again, a. murmur of admiration and surprise rang throng-h the dmrwing-room. "It this was acting, what couid the reality bel" they asked themselves. And at that instant Quite a scene mu transpiring back of the curtain. faughter, The tabléaux was the panting " II lovers by the sea-shore. Sure (tl a (me in the United States? You an. The tthe sician is right here. Be has an othee in!» building, he has a staff of eor-rtduttMo assist him, and anyone and ovum-g Irho needs medical advice is invited to who to him. If it's baby's health or no“! or the health of any member of the may you may write about it; sure of a arch! nud- ing of your letter, sure of a comm“! diagnosis of your case, if cure is possible. Every 1ettarwi11 be held as a strictly confidential communication... Remember these facts. We offer you medical advice from one of the most eminent practitioners in the Unitedd States, whether our medicines suit your particular case or not. We offer you this advice at the cost of the two cent stamp which it will take tobrinz your max-toga“! oifiee. Address the Medical Dem-tum Dr. J. C. Ayer Gs, Lowell, has. But suppoao that 30; -aiiiiTi 5., I)»; 30111me free, the whim of on of “nut mam Physlclans Y/meedadoetymantti-r- don't call om). You do: pk in W form and {:17on 'tl ttPetr, " canse you ' away after a while." All. too. Vol 1-2 --V ." -r" - - - - v away after a while." And, too, 1“ b1 brexperteneas, t.trtthutkytriiBatth.i doom in gesteenliy tenured byway“: withtheUavitatiu /1et,tttt"gttAg4 bill "tor prafamitsnnl carving)” Yuan-T know what» do lor, yoartretthaeubtotau., free Medical Aimee ( To Be Continued) Et,), b'J: