Sibylla, or, The mystery of the brown-stone house
page: (TitlePage) [View Page (TitlePage) ]SIBYLLA JOY; 011 B-yr DR. J. H. ROBINSON, AUTH0' OF BSUCK BISON", "NICK WHIFFLES", " GOOD-FR-NOTHING DICK", " CATHOLINA", " PATHAWAT", ETC., ETC., ETC. r A rI'l NEW YORK: FREDERIO A. :BRADY, PUBLISHER, No. 22 ANN STREET. the ta g a ' th own-tone a a. page: [View Page ] I I V o . ENTERED accogdig to Act of Congress, in the year 1864, By CAULDWELL & WHITNEY,-~ In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York. 44 4, e 41, ORaSKE & Co., * ' 6 T E E 0 T Y P ER E5, 16l-WIniam st, .N.Y. 1 VIC 1'a- SIBYLLA JOY:. 011. CHAPTER I. A -BRASIER OF CHARCOAL. It was a brown-stone house, situated at the corner of a fashionable avenue, in' the city of New York. The brown-stone house had brown-stone neighbors, but none more grand and imposing. It was surrounded by an'ele- gant iron fence, inclosing a neht margin of greensward. The brown-stone house, was not social in its outer aspect ; but it was aris- tocratic, and its master did not cai e to have' it otherwise. .Stephen Parkhurst was its master. Stephen Parkhurst:was fifty years of age. In everything pertaining to his char- acter, Stephen Parkhurst was a remarkable. man. His mental attributes were not of the common order. He was a gentleman of iron firmness of purpose. His sagacity equaled his resolution. He was coldly courteous, but not affable. -'He possessed a singular. faculty of penetrating the designs of those who ap- proached him. This intuitive power seemed in Stephen Parkhurst something more than mere accident-it was a subtle instinct. His forehead was broad and overhung his eyes, which were -deep-set and glowed like dark yet animated opals. - Thought, burned perpetually in those penetrating balls. His nose was long and straight. His mouth wit wide, and somewhat depressed at the cor- -ners. His cheeks,.like his brow, were furrow- ed with care.' The .handwriting of Time gave a severe but not disagreeable expression to his face. He had iron-gray hair. He Wore no beard. He was of medium height ; his figure erect, and his step firm and assured. Stephen Parkhurst was a man eminently fitted to take care Tof himself. No matter how the 'world might goi; no matter what kind of people came to him-; no matter what traps were laid for his feet ; no matter what hypocrisy surrounded him; no matter what danger dogged him-he could take care of ,himelf. To take care of one's self is a great thing.. Stephen Parkhurst was strong, and had power to protect the weak. Stephen Parkhurst reigned alone: in his brown-stone house. There was- no one in the brown-stone house to dispute\ his sover eign wishes. Mrs. Stephen Parkhurst had left the brown-stone house for a. very narrow and silent house a few feet under ground. But Stephen's life followed on, and the -do- mestic routine did not stop. It was.a September evening. No matter what- year it was-all time is the same in story-but it was not long ago. Stephen Parkhurst was at home and had a visitor. Had there been no visitor, thisstrange record would not have dated from that night. This visitor was a man near Stephen's 'own age, but much unlike him in person and char- acter. He was taller, thinner, and less erect and manly in his bearing. His eyes went down when they should have gone, up into one's face, and went up stealthily when they should lave been elsewhere. His, hair was gray-perbaps with age, perhaps with suffer- ing, perhaps with protligacy. His expression was reticent and brooding. He had evident- ly succumbed to many things which he should have conquered;- and his ideas of human, brotherhood were considerably con- fused. There were spectral shapes flitting about his conscience. Scanninghin closely, one would say that he was disposed to mis- anthropy, and that there was a well of bitter- ness within him that no moral pump could draw dry. In his dress he was not quite. :tidy, and he was perceptibly worn and threadbare.p w . This was Richard Parkhurst, half-brother to Stephen. The relationship was in blood andI not in sentiment. - Stephen Parkhurst had just returned from journey. He sat in an easy-chair casting 4 I.'' t " ( ' page: 4-5[View Page 4-5] 4 . SIBYLLA JOY. furtive glances at Richard, who was not a "I will order a brasier of coals," said Rich- frequent visitor.. He shivered, rubbed the ard Parkhurst. palms of his hands together, and said : "A brasier of coals," repeated. Stephen, "The air is chilly and the room is damp." approvingly. "Thank you, Richard. You "Yes," answered Richard, gloomily, "the were always suggestive. As a boy, I remem- aiy is chilly and the room is damp." ber, you were fullof expedients.t It was not frosty weather-it was scarcely . Richard kept his eyes averted, andtre- cool ; but the house was large and the damps ceived the commendation of his rich relative had crept into the unoccupied apartments. meekly. . . Rooms will- grow frigid when there is not "There are springs in the cellar, [think," human life, and' breath in them. resumed Stephen, meditatively..l "Hence the "The walls sweat with moisture," added mold upon the walls. But mold will come Stephen Parkhurst. t 'to us all anon." "The furnace should have. been lighted " True, Sir," answered Richard, in ,a sub- - during, your absence," observed Richard: dued tone. "But you will walk above the "The paper is almost wet. There is a deadly mold mafny years-you will walk above the chill here." mold by reason of strength-till your. lovely . "Death is colder than) you dream of," re- daughter has grown to womanhood, is mar- turned Stephen. "Talk not ofdeath but oflife." ried, and has children of her own. She will "It is well for you to talk of life," said the be greatly admired. How thrives she at othermoodily. "You who ha e riches ; you school? hat happiness to possess such a who live in this littering avenue ; you.who treasure ! I envyyou the paternity of that have the entre societyy ;you who .are'fol- sweet creature. it is long since I have seen lowed and flattered; you who hold the hearts her ; yet, without. meaning offence to you, of men in your hands. Men are creatures to- Sir, I feel an almost paternal. interest in Ur-# be'bought and-sold for mcoiey." sula. Ah, Sir, if you should die ?" A furrow, running from thebridge of his sHe shook his head as if dying would be a nose to the roots of his hair, divided Rich- very bad thing foj Stephen, but still re- ard's forehead into two sinister sections. framed from looking steadily athim. " Good men are not bought and sold," an- "If I should die," responded Stephen, swered Stephen, coldly. "But we- will not quietly, "Ursula will inherit my fortune." moralize, It is too late in life to begin to "Angels defend her I" muttered Richard, moralize, Richard. It were better to make piously.. Then added, with some hesitation: the house comfortable than to make maxims. ",And if Ursula should die . '". I am mercurial. Atmospheric changes affect His voice faltered in spite of his self-con- me. This hanging moisture will bring on trol. my' old aches and pains.. AlmI! I feel them "In that case," added Stephen Parkhurst, now. ' What folly to shiver in one's own with a dubious snle, "perhaps you would house, when there is. a labyrinth'oof airpipes become suddenly rich." in the cellar, and fuel in abundance." Richard bowed, gratefully, and said, with Richard nodded, cynically. warmth: "Heaven forbid that I should be- " Heat and ventilation ,keep doctor's gigs come rich in that sad way I" from the door, and doctor's bills from our Stephen, being tender-hearted, was much faces. Heat-and ventilation are for all sea- shocked. He added, presently sons of the year. Be good enough, Richard, "Excuse rne, honored Sir; I am standing to ring the bell." - bere talking, while you are shivering. I will Thehalf-brother arose and pulled the bell- go to the servants' ball immediately." cord ; but no'one answered the call. Stephen, He moved toward the door, as if anxious began to be impatient. Richard looked at to oblige Stephen Parkhurst.a- the fire-place and said, With apparent indif- "Bring me some hotbrand -and-water, ference: "Thegrate is crippled. You can also," said the' half-brother. "When I have have no fire here." warmed my benumbed hands and feet, I will " When the master of the house is abroad, retire." the domestic machinery gets out of order," .Richard hurried away with fraternal haste. muttered Stephen.' r have servants, but I Stephen settled back in his chair, and seemed am not served. My chills are coming,! Ac- to forget that the air was chilly and the room cursed be intermittents ! I. cannot wait for damp. He manifested some restlessness, fires to be lighted in the flues below. What frowned, and looked threatening. shall I do, Richard Y,"'.. In -ten minutes, 'the suggestive Richard His teeth chattered, and he stole a look came back, followed by a servant bearing a at Richard from beneath his overhanging brasier of burning charcoal; which he placed brows. 'His dark eyes glowed like smolder- upon the hearth in obedience to a gesture in fires. .from his master's relative.' 0 r . Stephen Parkhurst arose, and the seivant wheeled his large chair toward, the brasier. He resented himself, smiled blandly upon Richard, leaned forward, and held his hands over the pan. The- coals glowed, and shot little globes of fire at him. The heat fumed up against his chilled fingers and blue lips. he servant quietly' threw a cloak over his shoulders, and gave him the hot brandy and-water. He accepted the glass, and, hold- ing it untasted, looked dreamily at Richard. " You have not inquired about my old friend, Nornian," he said. * "No. I have been thinking of you, and not of your foster-brother. Remember, Sir, that I have not known him intimately, And never loved him. You were always fond of him; and some uncharitable persons fancied that the resemblance between you was rather too strong to be purely coincidental. But that is nothing. Slander is natural to .man. There are people in the world who would die if'they couldn't talk about their neigh- bors. 'The world is such a hypocrite that I hate it: It rails at the best of us. I have known it to wag its tongue at you. It has ca"Unkind world!" said Stephen, calmly. "How fares this Norman?" asked Richard, glancing at the brasier. u "Well. Very well. I -doubt whether he be not happier than either of us." He spoke carelessly, and sipped from the glass. " He has always experienced your charity, I believe," observed' Richard, with a less friendly expression.. "On my journey to .see my daughter, I passed a night with him in his humble home. The interview awakened memories that long have slept. I softened toward Norman Drew. I'shall bury all his infirmities."' Stephen Parkhurst sighed, and fell into abstraction. "It is better to forgive than to bear malice," replied Richard, with humility. "1Benefactions are better than curses," said " 'Stephen, nodding at the brasier in a musing manner.' "Curses are the froth and spume of anger.. I am making some final arrangements concerning Norman Drew." -"You can well afford to be charitable," answered Richard, uneasily. " But you are beginning.to-be comfortable,,and'I will leave you. Can I do anything more for you ?" He kept his eyes fixed upon the glass, which Stephen had not entirely drained ol its contents,. "No," responded Stephei,'impressively\; " yu can do nothing more for me!" He paused ; then, raising himself'-in' his chair and turning his grave face upon his half-brother, asked. 'ii " What is your business with me?"' - Not quite prepared for this question, Rich- ard Parkhurst hesitated, and was perceptibly embarrassed. " I believe," added Stephen, coldly," that you never call on,me for, naught ? Is there not some trifling matter that you .came to-see about'?" He held Richard firmly under his eyes, and seemed to look him through with his un- wavering glances. "Nothing," said Richard, "that will not keep till morning.. Pardon me for obtrud- in . You keow that I seldom trouble you." A bitter sneer flickered on the pale lips of Stephen Parkhurst. " I knew not,'"', he responde,,' "lut that you had reached the end of wit, and'had come to me in default of it.' Your ways are bad, Richard. They are more than bad, Richard. They are abominable! Do not suppose' that I have lost sight of you because I'do not often see ou. The path of' your life is crooked. ices and devices must have an end at last. Cards and cunning prosper not always. Beggary and burglary follow such beginnings. "Will.you never mend, Rich- ard?"' " You are severe, Sir,"'answered Richard, assuming 4n air of profound humility. "Se- vere, but not utterly unjust. With God's help, I hope. to begin a new life, Stephen." He drew a tattered handerchief from his coat- pocket and wiped his'-eyes. " I have, already begun a new life," 1Weep moderately, Richard, weep moder- ately !" returned Stephen, sarcastically. "Vio- lent emotion may injure you! However, let this pass. , We have not much in common. You live in the world, and I live in it ; and that is about all that can. be said of us. You can hope little from. me. I am not a gener- ous man. I never .learned to be heroic. Nearness of blood makes not nearness of feel- ing. The man that I love, is my relative ; and no other is akin to me. Being 'born of my mother makes no brother for me, unless the thought be brotherly. A sister is a. sis- ter, if her acts, be sisterly. I offer you no money, because the world is all before op, and -you can wrmg money',out of it. You have- a great. capital, Richard, to work upon. You have-craft, cunning, duplicity, chicanery, device, wile, trick,.and finesse for your capi- - tal. With these you hq4 pw rich. But you look not rich, Richard'l I am not rich !" muttered Richard. "But this is a subject, Sir, that is painful. The re- bukes of a friend are better, however, than the hisses of an enemy. You cannot re- , proach me,$#tephen, more bitterly than I re- proach myself. My ,conscience deals more severely with me than you have dealt. bo r' , Y ~ T i ', "r I 1 SIBYLLA JOY, page: 6-7[View Page 6-7] 6 SIBYLLA JOY. not spare me; for pity were weakness. With well to remain too long with burning h your high. notions o ' rectitude, your regular coal. However"-he looked at the coals--. habits, your ,austerity of life, my'iegulari- "there are not 'enough tohai'rn me I thnk." ties must appear to you in the worst light, and He pnshedback his chair, arose. and said, I expect no faith from you till my conduct carelessly, to his half-brother : has fairly won it." "Success to your reformation, Richard ! "4I will not'quarrel with' your young refor- Do not put yourself much in my way -till. nation; for I know it must beweak'in the your new life is seasoned somewhat by time. legs," replied Stephen, impassively. " If you will not' be ungenerous, however ; I will have found a niew .path,abd it be a good one, give you-mny blessing."' walk on. Your feeble feet have sometime s e drew in his breath, lifted his eyebrows, made a fatnl slip, when; the road, of your life and-depressing the corners of his mouth, nod- seemed smooth and smiling, and full of prom- ded his head at his relative, who scowled, ise. There is something prophetic in me to- set his teeth hard together, 'and covertly night, Richard. A melancholy mist hangs clenched his hands. He had diliculty in over my .miid. Shadows flit around me. mastering himself. Whence come, shadows ? Does death reflect ' Good-night, Richard." itself on fteground before us, Richard !" "Good-night,'Sir," said Richard, huskily. His deep-set 'and ealnuly-burning eyes were "He bowed and retired, slowly:losingthe turned upon his half-brother. 'The'charcoal door after hin y' c glowed in the brazie, and -the heated air.- charged with mephitic gases went purling CHAPTER .II. upward. ' 'L- Richard was standing on the threshold of, Stephen Parkhurst was alone. The serv- the door, evidently anxious to go. The cona- ant had gone. He stood motionless a few versation had taken a turn not much to his moments, then stepped qtickly to the door, liking. He' felt out of place, arid' like on and locked it. His next action was to place who is se&etly followed by'sure-footed us- the brasier of charcoal in the fireplace, where tice. The glances, of, Stephen alarmed him; the .drail' of" the flue' seizing the poisonous not because t sey were suspico r - e th ee e he cause they acre searching. The iconversa- was already_ freighted 'wsit ~stifling vapors. tion, too, had drifted to a strange point. 'He He'cfrew'doWn' the window' at the to), ald answered as calmly as he could: the oplressive exhalations began to eddy out. " It does,'no doubt. Banish-gloomy reflec- Stephen Parkhurst's 'lungs were relieved. tions. Doubt comes with darknesss, axed con. He leaned against the wall, and holding by fidence with the sun." ' ths window-sash, draih'in the pure atmos- " I seldom have doubt and darkness ' phere with gasping{vidity. Ste hen 'went on. " I cannot help tliinki " Unnatural villain !"''he muttered. "He of Ursula to-nio-ht. If she should be left would' kill 'me with c charcoal. Subtle de- alone in the world, and you should go on re- vice! 'Unparalleled diabolism ,' forming, Isuppose you would look after her, He paused.' The glass from which he had now and then." '' drank the'warm liquor was. on the table "aHeavef knows I would !" exclaimed Rich- where . the servant had plaiSe it. He hur- ard, with emphasis. ' " ried toward it, took it' up, and examined the "-Thank you, Richard !" said Stephen, ab- few remaining drops, by taste and smell. sently. Then added in the same absent way ."Drugged !' ezclaimid Stephei. " How the brasier glows ! There is a soul in He put the glds into' his secretary, and fire. It is not wonderful that some races of locked it in. men should worship that mystic element. - It " Drugged with morphine ! Vile schemer! was an in piratibn, almost, to think of a pun It is well for me that I aim used to the drug; of charcoal." " a fatal stupor would have followed else;a He bathed' his hands in the witnth-for-. the charcoal would iv6 '6rie the rest A gatful, apparently, that Richard was' in the Richard! This is another of your' good of- room. ' flees!' You. will soon pave -hell with our " Very wo charcoal !" he con. good intentions 'tou have doomed me 'dead. tinned. "It aleful and beneficent. You have watched'and waited man ear* There is life a ath In it. It is, lihe all for opportunity. ybu have been a ' 1e l other things, good or'evil, as we use it." -spiler, weaving webs to insnare. me; l He drawn the remaining'brandy and-water, wakeful nights to plan me out of the world and handed~ the glass to the servant, say- getting up ai the morning, brainracke with ing :' the plots of your pillow ; swallowing ip order " I will retire now. Be 'sureato come and With your daily bread, and carecin rithe to remove the brasier when I. ring. It is hot your daily haunts. I know you Richard." I l; have not forgotten anefatal injury, and I will not forget it now. You' have.' chosen your path, and, Heaven beingjust, you shall walk' m It, though you ge sweating horror at every stop. Time atones- fbr nothing;- it may deaden neanories,but it cannot dull the 'edge of justice. 'Justice is a-swoid that never rusts, and it :is "so bright, that guilt can see its face upon itspolished s 1rlace. The wrongs of one whose name I will not 'pronounce, ike the blood- of Abell call for vengeance. She shall, have it,' Richard. She shadihave Imost infamous* Richard"!, Heaven' helps me. I will gire you plot more' dark and impenetrable -than any you have ever con- cocted in'your midnightvigils. I will give scope to yourgenius for villainy. You shall have a free rein arid-a loose bit Inyour mouth. The track of crime shall be cleared for you to run your course. Drive on, Richard, -and see where you will stop at' last ; if it"be not under the gallows, it will 'not be forack of wickedness."' ' He paced slowlyto andfro whe he was thus muttering to himself, bitterly. " There-is Ursula," he continued. "In do- ing justice to Richard, mustI do injustice.'to her ? Let me ponder-well. Are my nerves steady enough? Is my will strong' enough? Rave I counted the cost? I think"I have.. I was'tlinking, thinking 'all the time Richard was with me. When he suggested' the bra- sier of charcoal, I-had an inspiration, which seemed to come from the :hovering 'soul of' ;orman Drew. I 'told' him I was going to ry all miy foster-brother's.infirmities; 'butI did not tell himn that my foster-brother was ready to be buried. Poor Norrnai ! His death shocks me. That he should die onthe way to' me, and at this'juncture, is singular. But I will turn his deceased to good accotilt." He took a long narrow strip of paper from his pocket. It Was a telegram, announcing the sudden, death,' at a station-house, not far, from the city, of one Norman Drew, who, while dying, had requested' that his body5 should be forwarded to-Stephen Parkhurst for burial. ' , " Gone before," .sighed Stephen. "First' home, that is all. 'Well, he died easily, and that is something.' He leaves. "neither kith nor kin to weep for him. 'It is now eleven' o'clock. At, twelve, his body will arrive. I must'receive it privately, at the'side-door., The strong resemblance that the 'deceased bore to myself shall furnish 'Richard adead half-brother. done to deg h within brazier of charcoaL It requires skill, adroitness, nerve, and secrecy.. 'In Paris, this would not be a sr c thsg athe Freh are so ful of cc 'centuiiand ' unnatu ral devices. Wyhy, then, should' it be ,'marvel in this motley' American city? But whom' shall I trust? No, one in this house is worthy of full cpufl- dence, saverSibylla ; and she is too young, to be a safe accomplice..:Nor have I the moral right to burden her with a matter so extrerge- l1 difficult to manage, and which.would cqn- tinually tax her brain for expedients. Young prople should not bet harried' and worried with -startling' mysteries. Poor Sibyllaj is, fond' of me; and she is grateful for the home I have: given her., What -is, about to. happen will shock'her. Grief will heal, though, and tears will: dr ,Yoking girls. do t~ot ptten die of sorrow. shall see my own mineral, and that will be a:novelty. I shall have two sin- cere mourners,'I think--my daughter and my protege.: ie went:to his secretary, he sned it, h took out a package of papers. e examihed them, andtupon some of them he wrote. ri- nally, he replaced the package, sayipg: " must-send for Magnus Drake. 'e .s most fitfor. these things. He is sagacious- he is prudent." Magnus Drake was Stephen Parkhurst's legal. adviser, a very "shirewd, and ,reliable gentleman. Magnus Drake carried perse- verance, faithfulness, and industry into -his business. He was cautious, and as earnest as he was cautious. Hewas adroit, and'hon- est as he',swas, adroit. He could be trusteid, both in' the-great and small affairs of 'life. If he was cunting, it was-for his client-; if he was subtle, it was for the truth. Tothisintan the thoughts of Parkhurst turned. "Shall I send ?" he queried. "There is no' one to'sehd. John has been tampered with ; he brought me,thedrugged brandy., John is a villain. I cannot 'eend John. I must go myself.. No; 'Iwill send Sibylla.' It is late, but the child has courage. The streets are still full, and no ne will harm her. a Just then there was a light knock at, the door. "11er knock," said Stephen, his couinte- nince lighting tp. "She comes at the right moment. -The good girl likes her protector, I -dotbelieve., ow" for the part I am to act. I dust be grave, to melancholy. She would remember afterward that the shadow of a coming event was upon me this night."' He arose, unlocked and opened the door, calmly and quie'ily. A.'young girl entered, timidly. Her eyes beamed, her-cheeks low- ed, and her fair lip smiled on Stephen ark- hurst. Her face eloquently asked:. "May I come8" She held out herchands. ' Stephen received them both in his, and looked down upoui her with paternal tenderness. 'His heart warmed toward her.- ije stooped and kissed lien fore- head almost reverently but.it was 'the rever- ence of innocence and 'trust ; of beauty and dependence. SI- hLA JY. . f page: 8-9 (Illustration) [View Page 8-9 (Illustration) ] 8. SIBYLLA JOY. "I am glad to see you," she said, and her attractive. ' Her forehead was not high, but expression bore testimony to her words. - . in harmony,.with the rest of her face. Her "And I' am glad to .see"you, little lady," eyebrows were dark and prettily penciled ; answered-°Stephen Parkh(urst, very gently. and. her hair, which was also'very dark, was 11e continued to hold her childlike hands. soft:and glossy.. Her nose was small and They 'formed a pretty picture--the man of regular.: ,Her mouth, too, was small, the lips fifty and the girl of sixteen. One was worthy being'foll-and rosy. An artist had called it a of being trusted, and the other was a creature sweet mouth, and wished ,to paint'it into to beloved. One was matured manhood and a pet picture of an PRastern princess. Her strength ; the other, ingenuous girlhood and eyes were bright and expressive ; they were faith: grave, they were gay ; they were arch, they "I was thinking of you, Sibylla," said were demure, they were loving,. they were Stephen. " My intellect has been asl ng my tantalizing ; they were intense, and to be be. heart if anyone loved me sate Ursu a; and lieved in. One could-see in them no lurking my heart said, Sibylla.," art, no latent hypocrisy In person, Sibylla m" Good heart !" murmured the girl, laying was light, active, and healthful. Her move; her head against his breast. "Your heart men *were quick and graceful, according to was always right." the inspirations of nature. These words were simple ; but the manner Siby laJoy had beentheprotegee of Stephen of their utterance gave them potency with Parkhursttever since she was a child of seven. Stephen.=, years of age.: She was now sixteen ; and so He closed the door and ledheri into the sweet .temper and'so lovely in person that room She detected a strange odor, and she w reatly endeared to her protector. looked with some surprise at the pan of char- In. the temple of Stephen's love she stood coal in the fireplace. - next to Ursula. Every kind word and every "I want a messenger," said " Stephen. generous act she 'had richly repaid by spon- " Will you be my carrier-pigeon lI" taneous. afection and tender faith in him. "Whither sall I a " asked Sibylla. He was her Providence;, and she worshiped 'jGive me'your commands, and let mergo." him as such. "It is late t" observed Stephen Parkhurst. "It is never too late to do your bidding," " Let me out," said Sibylla, caressing the repliedSibylla,'gracefully. hand that had cared for her. "I will write a note which you shall carry "It don't know, child," he answered, to Magnus Drake, with secrecy and dispatch. thoughtfully. " inam half afraid to send you. You muti;go out by the side-door, .and no I must be careful of my pet." one must know that you leave the house. I "Pear not, dear guardian. I shall glide will let you out ; andcyou.must'return in the along thestreets unobserved. I am riot very same manner, when I will let you in. Mag- large,. you know ; but I am very qick. I nus, I dare say, will, come with you. Are you am so healthy. Why, sometimes you can afraid?" 'Ihardly keep up with me when we walk "No ; dear father, I am not afraid when it together. Do let me go. I love to do your Is yon that commands.. Are .you well to- wishes." night?' You look pale." " You shall be my Mercury, darling," said "I think I am not altogether .well," Stephen Parkhurst. "I doubt whether the answered Parkhurst, sitting down and begin- gods had such a messenger. Come, Mer- ning to write.- - " My sensations are not curius." , natural, but do not be alarmed.- I halll live He conducted her through a narrow hall to long enough to disappoint myenemies. Go 'a side-door of which he kept the key. It quietly ,for your bonnet and shawl,. and was, in fact, a private entrance, communicat- the note will be ready when you return." ing indirectly with -his own apartments. Sibylla Joy. came back very soon. Stephen Stephen Parkhurst was eccentric ; and there gave her a sealed note, directed to Magnus were times When he wished to go out and Drake, 'attorney-at-law,' No. 7, - street. come in without epecial'observation. So he Shaplaced itin her boson, while her patron had a' private door and carried the key. regarded her earnestly. ' With-a few words of caution, he let out Sibyl. Nibyll was young, and of a smallcompact la, and' left the -door unlocked, so that she figure. She was a brunette. Her cheeks had mightenter without ringing or delay, when a dark, rich tinge. Her face was oval, and she had performed her errand. every feature was impressed with a peculiar "Heaven bless her!"'- sighed Stephen. beauty.; She was vivacious, hern expression "Strange it is that in this worildwe are com- continually changing. She glowed and peeled to give pain to those that we love. sparkled with every generous thought ; and But so it is. Is it because we love unworthi- there were moments when she was singularly ly? YNo; it is because life is pain and pleas- \ "I *0 1- to w \J1 page: 10-11[View Page 10-11] .'I ;. ,.h ' Y ¢ ' ' y t y ', + t SIBYLLA JOY.. 11 ure. There could be no world without good la, dropping his hand. " But perhaps I will and evil." prove to -you that I have the firmness of a He returned to his room. The brasier of woman.'- charcoal was still burning in the fireplace "Good night," said Stephen, yet more under the crippled grate ; but it was power- soft)y. less for evil. The deadly gases whirled' up "You have iron nerves," continued Sibylla, the chimney, to be lost in space. Stephen almost ready to cry; "but I know that you frowned,,and awaited the coning of his light- are mentally disturbed. You are going'to do footed messenger.- He Wrote various memo- something that taxes your strength, and I randa, ant placed them in a private drawer will find you out. I love to be near you, and among other papers. He was thus busied, you push me away. am happy to sit at when a soft little hand'stole over his mouth. 'your feet, and-you need o servant but me to The suddenness of the action startled him;, go, and to' come, and to nurse you, when you but, well knowing to. whom it belonged, he, are ill." A kissed i, without looking up, and asked : .- " Goy! ,Ge 1" gasped Stephen Parkhurst, "So soon, child? Did you find himt? Is evidently anxious to escape the penetrating he coming ?" - eyes and searching love, of Sibylla. ".He O" Yes, dear Sir, I havefound him, and he has:come. Go, good child ! Go, darling]", is coming,"- she answered. 'Then added, He closed the door hastily, 'and locked it, timidly : " Youiloolr tysteriois. What are leaving her standing in the hall.-' - you going to do? I-wish. you would take me "'One. needs iron nerves !" he muttered. into your confidence." " " That girl has nearly upset me. I love her, "tDo I really look mysterious ?" replied I do believes Ah, Magnus ! l.am glad to see Parkhurst. "I am sorry if I do ; for mystery you. Be seated, i.Magnus. I have much to is generally hateful; and follows upon the say, anddesire your private ear." footsteps ot'intrigue and concealment. Where Parkhurst dropped into the nearest chair, you find mystery you usually find evil." and, drawing his hand slowly across,'his "You are not evil," said, Sibylla. brow, added : "I trust not," returned Stephen, in a'sub-' "'The drug is heavy here, on my brain. dued tone. "If I do not adniit you to all my Villains ! you shall suter for this! In' my thoughts, it is not because my motives will own 'house, too! Conspirators in my own not bear scrutiny. Confidence, might- not house ! Draw your chair this way, Magnus. always make you happy,; and .in this' in- But first give me some brandy from that stance it would impose a -terrible restraint bottle. I a'm threatened with a narcotic stu- upon your actions. There are some things por. Powerful stimulants will conquer it." to which you are-not by nature fitted. What- Magnus-obeyed quietly; then, sitting down ever happens, trust in Magnus Drake.' Be- near Stephen, .,listened , to him. attentively ; sieve in him;' look to hin for consolation." while the coals' ins the brazier glowed and "To him I owe this home 'and your love. sputtered under the grate. There never was such a man as Magnus Drake. He took care of me, he fed, he . - CHAPTER III. cherished me, and, last and best of all, he - -NOluAN 'Dluw, brought me to you." Stephen Parkhurst made a statement of Her hand stole quietly into Stephen Park- 'facts. Magnus heard him with surprise ; but hurst's. - ' did not interrupt him till he had finished. He "Praise is his' due. Your lips speak his expressed doubts of his fiend's convictions ; praises well. Share your love between him but Stephen iet those-doubts with evidence. and me. You belong to us. And now, my He produced the glass from which he had dear girl,'leave me. ' I hear Magnus Drake drank the brandy, and showed him the par- at the door. We are about to discuss matters tiles of' mophine at the bottom. Nutmegs of great importance, and'must be alone." had been grated into the liquid, to disguise He led her 'gently to the door, and, with a the taste'of the drug ; but in the'mixed sedi- paternal benedition, dismissed 'her. She ment the white grains were'visible. As far- went reluctantly, looking back, hoping to be other testimony,;Stephen pointed to the bright recalled. She', came back without being coals On the hearth. An evil intention was bidden, whilehe was dOlosing the door. She too apparent to be ignored. Magnus pon- aught his hand, and placing it reverently dered, and made no additional attempt to against her heart, said, almost in a whisper: remove Stephen's impressions. It was mani- '\Hear it beat. -Do you think'it would be- fest that Richard Parkhurst, with' the com- tray'you? Do you think there is any secret plicity of John, the servant, had set a trap it wohld not keep for'gu ?' ' - or- Stephen to fall into. It was equally clear "Gobd night," said Stephen, softly. , to the latter that this profligate half-brother " You thinge maa-child I" exclaimed Sibyl- had long waited for an opportunityto perpe- t r page: 12-13[View Page 12-13] 12 SIBYLLA JOY. trate a crime revolting to civilized communi- a year ; and joy shall wipe the eyes of grief." ties, and shocking to the better, instincts of " Sorrow leaves scars upon the mind. humanity. Grief fades the cheek of beauty," said Mag- Stephen. Parkhurst, fixing his eyes' firmly nus. upon Magnus Drake, told him of the plan of "Your objections are logical," responded retaliation which he-had resolved to pursue. Stephen ; " but the do not change my pur- Magnus heard him with unfeigned astonish- pose. We will make the startling trial, and meat. 'He was startled at the' scheme that the grave delusion shall be long or short, as Stephen laid before him...,.At first thought, justice or mercy demand." - it appeared utterly impracticable ; but Park- Parkhurst looked at his watch. .burst conquered his objections with steady " It is the hour," he said.,"- " The dust of and unhesitating skill. . Norman Drew should be near. Will you "iYour whole plot," said Magnus, "has for enter with me into this plot ?" its starting-point, the resemblance between " I might well have asked more time for, Norman Drew and yourself. If that simili- reflection," replied Magnus Drake, seriously. tude Ile strong, and to the best of recollection "But as your decision is made, and your will it 'is, his body may successfully pass for firmly set, I willspare you further argument, yours. But the whole difficulty of this un- and act as becomes a faithful friend. If per- dertaking does. not lie in this particular. suasion could move you, I would persuade; There are other things to be thought of. but as persuasion persuades not, I drop oppo. Secrecy is to be observed in receiving the sition and fall into the current of your de- remains of Norman Drew. It must be known sign. I have myself an unpaid score with that the servants have retired 'to their beds ; Richard Parkhurst, and I would not be loth that there are, no -lurkers about the premises ; to settle it. that Richard Parkhurst is not in the imme- Magnus drew his usually mild brow into a diate vicinity, keeping watch upon the house. frown, and traveled back somewhat on the The embarrassment of the case-does not cease road of time,.to look at some of the old mile- at the funeral of your suppositions body. stones he hadpassed. Beneath the dust and The necessity of your keeping ont of sight moss of the milestones he found a hand- will be indispensable ; for it seems to me that writing, and read it, and went on again, in a you cannot venture to take the name and moment, with the interrupted thought. character of, Norman Drew. Richard- is - " Human nature is not so good a ting that cunning ; he Is bad ;..and being cunning and it forgives an injury. The mind is a vast bad, you will have reason to fear and shun storehouse, in which we garner up every real him. And-this, my dear Sir, is not all. You or imaginary wrong-where they lie in heaps will have much to contend with , Natural to lumber the brain and weigh ,down tie affection will assert itself. The tears of Ur- thoughts. We find revenge among the rub- sula and Sibylla will shake your resolution. bish.- He who treasures wrongs is not above I know that you have extraordinary strength ; revenge. What shall I do, first, Stephen but the grief of your daughter will appeal so Parkhurst?" . -. powerfully to your paternall instincts that "Go to thesside-door and wait," answered you will bid me go to her and reveal the the other, quickly.. " Those who will bring truth; not only to her, but to Sibylla, whom the body, know where 'to bring it. Have it you tenderly love. It is impossible that those brought to this room, quietly. I will step two girls should keep such a secret. They into this closet, so as not to be seen by them. would betray themselves.in a hundred ways ; That done, pay them liberally, and let them it would reach the ear of Richard, and then go. I thank you, Magnus, because you will adieu to the development of your' plot, and help me. I know what your help is. Your to the slimy twistings of your foe,.,which you help is good." expected to witness, yourself unseen." Stephen stepped into the closet, and viag- "Your remarks' are just," answered Ste. nus went out to execute the -wishes of his 'phen; "1! but the precautions which I shall take- friend. It was then ten minutes of twelve' will, I trust, render your apprehensions un- Stephen remained in the closet till the clock called for. What you say concerning Ursula struck twelve, when the opening of doors is reasonable, and, with persons, of ordinary warned him that Magnus was returning. firmness, would be conclusive. But with Amid the shuffling of feet, he heard soin"- me it is different.. I am not organized like thing, heavy placed upon the table. lie many-I can adhere to a purpose; and I shivered, and thought of Norman Drew as never put my hand to a ,work and leave it boy. and man. There was' ashight delay; unfinished. Ursula will be shocked ; but then Drake let them out, lockedthes side- such shocks do not kill. Death seldom breaks door, and came back. Parkhurst .ame out the heart ; and you shall watch over her, of the closet and saw a plain box upon this Magnus. 'The deception shall last less than table. a e I BDIYLLA JOY. 18 "Was all quiet ?" he asked. pocket, and the chain around his neck. This "I heard nothing, and I saw no one stir was a work of some time ; but Stephen at- rin," answered' Magnus Drake. .tended to it, deliberately; and with much ex- "I think we are safe, though Richard is actitude of detail. The ungenial task was at cunning. Open the box, Magnus, and see length completed. The mold of Norman how this piece of mortality looks," said Drew was then laid upon the bed, and ad- Stephen. justed in a natural position,'to give the idea, "4What .shall I open it with?" inquired that death had come upon.him unexpectedly, Magnus. from an unexpected quarter. Magnus- ren. "I have an implement," said, Stephen, dered what aid was needful, surprised at the going to the closet, opening a drawer, and self-possession of Parkhurst.- When this taking from it a chisel and hamme;. ghastly toilet was finished, he could not but "There must be no noise,"he added, " We confess that the deception was well-nigh must modulate our voices to whispers. Take perfect. this instrument, Magnus,'and work softly." "This thing terrifies me," he said. " for its He handed,him the Chisel adding: success seems certain ; and that will be giv- " A hammer is too noisy. Luckily, there ing Ursula a cup of bitterness." Is it right ? are no screws to remove ;. the cover is Is it merciful ?" nailed." "I will not recede," answered Stephen. , Magnus commenced the work assigned "What shall be done with this box? It .him, with steady hands, and opened the box should be broken up and burned ; but that with but little noise. The features of Nor- cannot be, for silence must prevail here." man Drew were exposed to view. A mo- "We will take it apart," said Magnus, mentary awe crept over Magnus. But no "and the boards can be quietly conveyed to change appeared in the expression of Park- the cellar. 'Tis fortunate that the box is not hurst. His manner was grave, but not timid. painted ; the pieces will not attract observa- Firm assurance was in his eyes, though silent-~tion." pity was, in his heart. He looked at his - "The wine-cellar --the wine-cellar !" ex- foster-brother. Done with earth and done claimed' Stephen. "We will take it to the with care, he was peaceful enough. His wine-cellar as it is.- I have the- key of the mortality was at rest. . -vault, which I never trust with the servants, " What of the resemblance ?" asked Park- save when I send them there. We will put hurst, in a suppressed tone. straw in it, and fill it. with bottles of claret. "I think this face looks' as yours might, Its 'shape 'is ordinary, with the exception of were you brought to this melancholy state. its length, which is somewhat out of the There is a perceptible difference, however, common course. But we must risk some- This face is thinner-than yours, and the nose thing in whatever we do. Bear you the box, is large; yet the similitude is striking, and Magnus, and I will lead with a light. Or, I believe will answer your strange purpose." stay ; I will take one end, and carry the lamp " This is asking much of you," observed also. A six-feet box is awkward to handle. Stephen, calmly contemplating his, friend. Ah, Magnus ! See what they put us in when " Pardon me if I ask too much. You need we die ; and it would seem that they be- not touch this mortality, save to help me (ift grudge this much. Why cannot they give us it from the box. Many people shudder at more room. Should they crowd our mortal- the touch of dead men; but I do iot. Some ity so? 0 niggardly world ! 0 small- of the living I cannot touch without a shiver ; heartedvorld !. Look you, Magnus: Stephen but when the soul has-gone, that only which Parkhurst dies. He leaves a brown-stone is harmless is left. Were all my enemies house full of rooms, full of luxury, and full of dead, .I should have nothing to fear from servants ; and they take him from all -this them. Put your foe in the ground and his and put him in a painted box, so shallow work is done. Richard wishes to bury me, that it touches his nose and his toes ; so nar- knowing that buried people hold no mort- row that it cramps his shoulders and squeezes gages, azid that dead hands grasp no riches, his elbows ; and s disproportionate to the however tight they may have clutched the ambition-of man that it offends the eye." dollar-while living." " But the wine-vaults ?" interposed Magnus. They removed the body from the box and "Can we reach them unnoticed ?" laid it upon the table. The . box was then "We cgn," answered Parkhurst, with con- .placed upon the floor, and, Ste phen Park- fidence. " The servants should not be in this hurst quietly exchanged garmets with the quarter of the house at this hour. Besides, by, ,dead man. , He neglected nothing. He put a" little arrangement of my own, I have that his diamond ring upon Norman Drew's vinous',repository somewhat under my own finger ; pinned his diamond pin upon his eye, and can reach it by aprivate staircase shirt-bosom ; put his gold watch into his vest in the small hall of the side-door, which is ~, page: 14-15[View Page 14-15] 14 1BYL] ingeniously masked by a closet. I am a tem- perate man, Magnus, but I am choice of my wines, and I care not always to ring for a menial when my stomach or my palate calls' for a little old claret. There is nothing like being able to get things without ado, and without advertising your thirst in the kitch- en. It, shall leave this room by thesame-door * it came. Come, Magnus." "Always fertile in thought," responded the latter, taking up the box. Parkhurst opened the door-not the one by which Sibylla had retired - and with one hand steadied and lightened Drake's burden. :They bore. it to the narrow hall.- Parkhurst opened a small door :which revealed, instead ,of a closet, a flight of stone steps. They went down the steps with the box, end, depositing it in a .convenient place,. filled it with straw .and bottles. They packed it hurriedly, and laid the cover loosely upon it, with the direction, in black paint, which had guided it to the brown-stone house, in full view. They look- ed at their work, at each other, and left the wine-vault. CHAPTER IV. THE LIsTENER. Stephen' Parkhurst had arranged the inter- ior of his house agreeably to hisown ideas of convenience. '1he compartments devoted specially to himself were'upon the first floor ; and comprised' a sleeping-room, private re- ception-room, a small ante-room, and a li- brary. These were separated by halls, not as wide as the main hall, but sufficiently ample to suit the proprietor's notions of comfort. For the sake of quiet, these exclusive apart- ments did not front upon the 'avenue, but were situated mn the rear corner of the house , two of.them looking- out upon a cross-street, connecting the fashionable avenue with a less noted one running parallel with it. The side- door, by which Parkhurst had, received the, mortality-of Norman Drew, opened *pon this transverse street in an :unpretentious way, with a narrow stip of green and the iron fence .between,'with its guarding but ever- lockedgate. This gate had been left unlock- ed on the night to which attention has - been drawn. The room, in which the foregoing scenes transpired, was Stephen's sleeping- apartment, and was in the southwest cor- ner of the brown-stone house. East of it was the library,,and directly between these two and the main hall were the ante-room and the reception-room. When Parkhurst closed the door upon Sibylla Joy, she was left standing in the hall, between his reception-room and his sleeping-1 apartment. There was no light there, save what crept in from the, main hall, where a single burner had been left burning. LA JOY. ,Sybilla liad' curiosity, but it was not of-s malicious and obtruding character. She we above the meanness of .eavesdropping. She would have shrunk with repugnance from taking a- single step to steal the confidential words of another ; but while she stood there in the obscurity, she had troubled and anx- ious thoughts concerning Stephen Parkhurst, which inspired her with an inquisitiveness far different fromhmousing curiosity andncom- mon cunning. She had noticed, closely, the deportment ofher guardian, and all that was prophetic in herpure young soul assured-her that matters were not flowing in their accus- tomed channel, and that something out of the ordinary cdurse- was about to happen. His seriousness, his impenetrability, and the sending for .Magnus Drake at such an hour with the observance of so much secrecy, awakened startling suspicions. Had Stephen Parkhurst become disgusted with the world? Had he seen enough of life -and was he pre- paring to look at the other side of the pic- ture,? It was possible. uch frightful things. often happened. Peraps her generous pro- tector was not beyond temptation. Tempta' tion is liable to take the best of persons and conquer them. urmi7seslike these disturbed Sibylla and shaped her actions. She felt an ir- repressible desire to listen, and watch in some manner the conduct of Stephen Parkhurst. She knew that it was mean'to listen ; that it was mean to watch-; but she loved him who had given her home and happiness ; and her love held her spellbound near the door. She sat down upon the floor, or rather knelt upon one knee, and leaned her head against the door. She heard Parkhurst's voice; but it was low and the words were indistinguish- able. Magnus Drake said. but little. - Now and then he made a brief reply, but his utter- ances were also indistinct. She remained motionless till her limbs ached, but was no wiser for her pains. Magnus went out after a time. The going out was evident enough. She did not think he would come back ; but by and by he returned. What surprised her most was that he did not come alone; she judged by the shuffling of feet that at least two persons were with him. That mystified her ; nor did the mystery grow less as the mo- ments went on. Those who entered with Maghlus departed ; her hearing told her that. . Why did they move softly in Stephen's room? Why did they speak in suppressed voices or in whispers . Anew sound reached her attentive ears. It was a crepitating, rending noise, like draw- lmg nails ekutiously, or prying against some- thin&-that offered strong resistance, and yielc- ed with creakings and complainings. Sibyll&'s heart beat strangely. She endeavored to Jok through the k le; but the key standing verticalifr in the lock, filled it and backed her curiosity. She arose, and glided along- the hall Jill she reached the next;.which ranat right angles to it, into jhe main hall in one direction, and, to the- side-door in the other. She paused at 'the corner of. the mysterious room. It was well 'that. she stopped .there, for tine side-door of Stephen's room opened, almost immediately. ; She shrank back out of sight. Parkhurst and, Drake were carrying the box to the wine-vault. Sybilla was s8 timid and so inuch agitated that.she did not lobk after them, and they passed 'through the ball-door unseen by leer. Herheart fluttered, her lips trembled, and her respiration was painfully -quickened. 'She wished to glance into that apartment ; one hurried-Cast of the eye would be enough. The opportunity was favorable; it asked but afirm foot and pur- pose. She was turning to obey this impulse, when she observed that more light suddenly streamed in the main hall. She instantly re- membered that Stephen Parkhurst had spoken of secrecy. .,He had certainly manifested a -stron desire to be free from interruption, She considered it her duty to guard him from in- trusion, whateverhe was doing. Would he do wrong? Her love said" No". Standing a little back, and gathering her skirts closely about her, she kept watch of the passage, and soon heard the creaking of shoes ; a very slio'ht and suppressed creaking. ' A face pres- ent y pushed into view ; a stealthy and anx- ious face ; a face that had - expectation and terror in it; a face that had guilt in it. Sibyl- la recognized those features at once. It was John Jerome, the servant that had brought Stephen the hot brandy and water. ,His name was John Jerome Douglas ; but .they called him John Jerome. The Douglas had been dropped so long that he had nearly for- gotten it. He had come to the conclusion that two names would -call'him through life as well as three. There was only one thing the 'matter with . John Jerome ; he was wicked. He would have been a good man, .had' lie not been wicked; but wickedness got a side-lock upon him, and gave him a heavy fall, from which he never recovered. John Jerome never wrestled with sin after that fall. He was up for the highest bidder, and down for the lowest offices. His deeds had found a record upon his face. It was a countenance smutched with evil' thoughts. Sibylla did not like John Jerome. 'er dislike dated from the moment that he set foot within the portals of the house. It appeared to her that if God were going to make a hypocrite, he would make him in the shape of John Jerome. - Hypocrisy is a vile thing ; so vile that all the World is fond'of it, and runs after it, and practices it. V4 Sibylla had an instinctive. fear of Mn, Her communications with him had ,e-b limited to simple corpmands, and no nore of them than needful. HIe put restraint upon himself in her presence, and practiced ct ' 'simulation ; but the girl was not deceived. She saw through the flimsy, vail of respect$ and distrusted him still. Seeing that face, at that hour, with its cun- ning and stealthiness, alarmed her. Some- thing was afoot. The house was not going on in its usmal orderly way. W4iy should he steal into the hall on tiptoe?. There was ap evident' purpose of watchfulness in his ma- ner. Sibylla fesolyed that he should come no nearer. She thrust her arm forward, .4 waved it slowly up and down. Her aim and hand looked ghastly white in the pale spectral light.of the hall. John Jerome saw the hand, thought of 13elshazza'r, and fled. She heard him hurrying along the - hall toward the servants' quarter. @he ran after hIm, and reached the. corner in tine to see his back as he passed through the door. Satisfied that this spy upon the actions of her guardian had gone, her -feelings of curiosity returned and drew her, footsteps back.. She glided, shivering, to the door through- which Stephen and Magnus had borne the box ; but lacked courage to turn the key and look in. She put forth her hand several times, and her resolution as often failed. She asked. her conscience, if she had a right to satisfy her inquisitiveness in such a manner. To hover around interdicted spots ; to lurk at keyholes; t'o lie in. wait, at. unexpected places ; to play 'the spy upon' the actions of one she-loved, were things in many respects, repulsive to her nature.' Hence her nervous flutterings and her faltering fears. She grasped the key and turned it'with a spasmodic motion. Magnus, havin pm sse4 last, had turned the key and left it in the l6ck. Stephen would hsve put the key'in his pocket, being a man particular in do- tails. Sibylla Joy pushed open the door the width of her face, anduplifted her pyes. She saw 'nothing. Yes, she saw somethin-- 'the foot of.Stephen's bed-and the foot of a men. She was not certain about the latter ; f9r her trepidations obscured her sight, and her haste baffled herself. She durs not look again ; for she heard Stephen and Magnus returning. She closed the door, locked it, ang flitted back to the other hall, where she aused, determined to put the personality of the two persons beyond doubt, by ' ocular evidence. phe peered around the corner, -and doubt vanished ; she saw Stephen un- locking the door and Magnus behind him. Sibylla had not in the least lessened the mystery ; on the contrary, she magnified it, $I $YbLA JOY. ,; i i i 3 r ;' { f , , , , * I page: 16-17 (Illustration) [View Page 16-17 (Illustration) ] 16 - and caused.it to assume vast proportions. It was a simple concealment at first ; it was now a bewilderment. She flew to her first ambush, and tried to hear something that -would guide her mind and shape her thoughts, or at least direct them toward a a given point. , Thus far, her surmises had received no impul~e to' push them on to cer- tainty. She learned but. little by her re- newed vigil. She heard the name of Richard Parkhurst mentioned several times; but its connection with the conversation entirely eluded her.' She finally retired to her cham- bet, disappointed, harassed by vague appre- hensiops, and followed by gloomy forebod- ings. CHAPTER V. DUKE MARMADUKE. Richard Parkhurst reached his lodgings at eleven o'clock.' He lived on a street-more noted for Its mysteries than its morals. His lodgings were more obscure than elegant, but much in harmony with hiis life and hab- its. Richard had nobody to take care of but himself. Had he had any one to. take care of but himself, that boy or girl, man or woman, would have been poorly cared for. He could not take care of himself; at least, he had not. He had neither fallen into the waeer nor into. the fire, but he had fallen into evil company and into evil ways. Neither had he starved to death nor gone naked ;. but he had fed his qpul on husks, and covered it with rags. In some manner, Richard had beexi born wrong and gone wrong. Richard's nature was in- verted, either through fault of Fate or fault of his own. His moral sight saw things up- side down,' and after a while he came to think that that was the way for them to be. He was very acid' inside, was Richard ; and he liked the world as little'as it liked him. He considered the world a miserable concern. Human creatures, in 'his, ethics, were raven- ous beasts, fighting for the crumbs Of life,- and tearing each other cruelly.. He mollified his mangled conscience by. pouring into it the oil of this sophistry. He affirmed that there was no difference in mankind. One was as good as another ; and, none better than himself. They were scrambling for ex- istence, and he was-scrambling too. Some whined, canted, and driveled, while they were scrambling ; but he, scorning hypoc- risy, snarled and snapped at the hands or feet that annoyed him. He had snapped and snarled so much, that a furrow was drawn obliquely across each cheek, and his brow was knitted into a chronic frown. Cunning was his counselor, hypocrisy his helper. In his daily walks he met no one whom he -would not as soon have out of the world as in it.' To eat, to drink, and to wear, were to him the chief ends of existence. He aspired, however,to good eating, good drinking, and good wearing, without a single scruple re- specting the methods of attainment. He had nothing to lose ; millions to gain. He had a strong intellect, badly willed. An' ar- rant schemer was Richard. He lived, moved, and had his being among 'broken plots and pyramids of abortive projects. Artifice and shift, cabal and alternative, had a fostering parent in Richard. They 'brooded in his brain, and perched nightly among his fan- cies. Richard, while fumbling for his nightkey, saw a lighttistreaming through the closed blinds, and knew very well who was within. It was his friend, his familiar spirit, his prompter, his suggestive Satan, Duke Marima- duke. This man came and went athis own pleas- ure. Sometimes he remained days and weeks-with Richard ; then disappeared with- out warning, and returned without notice. His fiittings were eccentric, and as numerous as eccentric. He. had a key to Richard's lair, and could go in and out at will. . Duke Marmaduke was an Englishman. He often boasted of-his blood ; but of that the author knows nothing, and cares less ; being more interested in his actions than in his fluids. Whatever had been. his trials, sufferings, and temptations, they had not affected his ap- petite ; he had accumulated more fat than grace'; and his stomach was larger than his charities. His digestive arrangements were of the most ample description, and had as- sumed such rotund dimensions as to push him backward, and give his figure a palpable strut ; not so much indicative of pride as of paunch. Marmaduke -had short fleshy legs, short fleshy arms, and short fat hands. His shortness did not stop with the members mentioned'; he had a short neck set upon broad shoulders. It was thick and fat, and his throat'was white. His skin was fair, his cheeks, puffed' and rosy-; his lips, red, full, andtsensual, witir white but irregular teeth showing through them. 'He had what are vulgarly called "cat-teeth" in the angles of his upper jaw, which, being long and sharp, gave him the appearance of a carniverous animal. His forehead was arched like a bent bow, and not very high. This forehead, set upon his round cheeks, made his face look like a full moon, ruddy and beaming. His hair, which was light and thin, was parted in the middle with much care. His eye- brows were a shade darker than his hair. Marmadnke's eyes were small and round, and of an indescribable gray. They shone in the dark like a cat's. He sometimes wore specta- cles with tortoise-shell bows, the glasses of "4 ,'. ' 0 0I 4' 0r 81BY15LA JOY. ,I page: 18-19[View Page 18-19] IV 1, , rye- 4 . . ( n / f " . , 1 i"t rS.a r -,C y k ' ,r 1 l J 1 t _ 7 } 1 . , 11%Y1A b'.S which were of peculiar construction. When or ilie- fal" 9f a, foot. Eschew eanness, he played a friendly game of' cards,,for 'a Richaid..," stake large or small, at a certain fashionable "Give me good ,heer," then, muttered gaming-house, he invariably 'wore those tor- Parkhuret. "With good eating and -good toise-shell helps. They tode jauntily on his drinking'I night grow fat,.I suppose. twine blushing nose. There vas a mystery about and Znislimen grow fat with good .eating those glasses. and go housing." In is irtbosom lher' Was a flaming " Tt's the'oi'der of nature," returned Duke, carbuncle of large size. It was a wonder- serenely. ." Go thou and de like wise. if the ful carbuncle It was' full of rosy light. leanest animal can grow fat, why not man, Sometimes its quenchiess fires looked- like with his, voracious appetite and his. vast blood.' It flamed 'into Richard's eyes when power of digestion?" he was talking with Marmaduke. It hadthe He paused;, then added: power of a charmm for Richard." It was~ a "You're anxious,:Parkhurst. 'Whathave sleepless eye that winked and blinked at him. you been doing ?" He had dreamed of that carbuncle when his "Followingtbad counsel," replied Richard. nights were, troubled,, and his slumbers were " Then you have been at work, which, is haunted. not-my counsel. I've always advised you On the fat little finger of his fat right hand not to work, Richard. Work is not for gen- Sashed a large diamond, which, like its tlemen, but for ljockheads. I have never owner, had its fittings and disappearances, done a day's'work, and I-shan't have that to its goings and its'comings. , It darted white think of when I come to die. I told you how rays at Richard, and excited'his envy ; but it to be rich without work, long ago. The way had not such a hold upon his imagination as was open before you. You had only to fol- the carbuncle. It is, doubtful it he would low your nose to run into a fortune." have ,touched the latter; but the diamond ."Ishouldn't wonderif it run: any-neck in- would have tempted him sorely, had it been to a halter," said Richard. "With your hints In his way. There was a great 4eal of life.in and your prompting, your philosophy and that gem, as Richard defined life, His life ydur: John Jeromene I shall be hangedlat last.'? was appetite, nourishment, warmth, shelter. "Dear boy !" murmured Marmaduke, bland- Richard Parkhurst entered with downcast ly. "Poor Richard is a lamb! !May his look and reticent air. He nodded coldly to wool never go to the shears !" Duke Marmaduke, and threw himself into "The air was chilly, and the room was the most convenient chair. 'It needed, 'little damp," quoth Richard, musingly. penetration to see that Richard was 'niot in ,a "Goon, my son," said Duke, paternally, social'iitood, with an encouragmg.gesture. His friend sat by'A, grata, in which some By this time Parkhurst had fixed his, eyes coals were smouldering-uis:feet resting upon upon the carbuncle, and its red laine drew the back of a Ahair in an easy manner. ie him on. was smoking ra fine cigar, with, an' acute. ap- "Listen, Duike. Ihav been at'Stephen preciation of its fiavor. Wile 'the smoke Paikhursts ,house.: He, had just returned curled lazily from his red: lips, he watched front a journey. He received mge coldly ; but the countenance of' Riichard ; and after he perhaps with, as much graciousness as I had had silently fathomed his sullen waters, re- reason to expect." marked: He stopped. The carbuncle became the " You've brought'honie that miserable face color of blood. again, Richard. 'I hate a, miserable face. "The air was chilly and the room was Look -at my face. My face isn't miserable, damp," he repeated. " Stephen being cold, I is it ?"' gave him charcoal." "It newer will be," answered Richard, " Oh acoal " said Duke, nodding. complainingly.' "Stephen being cold, I, gave him hot " No, it won't !" saidDuke, with emphasis. brandy," resumed Richard. "Why won't it ?, Because I won't let it.' I Duke Marmaduke took his feet from 'the was made to keep above the tide, and I mean back of the chair, drew it ;tohim, rested the to keep' above it. Myhead fa like a cork,; elbow of bis left arm upon it, removed the you may push it down as much as you've a cigar from his mouth, and looked earnestly at mind to, and it would bob up again. Keep Richard. , fat,, Richard , keep fat. A lean man, never'll " Pause t sere,"i he said, shaking his dumpy do anything in this world. A lean mpan is finger at, Parkhurst. "Dona tell all;,leave like a hungry dqg, halting, and sneaking, and something tomy understanding. You order lurking around backwards, with guilty eyes' ed a' pan -of charcoal to warm your brother. and unsettled look; afraid of his dwn shadow, But no man will sit and snuffcharcoal till he and ready to run at the creaking of a door dies-especially one who will benefit others I l 1 J Ott - " - " - .. " . _ a r f r R " Y ,a v ! e .l" " 'F_ page: 20-21[View Page 20-21] P'A *1' by his eath._We cannot e pea such good- bas on earth. There is- a 'point fidiard, where benevolence must stop. Stephen not rein; likelfs: in a ndrint gaditiont cend 'his life 'in smidke, you gave him brAa and 'tvatei with adi'ug in it.' The drugwoi~ld'de- lude -his senses, and the charcoa wottld 'do the rest. To cheat his watchfulness 1q opheat -him of life." "A shrewd guess. Always 'awigerd al-, 'Ways uspecting ; always tracing chief. What do you think of i, Mimadu e "I will tell you toupaorrow "huswere the, oth r, slpigging his shdilders. .4 o-norrow I' excliined Riehai'd. "It will be a long to-morrow, and a' longtnight. 'here never will be 'auch a fight anid or- "s Spare sentiment, Richard., 'eep your, head' atop of the water, nd spare us' senti- nitent. 'Leanamen are apt'to niorali e." " The- whole tlin'g;" said 'Richard Parlk- hurst, "witsrnpretneditated.' The opportu- nity came unasked expectede, though not, insought. I seized upon a thought and acted upon it at-once." "Pidhe loolc atyou'?" askdDuke,qgnetly. 4Strangdly, how and then.' Stephen always' bad ivay ofmakingme shiter.:e, told me the plaintruth,-too,' and 'it eit lik' a knife. 'hate him ftr hid cold, biingsarcaim."' The carbuncle seemed to wink, afring- 1y, at Richard. He mentally nam it the{ dhvi)'e eye.' " Did he drink thebrandy V" inquired Duke Mirmaduke. ' "To the last diops," replied Richar : W"Whatconcealid the taste ?" It -was flavored' =with' nutmeg, and was sweet with sugar." 4i And Johnr Jdrome'was in the secret ? H0 'knows what bhe is there 'br,""qdoth iihamd,' frowning. "An accomplice is a bad thing," observed Duke, thoughtfully. " I think your plot will fail, =Richard. 'The thought itself was shrewd enough, and was no doubt suggested by your demot:r ., . ' S yA M .demon was here with the carbuncle,", said 1Richarj, nodding at the namingg psone. "The chances are against: your 'drug, and against tour!charcohl," 'added Duke Marna- duke. "'Your half-brother was' not bhorg a. fool. A,'pehetrating devil walks at h4s elbow and; inspires 'hin with inning.' I have watched'Stephen Parkhurst somewhat. Let as suppose, howedr,:that the attemptwill'be successful. You will be pretty much where you 'are nbW. Thuerei be' a -rincess 'be- tween -you' and tli' throxie. - Your relative has daughter.I The girlhas:no stomach' for chireoal, perhaps.' yhe may'have a childish fanc to liveO to ount some pf her father's hu reds of thousantsp. Thatwoultd be awle- -watd, I ichiard." " armadi e threw the stump of hiM cigar into 'th6 gate, and glanced at Parkhiu'st, to see wha his fMce Was pressingg. "Tine enough to hink of that," he answer- ed, with tna'tiende. havee somne crude notions of my own; b1u if I fail expehicnt, I'll ask afat devhlo help me." "'Better come t mi;" daid puke, smiling . "I have been to ' u tpopuc'," responded Parkhurst, shutting Ihs yds,:to shut Qt t the red glow of tle carbunle. 'I used to read Milton when I wast" boy. Yo naae ine thint of the toel th t'Wbispcrecl 1 the'ea of Eve ; it was 'a out a p le, I teliey. A n ipple dreadful dispord mae. I hate frit. Gut down all appletreea, Duke, and there'lI I no more of that." . . " You sae. a tree, yourself, Pick ;l a shriveled 'tre: Your' foliage is dead; our sap is cold;; youi bark's Withered, and you bear no fruit. Iie,: you. dco bear fruit; but it is not fruit niedt for repentance. Ahe, Rich- ard ! Yo willie cut doW4 sobi. You have cumbered the garden of Nature 'a long time. I have digged ibout yop; r'have watered your toots with fy tears. - idhard, I have eh austed the arts of borticulture in vain. With all Inf scraping and triimming, youdlo not thrive.. There is a dry-rot in you, Rih- ard,'that the devil cannot cure." The kind-hearted gentleman was patriafch- al in'his -tendernei.' Oondescending benig- nity beamed oh hidbxubescent lieeks 'fls fresh liis smiled m soft mockery of Richard. He was like the velvetpay 9f puss then she draws'in tlie'pointed dlaws an pushes it out gracefully for a game of catch. "How can you be so calm and content, when I em 'dn:$he rack'ot suspense !" ex- claimed Richard. "'u provoke me with your serenity! I'iihk of the situation-rea. lize it if you can. I haVe contemplated thi* deed for a longtime; but have' not felt'aits horrors till now. I am sweating with seci'et dread, -and you sit.and show your white teeth at me.' Think of the' blistering coals'; the escaping gases; the subtle, penetrating in- yader of the citadel 'of existence, pouring in at every gatO of life to make death. Picture him .alone, standingby his bedside, igvwing straugaly sleepy. He'yawns, he yieldsto t he stealing stupor:' he makes a feeble i ttempt to throw off his dressing-gown;' but his failing fingers' fall faltering to his side, and stagger- ing forward, he sinks supinely upon his couch. All things swim and swirl before his sight. Sense,'and sound, and eight go unt to- gether.. Pa'lidness grows upon his cheeks, and deadly dews gather upon his brow." His 'chiti drops, his respiration becomes difficult, and rattles 'in his throat. He inhales death. '8wy: IAA , QY'. i ' ,? ;. . '. 6 i 4 i ,I ,.r' F" .y Y SIiikL soY.2 'that w h iich w arm s hi kid llh s i . ..H is heh l .qa d self-guideil villain. I m ind l i pulses sink, his blood grow thik,,his heart- cahui, and sit on au-even keel. My cofite- throbs cease; and6 themachine TU sdoWn ;; nance i smooth and full, w t'th e.florid and there is no more sleeping and waking." blush of health and cos tet upon it. I liave Richard broke frond the chiriu of the car- a good appetite. and a good 4igestion. bundle, and looked wildly at Duke. giever work. I shave never soiled my aids, "Pretty, upon my soul. Go on, Dickard." with the dirt of this earth--they re ast fafr Parkhurst dropped 'his tdce into his hands; and plump. as a woman's. I conceal lie cursed iis luck, the world, and' everybody thouiits, and I coi'geal my that lied in it. ie y wits, as a genteman ou, ive t Yodi might have gokte rather, Richard, I know that I must take care of.niyself. I added Duke. "'You might have painted the have given up the idea'of legacies andg eaps sur rise in the morning;'the consternitiosi; of gold. Im a manipulator. t nianipuiate the hurry-slsurry of feet ; the hurly-burly; the tools of this worlii, till their' money passes the ferment ; the tumult; -the riot ;the tum- front their poclketh iuto niipe. $ometn es ,It pus; the vortex; the whirlpool'; the topsy is difficult-sometuge it is easy; bit, at the turvy; the babel within. Then conic Ursula hardest pinch,1 refuse 'to give up an die. and Bibylla. Then come weeping aiid wail- You are of a different order. , I am a sweet rig'; screeching and screaming; whining villain ; you are a sour villain-in fact, acyh- and' whimpering ; sobbing and. sighing ; mut- Ical, crabbed, coiplaniung, corroding, con- tering' and" murmuriri Then appears a temptible, careWOrn villain. You are trucu- funeral, with hearse and horses; coaches andlent, disagreeable, malevolent, evil-minded, carriages ; drapery and drapery ; snIiveliig disobligin, grim, churlish, surly, andpritdr-., and driveling; with tiestly monodies on the giving. ' Yogafre cold-earted, but not cool-' dead ; jeremiads, elegies, and dirges ; and a headed. ' You are 'arulian, a savage, a mis-. solemn laudation of virtues which he neve- anthropic monster. You make people ate had. "That's the way it goes; Richard. Putyou by your rudeness. You snap aid snarl six feet of earth on a sinner and'he becomes before you are hurt ; ant you mistake fear foi a saint. .Take your family-parson, and set relnorse, and starvation fo1. repentance. Your him upon the parish-tostrum, with a book in ashes of consciegce are lik heat-ligb ihn , his hand, 'over your cold corpus, and hell without report and .of' brief iuration. I O whip you up t heaven-in the twinkling of net think I 'ever found so uncomfortable a an.eye .especially if du've paid your church- kneve as you are, Richard." tithes promptly and without grumblin I see one man followingg that funeral, w ose By this time, Richard wds under the eye of form is bent with voiceless woe. It i a thin, the carbuncle again. elistened to Marma- lean man, rather shabbily dressed, and half duke with a lowering expression and ocea- brother to the deceased. I' pity that man. Sional gleams of- fierceness. He 'is' full of tears and fears. His cheeksI' "I. get along; with you after a fashion," hav'e such a water-shed, that he nearly *ashes' continued Duke. "I have given yOu advice his relative out of'the grave where they have and bbrne your ill-temper. I have helped laid him. That sorrowful Creature looks like you much, first and last.. I shall expect snu you, Richard." , uarters in the brown-stone house, Richard. 'It is impossible to describe the ininuating Don't prove tingrateful. Whenyour courage sweetness'of Marmaduke's' tone. The words' halted, I pricked it on. When you Were flowed from his smiling lips' like honey; hungry, I threw ou such crusts as I had. while his eyes shone on Richard benevo& You've been troubled by nobody's friendship lently. but: mine, Try to be clever. I have lent "Mocking devil'!" murmured iichard., you John lerome-make much of hiui. You, "91n i' villain-a foulvillain; but' I don't will end in Macbeth if you have courage scoff at everything. I can do something be- enough ; but drop his fancies when the deed sides' smile. I.can be serious when there Is is done. Do not catch a diseased nud from' occasion. You have no conscience. Imagine nirder. I Would' not live in the brow-stone yourself standing in these boots." house with a inoping, muttering. mistrustfmi Richard thrust out his feet. ' man who, through fear of justice, leada ,life "I never stand in patched boots," said' of misCry. This ends' my sermoni., Whpn Duke. "Now, mark me well, Richard.. You you are, ready, I will tell you what to.do with see that I am holding up my finger. INow Ursula." look straight at me till I drop my finger. I He settled back leisurely In his seat, have heard you patiently. I hear every one stretched his legs across the other chair, and patiently that "chooses to wag his- tongue, shut his eyes peacefully. He looked like a Coolness and self-government are the essen- man with a good: conscience. It was a very tials of success. if I am a villain, I am a easy, oily conscience; and' sip slipped over it page: 22-23[View Page 22-23] 2h 8IB YL A TJY.. with wonderful facility, leaving neither traeh, stain 'nor sc r, visible to the common eye. "h rsula " repeated Richard.' That little word made him muse.- That was a questions which troubled him.' Ursula walked' continually before' his inaginstion.' She gave' hii ferar'd peplexit. Sliould' the brasier 'of charcoal'.doits oigle 'upon' Stephn arkurst,'Ihis datighter would 'be' left destroy the frtits of the first drime apd lad'hiato theh efpetration oiWnntter,, u natural 'd villsia ous. He plunged into a horrible bath of'meiaysib'. E tied to decide'which was the west' thesendig of a y'oung'girl tQ heaven; dr of' an old Jman to a do btful place. He floiuidered about in this black pool of fancies;n'ifd If for a, moinent during tiat'long night he fell into a doze, he: dreamed of Charcoa. CHAPTE ,VI. TRE EBoWN-sTO E 'oUSE. Tlare was 'consternation at', the brown, Stone house.' Stephen Parkhurgwas found dead in his bed. The roo t agsin disprdgr. There was a brazierr with 'ster'ashes in it upon the hearth. . Near 'the 'brasier was Stephen's eas-clair. . Stephen was lying partly upon1his sde, dressed as he had been the previous'day. His face was pale--his en- pressi n 'eacflI He i'had not struggled much withithe conqueror o1 men' hut sink quietly intd'the arms of death. ierd Was a strong smell of carbon in the boom. 'T1he evidences, of self-destruction were so appar- ent that 'an inquest' was 'thought u sheces-, sary. The servants bf the house wagged, their heads, and in low tones 'Ave their ver- dict of self murder. Fifth avenue" said the same.' 1ew York repeated it ; and .thus it went oit- into .the world.-Bg soije, itlwas thought str nge that a ,nan with so' much moneyshould'take a carbonic bath,.aid feel it' for his interest to leave his principal be- hind; while 'others wdnderdd that he had net tilled.lhimself before; to shirk looking after so ihuch property., Very poor and very,, rich ppople have much trouble,. 'nd get out of it by exchanging heat fdr celd, animation for inanimation, ;certainty for uncertainty, the light of the stin for the darkness of the grave,, soundndss .for rottenness. Modern inveitidns finish ready"" means 'f eternal e it. 'Peathis 1s a plunge into the ground. The su positlou5 Stephen went down among the 'clods" and' there was lamentation at the brown-stole h Ouse. Rchard larkhurst was very friendly. l heard the news early in the morning, aid' was soon at the -Acene of the visitation. He assumed, agthori at 'once; and, ,in the ab- sence'bf' Magnu Drake',took Stephen's keys from his 'pocket, unlocked his secretary, opened a private rawer, and, to forestall cQntingencies, abstracted his 'relative's . last will and testament, and put it into his pocket This accordpiebed; he went into subdued melancholy, and bore up very well under his bereavement. Sibylla troubled him.' ,er genuine grief was an accusation of his crime, . She shrank from him, toQ,'and 'that displeased him and gave hih uneasiness. Trifles disturbed'him. His fears were easily awakened; *It was plain' to see that. ale 'avoided' him. More than, once, hp' sav her ldoking at the body with a strange expression,'which, with all his gun- ning; he could not understandd, le made up his mind that dhe, distrusted him. 4 guilty' person, has n oapetite for distrust '. The greater the crime loss he cares to have it, suspected. Spspicon is a~seed that grows rapidly whenItibgins to germinate. He did, not Wish that p cnlfie seed °to sprout at the bron-stone house.. When Ursula came, Richard quaked. Sibylla had givenhim trouble enough, and, li was tired of the 'teat's Whichhe hadcaused' to flow. :Ursula was lovely even in her grief. Richard' slunk away out of night. Re did, not feel'happy. He was full of evil ex ecta- tions ; but they brought small consolation for the wickednessIe had done and ths risk, he hpd run. His work was not .completed buit comniienced. A, winding; dangerous road, was before hiiwhich,he haldhosen to walk e. had ,fears of 'Consequences, but;no scruples. "His dreadof discovery;was greater than remorse.'' 'Duke Marmadpke was hiji- counselor. That a crime had bean coimpitted, lie afect- ed to be"-ignorant, and would not permit. Richdrd to make,,a plain avowal in his pres- ence. Marmaduke ,wsheditp be innocent of all;knowledge of Stephen's decease and'its' cause. ' Ie 'was too fastidious in his notions and too cautious, in his character 'toshare,' without hypocrisy, Richard's secret, The instigator and encourager of the suppositious murder,, and at, he rt the accomplice of Richard, with subtle policy chose to wear a 'vail of ionocence, and to; ignore studiously' what had been done. He:smoked his i ar,. watched Richeid's countenauce, and' adrotly directed his mxovements. Mariaduke Man- aged to be at' the 'guieral vithqt the com-, plicity of Richard, ,who was surprised-and startled at seeing hiin. le did not'notice Richard;. but, during the few moments that he remained in sight, ,kept his face turned toward the two 'principal mnguyners, Ursula 'and Sibylla. The, half-brqther felt uneasy. The' presence of'this man;worried him. ,Re was thereto observe the,'twa girls ; to study their characters; to draw conclusions of each. He was silently obtaining that wisdom , r i '.r r 0 I Ii SIYULLA 4OY, which is nQt profitable unto righteousness. They presently fell to plotting. Fuller He withdrew' quietly, and, when Richard thought she could use Richard, and Richatd again looked' for him, ie v*a not to beseen. thought .he could use. Fller.. Both saw lMIagnus Drake was very useful and very something glittering in the distance,, and chlm " The gfi of tie tlvo.gii'is isturbed looked forward with extectant and g ready hiin nowgnd then ;'but 1le quick recovered eyes. Thegroped aftereace other in'the'in- his equanimity. His deportment toward tricate wliiings of their own natures.' They theyn'w spaternal. Itswas evident t 'Ricli- soil touched' hands.Th ad that they relied oi him for .support :an " ave yoi: noticed the-grief of CT-sula ?* idr al strength He foiesaw a struggle wth ask'dRichasrd, ore day when ther had eons, Ste n arkhurst nman of business. .11e to understand eachoeher. percec d in him a most formidable comnba-' "I'hay'e noticed both her grief andher do- tait who would' yield the battle-grund ui portment," answered Lucretia, mysteriously. Williiglyfighting as he retreated; - , "You are a.woman of pbservation" added - chaid returned to his'lodgings in deep, Richard, 'bowing as if he reverenced hoer in- thought, fully determined to finish what he tellect. thdeu. .A feverish dmbition worked "There are things which one cannot help within him. He did riot feel as le:had felt seeing,;" said Miss Fulle .' before the crime. His life was unnatural, " Poor Vrsula.!" sighed Richard. "I had and he slept less soundly. Tuke Marina- hbped that this malady would not appear. duke, however; was unchanged. Ie had a tut it is hereditary, and grief' develops it. good appetite ; he was. sleek and unctuous,' What shall we call it ?" and kept his head above ithe tide. Richard spoke softly, and leaned toward Miss Fuller, with some anxiety of expression. CHAPTER VII., "There is but one name for 'it," responded LUCiRETIA FULLER. the housekeeper, without hesitatie1. 'And Miss Lucretia Fuller, borne onward byr the that name is insanity." current of tinge, had shot beyond her youth- "It runs in the 'family," said Richard, fli years; and was getting, intQp(he numerals thoughtfully. madnesss is in the blood 'of that are'pairicularly odion's to women. She the 1arkhursts. It is a sad, a serious thought. was housekeeper at the broWn-atone house. To be out of'o e's self is to be in misery.' She was thin inperson, rather .above the or- "To be out f one's self is to be in a mad- dintry standard'height; with sharply-defined' houso,'' answered Lucretia Fuller, in a cahm features ; gray, speculative eyes.; firm,, thin straight-onward manner. lips, and a quick, watchful expression. Richard thrilled from his head to his toes. Thues far, she had traversed the road of life "It is well that We have mnet," he said, alone.' For-reasons of'her own, slie had lean- slowly, looking at her searchingly. " There ed upon no male;arm for support. iShe a is sdinetimes great gain in maki common either not been pleased with the beaux, or the. stock of wit and invention. ,ha we walk, bdux had not been pleased : with he. Miss ion together?" uller was iot lyithout ainbiion. She aspired' here was something peculiar in' Richard's to ease an4 afiuence. She was protd; end'd-, tone. Lucretia ,Diller shrugged her shoul- sired wealth because it would gratify lier ers, and laughed ironically. pride. She Scorned common people and ith "Walk on togetherI' slie repeated. "Whith- epinoa 6lot of humanity. She was waiting er shill'we walk? 'there are many paths in for some' 'rich gentleman to fall, like a ripe this world, Richard''arkhnrst. 'some are apple, at her feet-to be devoured. She ' was straight, some are crook d. Some are for one a lurker ,onthe highway of life, biding ,her to, walk in,,some arefor two or more.; I time, and lying low amidst.the concealments would not like to be crowded upon the way. of her character. 'I Would had a path wide enough to fdel free Shi had 'schemed for Stephen Parkiurst; and easy in." but that shrewd person had walked, untrap- "Mutual' advantages make mutual'ties," ped, over her snares.. He either did not -see observed Richard. We helpeach other to her' purpose, or did not wish to see it. His help ourselves. ~It is. the' universalbond. apparent decease opened a 'new field of am- It is the only brotherhood that existS." bition. Lucretia and Richard rew friendly. "4. good thought Ib* a bad than,"'ansWered T'ney mt "often, and tlieir acquaintance Liicretia. "I know'not that all trr as you ripered'into intimacy. Whatever might say, but I know that some are. I am. ready have been her age, she was not so old' as t' to scheme, when scheming promises a equet have lost her appetite for flatterf; and Rich= benefits' I see to what point you are drdtiiig a1d did not neglect to 'supply that pleasant' If I drift with you I shall expect soiniething. pabulum whenever it could be skillfully I cannot afford to drift' idly to sea. I am not administered. one to shut my eyes, to.be delgded ad to-be page: 24-25[View Page 24-25] iwi .iTanot died-dthatred drea shelll get'lon together. You take re tdpo fon rught.i r 11 ichar corimbgAshnse views o things, and I do lik k ti-it ghtsha t o.ry will, R cules deqonon s'nse in women."' I willi. I acknovwledge-n master :inlne 'I knoW who stands in your way," ressri. aid 9lal., You cannot use medforthe -tVed' Lhcietia, without minding hiS c 1pi- taimpen pyour ends, d;thenshhr me he-: nient. "Ven people standing otir w , cause you have dotte withie a tha;thee Io' s the to stand otit of it. One wo a to doh you will do well tb 4ndM stid e itch than fooli It it 'nat 'ali r tiedart., You md e,'a aiate4 litp I ,t , nunnis nation of man. Of coif' have none.'c f "ian tubehonest; but the ment al al "A master I" repeated Nlichard, fio o Ursula siay rddtt to your adva Mke, an ggeyo r I ere. It i 'a i at'thd L% re apuller spilled,, and 'skid dedr'child aread evinces the enp F arnma u e " d l be . atel magnesh. e'predi position s nin ichard changed color, and gazed at I,Ai m- 1e'r exce i rve giief inb e cretpm wite gned, surprs. She had nOaueboyi hr fi of di ton made an announceetthat ' tattled im. 'thewik pkg s of hereyed, and ,n the 'bolis He thoughtof the carcol vapor =tiand d166,ofb ul speech.' df Stehen, d ad in his bed., Wre this won "It is tp me ruM evident,"replie4 trich ae's suspicion 'on the.alert He loolped at a-d, nodding his head; but avoiding t'e eyed het', steadily, to get an answer fromher luiet ofgufhetia-e eu d face ; but Miss Fuljer'afae wa i "otlh " td- "ih lresuined th hbbit'f Wansweringqu Yods. se'knewhow latter, in a low' tole. "She looks without to control'her' cil rtdcles. seeing." uch a -n* I "io '"" icdllhard, "And 'sees 4lthomt looking,'' added Rich- moodily ; "ut' he' goes lAs , and I go ar nxious to come quickly tothe support mine. I kn;W that such a man lives ;;but roc his in friend. hpw heives i inpre than Iknow. I or does Insaiut i a stidy,", said Lueretia.- "M it disturbn me, that'I knout no more than I father w in ie twenty years; Be dac kiow_" fpad in a ro'owithout fire, and' fought ith " You caneotcbmfuts ne 'oth, y knowo' devil ll the tinle. .sister was insane r i. and yqu'dont know," rephed'ucretia Fl gref,'and'went al g t mutter ler. ' I kido that you know less of what oods; now 'laughug at soie Wild fatcui you don-t ongw, tha youdo of What you do snow nioping in mbrbid abstraction; now know. XnoWing that' is' knowi1 what, I ,starin iat the wall-; iow trgng figured in k ow ; and so no more of that.. Iave seen he air;'now sinkllg into a corner, like a you with huke Marma'duke; and I marked lha p-of rags; glbhbr g and moaning." you well.' s maprier to you ss confident, Fearfl state I"'nttrmured Richard. "You and "sonde ''At' hidre than assured;: while know but too Well 'the premonitory .sytp- yours to him was alject, and somewhat: less toms.. Lai,6 glad .that I am riot alone iii my than loving. That tiere a something 'be- stuspicions of Ursula. As her only relative, tw'een you 'that is to b# kept in your inuial) I must hve a care of her. I hardly hellevae discretion, is so palpable' tO 'ne't*at I shall in madhouses.. In one way hd another; :' not t yofl to';say either yes or nb to it. I have received the impression that the arA dard say; imay be nothing more tlan coin- humbugs; and that 'doctor, keeper, and at- mon str fte g'for braad and shelter, or, the ten'aft, aife persons open to bribery and ccr- cpmolu' tIowship of necessity, rowing o 'ru'ption." of thel1nitier6t to eat andlive. Your present ""unati asylums are for pubo and pri- teio rt 'jco ifA is my' opinion,,asd tells nje vate conveieh 'ce,"' remarked .uretia know- where tod loktfor an ardhaconttive,, a shred ingly., "Fut oneainto an asyluni, and, if yu designed . Do not take the trouble to acquit' have 'idoney eOnough, that person is at good as or: conyc1 yourself, for I am not sitting in dead. Buck up your alleged' lumiacy witk rd actions." ready payment, lth a sidelo g glance, and a " o n mttered Richard, "should' wink, aid the patients malady will, never be Mrs. Duke .liaduke." . mend: Poor peaple cannot do much with in- ie' beg'n to 'fear t at he would not be sanity,, it' e, kicked, out of door by the evenly mated with Lucretia: Fuller. In' arit lunatic at-board& Those that mniter to she would Certainly claim supremacy. H6'Iininds rdisdade 'inust of necessity bdpaid. evidently could not use her,, and eajole her: 'Iloeto's have wives, and children Wli mthsi afterward. Once with him, ii his cabal, sheeat amid wea' 'The world is theiroystei r aid was to be equciliated, and feared ever after. y'the must open it, by faireor foul; The ther But lie had 'gnk 'too far to recede. He smiled rmdst have silks, and the ulfspi-ingmust;Le atiicretiayppiyovingly, and' said': dolls and tops. Gentility mustlie kept-up;. ,( Professioial 1P°1e nitte godo iddl ; tho slt of consigning tier to a mad- thoughall the oldo a -ot. Itfri udiitl house is painful. It may not come tothat, hab ' is;that' 'tfi teoe ihfe riir "z hoi " er. than CoPnsien,' anditIr tlda kind of i It will oe 'td that," ffrmed Lucr4. whiqh is tie'parehof reiii6! P eBe'wi %y tiawith eimph ' b. " avd yo seen four more fb* bad 'dtib tliau foir oo I dnesf 6 brotiefi h swiT the aeg ofei'lidentt thi iith r hidcrul ; 'She i6ur Seb at iins ptb Ho'4iot sfcTn~th '&~i: j avoided ,ohate. .ea'y utse. IThvecareful oiifi f h er' id toobe nisw of %iLeln n'ithLi et Mag Ois Prattie .to titt rittdnsd Ile ire'iconoas gn nt etohe ten= has taken possession of St ih ' sp.per.h deribitek oflierfile s er vi a hh-li "Biioutd nid willddd ubiti", smil- ndbirs; e should be well * e shaded that an in her covert . such discipline s'n dfl." A i gie pesou "iThat is hig 'attairiot .mite," retired sinktiio the iniiihi1part of his Or her na- Richard, curti . Their 'sluld' be a *1 tuie; iid in' itiitibnss arkiuidals'iley dae liogev'er. Peies' s he chooses to keep.it ,1 tiated ; yet I t'ild inotiiavv'6r it o, Richard." the dhckground for 'emonas of 'his own. She'tbucbe4 Iir 'li ht$ 'pbn the dem d Wills had beedr tampered with.by winning sailgd." L6oh a 'tlief wle she smile d, ttoeys'and p rbna who had not' been Rdhptradthought her - face ntereting She thought of in connection with the tetator had architdss; ;she a ild;self government ; shiplite'uddenl$femetded from aobs6lrity With had ondentratibn of puro6s ; h'e headtteii- fotunes." city of will. Would site' cdt 'he lt' i witti "Suchimay he; oin' n ' deatin' Ursula him?' Would it nt bsfe toash hot, "toyoke #661 'deaf child, is not ioo agalpnkt the with het shouf sie asent? :Tchard put thotisthid ontih sncies' of fe, and the fand ifietsubje t'off for futtdre tonsideratioh.' ' ilf-idelitance Qna -blows'hei lIke d "There' ie oie' besidesd Migiu rhatke ' he ,shlad 'tlero iliid harm Ii'e"ercising a said" that'I fedti, , and thaf id Sib'ifti ." Sh' littlersjetulatioil and naatral'fotle;ost bf ci- i youngliut her tellect'hlse a'shate e-dclation.V Should she fade ,we id' an j She h ai ifriocefad, hilt there is'know1l lum, ygo, being next of kin, tithn netd edgein her eye. She ok at rne,"she looks dispu te outright, Will step wRhpiit opposi- S -gain; she does cot ceab aueining me up tin i to' the dead man's slhes e i det sdingsubtracting dividing; and all that" table, ' el ihis bed, and receiehi ihdon s "ibylla is -i' sngular' child," 'responded ino thdukn. Shbuld"I be dmetubered h Lutretia.' She has talent; 'uickhese, intuit Would ou aetiin ilnd the'laddeilby which tlon: She *111 "cotl it- the lunacy of Ur- you iotinted to iatlueicei- 'Wealth uiahes sua at every'turn, phde' -and development. sone 'ien insoleht., But inolence'woi-t do She will stand 'at the ed±iel's of bur designs with'Me, Richard when I h ve a hitght to afiaueet:the din the' face with unexpected something better'. Think well, ,and nio e a'ru'rintO.'an frdwith the'fresh' enthusiheni of forvar'd withdiscretioni. 'Thre' aie some girlish friendship."' 'y' steps that cdn't 'be trodden backward when "She knows somethingg" said Richard, in onice'taken:. Walk slowly, catitiously." amynteriohs whisper: Sheotr ted ,her broWs an'd looked fr "I 'have noted consciousness upon her ly at' flichid' who asked daee," answered Lucretia;r"but' of what I "What would you llkd" know not. '.Stephen Parkhurst died 'raid- "Nothing extravagant,"' she tnsAwered; llft dently!" -in herehoulders. "An establishifndnt'lt the "D ath is- ih the world," -said Richard, snbrbs' 'ol1d 'please m '' A neat house, t "ad we cant help it." " pretty garden, tasteful wallis, with eharning "It matters not'to rhe," resumed Lucretia, shrubbery, a. ater-view o one side, vines with inruffled serenity. "But'wereI rich, I creeping up to'the roof,'birds singing in the would not drink tie smoke of"charcdal-till I foliage in1 sinmer,'With' patriarchal trees to had exhausted,all other pleasures.' A mere break the 'northern winds in winter. I hve setas ion is scarcely worth dying'for, though simple ideas of lividig. Ishoitld desire-but 4 life made up of sensations." - single serVent. For exercise, I wodld walk "' eath is c, sensation that'I do"1ot covet," in: the gfounds, or ride my White' pony on said Ulehaid, " and charcoal is a, sensation the beautiful turnpikes. 'An ineonie of a that endsall 'sensations,sand ushers 'in eternal thousand a yeat will' content ne., I am-rea- inseisibilily.- I see ino usensd in rushing upon sogable Richard Parkhurst. 'Mairy persons death. Ill notkill myself, I'll 'warant." woulddsire aiOre." "You will not die at yoir own expense," " You are quiteinoderate In'yoir wishes,' remarked Lueretia;. playllly aid Richard, d'yly. " Iwill make few'preh- "" But "to return," said Richard, * o the ises ; bumt dyoumay rely upon sorib thotistidda Indtter of Ursula's insanityi As herh-ela'tivd in haud, should Iever possesdtephen's r. '° 1 1 _l - ,}: E. f "i. . +. 13 page: 26-27[View Page 26-27] 28 B1BYLL ; JOY. states. Ypprreward shall be in prop wtior to a id neglected nothing. e did :otsventure4 your services. .a-r ' o attendhis own funeral; but,from a conve- "Do not underrate me," answered Lucre- ment window,sawthe dismall cortege roll by. tia, witcfnrmness. "1Withiynassistance you 9ne carriage fixed his attention ; fr it con- wills cred without it, you will fail. Suc- tamed Ursula, Sibylla, and Richard. He cess an failure are before you alcyour felt both resentment and pity.:! Had there c1qice,uickly.To-day, I am in ert; been, nothmg to guide him but the impulses to-morrow, I may be out of it, and beyond of th moment,, would have rushed from yopr purchaseat any price. Think of meas his concealment, ,and dragged, hip to theta an enemy, Richard,1' pavement, and pullicly denounced him. , He She held u es; finger and shook it at him, put a strong treat uppn himself, and, with plIyfully, smiling the while. ,. compressed.hp, and contractedbrow, saw the "The Fateeandl Ifuries forbid !" exclaimed prpcession wind out of sight. ijicliard. t'1ill think of you as a friend Magnas Drake.visited, tephen by;stealth; a d helper.. I shall rely upon you. and I.ill and thefirst great shock of the ordeal being and do make every concesion that isremason- past, adhered to him faithfully. After cons able and adequate to the otices performed, siderable discussion of the subject, they de- So, let' the insan~ityi go on ; let the signs of cided that it would be best, for the present, madness be mupliped; let all the eccentric to avoid Richard. Several things were to be phenomena appear ; let fantasy play its thought of. The name of Norman Drew part; let sympathy follow the patient, and might not be sufficient to impose upon the pity tell its tale to ready;ears. Let. rumor credulity of the half-brpther. A cast of the spread report; ad gossip blister its busy eye, a turn of the head, an intonation of the tongue inrepeating te story of her malady. voice, , or an unguarded expression might Doubt not mythh; for, come what m y, we awaken suspicion in Richard's brain. But must go togetherr. Who knows what may what would he suspect? ,,Was not the plot happen; what cl~ancenmay fall;:what changes so complicated, so unheard-of, so much be- may come; what eddies of life may seize us yond ordinary foresight, so far removed from and hurry us on." paltry Conti vance, that P~ere was no data aDon'tcoun on the eddies," retorted Miss for suspicion to start from? Stephen be. Fuller, arcing her .neck, and pluming her lieved that he had shot out of the circle of pride a little for the occasion " The tides of command probabilities. Would he or could fortune are deceitful, and- may bear us so far he imagine that abody had been substituted that the reflux waves will not bripg us back for Stephen Parkhurst's ? Would it occur to to the shore. Wait till the eggs are chickens him that Norman Drew had ,deceased at the and tl. chickens'are brooded, before ypu opportune moment, and, by paying thelastisol- progn tigate. .L hands sometimes touch ; emn debt of human nature, rendered a strange hearts meet ;but, in' a venture like ours, the service, to'his foster-brother ? _surely, all this reverse is more likely to happen. Look you was too unlikely, too monstrous to , dream- for the ost will, and leave me to lopk after the ed of, even by the artful Richard. 'Thus rea- failing reason of Ursula. So, no more. Be not s ned Stephen,; thus he communed with too conscious of my presence when near me ; himself ; thus lie talked with Magnps Drake' and perhaps it would be well for you to feign a But thedeductions of reason and the findings dislike of me. You shall hear a good ac- of fats are not always in unison, and so a count - mesoon." . ugous concealment was determined upon. With a nod 'and a smile, Lucretia. Fuller Stephen Parkhurst resolved to.take his walks, left the room; and Richard went to his lodg- in the evening, and in tl ose , quarters of the in, thinking, of his new ally, city where he would be least likely to en- _--- counter ,Richard., If he walked under the CHAPTER VIII. eye of day, he would observe 'eater care BICHARD Is HAUNTED. respecting the streets he' shoudtraverse. Full of his design, and infieyible in his ex- But one cannot count with certainty upon treordinary purpose, Stephen Parkhurst left the movement, of another - , o, one eveng, his luxurious home and went into voluntary . Stephen and Richard met Lie was wa king exile. H$e took humble apartments ia an on the Battery when this happened. Both Obscure part of the city. . e assumed the involuntarily paused. It seamed destined that nameof, Norman Drew, and used every pre- they shoia d meet each other., Th effect upon caution thaat' ingenuity could suggest to in- Richiard was instant and marked. He stopped, crease the resemblance 'and strengthen the recoiled, and inatlnctively put opt his hands as deception, Hei practiced his new character, if to repulse anunwelcome object.. Itseeine and bore it constantly in mind. lie imitated to him that Stephen Parkhurst had arisen Norman Drew's . nauner of spealing and from ie tomb, and was standing before him. walking. Ue remembered every peculiarity, Neyer had the resemblance of Stephen's S1mYLA JOY. 52 foster-brotherbeen so palpable:. it was more " Was Stephen Parkhurst In this mood than that-it was startling. Richard's heart when you left him?" asked tel factitigu' throbbed violently, and, or ,a few seconds, Norman Drew, pressing steadily;upon hia, the consciousness of guilt made hiin sick and with question on question. faint. He struggled to overcome his tempor- "Toward me he changed,!' returned iec ary weakness, and, with a smile on, his pale ard. " He confessed that he had done me in- lips, stammered: ,justice, and said : 'Forgive'me, Richard.' ,o " How do you do, Norman Drew ?" expressed regret, tjiat. lie had not repot, " Well, by the blessing of Heaven,' answer- more confidence in a near relative than i edStephen, refusing Richard's proffered hand. strangers." "You have given pie a shock," added the "lie was preparing for the other wor-ld," half-brother. " Your strong resemblance observed the suppositious Drew, sarcastical. to -Stephen quite overpowered me. I can ly. :" Please go on." scarcely believe that heis not'standing be- "Taken by surprise, I could 9nly stainmet -fore me." at first some faint protestations of his pas "And if he were, why should you fear 1"' brotherly goodness. 'The world has sland-' replied Stephen, quickly. "Dead men break ered you,' quoth lie, 'and have helped the no bones and tell no tae." woirId. The tongue of detr ptioq has been "True,"- said, Richard."; " but reason is quickened by paid' detractors.'" sometimes taken by surprise, sensation being "Said he that ?" inquired Stephen, quickly, quicker thaa it. I was ever superstitious.; in a tone that Richard did 'mot like. "Was Poor Stephen!i He left us-suddenly." John in the room?" "Yes," said the counterfeit Norman Drew, "He sent John away, thathe' might speak "he did indeed, It is quite sad. But I have freely.; Stephen was affected to tears. I not been in the city long, and have learned never shall forget how he grasped my hand little of the affair in detail. What were the at parting,,and how loth he was to relinquish particulars of his decease ?" it, and let me go. I assured him,that by- Stephen looked-calmly at Richard, and kept gones were by-oones, and that I was not one his voice regulated as much as possible, to to carry unkindness to my'pillow." the tones of Norman Drew. His, features "You forgave him !" anterposed Steppen , were paler than usual, and there was an ac- with a slight curl of the'lip.' cusing light in his eyes, from which 1ichard "Freely!" responded. Richard, sentiment. wished to turn away. ally j' The tale. is brief"; and a few words will "And thus ou lift him'?" suffice to tell it. He was found dead in his " Little thinKing it was the last time that I bed, and there was a brasier of charcoal in should see him alive." " his room." Richard pulled anold silver watch from Richard looked grave, and looked down. his fob,aand consulted its faed dialt He did '"Who placed the charcoal in the room ?" not feel comfortable, and wished to escape asked Stephen, seriously. the pertinacity of Norman Drew, the sight of " The air was chilly, and the room was whom put him in. pain. His likeness to Ste.. damp," answered Richard. "The grate being pien :was terrible to his guilty conscieice. crippled, a brasier of charcoal was ordered." He could not divest himself Qf the thought "At his suggestion ?" continued Stephen. that Stephen had an avenger.in this man. Richard glanced at thq questioner, and saw His tone was sarcastic, his mannerr onjinous., his eyes glitter, like spheres of molten glass. His very person was a menace, his existence " It was his own thought," replied Rich? a" perpetual danger.' Wicked' sugge 91tiis ard. I rang the bell for John Jerome, and glided; into his brain. Hie, bad consienae Stephen gave the order himself. The char- was his monitor. coal came, and was placed on the hearth al- "The breath of man' is in his nostrils, most within the draft of the flue. His chair said Stephen. "You were greatly shocked, was wheeled to the brasier, and, sitting over no doubt, by what followed; buthis last will it, he warmed his hands." and testament, I dare say, will be your conso- "Stayed you long?" queried Stephen. lation."a y "Not long; for he was morose. The cares " Money is naught," answered Richard. " I of the.day had vexed him. His businesshad have lived without it-thus far." manifestly gone awry. He had lost .by dire "True, you have lived by your wits I" re. and .by water.' His man of business, too, had touted. Stephen.'" failed to account for funds which he had-re- "Then live you by yours !" said Richard,. ceived. He spoke-of enormous deficits, and of sharply, moving on. the dishonesty of men. He was full of butter. " suppose you will be rich," added Ste- ness.. I said nothing. 'I stood dumb before phen, "Ay, and happy,. toBut do not. " abuse your power. o ot wrongUrsula ; 1. 1 r i ! :{ t f 1 , " , ., i ' f i , i 1 4 ° i page: 28-29[View Page 28-29] 1' SIBYLLEA JOY. snideiesr in: mih that Stephen Parkhurst "A guilty conscience is followed by shad- 10red Sibyhla as his own child. The deceas- ows." tdboide told me that you were a schemerand Richard Parkhurst knitted his brows, and' plotted and Ipartly believe it. Rely upon lookedmoodilyat the putative Norman Drew. i' Rtchard2Parkhumrst, that there is an endlto lie was struggling with a new apprehension, S'lidngest tether, and that it is sometimes and devising means of extrication. d' with a jetk, and with sudden horror. " Have you comfortable quarters Where eak thus lainly, to put some, check upon are you housed ?" he' kd; with an' air'of bur atidns. forbearance. "This," rejoined Richard, turning and con- These queries were followed by a 'shot f ntigSephn,"is'unbecomindgand njur- silence. A quiet, smile' curled Stepihen's sonu.- Is really an insulting menace." lips. " Go on," said the other, without faltering. '" Care not for my lodgings, Richard Park GDb tot mind humble Norman- Drew, the hurst; but look well to your own. Let there 0 yet-faitif1il friend-of Stephen Parkhurst. be no confidences between us. Should you I i'amere hanger-ohlin' the world. I live discover riy mean attic, avoid itby allmeans. fom hand to month.. My voice is: a voice Possibly, the attic may set' itself up against ,itiout influence. I have no money with the brown-stone house." which to make weight in society. Money Richard shi-eed. A dadl- chill thrilled preponderates' in the scale, and povertykicks, his nerves. He movedhis arms and his the eam-,Pourt, though heavy for feeble limbs to shake off his strange' emotions. He eboulders is light for influence ; too light for felt like one standing upon a secret trap, ha- err . i?'ou can install yourself at Stephen ble at any moment to aandprecipitate him rkhurst's, order the household, and, per- to unknown depths. He hated and feared chance; dome in' for the lion's share of his Norman Drew. 4 *ealth, ghile I,more esteemed by the deceas-- "Yon talk wildly," he - answered, by and ed, and' with a better claim by equity,'shall by. "You, like the Parkhursts, perhaps, in- be left to wahIk 'my weary wal out of life, herited madness for a legacy."' poor, neglected, and alone." ' "The Parkhursts did-not constitutionally "''Nware of envy," replied Richard, ious- inherit insanity," answered Stephen. f ly " Envy is a viper. Take it'not into your insanity ;appeared at, any time in the family, bsOotc lest Itsting you. My brdther-Stephenit was purely incidental, and had its origin n may have had some regard for you in former known causes." s R y rs,; but theedge' of his friendship had "It maybe so," said Richard, ,,et Ursu- rio,4and he spoke of yott on the last la's symptoms contradict, the statemde." evening of his life quite indifferentl)." Ursula's symptoms ,"murmured Stephen, aI cannot believe that he spoke ill of me," quite astounded. mattered Stephen, -flushing. "I saw him' a "Too true ." sighed Richard, sympatheti- t'W~ days before his death, and ours was not cally. "The dear' girls' intellect begins to a- bold meeting.' Indeed, he invited mento totter. The blow was too heavy for her deli- 'viithim, and held out expectations." cate strength. Good-night, -Sir."' "The expectations of the wicked shall per. Stephen did not he a rR hard's good-night. IWh'!" 'sneered' Richard., He had heard only the words that concerned Ad Read in that text your own fate !" retort- Ursula ; they resounded startlingly in his ed' spurious Norman Drew. "Your expec- brain, and shook his iron nerves. titions are equaled only by your yilainy." "Has any one noticed this but yourself !" " This is exceedingly slanderous," protest- he asked, presently. e Ilticha "d. "Your age is your protection. , He received no answer, and, looking up, Jgy mind is too much agitated by'grief to be perceived that he was alone. Somewhat sur- g~atlt annoyedbyyour singular accusations. rised, he moved on, muttering : ou are in want, for Stephean'ssake, I Will "This cannot be true. Some' new evil is rel eve your present necessities, provided you in perspective. I must see Magnus 'rke. 'will swallow your disappointment, and re- tun quietly to your home, wherever it may CHAPTER-IX. MIDNIGHT MEANDRRIItS. "Charitable Richardi" returned Stephen, Richard Parkhurst did not go far from the- curbing his anger. "Perhaps I had better Battery. He concealed himself behind the accept a beggar's sixpence, and creep back to nearest house, to watch the counterfeit Nor- my obscurity, leaving you to pursue, unmo- man Drew. Nothing,troned the apparent listed your ambitious projects." death of Stephen, had troubled himse much I forgive muchin you on account of your as- this chance meeting. This Norman Drew, resemblance to Sitephen, which,, to-night, is though like -himself, was .yet so like the, de- tr'uly- startling." ceased in eves y particular, that it was really .8JYJ1.4 JOY. wppderful to look at him. Had it been no potential bit of metal-but rememberng tcp ztioi e than , ortdeiful, howe ver, RTichard' situation, let, it s811"from' his 1finge ' .at j would-have been compariatively easy; 'but into pis.ppket. crossed the veua 1 this foster-brother of Stephen'terrified him. stood beside the little iron gate iUt the sid.- Fe had the effect mpox} hin ofa spectre entrance. His own apartment were d~4c called from the mysterious nbt ser world fto andsllent.' punish him for.iis crime ; to rebuke hiin for " The air is chilly and the room As dMPA" hissing; to freeze him into ice with his ac- muttered Stephen, rellactivel, 14' thous using eyes; to dog him up and down the running upon the beaier of c cd al andtlip streets ; to watch his actions, to meet him cunning of Richard. "I mglad, I camo everywhere, to hold over him "the flaming 'here," he mused. I wae growing weak swoid of justice. my puikpose ; ',but the eight .of t' o Truly, the voice of Norman Drew came out makes me strong again. It is painful to giv of the grave, it was so like Stephen'. His pain to the I love;but'thcre is something fears were- so wrought 'uponi that dinps of 3° rand and inspiring ini becoming the unseen erspiration stood upon his brow. New .rovitlence of both the good and the bad. York was too small for this goblin Stephen Here I am, the 'rotectingrovidence of two and himself to live in. His' terror. and his young girls, andthe avers' Pfovi6 nce hatred grew in' equal proportions. 'He felt a creeping slimy villain, who lies in waitkb murder in his heart, 'His evil nature pushed innocence and watches for the downfall'ot 'hiim on. Itis first great offence had already justice. I shall find consolation in 'th given aim the overmastering momentum of thought, that through me, 'Harven will work crime, and lie could not - stop. It seemed to out its ends. This shall not last long; I wig his perverted mind that a dire necessity was not be wantonly cruel. When I have looked laid upon him, apd that the consummation Of on a while and marked the cabals of Richar his villainies was, inevitable, and -inexorably I will restore to Uisula aid Sibylla that demanded by surroulisdlg circumstances. , which they think they have lost. Good He followed Stephen Parkhurst. Hekept night, children. Little do iou suspect who him 'steadily in view. He stopped when watches over you." Stephen stopped, and turned when Stephen With these inaudible reflections, Stephen turned. It was not aneasy task to keep in turned from the brown-stone hpuse, and sight of him,; for he had no fixed place of Walked away biky o ihn ob e estination, He walked because motion was by acquaintances or to ae seen in that neigh, a relief to him, and because rest'was hnmpos- borhood. AgaikRiqhard followed, with morse sible. He traversed one street and he tray- cii'cumspection, an d'with the observance of ersed 'nothie)," with equal indifference. 'oine- greater and safer:distance. had he been pur- times h& doubled' on his track, and crossed Suing an object for a god purpose, ie would the same sti-eetseveral times. It was evident have tired and abandoned it before the mid- to Richard that Norman Drew was thinking night-hour; but Richard ad a spur sharpe seriously, and -Was utterly absorbed in him- than any incentive to. goodness, than, any he self. had yet experienced. Trudged , n Richard,; Richard grew weary apid'impatient ; but in walked, on Stephen. Up to Broadway, and mischief lie was persevering, and he knew down that great thoroughfare; then to th that thle obj eet of his"' spionage' would' not right ; to the left ; diag onally through a nar- walk aU night ' but seek his attic when lie row street ; deflecting this way and that ; had tired both mind and body. where the houses were huddled, and grim Several times, Richard was very near Nor- with spoke and dirt ; where offensive odors man. Drew ; and once, in one of the latter's arose from tinder-ground kitchens and demp eccentric' turns; they met and passed 'each cellars; 'where there were, stalls and ei '' other. 'Thanks to the darkness of the night for men and women to' herd in; and sil and Stephen's abstraction, -Richard was not on, till he had passed the owest )airs 'oa r'eed nized. They went -from the' lowest poverty, and reached an obspiycurity less re. sluips to the most fashionable quarters of the pulsive. Into an alley, into a courit, and city, and at midnight passed the brown-stone ipto shadow yet deeper. Stephen paused house. Stephen paused there, and, from the and looked back. Richard' dodged behind a opposite side of the avenue, 'gased at 'thesi- tumble-down corner, 1nd avoidedndiscovery lent edifice. rjle'ewas light in the hall, and by' a miracle of quickness."' ' When Jie s ep}. also inseme of the chambers. One of the toured from his brief concealment, his Noipan upper -windows lie Watched with' peculiar Drew had disappeanrd'in one or the therer of interest, for the light that, glowed through its the gray, low-roofed dwellings. Riehard panes came 'from Ursula apartments. In- groped along the middle of the court--the stinctively, le felt in his ocket for the key sunen walks being too narrow and broken to the private entrance.' he grasped it-2thiat for safety at that -late hour. Eagerly indeed f7 t t a Ir ice i i r 1 'a i a ; page: 30-31[View Page 30-31] I' $IBY LL JOY. id heinspect l e ack'walls that environed will hang you," asserted Marmaduke, with a lima; the lnaite' bks gave him no knowl- confidence that was peculiarly disagreeable edge of Normin Drew, although his inquisi- to Richard, who had no good reason to like thre eyes questioned them over and over a prophecy of that nature. again. Disappointed, he indulged in some "They will, will they ?" growled Richard. whispered expletives. He thought at first "Well, we'll see." that he had received just his trouble for his "Norman Drew is manifestly your ene- pins ;, b' eflection convinced him that his my," continued Duke Marmaduke. "Now ~amp had not' been fruitless, even if he repeat to me every word that he said. Omit should make nbf urther discoveries; for a nothing, forget.nothing, slur'overnothing. little patient:watching of the court would, in Unless," he added, with grim humor; "you il robability, complete his wishes. He want eventually to dance on nothing." stowd still several minutes, and presently, to With a strange thrilling at his finger's his great satisfaction, saw the faint glimmer- ends, Richard went over his story again, sup- Ing of a lamp'in one of the upper stories of plying many things that he previously neg- the house directly before' him. This, he be- elected to mention. livedd, supplied ,tlhe 'last item wanting to "I never knew but one case like this," pro- erown 'his nights work. With a red pencil tested Marmaduke, and that case ended at which he had been using that day, he made a Tyburn, at the end of a halter." small 'cross on the door, so that there might "Cold-blooded villainI" muttered Richard. be no bidnndering should'he have occasion " May your white neck break a halter some to visit Norman Drew. Feeling that his per- fine morning. I would go a hundred miles tinacity bad been well-rewarded, he left the to your hanging, and walk every step of the court, and hurried to his' own lodgings, to way." confer with.Duke Marmaduke. "If I can get a ticket to the jailyard I will do the sane for you with less trouble," re- ,CHAPTBR X.torted Duke, in excellent temper. " Request HOBSNSA TE DEthe hangman to give you a good fall, Dick ; Aw EYE TO BUSINEss AND THE DEVIL's EYE. for there is much in being Well hanged and Richard Parkhurst found Duke Marina- having it soon over." duke in unusually low spirits. He noticed Richard shivered and gasped. that the diamond ring no longer sparkled on " There are times, Duke, when you're his finger-a sure sign that his finances were spitefully personal and infernal provoking. low. l'he inevitable carbuncle glowed in its Don't 'talk of such matters. If you must accustomed place. He smoked his cigar ventilate your spleen, go out into the street; thoughtfully.Richard told his adventures, but don't tackle me in my own house."' which instantly interested Duke, the arch- "He has become a householder 1" sneered plotter, who condescended to give the narra- Marmaduke. " I rejoice at it, because I want tok his undivided attention. shelter, and all kinds of comfort. I must " The resemblance is striking, you say," keep my head above the tide, and at the pres- observed Duke. ent time it is hard work. Really, Dick, you " To me it is'something more than marvel- must speedily install me at' the brown-stone ous," Richard replied. house. You are such a faltering fool that "It was like the ghost of Stephen," added you need me constantly at your elbow." Duke, with a significant lifting of the eye- The large 'carbuncle shone in Richard's brows. face, and looked more like blood than ever "Lam terribly disturbed," answered fich- before. ard. "'I feel as if I should sleep no more. "Should I come to the end you prophesy, TALWe' acbeth, I have 'murdered sleep'. you would have to sit there alone," returned Hitherto, iii my uneasy slumbers. I have Richard, doggedly. dreamed of charcoal; if I sleep again I shall " Upon my word, that is what I'm afraid dream of Norman Drew." of," said Duke, with emphasis. ." There are . 4' Melt often attempt things beyond their two persona who must be pushed aside. You strength" said Marmaduke. Figuratively can sqe that yourself without drawing upon speakmn, you are weak in the spine and your imagination." knock-kneed, which is a pity. He threaten- Richard nodded sullenly. ed, did he ?" '"Do you agree with me that those two He looked at Richard, penetratingly. persons endanger your plans, and even "As I have told you,' the latter answered. your-" a Whether he knows anything dangerous to Duke touched his white throat with his me is doubtful'; but it is certain that he sus- chubby forefinger. pects much." " Certainly," was the response, in a surly "Magnus Drake and this Norman Drew tone. _ fi, y IBYLL Y-.. 81 And that something is to be done ?" added lars that were damp and ghastly dharnel- Duke. " hIu es? You know you have .Yon' have Richard said: walked too near 'the'vortex of thaniisery not Yes." to be: acquaintedwith it. o not forget the "Then what is it, and ihpw is It to be ac- have-beens ahd.the bygones. 'Yot'hage'eatdn corn lislied Y" your three pennies''worth'of bone'soup under " don't know," said Richard, keeping the sidewalks and in subterranen hells. Ne- his eyes from meeting the searching glances cessity makes strange bedfellows." of Duke. " I mnay have'.eatedi atery soups at the "You do,",contradicted Duke.' "It has boozing-kens, but I Beer kept company with been in your 'iind .ever si'e you inet Nor- the thieves and cut-throats of that miiseirablo man Drewa, It has followed 'you through the place," asserted Richard. streets; it has repeatedits own name a hun- "Your pride runs away with your verae. dr , times." ity," said Mannaduke. " To donfess that you ichard did not deny the charge. ,le said: have eaten offal soup is, to concede the whole. 'ALet the foster-brother be' attended'to first. dmit but the bolting of said offal soup, and I care .less for Magnus Drake than for Nor- bu own'the companionship of beggarsvaa- man Drew. But I cannot things of, that of bonds; thieves, and murderess. ' Those'w ho which you are thinking. We must stop this go down to Dead Man'$ Alley are not utterly side of that. Murder is one thing a 4 re- blind. However, there are some things moval is another. An offensive person may known only to desperate characters and great be put out of the way, and yetnot, be killed." criminals?' "Don't talk of murder, Dick," answered " How came you to know them Y" demand- Duke, fastidiously. "I have .nerves, and ed Richard, sharply. very sensitive nerves, too. You're a dreadful Duke Marmad Uke coughed, changed his bear. A' mdn can disappear of a sudden, position, and put his cigar into the other cor- and never show his face again., This ghost ner of his iiouth. of Stephen Parkhurst is as liable to disappear " Partly by accident, and partly by the as another. Well, should he disappear, what agency of a fellow who was much about town. would become of im ? Nobody knows what On the whole, my experience in that line at would become of him, but everybody, Inay he outset was dangerous; but I. escaped try conjectures, end indulge in speculations, alive ; otherwise, I should not be here. 5ev- He may fall into the water; he may take eral of the dark coves had a fling at ime, and bedbug poison for physic ; he may cut his for awhile it was a dead set; but I used my throat whilshaving ;-he may die of intem- daddies nimbly, and got away at last. May perance ; he may slip out of the world by' a the damber cove of that kennel dance when stroke of apoplexy or A disease of the heart; he dies. As it was, my'dial-plate was a good or lie may tumble down-stairs and break -is deal scored, and I kept my bed the next day neck, and be trundled' o, and ;put into the on account of bruises apd contusions. They ground without obpe vation or obituary.' The will sing the.dismal ditty lndue time." same thing need no of necessity, happen to " What's the dismal ditty ?" Ridhard asked. every person. Some good people are sent to "'It is the'psalm or song sung by criminals insane asylums, and that is the last of them. just before they are executed." There are underground kehs, too, where a "Disinal enough," muttered Richard. troublesome person may be detained for years " Rather melancholy, Dick. I'think you without the knowledge, of those who- might had better put your dismal ditty in rehearsal, be interested in' his.fate. So you 'perceive soon. For the sake of your last appearance that we are not obliged to talk of murder. upon any stage, 'I hope you .have a good Always be 'choice in your language,' Rich- voice. Let me advise yoti to open your ard-. mouth wide, Richard, to let out the dismal " What are undergroundd kens ?" asked notes." Richard. " Never mind that, but tell me what 'to do " Are you then so innocent 4" replied Duke, with Norman brew. Sufficient to the day is contemptuously. "Have you not walked the evil thereof." abroad at night? . Hayc not your tidventur- - ""ou tracked him to his crib. That was ous feet gone down into the-slums of the Five well thought of, and tolerably well executed. Points? Have you not been met in the face Do you know his habits? is he fond of tip- by the overpowering stench of crib and ken- pling?" nel ? Raye you not held your nose, and "His notions are somewhat Puritanical, I plunged into the midst of the reek and sweat believe. As for drinking, I suppose he takes of human degradation ? ' Have "Ryou not a social glass, like other folks." climbed into squali4 attics, that were like the ' -Is lie benevolent,?" chambers of pestilence, and descended to cel- "i ve' hard hin that's gone' say, that Nor- I 11 { t 1 ! i .1 f = 1 , t ,i t n fr ' 1 f h 1 i 3 F ' f l page: 32-33 (Illustration) [View Page 32-33 (Illustration) ] s h_ t r i , , Y I , .y , 1 ; ink: pf a"Thi s,".Saidr .ith s ,ithtsia c cJar4t " meets my views. If you desh' security, f comfort at the brown-stone. puse,apgt y hand to this business, and do'ot look pa 0 " vig ag. n one tlgeree it ypu those privatevrooms jist oter fho w w opp a tsItwillt bp very co y there and one ury i tegin'a'cigars, ing the i Spf a wint-evenings. I shall wait akey, Riche e iiTfor ; am octurpal ;in y habits and d~sors ' ade i q' nist o ithem'dins e iyb t s n o . LJobar i r ba e.a *.ua of.ir ,e f Parkht Ap4Ui QI0Iorup;, waly ,:ivei uuupr LUx A; rhose gimszarp like crap, erries, and hose myweye are likie ainmers he imodst of tiperspn is such,'h t lie shuns the li ofr ipy4jp' hides hiis poclmpried fg' A is subterranean retreat. He seldom p e is 99ps.;povs tbe soil. Glumis, i .atr and sticks to 'his sewer. IT receives boardprs, now and then,, and it, would seem thi t they are so cntept with thqirfare,: tIat they nyr leave him. In some respects, 's ntrgsey is better; than 4. madhouse. T he}e is con-, 'sideabl'dampness d6n iii glirypts.. The f6o6s are sometimes wet, aind'it psto be fear- ectahit t ie sewer hiaks i t hi obscuree v ults. .. gucha case,, the occupants might ake, od'; grow hollow-eyed; and; yelilot, and, fliylfall; iito, a wasting pnlanciply, beyond the. reag ~f physic.; hnm m ur ed them wit ou)tentation unr the pave, mnent1 over ,which;thousan4s of feet shuflle ilf,.,'Ithb begn hin$d by cittyse ed cults, that ti ' sewer a sepul e4 ,nby -lusihmg-gills, tat liis leparted ,chicks are qietlyshot 'ino that ommum-gatheruim. But whetherGlumi's coy establ1isbenp com- muni ates With thatrecepacle, I ownot." "You moth the thieves' putter. ]1ea" vet- ran rogue," remerked Rkhard be'gpning to qnail before the',red eye of the carbuncle. Miarmadules genius seemed d uiivers1 "it soared aboye tle eart aid dived benethit T;is tfair siinned,"rosy-cheehed gentleman, with;all' his segamis iness au abliorr nce of dirt, had'visited places well calculated to ry the courage ,of the oldest, developed new resQurces every day.' die was ertile in expedients, fruitful in devices, and shrew4 in every,'yillainy. *Riopgird clutched eagerIy at theche;e thus inigenionsly presented. le gisid to htop shortly thegreat gonclud- encime of wickedness; for he hac had euggh; ob'tyga~in the esse ,of tep len; If torian iare, could be disposed o for, the present, he' dd pt much care whatmight afterward become of him.' 'Ie desired to, gpin tine to finish the business in hand. h 1 F t t k t f r ; 1 u L r t 7) F i . S ~ A4~~'U I r "'" l "V 'f'Y LL J serve dDuke, blandly, tWe se imstruaots after the worl Iadone,.' put away te .in "J Wis you would pat away that,instru- ment. He aslgready gxown insolent, and takes 9A airs.a s if he'were master of 'tie situ. athon. "Now, you' gin to talk'to'ithe point Yes ; the firm of Parkhurst ' Marmacluke aqeds no partiers.' Brush away this Ily,. dis- pose of Norman b)rew, a I you sall have 1l " will hold you to'thatpromise. We will lose 'no'time;, but begin woti immediately. Aiong your half-rothers effects, 'ou pro ba4ly found ssome, hankaotes ;but Iseldon borro w,.Richard. Put up your purse. You cay i tthe broker for nie, however, if you feel re';to do so, aid give ige something on this;pin." Hq tonched the carbuncle with his d nger. 1ur rurst drew back as if afraid, threw ehaknit e uppoi the tabl9, saying, hur- eepyoutcarbunge) i do not like it; the p' vil is in it." Very true," answered Duke, coolly. "You, 1o not know the history of itI suspect 'Itwas'given ie in France, by an Italianswho died the next mouin g at ten o'clock." thw Ilowdid he die ?" asked Richard. 'le died df h ving hishead chopped off," said Iu e. " e was, exeeuteq. :That mon had dabbled in magic; and very strange thi$s.wye repog ed of him. His face was pale to glhslliness ; his beard and halt were onteusivelyplack, while his eyes glowed With unaturafL brightness.., His white, regular teeth lhone through his colorless lips, like drifte sney',. 1e scored Inei,' and life, ad death. ;iHen' mocked at joy and pain, and sought not Iiunsan society. I sat with him on the ,g, of his execution, and .I was af 'aid. The cold gleams of hid eyes chilled me,'like the tonch of steel-." "How came. you in prison ?" inquired Richard, in an awed tone Do ms Hs '0 page: 34-35[View Page 34-35] SIBYLTA JQY. "No matter; I was there," answered Duke, lect instantW seized thoughtfully., "He asked me, with a strange Richard. saw the smile, 'if I would like to wear his mantle'. I reason that he saw It, b shuddered ; nor could I help it. 'To-mor- be averted. He assure row,' said he. 'I shall lay down thisbody, fallacy -of Ursula's re and take another. You will noti know me had seen no evidence o when next we meet.' It was an odd fancy; observed her condt but I partly believed it. He gave me the this mpner, and with carbuncle." . d'avored to dispel t "He said something about it, surely," oh- Stephen. His argue served ichard. was good, but someth " He did. 'It is a marvelous toy,' saidhe. farareaching than either It is the eye of Satan.' Then'le laughed. of Iarkhurst. Intuit Wear, it on your breast, and nobody will of the soul, goes behin over-reach you,' he added. 'The Fend's eye causes. is magnetic."' Magnus recommende "A tale for children," Richard muttered, air yet unable to withdraw his gaze from the "I have had enoug flaming stone. Stephen. "The small "' It will tell you when we meet again,' struck befoi' I retired. said the.Italian., 'It will change color.' -Go ou to my house, M Marmaduke shrugged his shoulders, and tie latest intelligence fr f added : " But it has not changed color, yet. So Ursula closely. I w that is why the devil is in the carbuncle. Sit equilibrium~ of her c with it in a dark room, Richard, and look at intellect. And, Magn it steadily, and presently it will assume the more. Lucretia Full appearance of a fiery eye." tie looking after. I n Marmaduke arose, and yawning, th'ew keeper that didn't nee himself upon tichard's bed. cretia, I used to thi Parkhurst remained sitting in his chair. She is perspicacious an The lamp went out. The fire burned down no knowing w at straw to afew smoulderin embers.. Turning his her. As an ally of Ri eyes toward Mlrmaduke, he saw the carbon. reall dangerous." cle shining in the darkness. Fascinated, " shall have her he stared at it, and thought of the tale Duke "'Were is that John had been telling. The Italian's gift winked, "I dismissed him abc and blinked, and flamed at hil; andefinally, he still haunts the serva to his heated, fancy, grew the proposition "Get rid of him. I of an infernal orb. He troubles me. Som -.- Ursula, if the rascal CHAPTERXI Eject him by force, an MR. DAVIDS. not forgettilg a cbs It must be borne in mind by the reader, leather. Leather, in that, at.this stage of the story, Stephen Park- often a good stimulant hurst represents Norman Drew. If we call prince of villains, Rid that gentleman by the :name of the latter, A will will be found so T ~~~~~~~~~~the distinction -must be underto.Te "I a enfui.I real Norman Drew being dead and buried in the scoundrel yesterday the name of Stephen Varkhurst, Stephen been discovered in a'pr Parkhurst takes up the broken thread of his "He has doctored it' life, and, to all save. Magnus Drake, is the the play go on. If he' veritable Norman Drew. a legacy for himself, I With this statement to make the plot clear, But hurry away, Magr ''H! and to prevent the confusion of persons and rome may bethe sooner ideas, we follow the course of events. "I will call for you Magnus Drake called on. Stephen at an Magaus, "and'shall ms early hour in the morning. They conferred you a long times Sc m together earnestly. Ursula and Sibylla were will injure your health. talked of with much seriousness. The "I shall be ready," s malady referred to by Richard,,as threaten- wear away the time a ing the mind of his daughter, filled him with early, and biing me ehe alarm. Magnus heard the details of the pre- . Punctualto his appoint vious night with surprise. ,His clear intel- returned. Stphen was KT3 Iy 85 upon the motive of danger, and for the elieved. that it could d Stephen of the ut puted 'distemper. f insanity, and he had from first to last,." In a friendly zeal, he en- lhe apprehensions' of hts were apt, his login Ling, more subtle and , disturbed the peace on, which is a quality d reason and nearer d walking in the open h of walking," said est hour, of the night I must write to-day [agnus, and brin me rom my pets."' "atch would not disturb the lear and well-poised us,, there is something 'er may need' a lit- never knew a ,hodse- d lookingafter. Lu- , was."full of snares. canning. 'There is nge fancies nay seize chard,' she would be share of attention." Jerome ?" )ut two days ago ; but ants' hall." de's a wicked fellow. thing may happen to be not driven away. d not gently, either ; creet gpplicatln , f the form of boot is it. When will that lard, show his hand? on, I'll warrant." received a note from , informing me that it ivate drawer." finely, no doubt. ' Let has forgotten to name don't know the man. ius, so that John Je- disposed of." this evening," said ist upon walking with uch solitary brooding aid Stephen. "I will s best 'I can. Come erful tidings." atment, Magnus Drake awaiting his appear- page: 36-37[View Page 36-37] ance, imatiently. AftrM soie conversation %oy left the house, and were leaving the urt,wh their attention was attractsya pn, wigseemed Jd be in eat distress of amid.Tispersop was tellsg his-troubles to a woman, who was syptheticallhstep- i ihs words. Stephen and ma stopa nd; te-agippearance'of the het apextoexcite their interest. e eaplain- ykdressed ; but his tljreadbare garmehi were a$ sng plean. He was of middle .age; aid lioweer iuhi he m eight have 'suffered:om ei'orl4 ycissiudes, he had mtnaigd to, retin a goodly prbpdrtion of flesh. 1'is figure wpeshprt e n stout; his face round, fttll, and, a. Some ,gray bai's Bated on is forehead. hat was shabby, and had evidently ben ejected to brushingn. It Was consid- erably out of et and looked rather small for hug head. His ded necktie was tied with much precision; while other details of his di-ess proved him a man of some taste. He was very straight. 'He carried a heavy cane. He ha4,the appearance df a respectable citi- zen In the humbler walks of life. He continued talking. His voice'was clear, low, and complaining. His stony was simple, Ee had lost a young daughter; not by death, but by devices too common In large cities. She had been last seen with a person of ques, tioigable character, who had volunteered to uide her to a certain eteet of which she was in search. It was then about nine o' ek in the evening. Itwas the lowest quart fthe city. She did not return. Her fate, as too apparent. She had been lured into somb den oe eA , and 4etained. Stephen Parlshurst, whose sympathies were easily awakened, inquired the-girl's age. Barely turned sixteen," answered the man, respectfully. " Was Fannie as old as that, Mr. Davids ?"' asked the woman.I "Yes ; the ;poor child was sixtedh,'three days ago. You remember the New Year's gi fwhidh Ipurchased for her ? Her pleasure pnore thaw repqid me for the sacrifice which I made to procure it. But all that is past, and she is taken from me in amost cruel manner. O Mrs. Hall! What shall I do ?" Mr. Pavids applied his handkerchief to his eyes, and was pnuch affected. " she'was a sweet girl, Mr. Davids," said Mrs. Hall, quite melted. "But beauty Is a snare. I allus said that beauty wasa snare and a temptation. My Letty now is dreadful plain, and it does seem to me, that there is a providence in it to keep her out of harm's way. I'm reallyglad that Letty is homely; for you see nobody runs away with a homely fae." . Mrs. iall turned to Stephen1arkhurst, and added: 'Fannie Davids, Sir, isaslovelyaereatre as youwould wish to see. I nevrr li-d my two eyes on such a face an' figger. You'd ought topee her figger. Sir. Dear met I never see the like, an' to think-to what we females is exposed, is enough to try the patience' of Job !" " Have you put the police on her track?" Stephen wished to know. " I've spoken to a couple of detectives, and they will commence the business to-night,' said Mr. Dtvids. "But I'm afraid they won't- matifest much zeal, Sir ; for I'ma poor man, and not able to fee them very liberally." " Fees should not be demanded by the serv- ants of the people," replied Stephen, with warmth. " The-city pays its officials ; and no private citizen, however humble, need put his hand in his pocket to bribe them for'the per- formance of an obvious duty. Neverthe- less, generosity is a good thing, and all who are able to do so would do well to quicken the zeal of the faithful officer by suitable tokens of appreciation. In' a case like this, one cannot afford'to be niggardly ; for money is but dross, while fidelity is above all price, and worthy of admiration." Parkhurst looked significantly at Magnus Drake, who, understanding his meaning, ob- served: "What my friend says is perfectly true. It is as much our duty to be generous when ,we can, as it is of the officer to be always faithful, whether in the service of the rich or poor. I am'so much interested in this mat- ter that I will willingly lend the influence of my ,voice, and the ,stronger influence of my purse, to rescue your daughter, and to secure the ends of justice." "I thank ycu, Sir," answered Mr. Davids, gratefully. 'If you would join in the search, gentlemen, I should be forever indebted to you. There are sone deeds which nothing but eternal gratitude can reward. To-night, properly prepared for the adventure, armed at all points, we're going to visit the vilest slums of the city, [am sure that you will shrink from such an undertaking, and that the excitement of the-searchiwill be of a char- acter too dangerous to be agreeable. Young tuen, I know, seek such excitement;.because it is attended with peril ; and a midnight-ex- ploration would be tame and aimless without the element of danger. But excuse me, gen- tlemen; grief is selfish. A man in trouble troubles others. You have passed the'age of novelty, and act from principle rather than from impulse. Good night. The detectives are waiting for me by this time. Heaven help my childl !' Mr, Davids began to walk briskly away ; but his"remarks about excitement and dan- ger had influenced the minds of Stephen and xfty U,, ljL" yft. I At F- + } i W ' t !!IEEE t f' t _ 4 R 1 F f j 1 ! j ' S Magnus to such an extent that no argument the darkest drops of degraded life. Anthony could have dissuaded them from going with street was one of the tunnels that poured in the detectives. at all hour, early or late, and ofthier late, " Indeed, you must permit us to accompany it5 quota of wretchedness, to which Cross, you," said Stephen, hurrying after Davids. Orange, Mulberry, and Little Water 'streets, "I have long had a strong desire to see life contributed their motley streams. in some of its lowest phases ; and this seems In the centre of these converging streets a favorable opportunity. But believe me, a was Paradise square, a dirty triangle, in- feeling more honorable than curiosity governs closed by a wooden paling, which was grim my present purpose." with' blackness, hacked and ndtehed with " My friend speaks more from the heart knives, dilapidated with age and bad usage, than from the head," said Magnus. "What and much the worse for the company it had you have said respecting the danger but had kept. Palings, like people, are smutched sharpens my desire and strengthens my de- by evil companionship. Old garments flut- termination. Tell a person that there is risk tered like tattered battle-flags on that paling. .to encounter in a certain direction, and the to flap out their filth in the sun. probabilities are as ten to one that he will 1Before reaching this' pestilent area, the do- go that way immediately. We are all clil- tectives paused, glanced at each other, and dren about such matters. Things interdicted one of them said'- and things perilous have irresistible charms, " If the gentlemen has any walables and oftener influence our conduct than we about 'em, they'd better not take 'em along." are willing to allow. Mr. Davids, we will go " Not by no neans whatsomever," ob- with you." served the-other ' The idees of gentlemen Davids had paused, and evidently heard an' ladies hereabouts is some'at loose as re- this decision with satisfaction. He expressed spectin' the possession o' property ; 'specially his thanks in fitting terms, and, moved on 'bout tickers and sinall-changl." again. r " True," answered Stephen. "It is well Looking back, presently, Stephen observed thought of. But what shall we do with our that the woman Davids had called Mrs. Hall watches and money? We seem-now to have was following him. entered the vortex." " Jest in the nick o' time," added he who CHAPTER XII. had first spoken. "We've a private orifis THE DETECTIVES here. Show the gen'lemen in, Driggs, an' After a short and silent walk, Mr. Davids ,I'll strike a glim." stopped' at the corner of Pearl street, where, With these remarks the detectives unlocked after waiting a few minutes, he was joined and opened a door at the left, and disappeared by two men. Those two men were the de- in the.darkness. Driggs, Davids, Stephen. tectives of whom he had spoken. and Magnus, groped in after him. Neither Stephen nor Magnus could con- " Hurry up ' paid Driggs. scientiously compliment them in regard to And presently, after 'somne experimental their Personal appearance. Standing beneath rubbing of matches, a lamp was lighted, a the pale light of' the streetlamp, with their lam with a very weak constitution and coats buttoned to their chins, their old hats feeble powers of illumination. pulled over their -eyes, and their dark and Stephen made a cursory, examination of jagged beards bristling about their chins, this private office, and was somewhat 'disap- they formed a picture by no means agreeable pointed with its internal arrangements., It 'to Stephen. But this incipient feeling of re- was a very squalid affair. It contained two pugnance he endeavored to conquer, believ- stools, a box, and 'a pine table. .Stephen ing that such "disguise was necessary, and thought this was a very ordinary concern ; that their rough looks were partly assumed. but concluded that its mheanness was not inci- Certain it is, that no one would have divined dental, but from design, and to enable them their trade ; but suspected them to be dig- to sustain the characters which they had gers of'. ditches rather than exhumers of found it necessary to assume. crime and mystery. "Davids, interdooce us to yer fren's," The detectives took the lead. They passed quoth Uriggs. .on and turned into Anthony street. It looks Davids immediately turned to Stephen and down upon the Old Brewery. The fame of Magnus,~observing : the Old Brewery is world-wide. It was the "These gentlemen are strangers to me. grand receptacle of the outcasts, and the de- We met scarcely a half an hour ago." bris of human .society. It had opened its Ma nus hastened to announce Stephen's cellular maw to receive thieves, vagabonds and his own name. Drake and Drew were and Cain-marked ruffians. It had a magical at once made acquainted with Drigge and capacity to absorb vice, intemperance, and Droolby, men whose acuteness had never page: 38-39[View Page 38-39] Y , 'I~ ii't 4t Y"-i !(x ~IBYLA JOT. 89 been oyerreached. Stephen handed his Satch He paused, wiped his oozing brow, and and money"to Mr. Droolby, and Magnus sighed from the lowest button of his vast. passed A0ever to 1[r. Driggs, who happened " She were a dimber mort," observed to. be nearest him. These articles were re- Droolby, with pathos. "He were a dark ceived with great solemnity. They :were culley as took her away ; an' if the devil gits careful y,deposited in- the box. '' his dues, we shall know where to find hum. " Wil1 tey be safe there," Magnus in- Cheer up, al, an' you'll come out atop artery quired, his face expressing some doubt. a while. We'll craclp the ken to-night, or I'm "Asa~ebug'in a rug," answered Droolby. a buzzard." Them 'ere Walables might lay there a "He means a dark ken," said Driggs, cx- twelve-month, an' nobody'd be the better for planatorily. "A dark ken as is known to 'em. Who's a comin' to a private detective nobody, an' where nobody knows what an- orifis for to touch the swag an' mizzle ? No- other body is a drivin' at." body a'n't a goin' to ; because as how this This was so lucid and well-timed, that 'ere little spot is sacred to the eye o' the Droolby nodded several times. law. An indiwidooal to break the law, " Grief," he added; "is inconvenient in a must first break a lock, an' to break a lock family. What a eye she had ! She were is bu'glary." none o' your ravin' dells, but a modest an' "Nobody can't git within from here," as- well-behaved un, as ever walked a pavement serted Drisgs. "An'," he added, with a or wore a bonnet. Fannie Davids were a olearness of logic that was irresistible, "if lass as. were bangup. She would made a nobod can't gt nothin''from here, nothin' pictey, that gel would." won't e'got." Stephen asked Davids, in a whisper, -Magnus assented to this proposition ; but whether Droolby and Driggs always ex- Stephen could not quite 'see the safety of his pressed themselves in this extraordinary property in a box secured by a chea and manner. Davids replied, in a confidential unreliable lock. He did not expres his tone, that the flash was. a sheer assumption, doubts, and no more was said about the matter. persistently practiced, so that the habit might Droolby extinguished the light, and the become natural and easy;' as their calling parties stumbled into the street again. 'Da- frequently took them among a class of peo- vids frequently sighed, and dried his wet pie where this style of conversation was al- eyes with a handkerchief. Now and then he ways heard. murmured: "It is almost impossible to- believe it," " Poor Fannie I Dear girl I Unfortunate said Stephen. child !" "Habit is everything, answered Davids. ~'These exclamations were quite touching, "Wonderful fellows are Droolby and Driggs. and helped to dispel the rising suspicions of Many are the rogueries and crimes that they Stephen. have ferreted out. Justice, Sir, will keep They walked as far as the Old Brewery, above the tide, while we have such men in It was now ten o'clock, and the detectives the detective service." considered it too early to commence their " If they are gentlemen," said Parkhurst, operations. So they turned back, and went " they are gentlemen much disguised. They into the old grocery on the' corner'; a won- use the rogues' dialect with singular ease." derful grocery ; an abominable grocery, "It is surprising !" exclaimed Mr. Davids. where execrable liquids were sold to tatter- "Their familiarity with vice is equally re- demalians. Stephen and Magnus were dis- markable.' gusted at the threshold, but managed to find Stephen shook his head. There was a themselves in a miserable place, where res- lurking doubt in his mind that made him un- piration ceased to give pleasure, on account easy ; that disturbed him despite philosophy ; of the impurity of the air and the unwashed that was more subtle than reason, and greater state of the visitors. Droolby and Driggs than the arguments of Davids. His anxiety settled among the miscellaneous dirt with was not lessened when, soon after, he detect- admirable adaptability to circumstances. ed the latter making a covert gesture to the Magnus fidgeted, while Stephen, with great detectives. That gesture manifestly meant heroism, tried to look serene and happy. silence and circumspection. By-and-by, Da- Davids was less patient than either. He was vids said he could endure delay no longer, fastidious. He went often to the door, and and Stephen was heartily glad to leave the as often returned, flushed and hot. place, and breathe the better air of the street. " It has been my motto to keep above the-- tide," quoth Davids. "I have kept above CHAPTER XIII. the tide. I have kept Mrs. Davids above AMONG THE SLUMS. the tide. I have kept the young Davids The detectives plunged at once into a dirty above the tide hitherto." . alley. They were in the Old Brewery. The passage was very narrow and very dark and much worn under foot. Droolby began to open crazy doors, and Stephen Parkhurst be- ran to see filth and poverty at their worst. hey went into holes, which were called cribs, where miserable human creatures were huddled together like vermin. In some of those sweltering graves the stench was in- tolerable. Stephen andsMagnus often turned back to gasp for the better air of the alleys. They went up complaining stairs. The de- tectives used their clubs; they thumped and rattled at rickety doors, which threatened to fall beneath their blows. If the swinish in- mates delayed unreasonably, if they were too drunk to lift latch, or push bolt or bar with alacrity, they were soundly berated by Drool- by and Driggs. Sometimes there was con- siderable fumbling and shuffling before the dingy doors turned to reveal the sodden mis- ery within. Profanity and obscenity hailed both ingress and egress, and followed them with harsh pertinacity to the next kennel. In many instances, blacks and whites were found herded together ; and Driggs asserted, gravely, that the blacks were as bad as the whites. Parkhurst shrugged his shoulders, and did not express a doubt of the veracity of that knowing official. It did seem probable to him that the negro might sink as low as any-.. one bare crib beneath the ridgepole they found ten or a dozen hateful hags, the sight of whom made Stephen shiver. They were tattered and torn, wrinkled and wry, gray and grizzly, toothless and tart, trenchant and testy, wicked and witch-like, malignant, mouthing crones, with no place to-lay their - evish heads and half-naked bodies. One sunken-jawed harridan gibbered and gibed at Stephen, and doubling her long, skeleton fingers into ghastly fists, shook them in Ste- phen's face, while her elfish locks drifted like coiled snakes about her shriveled face and skinny neck. Stephen recoiled in terror from this horrible shape which followed him up, menacing and gesticulating like nothing human. He thought that hel had disem- bogued, and lost a few of its choicest ogresses. The crib contained but one single mov- able, and that was a basket. "That conwenience," quoth Droolby, pointing with a very black detective finger, "Ais which they goes a stealin' with." After this enlightemng observation, Mr. Droolby considerately rescued Stephen from the hag. Where do they sleep?" inquired Magnus, whose notionsof life and lodgings seemed greatly confused. "In their skins," said Driggs, with a humorous grimace. " On the bare floor," amended Droolby. Davids remarked that he should think the poor wretch would freeze in winter weather. "Freezel!" repeated Droolby with immense contempt. "What is there to. freeze of 'em? Can't freeze.parchment, can ye? Can't freeze dry bones, can ye ? Nor dry sawdust, nor unpowder ? Not bad, I reckin. - Not wery Droolby's line of argument was considered final and satisfactory, Magnus merely obeerv- ing : " They do look very crisp and bony." "There isn't no marrer in 'em," quoth Droolby. The hags shrieked in concert, and brand- ished their skeleton arms, as if they meditat- ed a simultaneous attack. "Look at 'em !" added Droolby. "Look at the bingomorts ! You might split 'em into kindling's with wery little sweatin'." " The devil might kindle his fire with them for I wouldn't," said Mr. Davids. "And here," he added, taking Magnus by the sleeve to detain him a little longer. "I'd point a moral and adorn a tale. 'All this comes of not keeping above the tide." "Above the tide I" exclaimed Droolby, with indignant incredulty. "It's a lie! Throw them 'ere critters into the water, an' they'll float like corks, every one of 'em !" " I was speaking figuratively," said Davids. I was referring to the tide of life which floats us all, drifting one one way, and an- other another. They didn't keep their heads atop of it. It flowed over 'em; it sunk 'em; it did the job for 'em. And that's where they be at the present time. They're under, and the tide is standing on 'em. There's jus. the difference of being above or below, top- most or undermost, hindmost or foremost. " The tide is a standin' on 'em?" repeated Droolby, with contempt. " There isn't no- thin' standin' on 'em as I can see, 'ceptia' their rags, an' them don't stan' much to the pint. Sich nonsense isn't the valley o' that !"t Droolby snapped his thumb and finger, and led th way downward toward the base- ment. O the wyay they glanced into a ken- nel, where ;there were three infants lying upon three heaps of shavings. " Sich is life," said Droolby. " Them is from small beginnings. Tall aches from lit- tle ocorns grow." "Infants !" exclaimed Davids, sentiment- ally.. "You're young ; keep above the tide." "They will have to begin soon to do that," observed MagnusA "They was born under water," asserted Droolby, oracularly. " The little coves will float one of these days, perhaps," offered Driggs, as a kind of page: 40-41 (Illustration) [View Page 40-41 (Illustration) ] far-rate prophecy. "Tve khowed the tide "Wery lmperlite' muttered Drbolby. ;to l' people as was a lying' low on the corri They found but one crib with a bed in It, and the proprietress was as vicious a cata- ,,Bingaast I" (get you gone) returned maran as one would' wish -to see. Her irony Droolby, -witir severity. " Them kiddies partook of the malignity of the nether world. never float the wallet o' a brass button. C- reak, -creak : down, and further down. They'll hug the bottom: forever. The ealt The air grevr thicker. The wall oozed, and s barnacles, whit:h is figurative, an' means the footing beneath w like the slip of hell. the wiciousness of sin, will keep 'em down " Poor Fannie !" said Davids, with a great amoig the awash and seaweed till their moral gulp. natur is buried in the sand." " That's' right, Old Giglamps ! Gulp It Droolby flourished his billy, and rounded down I" exclaimed Droolby, giving Davids a his philosophy by giving ragged girl a gen- smart blow upon the back. ritsrap on the head, with the admonition' to. "Giglamp", in thieves' slang, signifies a 'give her red rag a holiday"; meaning that pair of spectacles ; and Davids:had put on a se shlbdd hold hertdngue. very curious-looking pair. "Some ot yey" he added, threateningly, "Bing we to the lushin' gulls." (Go we "an' I dunno which, an' it don't make no down among the drinking fellows.) "One great matter o' odds, as yer all a low set o' extreme follers hard on the heels of another. sealliwags, has gone an' spereted away a From lullaby kids we go slap to bloated young gal, an' hid her up atween the ceilins, sluggers." or atween the floors, or atween the pertitions, ".'his is very wonderful I" murmured Cr atween som'ers, nobody knows where, an' Stephen, looking dubiously at Magnus. " I itis she I'm carter " doubt these men," he whispered. " They A chorus of cracked voices protested en- mouth the slang too glibly. Keep near me, tire innocence of all then and there assem- and watch every movement." bled. When they had gone a little further, he "Poor little drops of life,"-sighed Stephen, found opportunity to ask. Magnus if he had 0 sAill looking atthe unswaddled infants. any defensive weapons about his person. / "Very troo," assented Droolby. "Drops "Pistols !" answered Magnus. }' life are good in their places, an' conwe- "Walk you before me, and watch a chance nient when the stomick is out o' order. to slip one into my hand," added Parkhurst. 9 They keeps those drops below stairs, an' I "Things look a little dark," replied Mag- can swaller 'em with less strainin"than them nus. aforementioned." Just then, things looked light ; for Drool- The detective made a motion with his club by turned and sprang a dark lantern in his toward the sprawling infants, and descended face. - the creaking stars. Stephen and Magnus CHAPTER XIV. fbllowed sadly.. Those naked little wretches THE OLD BREwERY.l ean the shavings made them ask strange ques- " What's the matter with gutter lane ?" do- bione concerning the Christian Whiteness of manded Droolby, scowling. New York. A weird crone shrieked after "Gutter lane" is the throat. them as they went, hurling down upon their " Don't whindle till yer hurt," be added. heads unwomanly epithets anrd shocking bad- " Keep above the tide," suggested Davids. insge. Another said-and she was as shrew- "Adwise 'em, Giglamps ; advise 'em. Ad- inh as any: twice is good for green uns. Don't be fear, "IDon't come here for yer bleak Moll: We ed, man. There's more under the earth nor don't keep such dainty bits as you talk of. there is atop on't. We shall be a-knockin' ro close your nib, and go off with your pat- our heads agin the wrong side o' the pave- ter. If there is any law, we will have it. ments soon. There's two worlds in Gotham WV won't be knocked out of our peaceful -one below an' one atop.. Here we arq be- beds by every boozin' cadger that chooses to low the level of.the streets. Murderers' Al- ca1i himself a trap. We've had enough o' ley is above us." them, I'll warn ye. Now I think on't, it "My heart fails me," protested Davids. seems to me I've seen that mug o' yourn " This atmosphere chokes me." \ afore." Stephen Parkhurst now found himself in a "Stow your whidsI" cried Driggs, quite situation entirely new, and its novelty did Martled. not render it less unpleasant. His friend To "stow one's whids" is to be silent. and himself were standing upon some slip- Droolby quickened his pace. pery boards in a dark and unsavory passage. You don't look to me like a fycop," add- Many unappetizing smells mingd there. I; d the virago, screaming with provoking per- The combined efiluvia was but the prelude sistency from her filthy eyrie. -tthreek and fume in store fon them. By - 4 - A , t, V ' r /' / , i r F I' r ti I l i I IIIIIII I II i I I I I I I II I I VI I , r ' f to 1 4 1 '1 r ' , 1 11) t page: 42-43[View Page 42-43] - BSIBYLLA JOY. cutting out his hands, Stephen could touch ter. A very dism t amp walls on either side, and was often to light up its nasti obliged to stoop, to prevent contact with the debased people; on low ceiling. Droolby led the way with his and sodden aces; c dark lantern, while Driggs walked in good faces; on vicious a fellowship at his heels. The melancholy- on faces to haunt Davids was next in order. Stephen and after. Magnus were last. Magnus was nervously This, in the rog waiting a fitting moment to pass one of his "tash-panny". Th weapons to 'Stephen ; but Driggs had a sin- corner where bad gularly annoying inquisitiveness, and kept at cheap rates. One looking over his shoulder.-an action which voted to terpsichore Davids imitated. It really seemed to Park- proximity, a long burst and. Drake that they were rather too bursting with impact hf closely observed. But there was no help for melody. The playe -:- this espionage. Stephen thought of the pure al, clutched the i air of the country, and the contrast was as and brandished the a heaven to hell. He was staggered at the other, ready to start possibiity of human existence i such a pest- from the dominant s hole. The tales which he had read of the and whites mingled crime and mystery of the Five Points began color. Particularly to drift through his memory with marvelous lost. he wretches vividness. He began to believe what he had much apparent goo previously rejected as beyond the limits of found in a fashionab probability. creaked and squeak They did not go far; but Droolby made the subterranean rev several turns to the right and left, and ap. it, as if life was a W peared familiar with the way. They could the foretop, and enj hear the tramp of feet overhead. Soon, the "Innocent coves I distracted whine of a violin reached their here is a scene' m ears. The sound proceeded from one of the What a snuggery it kens. Droolby stopped at a door, and, turn- bloke. Bolter " ing his lantern upon Driggs, said: Bolter was the dan "Dub the jigger I" (Open the door.) , of the concern. Driggs attempted to obey this order; but "Put up yer guy' the door was fastened, and he knocked with wot it's all about." his club. "Not the valley I A rough voice demanded: Droolby, with con "tWot's the row ? Hop the twig, my bob- 'round a little, that's culls. There's no place for yer, here." "Yer a sly trap 1 Not so fast, my hemp-puller," answered wink. Droolby. " Don't say no, without reason. " There's a cly-fak We're flyblokes, an' can draw the cole when unconwenience," ad we're dry. Open, or we'll crack the ken." -smell wermin ?" " Is it Droolby ?" was asked from within. " Don't be hard o "Droolby and Driggs," said the former. Bolter. "We've sto "So hurry up, or we'll wentilate yer divin'- fust an' last." "Ain't down onus groun"Stop yer gob " Ai't ownonu grund-wels, e yr?"tip us a couple o' inc While asking this pertinent question, the among you fiash w questioner opened the door. Droolby illum- velvet, an' sich lik mated the fellow's face with his Intern, and it gen'leman, Bolter's a was by no means an interesting or ingenuous Stephen and Ma countenance. It was a very ugly knob. It tion, while Davids was not the kind of visage to stand in a the anomalous liquor banking-establishment, and to pass a check him. The agitated through the pigeonhole to the teller., A check affirmed, had take wouldn't draw with that fellow behind it. stimulants. Droolby entered the ken, and the others Stephen, Magnus, followed. Stephen commenced an examina- ducd to Bolter, w tion of the premises. The place differed ciously. from any he had seen. It was larger than the Stephen was dissal cribs above ; and its perfumery was no bet- of the search. His rV 4 al lanp was struggling mess. t shone on many bloated faces ; onred n pale and -consumptive nd crime-marked faces; an honest man forever ae's vocabulary, was a ere was a hole in one compounds were vended part of the ken was de- an exercise. In suitable necked fiddle -seemed ience to let out its latent r, an uncombed individu- dle firmly in one hand, ll-conquering bow in the off at a nod or a gesture. spirit of the ken. Blacks without prejudice of nice distinctions were fell to their sport with as 1-fellowship as could be le ballroom. The violin d with all its voice, and telers heeled it and toed thing 'to be seized by yed without stint. 'quoth Droolby. , " This irth and hilariyous joy. is t I say,yer a rum- nber cove, or head man " (lantern), " an' tell us o' much," answered descension. " Lookin' all." asserted Bolter, with a er as has given us some ded Droolby. " De ye n us bobeulls," whined ad a good 'eal o' buggin', retorted Droolby, "an' lies of bloo ruin, which, armints, is called white e abominations. Come, goin' to moisten us." nus refused this invita- merely wet his lips with r that was placed before state of his mind, he away his appetite, for and Davids, were intro- ho received them gra- ~isfied with the tardiness distrust increased. He page: 44-45[View Page 44-45] - 8191A A. gOy ~BYMMLJ :Oy. ,' looked often at Magiue. Could he have beeh. safelyhI the street, he would have been well content. The squalid creatures about him ; the tattered men 'aud half-naked women,; the nauseous fumes of gin, beer, and onions, combined with miscellaneous: stenchea; the tramping, jumping, and clattering ; the rapid emotions,. the varied contortions, and the grotesque irregularities ; the shouting, the wild laughter, the unseemly jestings, together with tile utter abandonment of the restraints of civilized life, had such an effect upon the educated nerves and refined taste of Stephen Parkhurst, that he longed to fly from the, scene as from a pestilence. " Come, Bolter," said Droolby, by-and-by, when his taste had lingered long enough on the flavor of the detestable gin, "we must. leave the dells an' the culleys, an' take a look ,t yer private affairs." 'Think o' my reputation," quoth Bolter. " What If these bene coves should cackle ?" "Deek the cadger I" (see the thief) ex- claimed Droolby. " He pretends to doubt Droolby an' Driggs. ie's goin' to turn autum-bawler (parson), an' save his good name an' his soul at the same time. But it won't do. You'll make as likely a sprout as ever 'ow'd from a acorn." " Yer mighty rough on a pal as has allus come down Jiandsome with the cole," grum- bled Bolter. " Come, you Bolter 1" retorted Droolby. "Don't go for to accuse a honest chap of bribery, eruption, blackmail, an' sich. Cut bene whids an' amputate yer mahogany (give civil words and be off with you). Yer a sly boots, an' I must see what you're got under. cover. A bit o' kidnapping' has been done of late, an' I'm on the trail. So move yer pins, an' open yer private boxes." " These coves needn't go;" said Bolter, looking at Stephen, Magnus, and Davids. " There's some things they don't need to, know." " Don't stan' chaffin'," answered Droolby. " These is fren's as has a very deep interest in this case. Where Driggs an' me goes, they goes. Don't be vicious ', Droolby scowled at the " damber cove", and made an ostentatious dislay of his billy. lolter muttered, and- taking a "glint", nodded to Droolby to follow. Magnus, who was closely observing every moveinent, spoke in a low voice to Parkhurst, and said : "Manage to drop behind, and escape, if possible. One of us must escape. If oppor- tunity offers to me, and not to you, I will im- prove it. So let it be understood." " I approve of it," answered -Parkhurst. 'It is agreed upon. The, escape of one may insure the safety of both. I am afraid, Mag-j 0 a nus.: A. cold tenor is upon ,e. We have :been deceived. . Those men are;not deteq- tives,but low villains. Give me the pistol. Now is your chance." "Thank heaven, yes !" Whispered Magnus. "Here it is; take it. Providence guide your hand should you have o gcasion to use it ! Remember to keep behind, and if you sud- . denly miss me, bear in mind that it is not a cowardly desertion. We shall soon lknow whether these men mean mischief.. In some of the murky passages one of us may loiter a moment, perhaps, without being missed ; and that moment may suffice. A moment is sometimes fraught with momentous conse- quences." A small revolver changed hands adroitly. Davids saw a quick, and as it seemed to him, stealthy movement ; but what it had accom- plished, or what it had portended, 4e could only suspect. That person's grief fo? the ab- duction of his daughter appeared of a fitful character. The consciousness of his trouble came and went strangely. He did not evince that constant anxiety that the ostensible situa- tion naturally demanded. :He kept above the tide, to use his own figurative style, wonder- fully well. The conviction that deception had been practiced, had grown so strong in Stephen's mind, that it was very much like certainty. He glanced at the squalid faces that made the ken look like the .abode of fiends, in the faint hope of finding evidence of sufficeent goodness to hang an expectation upon ; but he might as well have searched a Pandemonium for a cool spring of water. CHAPTER XV. IN THE TRAP. Under different circumstances,' Stephen would have been glad to leave the wretches, whose boisterous levity made him sick at heart ; but as matters were, when he followed Droolby, Driggs; and Davids, from the lair, and the door closed after him, he felt a sort of regret; and human companionship, how- ever degraded, he esteemed preferable to the gloomy uncertainty before him, under the guidance of Bolter. It was then that he began to realize how much he was cut off from the busy, breath- ing world. To perpetrate crime in such a place, was nearly equivalent to-a guaranty of immunity from punishment. A blow, a thrust, would accomplish the deed. Even a pistoLshot would attract no attention from persons in the streets. He thought how easy it was to stop the beating of a heart and the pulsation of an artery. He looked at Mag- nus, and sighed for Ursula and Sibylla, and the safety of the brown-stone house. Lost homes are regretted. He said to himself; "lithe to; Y 'hhvb been happy without knowing it." Botier edthred another den, where'a with- ered old *omatih aa brewing eS kind of a both over smoke. We call it a Smoke, because very little flame was visible. There Was a younger woman thefe,-and a-deforned boy burrowed in a corner. " Asnuggery, this is," said Dr-olby. "Yer oen private conweniency, I spect?" Bolter answered : "Yes." " Warn in winter an' cool 'in summer," added Droolby. "'T*otild bS wery-pleasant, howsomever, if yer had a pluckier draft to yer fireplace." The arrangement for getting rid of the smoke was very simple. A rusty Stovepipe had been ingeniously introduced into achim- ney above. " Don't go for to give yerself the gout with high livin'," admonished Droolby, face- tiously. " Use pavin'stones for soup, an' save yer bones agin a time o' need. Strong wittles does violence to the stoniiok.", The ancient beldame shook a battered iron spoon at the brilliant Droolby., " Wentilate yer wiciousnSss," said he, pre- serving that amiable temper that so much distinguished him._. "This here is yer own hotel, an' yer not obleeged to entertain angels unawar's, 'thout givin' 'em a piece, o' yer nilhd." , -. " Don't vex her," said Bolter. " Wex her !" quoth Droolby. "You can't wex her. Her temper's sweeter 'n winegar. It's jolly to have a 'wirtuotus household. Here's a infant, too. A reg'lar Richard Third, that ,infant is. He'll take to tragedy, as a fish to the water. No iakin' up to do. Born with the shoulders on.. What an in- Wention! Yer a deep un, Bolter. That's wot I call lookin' ahead. 'Twas done \by breakin' his back, I spect.", The-deformed boy crept-behind his mother, who sat gazing absently at the few smoking. fagots on the broken bricks, called by court- esy a fire-place, and which was but a miser- able caricature of that useful contrivance. l3olters den was a burlesque on life and liv- ing ; if things so serious can be burlesqued. Misery is often grotesque, and is always sad., " His back might as well been broke," muttered the hag, who was simmering the witch-broth, " for all the good he does. If I had my way, I'd throw him into the'sewer, hump and all. I'd send him out of this, least- ways. He's as able to go a begin' pan' Mteal-, in' as any kiddy of his age. I believes in ev'ry one doin' their part." The ogress thrust her spoon into' the dia- bolical caldron, and made a commotion among the bones; then added, in adismal, croaking strain: "Why do ye bfing all-these gain' coves down here ? Ain't they nothin' to do, but to ioke their noses into other folkses business ? Bingavast, an' leave me alone 1" Hold up, you batamaran! Ugly woman t Ain't got a bleak imort stoWed away amongg yer duds, have,ye ?" Stephen looked for the duds spoken of, but could sde nothing but a heap, of sticks and chips, some shavings in a box, an old tin dipper, and the kettle sweating over the smoke. " Peer and peep !" qcuoth the ogress. "Yer welcome to all ye'll find. There's a good many cornets, you see," she went on, sarcast- ically, "an' a +good many holes where a gal could be hid. A gal brought here again her will, wbldi't raake no noise, I s'pose 1" " That's what I told 'em,"said Bolter; but Droolby thinks I've had a-hand in't." "Stop yer patter 1" retorted Droolby, au- thoritatively. "This- ain't all, an' ye know it. Come, pall up yer traps,an' bring on." "If I'must,'1 must," answered "'olter, dog- gedly, moving the box that contained -the shavings. "I wouldn't be, so tame.'bout it," mumbled the old woman.- " I'd have no bandogs bark- in' underneath. If I hates anythin', it's the whelps o' the law, which is -allus disturbin' on us, an' a stirring' us up, an' a coming' an' going , and kin'.our bene coves away, for no reason wh omever, an' a clapping' their wrists in rules. There is no liberties. Our liberties is gone, an' the traps has; gobbled 'em. If I had my way, I'd dub no jigger but on compulsion." "That old leddy," quoth Droolby, "is ready for the hemp. It's a pitty to keep her a waitin'. But 'Tyburn tippets are not so easy to be come at in' this 'ere free an' easy Gotham." "Bottle yer gab, or yell git this kettle o' soup on yer head, as ye go down the gang- way." While Droolby and the hag were thus pat- tering, Bolter,-greatly to the surprise of Ste- phen 'and Magnus, lifted a trapdoor and re- 'vealed a black hole at his feet. " Give me yer darkey" (lantern), he said, an come along." , Bolter stepped into the hole, and had it not been for (the light of the lantern, he would have entirely disappeared in the Stygian darkness. ':.here was a moment's hesitation about the -order of going, which Droolby terminated by thrusting himself into the sus- picious, aperture. Driggs glanced at David, and': the latter went next, with the observa- tion: "It looks like going' under the tide." " Come on,"'added.Driggs, addressing Mag- -nus and-Stephen.- "Go down, an' doniUt be i (, f f. f1 'v r f ; . r ' ti" } r t page: 46-47[View Page 46-47] 48 SIBYLIA JQY. afeared. I'll bring up in the rear." Then to Davids pressed forward, offigiously, to aid the crone: "Don't shut pan on us. Leave the detective. the hatches open, old woman. The air mayn't "Stan' off!", said Bolter. "This here isn't be like apples, below." fair I" Then he knocked 'Driggs down, and Driggs stepped back, and it was evident to a general scuffle;, followed, during which Parkhurst and his friend, that he had set his Stephen found himself seized by the shoul- mind upon being the last to descend.. -So, ders, and,.pushed through the open door. -guided by the small red focus of the lantern, All this was very sudden. There was no they went down a ladder, and stood on.the time for reflection on the part of Stephen; ground. - They were in a cellar, which seemed none for resistance. He was alone in the to Stephen quite uninhabitable. dark, before he had suspected the object of "What, in Heaven's name, are the uses of the scuffle. His first thought was concern- such a place as this?" he asked, turning to mg Magnus. He put forth his hand;,hoping Davids. to touch ;his.fpend ; but met,.instead, the "You ask too much," answered that bereav- cold and dripping walls. The darkness was ed gentleitan, buttoning his coat to his chin, impenetrable. Stephen stood confounded. to keep out the'damp air. The danger which he had expected, was "Were It clean enough, it might be used uppn him. He remained mute and motion- fo' the fattening of swine," observed-Magnus, less, listening' intently to every sound that with a disgusted turn of the nose. reached himthrough the then invisible door. "Yer a' squeamish cove," said Bolter. He heard oaths and laughter. Presently, "You've lived too long atop of the ground. Droolby said: fire and light make a mighty difference in the " We'ye got1 '9m wery snug." looks o' things." " I pushed one .of 'em in," said Bolter. "When looked at in pint of a ,conweni- Who pushed in t'other ?" enncy," amended Droolby . " Dunno," replied Driggs. "The lantern " We're under the sidewalk, now," said went out when Bolter dropped it, an' I got Bolter, when they had' walked a few paces. hold o' Davids mnstead of the :brother of the What jigger is this ?" demanded Droolby, coif lawyer). stopping near a door which his conductor "'1 his is wexatious !" exclaimed Drool- had pased. 'by-. . . . "That," replied the damber cove, "is a This conversation not being carried onlmn dummy an' ablind, an' there's no need as you suppressed voices, .was quite audible to should trouble yerself 'bout it." Stephen., He held hby breath with eepecta- " Quite the rewerse," quoth Droolby. "Tip tion. It was evidentthat Magnus had made me yer wattles" (give me your 'ears), "an' ,an attempt to escape, and was at that very hold yerself open to conwiction. Dub that moment endeavoring to make his way out of jigger or I'll make you whindle like a kiddy." the ken. So much depended upon the sue- (Open that door, or I'll make you cry like a cess, of the trial, that Stephen found it ex- child). tremely difficult to maintain his calmness, It was then that Stephen Parkhurst endeav- and to keep his generally firm and healthy ored to use his perceptions to the utmost. nerves!in subjection. The light was dim, and the faces of Droolby Bolter muttered; Driggs muttered; Drool- and Bolter looked griminthe fluctuatinorays; by muttered ; Davids muttered. During but he saw only those two faces. He believ- this time,. the parties were, obviously, recu- ed that lie detected arrant hypocrisy in both ; operating the extinguished lantern, and some that the passing of the door by Bolter was a pretty startling profanities attended their feint; .that the whole scene was by pre-ar- efforts. The wick refused to respond, with- rangement. But all conviction founded on out coaxing, to the application of the match, reason, analogy, and speculative evidence is and this delay was particularly agreeable to attended with doubt; and Stephen, though Stephen, who felt sure that hisfriend would morally, convinced that he was betrayed, improve every instant. Should Magnus clung desperately to hope and dubious prob- fail, he was of the . opinion that, he never abilities. should see the .light of the sun again. He "Run yer rig!" succumbed Bolter, un- thought he recognized, in this situation, the locking the door with a rusty key. handiwork of Richard Parkhurst, who could "1Watch this cove, gen'lemen," said Drool- not feel safe and comfortable while ;Norman by, taking Bolter by the collar. " Grab, him.' Drew was 1ii existence. That Richard sus- - Driggs ; an' you, Davids, an the tethers, pected the ,trick of the substitution of one back up my pal, to keep the thief :from body for another, he could not believe. He paddingthe hoof. If there's any wickedness did not court these reflections ; they came to here, I'm going' to wentilate it." him of necessity, molded from his immedi- Drizes obeyed orders. Bolter struggled., ate surroundings. i t A 4 ( . BIBTYLLA JOY. 47 He put his ear to the door. that appellation in a tomb as deep and dark "The fakement cove has dodged us,"-quoth as that in which the remains of his foster- Droolby, who. was still cool. " Put after brother reposed. him, Bolter, an' bring him back, dead or "Was properly interdooced, 'cordin' to the alive. Don't stan' about stunnin' him. Stun oosages of high blokes, an' well-bred dodg- him, if he s unconwenliently vicious." ers. Paiding me. for stoppin' to mention it. "Fust of all." said' Driggs, "shut the trap- I was once a tannin' floor-nanager for the door." balum-rancum, an' never forgets my manners. "It may ce too late for that. The old A slap-up caper-cove I" be, an' can bow woman '11 know," said Droolby, beginning an' scrape with the Buck of Dookinham his- to chafe the tardiness of his accomplices. self." " Hurry up ! I'll guard this ken till ye come "Do you know Richard Parkhurst ?" de- back. The bolt is pushed home, an' I don't handed Stephen, in an authoritative tone. mind being' in the dark." " Ye hurts m feelinks," whined Droolby. Stephen heard the villains hurrying away, " I can't do wiolence to friendship." and silently prayed for Magnus. "Who is the scamp that calls- himself Da- " Let nie out !" quoth Stephen, knowing vids ?" that Droolby was at the door. " How dreadful ie goes on. Stubble yer " Sorry to say," replied the fellow,. "that redrag, Mr. Droo." the gen'lemen who was with me of late, has " What I wish to say, villain, is this ; and tooken away the key." as you value your neck you had better give " This is ruffianly !" muttered Stephen. heed to it ; I will out-bid your buyer. I will "Wery prowokin' !" responded Droolby. give more for my liberty! than you will get " Dunno how you'll git out o' this dilem- for depriving me of 'it. If you want money, my !" I'm the man to treat with. , I can purchase " There's but one way of dealing with you, one and all, with this infernal rat-hole scoundrels like you," retorted Stephen. that you scoundrels germinate in, thrown 'in- "Which' way is' that ?" asked Droolby, to the account." who seemed much at hisease. " A regular Rosschild !" responded Drool- "Money !" said Stephen. by, with vexatious nonchalance. "Money is a conweniency," assented the Stephen thought the fellow would .be as- cqmplaisant rascal. ' tonished 'to learn his ability to handle so " Money induced. you to undertake this much money, and his cool, incredulous re- job," responded Stephen. " You were hired joinder, as sailors say, " quite took him to inveigle my friend and myself into this aback". He felt a strong desire to take execrable den, where, to robbery, you intend Droolby by the throat and compress his to add murder." windpipe just enough to stop his respir- " This," interrupted Droolby, rasing his tion. voice. "is a insinooation. It's damagin' to a " If my friend escapes," resumed Stephen, upright character." "he would raze the Old Brewery from the "Your Davids was an impostor, and, you ridge-pole to the lowest foundation-stone, to are all thieves, vagabonds, and cut-throats, find me ; and it would go hard with you un- together." derground vermin, if you be not banged out- "I wish I had witnesses to this violence," right. As a scoundrel, yourwisest' course is answered Droolby, with pathos. " Little to accept a bribe from.me, and .cheat not only did my mother think that her offspring wotild your brother-thieves, but - your employer. be called a wagabones." 'The o proverb says there is honor ainong " Listen to me, fellow," retorted Stephen, thieves, but I doubt whether it applies to with firmness. "I am a man not easily Cow Bay and its filthy, disgusting inhabit- terrified. ' I never give up, tamely, to circum- ants." stances. It is my motto 'to struggle with "Wery complimentary! Yer .morils is Fate itself." dreadfully out a order. I was eddicated to " A reg'lar- tragedy-cove," said Droolby, be troo to the proverbs, an' I don't want 'to sotto voce. be waxinated with yer doctrings." " If money has bought you once, it will buy " Listen, fellow ! , Do you believe what I ou again, and I propose to be the purchaser," have said About my ability to command Parkhurst continued. money ?" asked. Stephen, emphasizing the "Wery kind in ye,",said Droolby. question by a blow upon the table with his "You understand me, I suppose'?" fist. "I'm conwersant with the ling's English. "Well, since ye puts the question to me, Wentilate yer idees, Mr. Droo." square as a brick, I don't mind answerin' as "So you Know my name ?" said Stephen, I wery much doubts it. I've hearn some- somewhat startled to hear himself called by what of yer history, my swell' cove, an' I page: 48-49 (Illustration) [View Page 48-49 (Illustration) ] / f-YLLJA JOY. know that Nornan Drew is as poor as a them that is dear to ye. Perhaps, they're In mouse in a church-orging. A mouse in a them same banks as you spoke of, where you church-orging is apt to have wind in his keeps yer cole." stomick,'specially Sunday mornin', when the Perceiving that he had blundered, Park- bellerses is a goin'." hurst hastened to correct the inadvertency. Parkhurst's heart- misgave him. He had "I referred to my foster-brother's daugh. lost sight of the fact that, in the character of tern," he said, "for whom I have the deepest Norman Drew, he was necessarily poor. To regard. It is not asserting too much to say, reveal his true name and character was out that I love them as I would my own chil- of the question. Such a revelation would dren. I perceive that they are to be turned not only destroy his plot, but be likely to in- out of doors, and that the assassin, Richard sure his own destruction. He made an at- Parkhurst, is to take possession of Stephen's tempt to shake the obstinacy of the provok- fortune." lug Droolby. "Assassin is wery strong," .sugg sted "You have been misinformed," he began. Droolby, with mildness. "I can really and truly command several "Let us'come to some kind of an under- thousands." standing i" exclaimed Parkhurst, almost in The spurious detective received this solemn despair. "If my friend has not escaped, and asseveration with a prolonged whistle. we must be kept under ground for a longer Stephen, not being overstocked with pa- or shorter period, give us a dungeon that it tience, kicked- the door, and said something is possible to live fin,and food that it is possi- Wicked. ble to eat; and, after a time, we will con- "His brain an is cracked," solused Drool- vince you that it is for your pecuniary benefit "by."This a wentre was too much for-him. to recede from .this villainous scheme, and Then to Stephen': " Where do ye keeps the take the back track. I will give a thousand brads ?" dollars to-be setfree." variouss banks,"anwrdPrhr. Wrresnbe Buprvd'yo "Will ye obleege me by naming' one o' had the; brads we couldn't trust ye, for you'd these banks 2" quoth Droolby, with an unruf- be down on us with the plice, an' then some fled assurance' that ptflanked the remainder on us might jerk at W timber or rot in of Stephen's patience. p eridrwo won't do. We dark uns has to He vented his resentment in harmless ob- look out for number one. Atween you an' I, jurgations. Remembering that he was deal- Bolter is a hard boy, an' the old woman Ing with a politic knave, he rallied his equa- above is harder. still.' They wouldn't mind nimity, and replied': cuttin' a weasand, or snuffin' yer candle inn No matter about the banks. If you will ,some other way, no more'n they would wal- specify a reasonable sum, my friend Magnus' ley swalled4n' a nipperkin o' bloo ruin. I'm r shall procure it for you, while I remain here a regular kiddy aloggside.o' 'em. But that is as a hostage." nix so be 'uiet, an' I'll see ye agin." " Yer frien'," said Droolby, "can't be " Stay!'I'll 'give you my watch for a light, counted at the present time, havin' tookin it and something decent to sit and lie upon, and into his noddle to mizzle the ken. But don't to eat." Inwigorate yer hopes with that. I'll sager a " Thankee," said Droolby, playfully. "I've flimsey (bank-note) to a tanner (sixpence) got the ticker in my pocket now. Yer wery that he won't pad the hoof to-night. kind. Got any walables 'bout ye that ye "Heaven help him l" murmured Stephen. didn't fork over ?" "Better trust to his legs. Heaven, my "Yes," said Stephen, feeling for his pistol. friend, is. rather ambigoowous, an' isn't in- " This frankness is conwincin'. What is wariably on hand when wanted ; but one's it ?" legs is allus with 'em." ' "Open the door an' I'll give it to you," - "I want to know what you intend to do," answered 6tephen, with his finger upon the cried Stephen. . trigger of the revolver which Magnus had "' Wery nateral," observed Droolby. given him. "Some'at, it'll depend upon circumstan- " There's no hurry 'bout it," returned the ces ; but I reeking as how' you won't see cunning rogue. "Keep your walables till the walley o' a caplull o' sunlight in a long we meet again. I'd rather be excused from time." seeing' yout in the dark. I'm goin' to see "What! Am Ito be incarcerated In this what's become of the fakement-screever. I death-sweating cellar, while Richard Park- wish ye'a happy noo year." i hurstperpetratea his villainy, and ruins all With these parting words Droolby went thathare dear to-me " away. " Which are them ?" inquired the ruffian. Stephen Parkhurst was left in a State of 'I wasn't aware, appearantly, as you had doubt that was extremely painful ~ His mind " VP I' ' page: 50-51[View Page 50-51] y, ,)[ .. _ k o 1 v U r i 1 f t L et s 4 Y' e S was disturbed by fears that were.not un- founded. His.body was scercely less miser- able than- his mind. The wet walls, the clayey floor,,the thick and stifling air, all had their effect upon the sensitive organization of Stephen. But more than-the damp and the mould, more than the nausea of the sweating atmosphere, more than the natural shrink- ings from pain, more than the tortures of wild conjecture, was"his paternal solicitude for the peace and safety of Ursula. Ursula took possession 9f the fatherly heart, and reigned there supreme, the queen of his affec- tions. The same paternal instinct drew Sibylla into the charmed circle of his love, and held her there in the kindly folds of memory.- For them he trembled, for them ,fe suffered, for them his nature was aroused ; and he resolved to bear up bravely, and 'to fight misfortune with all his strength, never yielding to discouragement, despondency, or despair. ' CHAPTER XVI. IN THE WINE-VAULT. Sibylla Joy was not satisfied with the apparent death of her guardian. To her, Stephen Parkhurst was not dead. She could not, as the common remark 3s, "make him dead". It is a homely form of expression ; but singularly applicable to certain states of the mind. She . thought that death had strangely transformed the features of her friend. She stole into the room many times, while the body was lying in the house, to look at the face of Stephen. An extraordinary doubt grew within her ; a doubt which the more she gazed the more it grew. She was bewildered. A problem was before her which she knew'not how to solve. She had seen and conversed with Stephen Parkhurst a few hours before his decease. Every lineament of his face was strongly impressed upon her consciousness. His lips, his brows, his eye-lashes, his hair, the peculiar oblique lines that traversed his cheeks, were so minutely daguerreotyped upon her memo- ry, that not to identify him, under any cir- cumstances, seemed to her 'an impossibility. Alone with that pale mortality, she knelt by the bedside ; but -could .not grieve as she thought she ought. She arose, and said to herself: "This is not my benefactor's face. It is like it, but it is not it. Does death change the mold and contour of the beloved face so much, that, we cannot know it'? Let me think," she continued. "'Let me recall what happened. He 'sent me for Magnus Drake. He was kind and smiling, and petted me. There was a pan of charcoal on the hearth, thrust partly beneath the broken grate. That BIBYLL A JO. 51 was not a.thing that I can remember having seen before; but I did not give it particular notice. I returned safely. Stephen's mood had changed somewhat. He was grave, yet tender. How I loved .his calm, firm face.' She paused, and murmured : " Not this race. He' evidently desired to be alone. He enforced my going in an unu- sual way. Therewas something touching in his imperativeness. He pushed me out, and, drawn by an irresistible impulse, I opened the door'again. I never shall forget his pleasant words. 0 gentle father.! 0 indulgent friend I I weep to think of him as he was ; but I shudder at this." She drew back a little from the body. "I lingered in the hall. What did I hear ? The shuffling of feet, by-and-by ; .the sup- pressed voices of Stephen and Magnus, at first. The question is, What did those men come for ? According to the apprehension of my ear,' they bi-oughtsomething. One can tell when men are bringing something, even in an adjoining room. What did they bring?" Thus far, Sibylla's train of reasoning was fair, and'in harmony with-the laws of deduc- tion. She had begun rightly, and with the full force of logic. It was the proper method of analysis. A transaction must be measured by itself, weigif&l by its own weight, gtiaged by its own intrinsic width and depth. Every event carries with"it iii own evidence, and analytical minds will seize upon it with sing- ular certainty. Sibylla wenton. -A species of mathemat- ical inspiration guided her. " I heard sounds. Sounds mean something. They tell what is being done. Well, what did those sounds say ? That nails were being drawn, or a-box opened. Yes, a box was opened, I should think. The more I reflect, the more I sin convinced. How"clear' it becomes ! Those persons whose feet'I heard, brought in a box by the private door, and the creaking and crepitation that I distinguished, were produced by prying off the cover with some instrument. The box contained- What did it -contain ? Wine, perhaps. A very choice wine, probably. Why did he receive it privately? Why did they whisper and step softly? Need there be secrecy about a box of wine? Not ordinarily. What next? If I am a good listener there was con- siderable manipulation after the men departed. Magnus was there, and the charcoal was there. I could smell the charcoal." Here Sibylla reached another important question. " Would Magnus Drake go away and leave his friend exposed to danger? He would not, provided he had any means of suspecting the same. Had there been any morbid ten, ,l 1 r page: 52-53[View Page 52-53] dency to.suicide In Stepen's mind, the keen- looked like a tomb. She, was afraid ,to lift witted and practical Magnus would have de- her eyes, at first, and to follow the flickering tected it and guarded against its faal culmin- rays of her lamp into the dark background. stion. He would have said:.-" Stephen, you But, rallying her nerves, she conquered her are morbid. Order :this execrable charcoal tindity ,sunlciently; to advance.' Gathering away ! I am going to'watdh you." Or, per- up.her skirts, Sibylla walked among hampers chance, he would have'said;, " Richard Prk- and pipes, iin search of sQuiething to bear hurstehas been here: I know 'him. to be a testimony to the secrets of one eventful scoundrel. He ordered this brasier.: He right. wants to smother you. He counts on the She found a 4tdmb witness, presently, piisbabilities of your going to sleep and-for- That dumb. witness was a, Jong, narrow box, getting .your dangerous -companionship.", I with Stephen Piakhurst's name painted up. Am sure he would hate distrusted Richard on the overe. Sibylla contemplatel the Parkhurst, -having known him Tfor many singularly~prqportioned box some. minutes years. That miserable, scheming man should before venturing to. touch it. Placing her never. have entered this house. But where lamp upon a barrel, she removed the cover, annI? :I will review the events of that night, Within:she perceived eome straw and bottles. and I :will doubt less, or I will doubt The straw was loosely put. in, and the bottle more. Occasionally, -I heard, words. I heard not place with much care. theVagabond Richard's name distinctly pro- "This," fused Sibylla, "is what came in nounced ; also another name. . Whose was at the private door." it? I can not recall it. But it will come to She put her hand into the straw to test me sometime. Names come andgo singular- its compactness, and was immediately con- ly. There were other things that reached vinced that, whatever came :in the box, that my ears, which I will seize upon and thread was not the original packing. She took up together at my leisure. The employment'of the bottle and examined'it.- It was claret. these two gentlemen in that room was not of " That nevercame in this -box," she said. a trifling character. They visited the wine- " This was Stephen's favorite brand. It is of vault.. Was it 'to carry down the wine? great age, and it has been in these bottles Should they not have conveyed it there be- longer than I have been in'the house. Some- fore opening it? The next link in the chain thing else came in the box." is startling.- How shall I explainwhatI.saw, The peculiar shape of the box was un-. when I'opened. tdh door and looked into pleasantly suggestive, It made her think'of Stephen's room? I saw a map's foot--a slip- the last, box that human creatures require. pered foot upon the bed. Stephenand Mag- How the mystery - grew ! How intensely nus being gone, whose foot it ? ' absorbing :it became I What bewildering At this point in her review aewas greatly thoughts floated in and out of her brain'! perplexed. Not much less a ''sing was the There was not yet , anything definite in her stealthy appearance of JohnJrome, and his mind, but she felt assured that she had seized evident embatrassmellt and terror, when he upon a clue togomething very extraordinary. retreated to the servants' hall., Putting all She removed somge of the packing, to see if these things together, ibylla pondered-upon she could find any evidence of its former them. She was knot person to;be content contents at the bottom. Wiile this em- with niere mental operations ; she acted, ployed, she discovered a slip of paper in the ast well as thought. The night previous to straw. She seized it with eagerness. It was the burial of the remains of the suppositions a telegram. It had slipped from Stephen's Parkhurst, Sibylla resolved to visit the wine- vest-pocket while he was ,arranging the bot- vault. Knowing where the keys iere kept, ties, and, falling noiselessly'into the packing, she procured them ; and, at the hour of eleven, had escaped the observation of both Magnus with a lamp in her hand, began her investiga- -and himself. With shaking fingers she un- tions. It was not without shrinking and trepid- rolled along narrow strip.. It read thus : F ation that she started on her errand. She passed . BOLTONVILLR STATION, Sept. 25, 16-. the room, where death had so recently been, "To Stephen .Parkhurst, No. - Pyth avenue: with hurried Cteps and some superstitious "A middle-aged, respectable gentleman, who gave flutterings of the. heart, yet with more cour- his name asNorman Drew, has just died at this sta- than most girls her age n ng himself dying, he requested that his age ta os il Qfheag would have hody should be forwarded to you. is remains will displayed. She unlocked the doors with be sent bythe next train, and will probably reach you tolerable firmness, and descended to the at 12 o'clock to-night. vault. She found it very dark and silent. ."JoNAS faownE, conductor."- She had been: there last with Stephen. ,It Sibylla read this quickly, then a faintness was not so gloomy, then. The kind face of came upon her, and'she was obliged to sit herguardian was wont to make all places down. For a time, her:ideas were greatly agreeable to her. Now, the wine-cellar confused. The incongruities and' possibili- ti F E'I' , I;1 SIBYLLA JOT. ties that crowded into her-mind in a moment, plunge' for the hall. Running his head could not be separated and reconciled at against the edge of -the open door he wbs once. Out of the evidences before her there nearly 'stunned. While he stood bewildered, was an adjustment to make ; -but she knew throwing his' arms about like flails, he heard not how to make it. Conjecture ran its wild- the word "charcoal" pronounced somewhere est career in her dizzy head. in the room, in what appeared .to him a gob- She put the telegram into' her bosom. lin-whisper. While her consciousness was staggering be- John Jerome made another dash, and fled neath the mental concsion, the instinct to with a.precipitancy which nothing but terror preserve that import ut document -did not can inspire, confident that a spectral:Stephen desert her. It was some time before she was was at his heels. able to arise and replace the contents of the Sibylla, whose courage rather increased box, which now had a new and thrilling sig- than diminished, groped upon the carpet for nificance. She thought" she knew what the keys which the rascal had dropped ; freight it had brought, and she wanted to get found them, put them in her pocket, and away from it as soon as-possible. went, to her own chamber without alighting She left the vault with emotions far differ- her lamp. CHA ..PTR ent from those with which- she had entered. :CHAPTER XyII If she was still the subject of doubt, that - AGrIATION. doubt was mingled with expectancy. If she Sibylla's chamber communicated with Ur- had thrills of terror, theywere exceeded by sula's:' Presently, the 'latter came in, and thrills of hope. She was in a glow of mental found Sibylla singularly nervous. She had action. She walked like a, somnambulist- flushes of heat and thrills of cold. She scarcely knowing'whether she went. smiled and she wept, without apparent cause. In returning, she heard a slight noise in She was so strangely fitful that Ursula was the room where, apparently, the death oc- alarmed. She took her hands in hers with curred. At that hour of the night, and in sisterly solicitude. that particular part of the house, any unusu- "You are ill, dear," she said. "Let me al sound was sufficient to startle Sib'la, or send for a physician." even a person of steadier nerves. er first " On the contrary, I am well," answe ed impulse was to hurry past the door ;' but her Sibylla, smiling. "I need no doctor but next was more courageous. Without pans- you." ing to reflect, and pushed on by'the momen- "Somethingunus'ual agitates you," contin- tum which her recent discovery had pro- ued Ursula. "Just now your hands were -duced, she opened the door quietly and cold;' now they are hot. N ow you laugh, quickly. Looking in, she saw John Jerome. and now you cry. This is not natural. This He was standing'with his back toward her at is-hysteria." Stephen's secretary, with a bunch of keys' in "Then be reassured. Hysteria never kills," his hand. He was trying to find the keys said Sibylla.- "My bbdy is well enough. that fitted the various locks, and she saw him Let it alone. You must allow the mind to try one after another without success. He have its fevers, as well as the body. In this was conducting his' operations by the light world truth outruns fiction." of gas, which burned from afixture suspended "What fever, what truth, what fiction ?" from the oAiling, and which was between him askedUrsula, quickly. "Why do you mix and Sibylla. things, up so incongruously? I am afraid. John Jerome was --very busily engaged. dearly I am terribly afraid !" He saw but the locke and the keys, and "What are you afraid of 4" inquired Si- thought- only of the treasure which those bylla, resting her head upon Ursula's shoul- drawers might contain. der. Sibylla extinguished her lamp, then, enter- "That your mind is wavering a little-just ing softly, turned off the gas. The sudden a little." coming of darkness upon John Jerome gave Ursula looked anxiously at her adopted im such a thrill of terror that he dropped sister. his keys. The consciousness of being in ut- "1Be comforted, Ursula. I believe that, ter darkness in the very Voom where lStephen thus far, I am sane ; but Heaven only knows Parkhurst had been treacherously murdered, how long I shall retain my senses. Such was too much for his guilty conscience ; but things are in my mind; such facts and such when he beheld the dim outlines of a figure, -fancies ;'such realities and such unrealities ; he lost all control of himself, and cried out such shapes and such shadows; such frag- like the veriest coward. ments and such fallacies; such hopes and Believing that the ghoht of Stephen Park- such fears ; such a wild drifting to' and fro hurst had come to charge him with crime, among conjectures and speculations; such and to avenge his wrong{, he made a rantic knowledge and yet such ignorance 1" , , 1 page: 54-55[View Page 54-55] +l e } ' 1 " _ i s + It i f 4 TI } i f t / SiBYLLA JOY. : This was a plethora of words for Sibylla. me in the hall. To-night, 'I found him lin Ursula was amazed. She lhad never heard your father's:roon , tampering with the locks her express herself in that manner. She of his private drawers. wrung her hands and shed tears. Sibylla threw ,a bunch of skeleton-keys " isfortunes, like birds, come in pairs," upon the table.' she murmured. Then, to Sibylla : "You "Those are his keys. I caught him trying mustgo to bed, my dear. You are dying of them ;:and, entering the room lightly, sudden- exmotion." - ly turned ;off the, gas. The guilty wretch "Yes, it is emotion.-My soul is a pendu- fled, frantic with fear, followed by-the lum, and it vibrates between happiness and phantoms of his o*'n misdeeds. - Our. good misery," answered Sibylla, striving to con- agnus discharged him, two, days ago ; but trot herself. ' he has not_ gone,- Why does he not leave "I cannot comprehend," said Ursula, shak- us ? Magnus must see to it.Kind Magnus! ing her head. "Jrknow of no happiness to Dear Magnus ! I love him! The sound of which your mind can oscillate. But there is his coming footsteps is music to my ears. misery enough. - See. how tings go on in How dear are these human affections ! How this house. Richard Parkhurst comes here they enslave us i How they, bind us to the too often. I cannot '.stir 'without being earth! They bind us to earth, yet exalt us to watched. It seems to me that Lucretia heaven. Be of good cheer. No day so dark Fuller, like a still-hunter, has slow-tracked that there is not a star init. No star so dark me through all this grief. Yet I have borne but there is a'daylightinit." , 1 up. So mdust you clear, up." 'Sibylla laughed and cried' again. up havekept up, andc will. You know I "My crazy dove a" murmured Ursula. have been calm till to-night. And this,' too, " At the beginning of this calamity-before will pass, and leave me' serene, and per- it had begun, even-a little thread was' put chance more than, that. There are things into my hand. The end of a little thread as that I would tell you, but I dare not, I can- fine as a single 'filament of ;a spider's web, I not., In feeling,1sbout'in the darkness of have been following that thread, and wind- these times, my ands touched something so ing it upon a spool of'. conclusions. The startling that the simple telling of it would thread has grown larger and larger, until it kill u.has become a three-iod cord which cannot ":ITwonder if John Jerome is in the be easilybroken." house ?" queried Ursula, shivering. "He Sibyllalfell to sobbing and trembling, and must go at once for the doctor." Ursula ran for her maid, who came season- " No doctor, dearest. What doctor in the ably. The two began- to disrobe Sibylla world is so soothing as your presence. Put against her will. Th persisted in undress- your hand upon my forehead'; its touch will hag her, and presentlyfhad her in bed. This seep like a benediction from him that has decisiveness' on the part of mistress and gone. You were so precious to him, that to maid, made Sibylla l igh the more. me you are a partof him- You are the 'link ,. "Highsterricks !" quoth the maid. "Toth.- that still connects me' with my dead guar- erwise Ianever see none." dian. Dead? Who knows ?" "We had better l*ve. Miss Fuller," said "He lives with spirits of the just," said Ursula.n ht i Ursula. " I entreat that you(will; not send for her!1" "And in you," added Sibylla. "In you cried Sibylla, taking One of Ursula's hands. lives the nature of Stephen Parkhurst. I "I grant that, to-niht, I am. like an un- loved him ; and I loveyou, because I loved strong instrument, aind give forth nothing him and because you are like him. I wish I but discords ; but $ shall be in tune to- could sleep. If I- could sleep an hour, I morrow. Sit you down beside me, quietly. might awake with my facts and fancies less Let Annette lock the doors and turn-off the tangled. But I think I may venture to as- gas till the room-is dim. Nature's doctor sure you that you, may hope for an unex- will come in the silent watches of the night, pected joy. Some one may be restored to and I shall be cured Without blood-letting or you, perchance, whom you have given up for blister." lost." "It shall-be as you wish,1' aswered Ursula. "This is the beginning of madness," "But 'if you are not/better in the morning, I thought Ursula,, more alarmed than before. will, have my own way about everything, " I will call my maid, and my maid shall call and I will snuff ou your willfulness as if it John Jerome, and John Jerdme shall call the were a candle." doctor." So Ursula seated herself by the bedside "John Jerome is a villain 1" exclaimed and watched. I' Sibylla. "He has been an instrument of a-n evil in this house. I shiver if he do but pass If CHAPTER XVIII. SLEEPING AND WAKING Sibylla slept; but it was a dbli that lasted eight days. When s Ursula was not siding beside her. S it had been a long and weary nig it had been. It wks a. night full o anxiety, troubled dreams, and in restlessness ; but, through it all, h system bore, up bravely. Even in tering delirium, her mmd had a ce scions cunning that automatically I over her secrets. If her wandering now and then found utterance, litt: her to excite the curiosity of the he Lucretia Fuller. Not realizing tha been an interreunum of such4lengi her sleeping and waking, her firstJ act was, to put her hand in her learn if the telegram were safe. remembered that while Ursula ani were disrobing her, she had taken hiding-place, and adroitly rolling it no larger than a pipe-stem,,slipped a very small hole into thelining of This recollection relieved,: for a me anxiety. Hearing a slight, gurgling sound ed her eyes in- the direction front proceeded, and saw a strange.won in an easy-chair. The strange w very, c9nifortably adjusted. Two one placed upon another, supporte bringing those important members a level with her chin. Her body,1 evidently been well-cared for int nutriment, was extended indolently depressed back of the aair. Her propped up with a soft cushion. looked hot and flushed. Her mt o open, and her chin was somewhat h her forehead.. Sounds of a mixed subterranean character bubbled fro and throat. The woman was sno the strange woman's right hand a had been drawn, upon which were methodically various creature-comf world, and among them a bottle and a goblet. In the bottopn ofI were some blocks of refined sugar, with the contents of the bottle. T ,wonlan looked as if she were herse ed with the contents of the bottle the general floridnes of her county it seem to be her fist saturation. At this luxurious creature Siby 'in astonishment. How came sl What was she there for? Sibylla r self a little in bed, and was surpri bwn weakness. It flashed upon he had been sick. How long? To an she .looked at her hands and ar hands, always white, were now nee SIBYILA JOY. parent, and her arms had lost their pretty plumpness., She was startled at the revela- rious sleep tions of her own person. She was ,much he awoke, thinner than she had been.. A single night rethought could not waste one's body, however fu its ht ; and so measure of palm' A laintnesa came upon Ier. f care and The chamber did not look natural. The in- expressible stant that the thought, occurred to her that er physical the room did not look natural, her eyes took her mut- in every object at a glance. She saw familiar rtaii con- thin, and it was her own room. She won- kept.watch dered that she could have thought that it was thoughts not. How could it be anything but hpr own uc escaped chamber! She was soon assured respecting usekeeper, that matter. t there had Who was this strange woman? A person ih between procured to take care of her, ,probably. If instinctive that were the ease, she did not like her. She bosom, to was not long in reaching thatconclusion. She then "A nurse!" muttered Sibylla, sitting up. d the maid " A nurse, if I ever saw one. I know a nurse it from its well enough. A nurse is a person who takes , till it was care of herself with the pretext of taking it through care of others. A nurse is a good woman, her dress.' who. drinks the choice liquors and eats the moment, her dainties of the house ; a good woman, who loves good quarters, good attendance, good 1, she turn- pay, a luxurious couch, and easy slumbers. a which it There reposes her likeness and counterpart. nan asleep Her head is bolstered, her feet are bolstered, 'oman was and her fat body flattens itself against my pet hassocks, chair. That'riddle, at any rate, is solved." d her feet, Sibylla paused to gather materials for fresh nearly on inferences. which had " How long," she queried, " has this been? he line of An I really.much worn with illness? Come, y upon the Sibylla," she said to herself, "be analytical, head was andtmind.your nerves. - Weigh the circum- Her face stances in the balance -of deduction. Do not south was jump at conclusions." igher than She slipped out 'of bed cautiously. She nasal and 'found that her limbs trembled, and that it re- m her nose quired an effort-to walk. bring. To There was a large mirror at the other end little table of the chamber, and she went and stood be- arranged 'fore it. A single view of her person told the orts of this story of her illness. She thought of the tele- of brandy gram, and opened the dress.where her ward- the goblet robe was kept. There hung the skirt in which saturated she had concealed that important slip of paper. he strange A hasty examination informed her that it was lf saturat- safe. Relieved of an apprehension, she, re- Nor by turned to her couch, and was about to lie enance did, down, when the plethoric woman in the easy- chair had a difficulty in the extrication of lla stared some strange sound fromher throat, to avoid he there ? strangulation., Rising a little from her bolster, aised her- she took a sip from :the goblet, and with an sed at her eye for future emergencies, replenished it ir that-she from the bottle. While she was doing this, iswer this, she saw Sibylla standing by the bed, and, ms. Her somewhat irritated by the spectacle, said- arly trans- "Go to bed, you crazy thing I' page: 56-57[View Page 56-57] fitI - -' ) +1 r Fi( BIBYLLA JOYL Siylla answered nevera word. -She stooct "I'm a woman," she said, assuming all the and looked at the unwelcome woman. dignity she could command, "as gives up her " What undet the sun are you doing ?" she owh will and pleasure for the will and plea- added. "Hlow many times have I told you sure o'-others. I'm one as has left thealloor' not to get up and make a disturbance!- I ments of this vain world for a life o' useful- 0gi', have disturbances in, the house. I can't ness in the medicated chambers of sickness." have folks'a runnin' round'an' a breakin' of " But that does not tell me your name," re- st. Hw be I. gn' to keep up, if you plied Sibylla, curtly. don't keep down? How be I a gein' to keep "Oh ! if that's what you want, 'tisn't of no up, and around, and keep a doin', if folks has consequence.. Howsomever, it's Abigail no consideration for my nateral sleep'? Nat- Vaughn. For short, called fNabby. Nabby, eral sleep is a thing as I must have. Go to only by them as I takes to my bosom. No bed, you Insanity !" Nabby by them as don't take me to their The strange woman's voice was thin and bosoms. Nothin' to you, my dear, because wheezy, and mixed up with chronic adipo- you are unhinged, eventually, an' don't know, cere hi the throat. Her manner was offen- Nabby from Nabigail." sively authoritative. "I think there will be no difficulty about "Go to bed, you Insanity !" repeated Sibylla. that, Madam," answered Sibylla, with self. "What does that mean? Let me see. It possession. "I need- strength more than means that I have been insane. Judgingfriendship. I shall take nothing to my bosom from circumstances, some time has elapsed at present but pure nourishment -some since my lying down conscious, and getting chicken-broth, ur some arrow-root gruel." up thosame. This coarse woman is a sort of "Eh ?" queried Abigail Vaughn, consider- keeper. I will test the matter at once." ably disconcerted. Sibylla advanced upon the woman with a " How long have I been ill ?" continued tottering stage step, holding up an admonish- Sibylla, retreating to the bed, and sitting down ing finger. The gesture and the attitude were upon it. a tulle startling. The plethoric woman seized " A longer or. shorter period," answered the bottle and goblet, to baffle any possible Nabby,.with some hesitation. design of' confiscation on the part of bibylla; " I suspected as much," said Sibylla. to prevent any possible waste in case of an "You are a definite person at an answer. assault, she immediately swallowed what was Now, can you.not inform me how many days in the goblet, and held it poised aloft, to throw, I have been confined to this chamber, and kept should the danger become imminent. in this bed ?" . " Go away, you bedlam!" "Eight days," replied Nabby, getting more This objurgation made Sibylla smile, de- and more erect in her chair, and staring more spite her faintness and weakness. and more at Sibylla. " What ails the child ?" she continued. "I hope you hav, managed to keep com- 4' She never. came at. me afore. She's been fortable," added the latter. , quite peaceable-like all through it, 'cept a " Tolerably," replied the nurse. "Toler- gittin' up now andithen, and a wantin' to go ably, for me. As good as could be expected to her sister. But she was easy pacified, and for one as don't live for herself. As good as' I'd on'y to speak soothin' to her, an' to lay could be expected for one as makes a daily acrost her a little with my chist, to keep her sacrifish.of herself." - down." - - Abigail Vaughn continued to regard Sibyl-. The comfortable creature made this dec- la with a steady gaze. laratlon in a spirit of mild complaint. "Don't go for to play rational, Miss, for " Who are you ?"' Sibylla asked, changing you know you ain't," she added. ~ "You're her manner. out o' your head, and you knows it, and I "What's the matter now ?" thank a person as is out of her head, and "You have not answered my question," knows it, to go to bed." said Sibylla, quite rationally. " And I would thank you," retorted Sibyl. The woman replaced the bottle and goblet, la, "to get out of that chair, and bring me and looked inquiringly at her patient, who, some water, and order a up of tea and some with her white face and white nightrobe, was cracker-toast, and go and sk Ursula t4 come as white as an angel. - to me." .'. "It's took a turn !" muttered the woman. " The dickens and. the dogs 1" muttered- "It's going' to show itself different. We shall Nabby. - ".Here s a predty mess ! Here's a have tother side on't now, which is dismal string o' things ! Here's a sleeplessness ! I and toploftical, as 'tware. I'm dead opposed wonder how long a woman would live at this to that side on't. Howsomever, for the sake rate ?" o' quiet. I'll humor her, and fall into the folly "Are you going to move Y" inquired Sibyl- on't." la, with decision. . SIBYLLA JOY. 57 "Eatin' an' drinkin' isn't good for you," herihcial muscles, that they' did not readily quoth Nabby. " What's the matter with you respond to her emotions. is the brain., You don't :want cracker-toast "Well, well ! I ever did hear the beat and water on the brain,'do you ? I knowed on't,? I never see a Insanity so cur ous since a patient once as was down with a bilerous I began to go out for the benefit of othersr. fever, which had tookert him off his pins, as But I'm net a woman to bear hardness, an' I 'tware, to be clean finished an' done for by don't miti what's said in the ravin's of de- swalleri' a simple quart- of milk-porridge. lirums. Be quiet, child--be quiet ! Miss Milk-porridge, jest as 'twas milked from the Parkhurst has gone to the ,hospittle to be cow, an' no question asked." cured, an' you're left sick to home, with yer "Go for Ursula," said Sibylla,lying down, mind in a state that's like brokenglass." and feelingweary. "Gone to a -ospital 1 " exclaimed Sibylla. "Sick people mustn't ax for things as their " To what hospital ? For what purpose '?" nusses thinks isn'tgood for 'em. Them which To a mad-horspittle, where they keeps have a good nuss has a treasure hid, as 'tware, loonaticks," replied Abigail. in a measure o' meal. .Miss Parkhurst isn't 4' Ursula insane ! It is false ! cried Sibylla, here, an' you mustn't ax questions, nor go to indignantly. " This is somethingdevised by botherin' yourself, because yer brain is what's Richard Parkhurst." the matter." " Don't speak again yer on'y guarjun an' ' Ursula gone I" said Sibylla, thoroughly pertector, who will take possession of this surprised.- "It cannot be possible ! Where -ere brown-stone property to-morrer." has she gone ?" " What do you say ?" demanded Sibylla, " Hug your pillar, an' never you .mind. sharply starting up. Take care of your brain, an' Ursuly '11 do well Abigail repeated the statement made re- enough. . She's with them which'l look after specting Richard Parkhurst. her, I'll warn ye. There's another case of " Heaven help us I" murmured Sibylla. brain. The brains o' this house is in a terri- "Heaven help us, for Stephen Parkhurst ble state. They say it's herotitary, an' is won't I" likely to bulge out at any time. -Things as is She sank back to her pillow and was silent herotitar will bulge out, sooner or later. a few moments. Hers bi ged out, an' yours bulged out, as "Richard Parkhurst," she said, presently, 'tware. Once bulged out mentually, and yer thinking aloud, "coming to this house to bulged out. for life. That was the case with have his pwn will and way ; to 'sit in Ste- him as swallied the.charcoal. .It come on of phen's place ; to say this shal bp done and a -suddint, and ye see which follered. He that shall not; to be a gentleman instead of a went to work an' smoked himself. The smoke vagabond. Well, this is changing the order went in, an' the breath went out. Breath and of things." smoke don't get on together." - "An' a uncommon nice gentleman iscom- Sibylla Joy arose in bed with sudden and ing with him'to prevent him from being lone- singular strength. Her firm and noble charac- ly in the house. An' sich a cowbuncle as the ter showed itself prominently. Her eyes, gentleman wears! An' sich a rajunt stone beautiful and expressive, were turned accus- on his little finger.!" ingly upon the red-faced nurse. " A gentlemancoming with him ! A gen- "stop talking to me in this manner 1" she tleman with Richard Parkhurst ! That must said. " I will not hear it-I will not bear it. be a new development in his life. What is Do not come into this house to measure your this person's name ?" strength with mine.. When I speak to you, " it's something that repeats itself, an' answer me to the point, and wait till I speak there's a deal of Dooke in it. It's Dooke again. If you want to drink brandy and eat Dookeadooke, or some sichcur'ous thing." good things, do as I bid you. Know that I am " An adviser and accomplice," said 8ibylla. mistress, and that you can never get above " Well, we shall see. Let themcome. One, your station with me. You may be a fly, to both. One, little girl may be wise enough to annoy me, but I can brush you away. manage them." Through obedience to me, you will remain Abigall Vaughn quietly took a little bran- in this house longer than by any other dy, an dropped another block of sugar jnto means.".. the0goblet. - "one little girl as keeps her elders and Abigail. Vaughn slowly pushed the has- betters awake ; her elders and betters which socks away with her feet, and sat bolt up- is a sacrifishal offering' for others." right, presenting to Sibylla a face expressive Abigail hiccoughed, and showed maudlin of as much astonishment as it was capable of symptoms. manifesting, and that was not a great deal ; Sibylla felt her own pulse, and counted for there were so many cushions of fat under carefully the arterial strokes. If they were 11 R UUP page: 58-59[View Page 58-59] 0 88 SIBYLLA JOY. r a r 4 t I l " I 1 ; jj33 j(y( R Lr fi ti i .1 X t ' f Iy J 1 'i ,r I not healthful, they promised health. They a face; -for the lady's person was worthy of were not strong, but they were calm and her features. It appeared 'to Hubert Froth regular, and the 'nervous susceptibility of the Ingham, who was; a close observer, 'that her s stem' had' culminatedlIn mental clearness.( expression was troubled, and her-movements With proper; nourishment;'she knew she hesitating and apprehensive. Her conpan- would soon be 'well. She needed nutriment ion, who was a pale, thin lady, somewhat ad- more 1 than' medical' attendance' 'The crisis vanced on the road of life,' took her by the had passed,'and thy youthfl powers of life arm and drew her inty the inn'with more had asserted their supremacy, and'were vie- haste than gentleness.' As the lovely young torious-over' emotional agitations. She' said creature went in, Hubert observed that there to herself: ' was a silk:cord attached to -the:white wrist " This is- a game, andI will help play it. of one hand. At the moment, tlat.circum- Had I been trusted it might have been better, stance did not excite his curiosity; but, after- but ebnfidence was denied me. I' am partly ward, it' became a subject of thought. the possessor of am stry'which is pr*htic The maid, alighting last from the carriage, of 'great' things. as it really prophetic followed the ladies with downcast looks, and She 'thought, she 'believed in her.heart that with eyes that seemed to Frothingham a lit; it was. But had there not been a 'failure in tle red 'with weeping. He gazed at this new soneYpart'of the plot She suspected so ; and bright star which had so suddenly fallen but that'was not clear.' She had faith that into the firmament of his life, till the. last something-wonderful would finally happen.. fold of her draperies had swept out of sight. Where" was 'Magnus Drake ? She first The gentleman who accompanied the thought this question, then asked-it.' But she ladies, though well-dressed; did not present might' have "ved-her breath:; for Abigail to general view a face calculated to inspire Vaughn had sunk into a drunken sleep. Si- confidence. It had a brooding and -sinister bylla struggled"bravely with circumstances. look. The 'glances .which he threw to the She reflected upon'what she 'had heard, And eightt and left upon entering the inn were planned what she would do. furtive and restless, and gave one the "' '", ;' ' thought that there -was -something that he CHAPTER XIX. ' feared or remotely anticipated-a ltent dan- FROTHINtr AM. ger that'might cease to be hidden by and by. Love is'a great traveler. 'It goes every- The parties were soon shut from sight, and where. It"has been found in the most remote Hubert Frothingham had been stricken With countries; whee ciVilization is at the lowest. a shaft 'from' Cupid's bow. The, arrow had The ' savage°breast responds to- the entle not glanced nor rebounded from his', breast, sentiment it Is' -scarcely to ; be inferred that but pierced that tough and industrious mus- the article is wholly monopolized' 'by the cle which throbs'so unceasingly, and per- human race.' It afects 'both 'monks and forms so much labor during the life of man. monkeys. Lowe happens to' all. It may oc. There quivered the unexpected bolt., Sur- cur at aiy age and at 'any place. It is both priapd, yet pleased, with the pain, he did not acute acid chronic. It may come in a mo- struggle to withdraw the dart, but permitted ment, or it may be the growth of years. It is it to rankle in the ouod. fast, It is slow'; 'hot, cold; wise, foolish ; He had intended to leave the 'Golden Robin merry, melancholy. It sees more than there -that was the name of the inn-that very is, aid-is blind. day and within the hour; but he changed his Huber Frothingham fellin love ; or, rather, purpose without knowing why. It was then love fell-into himuin ti moment of time. He late in the afternoon, and ubert walked saw a face that charmed him; He was stop- about the inn in a restless maner. He went ing at ' dountry-in, when a comfortable around it as many times as the Hebrew war- traveling-carriage, drawn by two'horses, was riors encompassed, Jericho.' He looked up at driven-to!the door.I The carriage-dooi being the windows, he watched eveiy fIgure that. opened, a well-dresed' gentleman stepped out. passed or repassed him within the recincts The gentleman was followed by two ladies of the now charmed house. - He d covered and a maid; it was the, younger of the two her chamber, presently, and her window be- ladies that attracted the attention of Hubert came the target of his curious eyes. Hewas Fribthingham. After alighting, she threw afraid that the parties in whom he was so back the folds Of a thick yail and looked much interested would resume their journey about her anxiously' Frothingham thought. before fortune had had time to do' anything Her eyes rested an instant upon himself, and inhis favor. He went to, the stable and ex- 'that lance enslaved him. He was a strong, amined the carriage to see if 'it did not need miind'ed and sensible young man, but a face repairing ; and, finding it in-good order, he conquered him Perhaps do him some in- gav the' hostler some money, and asked him justice in stating that hewas vanquished by to look at 'the horses' feet and see which of / '' p * them 'had cast a -shoe. The rascal came to him anon, with a serious fce, with the in, formation that the off-horse had torn off a shoe while standing in the tall. the young lover feed him again to carry the information ta the owner, who came, to the stable frow ing and out of humor. With evident reluet ance the horse was ordered .to the smith's. The hostler was very humble, touched his old cap to, the ;gentleman, said the horses were "1fin bastes', and used his brush, and cloth,. and wisp, of hay very assiduously upon the legs Qi'the quadrupeds. Rubert Frothingham sauntered back to his beat, apparently unconscious that a mishap had happened to any guests of the.house. Hubert walked over to the smith's, to see if the job was done well, or, possibly, for ex- ercise. He paid the smith liberally, too, for doing a little work for him which kept the stranger's horse waiting for his shoe two hours. All this might have been accidental, but it looked like design. The traveling-car- riage, which had brought the young man's destiny, remained housed at the Golden Robin that night. Frothingham walked beneath a certain window till a late hour,, with an abstracted affectation of carelessness and utter indifferenceto everything pertain ing, to thes Golden Rtobin. If he thought him- self observed, he protracted his walk l1eyond the area of the inn, and came back as rapt and absent-minded as before. 'He tired every observer that night, and regulated his con- dnct with such skill that he was not the ob- ject of suspiion. The lights died out in the Golden Robin., lot entirely, 'however ; there was a faint glow in the little office, and a faint glgw above in the lady's chamber. He kept his eyes upon that wmndpw, and sighed when he thought of the fair occupant. 'Whiile he was looking fpr the ,fftiethtime, the curtain was put aside and the sash raised. Then a white hand was thrust out, and a slip of; paper fluttered to the ground. 'Hubert saw it de- scend with' heart strangely expeciant. The wind caught .up the -paper and carried it a short distance. H ran'after it and very soon had it in his hand. It was not folded; it was simply twisted. He untwisted, it quickly, and with .eager curiosity. Upon it was written, with a pencil, the following words : "SIR :-The unhappy writer of these words is the victim of a wicked plot. Iam unjusI accused of iisabity, and the ersons with me arepmnitling an outrage upon n libertyby taking me to a mad-, houseJ, am obilge to write-the lines by stealth. If you would 4 mse the gfie~test service that t Iis possible for one human being to en-der to another, you will ConVey this inforsdlatlon to-" At this point the: communication ceased. It was certainly an abrupt terjuipation. It ' BIBYJ& JOY. was evidently incomplete. The writer had been surprised 1n the act of writing it; and no opportunity being given to finish te sense, had dropped itout aitwas, hoping It would be of sufficient importance to attract attention. Hubert Frothingham read it several times, by the faint light shining, through the office- window. He gould not form an opinion im- mediately. Having committed it to memory, he put it'into his pocket and lingered near the spot where he had found it. Occasionally, he passed the ;window of his- nnknow charmer; but the light was extinguished, an4 the curtain and the window were' quiet. . continued to pace to and.fro, hoping that the sash would be again raised and another se dropped., To his disappointment, nothing of the kind occurred, and he retired to bed at a late hour, his imagination tenanted by the face and figure ofthe fair stranger. CHAPTER XX. THE 5A8SYJ:UM. Hubert Frothingham was a youn' man of good family. His father had. enough of this world's'substance to gratify every reasonable desire.; Hubert was 'well educated. H Te gduaed withehonor at a famous institution He wasendowed by naturewith manynoble qualities, both' of head and heart. He was maganimous and he was brave. He was heal thy and he was wealthy. He had -been casi in no ,ungainly mold. He pad just pro- potions ofpersop, and i4pllectual gifts of ngore than average value. Having enough to eat, to drink, to wear, and to spend, no- thing, apparently, stood in the way of his, enjoyment. He was master of his own move, nents, and could follow the lead ofehisdew sires. His face was prepossessingM.-and, when animated, something more thnthat.. There' were times when Hubert was positively good-looking.. There were ladies who aetu- ally thought, him handsome; but, having traveled, he was nqt so much flattered by their good opinion as he was by his own self- esteem. eHe arose in the morning, after a short and not very refreshing, sleep. The very first flush of consciousness brought to him, the image of the yqung lady ; nor was he averse to such a visitor, impalpable though it were. He hugged the shadow to his breast, and played with' the chain that enslaved him, Having leisure, upon his hands, he had now n opportunity to employ it, and to keep out of idle ness. Upon descending, helearned that the trav- el1ng- ctqrriage had already left the inn. Tihe hour being early, this. was a surprise to grothingham. Eating his breakfast with ,I AV page: 60-61[View Page 60-61] M f. ab ' t n t t t3 ( v 1- , " r rt, ii t !4 C, -i r t { r i 40 51IBYEL snore haste than appetite, he ordered a horse to be saddled, and, was soon in pursuit of the of ject of his admiration. Having learned the direction in which the vehicle had been driven, he was soon cantering after it. Ar- riving at a cross-road, he was for some time in'doubt; but by disniounting and making a close examination of 'the carriage-track, le definitely determined which way to go. He prebied forward with impatience, the miles slipping easily from beneath his horses' hoofs, bthe did not Overtake the travelers ; they strangely eluded him. He kept the trail with d56oulty, and by making inquiries of per- ans whom he passed or met on, the road. HO tound a farmhouse where they had stop- Od a few moments to procure some milk ; and the information which he received there respecting the country and the roads, enabled him to go on with greater confidence and courage. The day Was far advanced before he caught a glimpse of the vehicle, which was then slowly winding its way up a hill. He was careful to keep at a safe distance be- hind, and finally had the satisfaction of see- in the carriage stop before a large square building, and fn a spot so lonely that it was a diatter of surprise to him. Frothingham, having paused long enough to satisfy himself that the travelers had not made a temporary halt, rode slowly back to the nearest farmhouse, forming various con- Jecttires concerning the patties, and reading the unfinished note for the hundredth time. The singular affair grew more interesting. 1$ was the being of a romance, and he resolved to' follow it to the last page. If wrong had been committed for any one of these selfish purposes that govern the actions of men, he had time and inclination to trace it to its source ; and he could think of no better or more pleasing employment. Had the young lady been put out of the question, it is probable that his zeal would have been less eager and his actions less prompt. He suspected the ises of the square build- ing ; and a few careless inquiries at the farm- house settled all doibt on that point. .It was a madhouse. It was not called a 'madhouse by the benevolent persons interested in' it. Certainly not. It was called an Asylum for Abnormal Persons. A very delicate anil genteel appellation. A few of the country- people had ventured to call it an Insanery ; a piece of irreverence which had called down the rebukes of the keepers, It had been spoken of, too, as a private hospital for -the insane. However, the mere wording could not disguise the uses of the concern. Frothingham was -not much surprised at the confirmation of his suspicions. With the mysterious, incomplete little note in his hand, he would have been extremely dull A JOY not to infer that an institution of that nature was the object of the journey. Having, by his frank and engaging man- ners, eecuted a welcome from the inmates- of the house, and good quarters for his weary horse, he waited till evening before proceed. ing to take a nearer view of the isolated in- stitution for the treatment of " abnormal per- sons." As he approached it, he was yet more impressed with its lonely situation. It was far from railroads and important highways. Was this for the quietude of the demented minds? Was the solitude accidental ? A nearer view failed to produce adore favorable opinions. The institution was su- rounded by a high wooden -fence, which gave it the appearance of a prison. .He cautiously advanced, and' at a prudent dis- tance made the entire circuit of the, asylum, observing closely every window. Some of the rooms were lighted, while others were dark. Hubert seated himself upon a bench be- neath a tree, and took counsel of himself. He said to himself: "There is a person in that house who has excited my curiosity and my sympathy. I have followed' her hither. I wish to help her. How shall I do it ? She will be closely, watched, and I must be- discreet and can ning.. How can I communicate with this young lady ? ' I will be in wait, and trust to Providence." A Prothingham was not in a hurry to go away. 'The new emotion which the lovely, strangerhad inspired, influenced him more than he' realized. So, buttoning his coat about him, he watched with the stars. The house became quiet at length. One light after another disappeared, The opening and shutting of doors, the echoes of footfalls, and the many signs and sounds of human activ- ity that give life to an inhabited dwelling, ceased to be heard. This was Hubert's op- portunity. He arose and approached the gate, which was a large and awkward affair, constructed of heavy timber. This' gate, Which seemed too ponderous for its uses, he examined with the hopewthat he might find means of opening it; but discovering a pad- lock and chain on the inside, concluded that entrance by- that portal was not probable. Having been taught from boyhood that per- sistency was a good thing, he thrust his arm through the gateand felt of the fastenings, to see if forgetfulness or neglect had left a sin- gle chance for a further prosecution of his in- vestigations.. It often turns out that careless- ness leaves open more loopholes for failure and discovery than the most persevering and prying mind can make. So it was in this case. The bolt had been turned; but'the key, by some slip of consciousness, was left in the lock. Frothingham, by a trifling effort, reached the key and gave it a sudden twist, and the work was done. Removing the pad; lock and chain, he pushed.open the gate and entered the precincts of the ;madhouse. A large dog came down the graveled walk to meet him. .Hubert was not afraid of dogs, but, under the circumstances, hewas sorry that the proprietors of that abnormal concern kept one ; but there was no help for it. He must retreat or meet the. enemy boldly. So he plucked up courage and Said : "Poor doggy !-nice doggy I" Doggy did not seem much flattered, but walked straight on. -, " Good fellow Noble canis I" The great fellow was willing to be a good fellow, a noble cans, and a poor doggy ; but not to sacrifice his sense of duty to flattery. Ile did not growl, but he .looked very digm- fled and firm. " Don't!" added Frothingham, retreating- "dont I I keep dogs myself !" Even the fact of his being a dog-holder did not stop cans. ^ " Smell of my legs and you'll smell 'em," continued the intruder, resolved to use every lawful argument known among dogs, before resorting to harsher methods. The dog's present object was; pot to inquire about the strangers canine friends, but to put a stop to his curiosity., Instead of smelling in a truly investigating spirit, he cane up with busi- neSs-like reticence of purpose, an, quietly, set his teeth into the baggy part of Hubert's pantaloons. There was neither haste nor violence about this;, it was simply a matter of business. It was like an ffcer's tapping one upon the shoulder, and saying : "You are my prisoner." " An incorruptible fellow !" laughed Froth- ingham, patting the dog upon his shaggy head. "I would give a hundred dollars for. you, old fellow, even though you keep .me here till morning." The young man put forth all his .dog- knowledge. He flattered, le coaxed, he rea- soned. He assured his'captor over and over again of his attachment to the whole canine family, from'the smallest ratter to the stur- diest mastiff. Canis listened to these -aru- ments. His calm courage and his insinuating manner of speaking, carried conviction through the shaggy canine knob.-. With a dogs .sagacity, he perceived that he had caught a good fellow, and began to like him. You may trust a dog to'know whom he likes. He soon discovers those persons who have a fondness, for his species, and there is some- thing in such that prevents him from hurting them, and disarms animosity. So this dumb guardian, after a time, yielded to the caresses of 'rthinghai sufficiently to let go of his aA TOYS 61 pantaloons, and to takethe subject of further a gressive movements into consideration. .he blandishments of the young man caused hin not only to suspend hostilities, but toac- cept his advances with some favor. He re. ceived his familiarities without resenting them, wagged his tail a trifle, but without warmth, and finally .permitted him to walk on, but slowly and with circumspeqtion, he keeping continually between him and the house ; a precaution which Hubert thought unnecessary. So far, all went well ; better than he had expected. He had now an op- portunity to look at the silent edifice at hi leisure. Of course, he sought for her win- dow. No other window interested him. He did not know how:he should find It, but trust- ed to that chance which often accomplishes things unexpectedly. There were now but two or,three lights visible, and one of' these, he conjectured, might shine from her a ~ rt- ment, These windows were neither shaded nor curtained, but they were latticed with iron rods. The thought of their uses gave him tinpleasent:feelings. He could not con- template those tell-tale bars without sad- ness. A lost mind is nore melancholy than a lost body. Among all the world's wrecks the most mournful is a wrecked intellect. Had he fallen in love -with one of those wrecked intellects while it was drifting past him ? Possibly; but he doubted the girl's in- sanity. Considerable time elapsed before Hubert's vigil was rewarded ; but patience, that car-, dinal virtue, :by and by made him ample amends for his watching and danger. One of the windows, that which had been dimmest, suddenly became illuminated. , A light had obviously been placed near it. In this bright- ness appeared a form that he immediately recognized, and which he was never, never to forget. He beheld before him, not far dis- tant, the heroine of the Golden Robin, whose name and history he was so anxious to learn. At sight of this gratifying'vision, he started forward with such. eagerness that his canine monitor made a low, warning sound, some- what down in his che4. "Don't be a fool, Carlo t" muttered Froth- ingham. "I can't take anything-can I " Carlo, sitting upon his haunches, with his long, bushy tail lying straight andmotionless upon the ground, his long ears hanging to his throat, the top of his large head on a level with his back, his nose, thoughtfully 'de- pressed, -and his eyes speculatively down- cast, answered never a word to this reason- able inquiry. "It' nothing but a girl, and we're all fond of 'em, you know," quoth Hubert, fawning rather abjectly, I must confess, upon the dog. n '1, } d i e i ti t 2 ,' tI 1k } ,} j page: 62-63[View Page 62-63] S S A JOY. 03 SIBYLL "You don't think I can get her through those bars, do youI" he continued, manipulating the unresponsive poll of Carlo. " Come, Sir, be reasonable, and you shall go home with me to breakfast." The knobby head looked doubtful about that ; hut the young adventurer, taking sil- ence for assent, moved forward till he reach- ed an easy angle of incidence to the window. There was a trifling remonstrance on the part of Carlo, who seemed somewhat in doubt con- serning the line of duty. o h p- SFrothngham had heard of throwing peb- bles against panes, to attract the attention of fair. lady ; so he groped for some pebble- stones, and, finding some small ones, threw them. Some of the first ones 'came back without touching, but, after a little practice, he succeeded in striking the grating, and fin- ally, the window. The expedient was en- tirely successful. The young.girl, as if conscious that some one was making signals to her from without, shaded her eyes with her hands in her en- deavor to see objects from below; and, failing in this, moved the light and tried again, with different results. Frothingham placed him- self in the most favorable position, waved his handkerchief, and held up the slip of paper which he had received from her on the pre- vious night. The captive saw both the hand- kerchief and the paper, for the night was silvery with light. Certainit is that the maiden's heart throbbed faster for what she. saw., She thrilled with the thought that Providence had sent her a friend. - She re- membered the face beneath, ;upturned and bathed in the starry whiteness. She pro- duced from somewhere, I know not where, the flimsiest little handkerchief in the world, and held it up to the panes. It was to Hubert like the fluttering of a white dove's wing. That was a!messenger of peace to Hubert. It was the very spirit of love descending upon him. , His sensations were of a kind never before experienced. He was enamored of a beautiful girl, and this- was the beginning of favor. He was so elated, and there was such a premise of happiness in the heavenly bow, of expectation, that he Was ready to hug the moody Carlo, as a token of perpetual am- nesty.That quadruped, having resumed his sittiig,tipped his head a little, and listened dogmatically, ;blinking now at the grated window, and now at his charge beside him ; not quite able, with all his canine claifvoy- ance, to quite understand the meaning and the moral of the scene. He knew, however, that ie, was the hub and the centre of the' whole thing, and that it would stop did he not permit it to go on out of sheer conde- scension. The parties were face to face. One wad' a I prisoner above, the other was a prlepner be. low. The object to be attained was intelligi- ble communication to be accomplished ! They stood- and looked at each other. lie was not very fully revealed ; b'uit the young girl, standing in a focus of light, was a fair target for his admiring eyes. He made a motion for her to raise the window.. She made the attempt at once, but it was fastened as he feared. Then he began to devise some- thing else. While he was devising, she caught an inspiration and outstripped him. The flash of her diamond ring flashed that inspiration into her mind. Instantly she had one of the sharp points of the diamond against a pane, and was cutting into its hard, surface as if it were soft metal. . Hubert sawf her hand traveling in a little circle, and won- dered what she was doing. By-and-by he saw that same girlish hand strike .upon the pane, when a small wheel of glass leaped through the lattice and fell, at his feet. It made some noise in falling, but disturbed no one apparently. Carlo, however, suspected that his goodness was being abused, and look- ed suspiciously at Frdthingham, who picked up the glass,-his circulation considerably quipkened by expectation. Holding the dia- phanous circle toward the light,,.he-perceived some characters were written u on it with the sharp facet of p diamond, here were the letters plowed delicately into the clear substance, but he could not read them easily. He turned the glass to various angles with the moon, and, finally, with much straining of the eyes, read : .faqgnua Drake, Attorney-at-Law. Below these words were some fainter lines that he could not decipher. Although glad to receive this communication, it must be confessed .that it did not convey a definite idea to his mind. He was disappointed. He wished to know the name of the young lady, her history and condition. He held up his left hand andh wrote upon It, in pantomime - with the other. Immediately she produced a slip of paper andsbegan to write with a pencil. All was now going Well; -but acci- dent, which is sometimes a roaring lion, in- terrupted the silent proceedings, and marred for the time the plot. In stepping backward to obtain a better view of the pretty figure, -he stepped upon a rolling stone, lost his bal- ance, and fell against a semi-circular flower- stand, heavily freighted with flower-pots. There was a grand crash. The earth and vases, With their various plants and shrubs, were precipitated to the ground with a clat- tering 'that was truly - startling. These arrangements had no sooner gone to -the dogs than half a dozen windows on the lower SIBYLL floor flew open, .and as many night-capped heads were thrust out in inquiring haste. Hubert Frothingham did not stop for farther developments, but patting Carlo by way of a peace-offering, hurried from the yard. The dog, with unexpected good-fel-' lowship, followed him, and they left the premises together. CHAPTER. XXI. GonDoN's. On the following day, Frothingham in- quired about the hunting and the fishing privileges, and finding them desirable, imme- diately dispatched a note to a college-friend, requesting him to come to him at once, for a few days of sporting and rural enjoyment. Frank Southerly was a young gentleman of equal expectations, and in close fellowship with Hubert. They had manly faith in each other, and mutual confidences had given mutual grounds for that faith. Placed as he was, Frothingham desired the advice and co-operation of Southerly. The novelty of, his present undertaking afforded a certain measure of excitement, but-it was not un- mingled with doubt and uneasiness. His friend had some experience and was fruitful in expedients ; and 'in that restless state of mind in which he found himself, he believed that Frank would be a suitable and success- ful diplomatist. ' Hubert went home 'with a bit of glass in his pocket and a large dog at his heels. The, bit of glass had information upon its surface, and the'large dog had information beneath the surface of his shaggy head. The young man had about as much comprehension of one as of the other. The writing was quite as obscure as the intentions of Carlo. He, looked at it again and again, after he had re- tired to the little bedroom assigned him by the hospitable farmer. It still read: Magnus Drake, Attorney-at-Law The lines beneath these words remained as indistinct and unintelligible as when looked at by the light of the shimmering moon- beams. The diamond point 'had evidently slipped, and whatever else she ,had intended to write was lost. He added this name to the unfinished note, and the meaning was yet incomplete ; for where should he look for Magnus Drake ? There was such a person in the world, doubtless ; but the world is a pretty large place to look over. It was rather discouraging to search for Magnus Drake in so wide a field. Love itself might tire with a search so extended. He retired to rest long after midnight, with his mind teeming with images of the fair ,I A JOY. ;8 lunatic. Her beautiful face was set in his dreams, and .her lovely person danced through his Imagination like a 'syiphide. Arising at a late. hour in the morning, and raising the little white curtain to let i the golden beams of day, the first object he saw was the nose of Carlo pressed against. the pane of the low window, watching for his -new master., Hubert could not help smiling The eccentric behavior of Carlo amused, while, at thesame time, it pleased him. " Ah l" said he, " I am a dog-charmer." He raised the window, a id putting out a soft, white hand, conveyed his matutinal greetings to his new ally, who received them with dignity and satisfaction, and put his two, large paws upon the sill, wishing to enter. Being flattered by the predilection of this prince of dogs, Hubert pushed up the window to its full capacity, and permitted him to come_ in. He made his debut with one strong bound. He sat upon his haunches while Frothingham was-writing his pressing invitation to Southerly, and seemed well con- tent with our hero's society. Hubert, talked to him as if there were knowledge in that serious head. Heasked him if he were not a trifle surly on the previous night, and wish- ed to know his opinion of the young lady at the window. Did he think she was crazy? Did he think she ought to be there? Would he go -up with him to see her ? Would he carry a note to her? yogs had carried notes. So had pigeons. At any rate, they would have some pleasant walks together. To all this Bow Wow wagged assent. Thus was rapport established between man and dog. They breakfasted together, with much politeness on the part of Hubert, and much.decorum on the part of Carlo. Farmer ,Gordon, Mrs. Gordon, and the lit- tle Gordons, were delighted with, the acqui- sitions to their household. Both man and dog were popular with the little folks, who declared that the character of the latter had suddenly changed for the better,, as he was wont to be exceedingly churlish up at the large house. Mrs. Gordon, who was a sen- sible woman, firmed,. after Fi-othingham had gone out to look at the farn with her husband, that dogs instinctively knew good- hearted people; and that a man who is fond of dogs would be fond of his wife ; and, for her part,- she would rather have a sagacious dog select a husband for h'er than a match- making mamma. "That young follow," quoth Mrs. Gordon, "will be a favorite among the ladies. And did you notice, M~atilda"--Matilda was the oldest dughter-4, what small feet and hands he had? His hands are white enough, I hope ? But a lad can't have white hands and work on a farm. Bless you, Ma. Gor= page: 64-65 (Illustration) [View Page 64-65 (Illustration) ] 64 Sil3tIiLA 50Y. I Fr don never had white hands in lils lifb; but he's' been a good husband for all that. I shouldn't wonder if this Mr.-t'' Sr- "Frothitighan," prompted Matilda. ".W s deed in loVe "with somebody up to the Ilmanerj." "' I 'think .so Mo !"' said Matilda, with a' slightly eonteipiuous jerk of his head. "He wouldn't go wanderingabbut, in the night if; he hacln't'got somebody in his eye." " He acts just as yotir father did, Matil-' da, when he lbst saw me," replied Mrs. Gor- don, with simplicity. "They said he 'rasi dreadful ubsejt-minded likd in, those dayss" "Was you pretty, mother " "I don't know, child; your father -thought, I was. Leastwise, he =aid so, and he did talk a good deal of nonsense,'dear ; and I was silly' enough to hear him, and to-grow fond of him.' Now,'I suppose, if he had told, me that I was sensible and 'homely, that 'nothing would have come of 'our courtship. Men don't mar-, ry girls altogether for their intellect, I sup- pose, but for something that Is womanly about them, that can't be told or described, nor scarcely'known by'any name. Don't be strong-minded, my'dear, but'be a woman." " He wouldn't go and fall in love with a lunatic, would he, mother ?" Matilda asked, naively. "Bless you, child love is an accident ! It is as much' an accident as being run over by the cars, and is sometimes about as sud- den." "Dear me I" murmured Matilda. " I thought it was a pleasant thing." "It's pleasant enough, for that matter;" answered Mrs. Gordon, keeping quietly about her work; "but it isn't so 'comfortable at first, when people don't know how they stand, and how the yes and no :question is. And sometimes a girl don't know her ,own mind, that's a fact. When a girl don't knowI her own mind, she must be worked round careful, and not hurried; for if you hurry' her, you'lose her. When the thihg is mutual, why, of course, it is different, and those two people are ready-to fly into each other's arms at the first opportunity, unless," added'Mrs. Gordonuprudently, "she should be coquettish and play shy, just to bring him out, and make hind fonder of her, and more earnest. , But it's best, dear, not to carry that sort of thing too far ; for some fellows are impatient, and so blind that they can't see love in aroguish eye. But a proud girl, once caught, she's as 'gentlir as a' dove. As I was sa 'g, this young man has something 'on his mi,'; and if itin't a young woman, I am gre mistakened." "1Perhaps he has got rdlations in that terri- ble house," suggested Matilda. "Heaven pity them if he has !" said Mrs. Gordon, shaking her head. "Perhaps he's insane -himselfW, observed the girl. "One kind of insanity," returned the mother. "That kind which comes of itself, and goes whentit-pleases, and does not depend on the state of the body. He will not go away in a hurry. ,{e spoke to me of staying some time, and of having a friend, coning to see him." "I shouldn't wonder if the two should carry the crazy lady off.", All persons are not mad who are sent to madhouses,"' returned Mrs. Gordon, with emphasis; "I've known peopleto be shut up in asylums, who could not, from the very na- ture of their -organizaions, be insane. I knew a man who seat his wife to an. Insanery, be. cause she discovered n, disgraceful intrigue carried on under her very nose, and involv. ing the reputation of a, bright young girl. Well, she went among the unfortunate ones, and she can tell you how folks are treated by hirelings who have authority, and can do as they please without regard to justice, decency. or the common' claims of humanity. If our friends won't take care of us when we're out of our mind, strangers won't. Do not expect of strangers what you do not expect of friends. Doctors are good enough and sensible enough, but they're apt to become careless and har. dened, and ;impenetrable to the outcries of human nature. A doctor is a -being who is case-hardened by the contemplation of pain Doctor Brooks, who keeps the house on the, hill there, which is called a hospital, is nota man tebe trusted with sick minds, nor well ones, either, for.that matter., He ted to get a living-by general, practice, failed, and grew sour, and has. growled.,at everybody ever since., It is whispered," continued Mrs. Gor. don, pausing in her work,, and lowering her voice, "that he is as cruel as a tiger, and rough as. a bear. I shu1d rather be an Al- gerine than be Doctor - Brooks. I pity the creature that he once turns the key on, pro. vided he's well paid." "All kinds of stories are afloat, mother. Some of' the; neighbors say that the house ought to be torn :down, and Doctor Brooks thrown into the river., Mr. Frothingham had better not love anybody up there. ou, being older, ought to advise him to keep away, an not to run risks. He might be fired at from a window, or some of the Doctor's attendants might surprise;him And do him an injury. Perhaps, when his friend comes, he will tell him what to do. He's a very nice gentlenr. at' all events, and how he-made that mamnioth dog follow him, is a perfect mystery.. I'm afraid he has winning ways,,mother. How- over, I have a beau,.and there is no danger. Beside I'm nothing but a country-girl." Matilda smiled, and went on wits her work r ' 1 I I' I iH Q5 OD i L page: 66-67[View Page 66-67] i f a, T SIBYIEL - CH APTER XXIL,- CARLO'S DOOR.- Upon that day, Herbert Frothingham saw he traveling-carriage which had conveyed the young lady to the hospital pass the farm- house, on its return to the lace frim whetice it came. It, then, contained but two persons -=the middle-aged' lady and the gentleman with the sinister face. The thought at once occurred to Frothingtoin toshave the vehicle followed. But'Whom should he employ for such a.purpose ? Gordon's son was too young to be trusted with such an undertaking, and his hired man was evidently'not acute enough for such a business. He .took Gordon aside, and made known his wishes. Gordon, being a very sensible and discerning person, imme- diatefy offered hi' services, provided Froth- ingham thought him a suitable agent for an employment requiring no little tact and pru- dence.,-7 "That a great wrong .has been done to a certain person," saicd Herbert; "I have not the slightest doubt. In my opinion, the per- sons who have committed, and are continuing that wrong; are in that carriage." "It would not be the first time,?' observed Gordon, " that wrong has been done up yon- der, through the agency of Doctor Brooks." "It is not only the duty of every honest man, but the privilege,.to ferret but acts of perfidy and injustice ; ayd -having time, in- clination, and means, I 4m going to. make a mysterious subject clear and manifest, and give plotting villainy its due reward. I shall, gratefully accept-your friendly offer. Saddle' your best horse, Mr.. Gordon, and follow yonder carriage.. I will make such amends for your'absence as money can make." " As for money," answered Gordon, cheer- fully, " I have no pressing need -of- it, being comfortably cared for, so far as the world's wants are concerned. I suppose that you. will not like your agent less if he has in this service a higher incentive than money ; and to see that concern- leveled with the dust, I would keep in. the saddle not only a day, but a week." , Frothingham expressed his thanks with waimth, while the practical Gordon ordered his man to bring the horse ready to mount, and went into the house., In fifteen minutes, he was trotting after the carriage, and Froth- ingham felt that he had secured a valuable; assistanta That night, he again visited the scene of his recent adventures. He approached the gate with more cautiousness than on the pre- vious occasion. This time the key was no$ left in the lock. That carelessness had not been repeated ; a circumstance that dl&not surprise him, as he expected, after the dis- turbance of the $revious: night, more vigi- .g J. - 4 I I , 4 W JOY:67 lance would' be observed to keep out 'In- truders. S Carlo, still satisfied with his adopted mas- ter, walked contentedlyy beside him. Find, ing himself forced to remains on the wrong side of the paling,:he threw himself upon patience' and philosophy,'and made his ob- servations at a safe distance. As a matter of course,; the- window where he had seen the fair face and figure was 'the special object of his attention. TVhere was a feeble light there to guide his gaze, That light was the star of his hopes. It threw its pale rays upon the woman that he loved. Youthful enthusiasm painted her in beautiful colors. She glowed beneath his fond imagination till she -was lit- tle less bright than an angel. The thing called-love is full of absurdities, when looked at by the ~merely worldly and practical eye; but it is true to itself and its :causes, and is not so much a matter of chance as of fate. The ocean of life is full of eddies and -under-tows, which set strongly toward matrimony. ' The.d eddies and undertows, seizing men and women, hurry them toward the vortex with irresistible force. Hubert had fallen into an eddy, and was drifting on rapidly. He was ready to incur any risk to 'stand' once. more face to face Witl the fair young creature who had bewitched him. He could not sit there and look idly at the win- dow-panes. To attain, one must work. Would 'she not expect him to return ? Would she not watch for an opportunity to communicate with him? 'The answer was obvious. He looked at the paling. Palings were not impregnable. Palings were made of wood, and wood was assailable by simple means. He began an examinationof the streieth of the inclosure. While thus employed,'arlo suddenly disappeared. He looked to -see .what had become of him, and discovered a hole by which he had crawled through the paling. The aperture was not ,of recent origin, and was evidently the worli of Carlo, having been made patly by digging and partly by tearing off.the wood with his teeth. "Here is an opening," said Frothirgham to himself, "riot only tor Carlo, but for. me. If love is aspiring, it is also groveling. Carlo can crawl through to get a bone ; 1'can go through to get a sight of a lovely face.' Frothingham. hesitated. He had, some qualms.of pride about accepting Carlo's door. If Carlo-could make a door, couldn't he make a better one ? Full of this idea, he started off in search of a lever. He was lucky enough to find a stout limb, straight, and of sufficient length.' Armed with this simple ,form of power, he returned,; and, by, putting one end into .Carlo's door, soon loosened a pale, whih, .once loosened, ,Was soon removed: ,This ~Th ' , ;' :S i ; .; k 0 page: 68-69[View Page 68-69] Pr ~ i V * 68. SiBYLA JOY. was, indeed, an achievement It was silently manifested in =n unfortunate stranger. If you accomplished. There was nothing, now, in love justice, you can do me the greatest of the.way of barrier, to hinder him from walk- favors-estore me toliberty and my\friends,, inm. He saw no one ;, he heard no one. "Nothing would give me so much pleas. Ihe hour was eleven o'clock and thirty ure," responded, Frothingham. " I will do minutes., It ' was the time when working- whatever I'ou bid' me."' people are in bed with their dreams. Mad There was palpable earnestness in Froth- people, beingvery hard *orkers-their brains ingham's voice, which carried conviction and never rest--might also be supposed to be confidence to the young lady's mind. courting slumber ; while their keepers and "M name.is rsl arh urst. I live in attendants, weary of their benevolent efforts New ork ; or at least. should live there, to through the. day, would be snoring in the be at home. I am here because I ai rich, deepest prostration of sleep, unless sone ex- and an unprinci ledrelative desires to possess traordmary emergency required more than my wealth. If am insane, I have beun so ordinary wakefulness, It was. then that the from my birth.. I wish to escape from this friendship of the dog-served him a good turn. miserable place. I am treated w th rigor, and As if conscious that some danger attended Richard Parkhurst does not intend that I this nocturnal ,visit of his new friend, he shall leave this house. I saw you di sty trotted around the enclosure, with his nose journey here. Your countenance looked kind now to the ground and now in the air, came and benevolent, and Iappealed to you. I be. back to Frothingham, and looked up into his gan to write, but was surprised, and threw it face with a reassuring wag of his tail. The out unfinished. But it was not in vain. You young man, taking courage, soon found the read, you belied, and you are here. How wreck of the flower stand, ,and, after watch- can I repay such goodness f" ing the window a few moments, repeated his . "Thin, not of-that," answered Frothing. expedient of the previous night. The rain ham. "The consciousness of serving you and rattle of the pebbles against the panes will be more than payment. Indeed, Ilhave had no immediate effect, andubert sat down thought of little else since I saw you. I con. amid the debris of the flower-pots to wait pa- fess that I have seen nothing but your face. tiently the- course of events, Presently the side you alighted from the carriage At the light disappeared and the window was dark. inn. The Golden Robin is no longer com- In a short time,. however, his perseverance mon-place inmy recollections, but has be. was rewarded ; for the light reappeared with come the data from which I reckon time. the glow and brightness of the previous When all other places are forgotten, that night. His heart jumped joyfully ; and more country-inn will be remembered. Obedience joyfully still when that form which had to you, Miss Parkhurst, will be happiness to 'haunted his sleep, greeted his sight. He ie. The story of your distemper, your face sprang to his feet and waved his handker- contradicted and settled forever."', chief. , I am unspeakably grateful for your faith," "Ah !" murmured Frothingham; "if I answered -Ursula. " The way grows clear could only get near enough to speak to her 1" before me, and I have confidence to-night in He then observed--what he had not before the triumph of justice. ,ou must go to Mag. noticed-that a lightning-rod descended from anus Drake." the roof and passed very near her window. ' "I will find a shorter method than that," Being young and strong, and accustomed to said 'Frothingham, quickly. " I will take monastic exercises of the most fatiguing you from this prison without waiting for the nd, it occurred to him that he might ascend apparently tardy steps of justice. I have sent to the window by means of the rod. When for a, trusty friend, who will probably arrive she had answered his signal, he tried the in few days. Let patience be your physician climbing experiment, and presently drew till I bring you freedom." himself to the top of the first window without . "Speak very low," admonished Ursula. making sufficient noise to attract attention. "I am not alone in this house. There-are Standing upon the window-cap, and stretch- other unfortunates here who may hear yeu. lug his hand upward, he could nearly reach Discovery would disappoint me too much. I the iron ldttice of her prison. He was near have lost much, yet I have much to live for," enough to'make himself heard without' rais- Her voice was, pleasant to the ears of hug his voice to a very dangerous pitch. He Hubert. Her confidence charmed him. The said: "Lady, I am here. Can I serve you? thought of being useful to her gave hima Speak to me, and do not fear." pleasure before unknown. It was not easy The person addressed put her mouth to the for him to maintain his position; but unusual circular hole in the pane, and answered, excitement gave him unusual muscular with singular clearness: strength. -Ithak you for theWinterest you have "Risk miuat be incurred; butI will bedir SBIYLL JBOY9. 6 creet, and make the danger as -small as pos- CHAPTER -XXIII. sible. Have faith in your destiny, and have A LETTER. faith inme. Whatever happens within these Abigail V'aghn slept on, turning all sorts walls, remember one who cannot forgetyou of, wheels in her nose, and blowing her is waitingand watching without. No matter breath through her lips and drawing itlback, whether the night be fair or foul, I will come as if those organs would; soinetime, be her with it, and remain till the stars pale in the total strangulation. This nasal, and labial light of morning. I will come because Ilove symphony fell discordantly on the ears of you, and my soul is yours. You need not and Sibylla. It seemed profanity' to see that swer this presumptuous avowal, I ask noth- woman i# that chair, exhaling brandy, and lg in return but the privilege of serving you. dozing through drunken dreams. Thinking That will content me. You need not encour of the changes that had come upon the age my folly by smile, or look, or word. For' brown-stone ouse, she was sick at heart. get that I love you, and permit me to be the But there was an immortal courage in Si- most earnest as well as the most respectful bylla. She would not be put down and con- of your friends. Forgive me, Miss Parkhurst. quered by, her inferiors. There was some- I hake said too much." thing more to be done than crying, and sgh- "It were better left' unsaid," answered Ur- ing. The long, golden sunbeams, stealing sula, with gentleness. " Sudden emotions through the curtains, fell cheeringly upon should be distrusted. Sensation and senti- her bed, and danced graceful minuets upon, onent are often confounded. The light of her hands and arms. lightning is intense, but brief." " I need a tonic," said Sibylla. "I know " You have put'the effect for the cause. what I need well enough." Love is lightning, and lightning Is eternal. She arose, mixed anc drank a small quan- Its life is hidden with the elements. The tity of brandy and water, then arranged her flash is but its momentary manifestation. To- hair, and ,dressed herself with as much care night, my love -flashes upon you, but it shall as usual. This done, she weit into Ursula's be dark and dormant hereafter, save at your chamber and found it terribly vacant. She bidding." saw things that made her flush with indigna- "Be silent I" 'responded Ursula, whose tion. Lucretia Fuller's wardrobe hung in heart was beating fast. " Is it a.fitting time Ursula's closet ; and various little articles of for this? Ought you to speak thus, or I to dress belonging to that lady were scattered listen ? Reflect that we are strangers, and about the room. Evidently, Stenhen Park- that the imputation of a dreadful malady rests hurst's house had fallen Into the hands o1, upon me. Ido not -know you., Even your servants. name is unknown." " The cons piracy deepens," she murmUred. "It is Hubert Frothingham. I am a grad- " Richard Parkhurst is in the ascendant. uate of Harvard College, and my home, is The weakest go to th9 wall. Ursula And I Baltimore. I am of good family, and my, were the weakest. But we -will see who is worldly affairs are all-that.can be desired." the strongest, anon. - Stephen Parkhurst, " Hush!" interrupted Ursula., "I hear like the Sphinx, will rise froin his own some one moving in the next room. Say no ashes ; and when he arises it will be, in more, but go away quietly." wrath. But where is Magnus? I wonder if "Yet a few words," returned Hubert. " I he has been here during my illness? Have shall come with my friend .to .liberate. ou. Imuttered? 'Have I revealed secrets during We will bring ladders and proper 'imple- iny delirium? I think not. I have a con- ments. Expect me till I come, and be not victiofi that I' have not, So they have sent discouraged though several nights should Ursula away. Theytook her from me while elapse before my coming with this object in I was sick and unconscious, That must view." have grieved her. What an outrage upon I, will expect you patiently, and never lose justice has been committed under this roof I faith. I have a friend who would aid me- Did she leave no word for me ? Perhaps my father's business-agent, whose name I she left a mote somewhere for me to find. wrote upon the .glass. He would find me Ursula is cunning sand not easily outwitted. eventually, I am sure ; but 'something may I will look in'her writing-desk." have happened to him, and 1 will trust in The desk had been moved, but the key you. Good-night." was 'in the lock. She opened 'the' desk. "'Good-night," 'responded Hubert; then -Within, 'were some drawers, anid one of them cautiously descending to the ground, he left had a secret slide at the bottom. The.ex- the inclosure, replaced the paling as'well as istetnce of this slide - was known- only to he could, and, ,with Carlo at his heels, re- Ursula and herself: Where would her friend turned to Gordon's, well satisfied with the ad- be so likely to .leave a note as there ? She ventures of the night., opened the drawer hurriedly, touched the , - ,t' ' page: 70-71[View Page 70-71] 1~ c.i 4 t lj I. " SII YLr A JOY. little spring that held 'the slMe, and found what she had hoped to iad-a note,. with "Sibylla " written' uposi it, in Ursula's neat and pretty' h yudwritiing. Seizing it with egegness,she read its contents, which Tan' as f01loWs - "SISTER -SIYLnLA.: eare the - ctimsof a,wick- e4i.conspiracy. Richa};dParkhurst wishes to possess my poor father's prQperty, and to acconplish this object he will not heettet td perpetrate the worst of crime. I am - forced to .leave , you, tweet Sibylla, while yog are suffering from a severe nervous fever. Thyo tear me from you. Heartless wretches!, I have clung to you as long as they would permit me., Your poor head has rested upon ,myibosom days and nights. Dear privilege to be near you! The fri dship of a bumnan creatures worth-s much! Y -r delirium was of a singulirly quiet and methodical kind. You were neither violent, nor noisy. You, lay patiently upon, your willow, with your brlght'eyes fixed, now upon heaven, now upon me. You whispered strange things into.m , ear with a coherency ot thought and reasoning thit was marvelous, and the effect pro- luced upon my nervous organization gave some{ roloripg' to ,the charge of hereditary lunacy,which was at that time hanging over me. I fear I must have shown signs of insanity when the doctors came to'ex- amine me-sordid and egotistical men bought over to the Interests of Richard Parkhurst with my father's money. My consternation, indignation, and excite- ment, an operated against me, and I was pronounced insane. I nagine my' feelings, dearest Sibylla! They are going to take me away' I cannot help my- self, and lagnuis Drake does not conne, to, Any aid. Where is he? What has happened? have trusted in him, and you have trusted in him. 1 have written tohIim, but my notoS went through the hands of serv- ants, and probably never reached him. Going to a madhouse ! Is this possible? Have such direful. changes as these passed over 'my father's- house?' There is hope somewhere, surly Hop vne isnot dead, nor cas' t i e. It is in youe. Yneu will recover. You, wjll arise from your bed, strong and beautiful, as you ever were. You will demolish with your clear intel- lect this refuge of lies, and I shall be saved ! In this faith I leave you. Isayereist injustice, but I cannot escape its consequences. If I -appeal to' strangers for. help, a. certidcap of lunacy will be thrust into ny face, and that settles the'question. If I 'knew where they were goin , to Imprison me, I would-tell you; -but I do not.- Beware of the house- keeper !- Watch Richard Parkhurst, and communi- cafe with Magnus Drake as soon aspossible.' Defore Itclose, Imust inform youfthat .Riahard has brought a stnnsi~ger here,.lie is a .fair-faced, soft-spoken; and unctuous fellow, who tins villain'stamped upon his brow. His name is Marmaduke, and he goes about the house as if he intended to remaining it lie it one of those evil spirits with- whom the sinister' Richard takes counsel and associates. A will has been found i u whiceRichard Issade executor of the estate nand uardian of the he-rs. Our guardian ! To think that Richaid should pr sume-to enter this' hoite with'the pretence of auteoity! He has the hardliauod to talk of legal rights, end of carrying out my father's, wishes; when the latter.,'wiile living, did not honor' him' with the slightest trust orconden'tce. As you know, he seldom admittedhim to' the house, and had the greatest contempt for his character and person... In4eed 4e heldhim in abhorrence. Its a unsgappy hour ; but I do iot despair of'justice. Ke pa good, firm heart, and all may yet be well. I have grown sitpicious of' Richardr esuaecting matters innsediate- ly connected with, orir dear atle's death. ven in yoper deli rianaks, you badie inc ave heart of haope, ad your woriais 1tsingelee biteficy. 'You are' the "lears est little enchmattss'that verwas. I know-that you have discovered isognethi g; and that discovery lies at the door of your illness. It was ob 'miuch, ap- patently, for. your -nervous system. But your seeret isevl entl of ajoyflnature. ow ca1oneguard a ;s retj n eliiu?,Yet yyt guardedd yours. 1 le'a e this tamblin letter with soue .faith that you will fendit. So, farewell, till this cloud shall red its silver lining. URSULA. "P P .--Richard and the ,housekeeper are going with me. Annette has been dismissed, and another "iald, a relative of Lucretia TFuller's, and the instru. mentof our enemies; astenslbly takes her place'.t am to be carried somewhere into the country, as far from friends and civilization as possible. It will be some horrid out-of-tile-way place, where no one will think of looking for One. '- Oh,misery. U." CHAPTER XXIV,. , SiBYLLA II'ELPS UERSELFI'. Sibyllu read this letter, and put it in a safe place. While it made" a deep impression upon her mind, it was not without a good effect. It gave both strength and courage, and she felt within her a new power to coin- bat w'th Richard Parkhurst. It was yet early in the morning. There was some stir in' the servants quarter; .but .the former order of the house was one and proper hours were neglected. Si ylla went belowi , having first taken a look at Abigail Vaughn, to see if she'slept soundly upon her brandy. She left her as oblivious as could. be desired. She looked into the dining-room; it was silent and vacant. She went in. She was ht'ngry, which was a good sign ; and, feeling that food was necessa-y to sustain her, took a cracker froin the side-board and ate it. It had a healthful sweetness to her taste. Wile she was eating it, she saw something lying upon the floor. Perceiving that it was a letter, she stooped and picked it up. Letters'seemed to be the order of the morning. This 'was directed .to .Richard Parkhurst, and it lay, with a napkin, under the" table, where it had accidentally fallen. Sibylla put it into her pocket and left the dining-room. She walked cjuickly ' to Ste. phens room, and listenedat the door. Hear- ug. no sound, 'she entered. - The apartment 'was without an occupant. " Ah I" thought Sibylla, " Richard -has not the courage to occupy this room, or to sleep up on this bed. His dreams would be haunt- ed by'Stephen, and his miserable conscience would bring spectres to his pillow.," ' Having.noiselessly-locked the door; she sat dowh in Stephen's chair, and read! the letter directed to 1Iichai-d. "MR. PARKHURsT :-The plan yru propose for the disposal of, the hoepsceeper appears to 'me entirely practicable, and tile thbugbt is worthy of your genius, it will be very easy to detain her when she -comes with the other young lady to visit the patient. Of course, much ,prndeuce must bd observed. You in- formed me thnalth i as very slnncitd and, judging from wat I sawHof bert hen sIe was here, I fly agree with you.- As these proceedings ire somewhat exrtraordhary, and not.ustained by the Inus of the anel, they will necessarily involve rrenSideiable ex- pense. If said persons can-be held ie abiyerie hile $II3YLL JOY. y ' - you convert the property into money, preliminary to leaving the country, a fdw thOusands will be, a heap purchase of so many advantaged. What yqu do, however; should be done quickly, lest some unfore- seen accident compromise us both. . My institution is so essential dopyour slecgess that I antic- ate much liberality on your part. There will, no -eobt, be a high scene when the lady finds herself outwitted. "Miss Ursula has been' singularly-quiet arid resign- ed since your departure. There was evesy reason to; sup ose that she would be stormy and threatening, -and I know not how to account for her gentle deport- ment. There has been no disturbance around the premises since the night you were here, and that I am disposed to attribute to the dog, which has not been seen since. Perhaps he has become disgusted with the society of lunatics, and has gone in search of.a. master of a different trade. " As dates.and postmarks are often- dangerous, I send this by a trustyrmessenger. Send the patients as soon as you please. "Yours faithfully, "J. D. BoRK, . D." 'iThis significant epistle threw yet more light upon the designs of Richard Parkhurst. It was an important lihk in the chain of evi- dence. She resolved:to preserve it carefully. A lappy thought occur l tolher ; she would' inclose it, with a letter of her own, to Mag- nus Drake. She lost no time in hesitation, but, sitting down to her guardian's desk, wtote: "DEAR FRIEND :-Things are going badly 'here. I have been i1 eight days, and you havenot been to see us. I fear something serious has happened to you. Richard Parkhurst has made and is making sor-owful changes here. 'Judge of the evil times upon which we have fallen, when I tell you Ursula has been pro- nouncedoinsane and seat to' a madhouse. Theis- closed note, which, I found this morning, will 'throw some light on the matter, and show you what is In re- serve for us. I know that there are some strange circumstances connectedwills my dear guardian's de- cease, and am inclined to thebelief that a startling deception has been practiced ;,and if any°'suspicions are well founded, you are a party to it. Iwas a list- ener upon that night so crowded with mysterious and,, as it would seem, fatal Incident. Proof is now in my possession 4hatthe body of Norman Drewwas expect- ed to arrive at twelve o'clock. At that hour some- thinig did arrive. A long and heavy box was delivered quietly at theeside-door, and brought into the house by, men, whose tiv movements- and shuffling feet, as heard by me from my cncdalment, plainly indicated that their burden was not light. I heard the reading of wood and-the starting of nails. I an too.weak now to write thedetails. eAn enpty b iwastcarried Into the wine-vault by two persons, were it was filled with straw and bottles. While those persons weten the 'vault, a third, living or dead, remained in Stephen Parkhurst's room, lying u on Stephen Parkhurst's bed. For this assertion I' ave the evidence -of -my eyes and the conviotions~of my judgment. Now tell me, dar Sir, what I am to think of all this ? Was ever anything so distracting, and so mixed with light Sand darkness? low can I help feeling a thrilling inspiration of hope? and-yet the mere human will could attempt a plot so complicated, and involv- ing such ci el consequences. But my guardian was not cruel. ,iTo me he was al' entleness. I am.aware, however, that hishatred of Richard was intense. He despisedthee low ani vagrant villain who lived byy les anits, and Ib -ought disgrace upon, his kindred. - Youer dislike of him, I am sure, was no less. Yon and he might have' planned a singular vengeance, and set fatal traps for tiac feet of Richard. "sBut if so,'why not come to tie rescue?' Why let the wicked hand tail so heavily? I should have been 71 taien into your counsels. If this thought be not mad- ness, I thould'have been most useful, and a nervous shpc5 would have bees. spared Ursula. In recalling my guardian's manner, I am convinced that he had a great purpose'In his mind upon that night. If you think I am getting wild in my expressions, I should like to ask you, it Stephen Parkhurst died, what be- come of Norman Drew's body, which arrived at;mid- night ? Was it buried in the cellar? Was it bidden between the floors ? Was it sent to. the surgeon's ? Was it carried to the deadhouse, to receive a pau- per's burial? Answer if you can. " Should this reach you, your good sense willbetter dictate what you ought to do than I can suggest.- My hand is weary-with holding the pen, and I must cease writing. I must add, before closing,'that, upon awak- ing from the nervous crisis induced by some discover- ies that I had made, I found an intoxicated and vul- gar woman, bolstered up in my chair to the last de- gree of comfort, sleeping a drunken sleep. Imagine my feelings ! But Feame out of my crisis wonder- fully calm and bright. I am weak, but well; and I should not wonder if this weary hand, and -this poor, girlish head, should'circumvent Richard yet. Yours, hopefully, SrBYrILA Joy." -aving carefully directed her letter, her tiext thought was to procure a trusty mes- senger. Going to the front.of the yet quiet house, she opened a window, hailed the first lad who came down the avenue, and filling his hand with silver pieces, soon had the pleasure of seeing his nimble feet hurry away with boyish eagerness to perform her important errand. S1e closed the window with a sigh of satisfaction and relief. CHAPTER XXV. AN AMBUSH. Sibylla returned to the apartment which she had left, sustained by a strength that was surprising. ' Recent- experiences had taught her to move quietly, and to depend more upon her -own efforts than upon others. Soon after entering the room rendered :so sacred ,by forfaer associations, .she became conscious that one of the adjoining rooms was occupied. She heard voices ; mascu- line tones, that presently gregy louder and more distinct. Sibyll had learned to be a good listener. ' Cunning was her line of de- fence ;, and, from what has been spen of her character, it will be understood that no op- portunity of surprising tile secnets - of her enemies would be neglected. In a mpiment, she had placed a hassock upon ,the carpet, seated herself upon it, and put her ear to the Wall., , There was a; door cpmmunicating with the room, but Stephen Parkhursts be, had been moved against it, Richard being afraid of Stephen's ghost, and having a su- perstitious tenor of that apartment..- She was, nQt kept long in doubt respecting the parties engaged in conversation One was Richard, unquestionably, and the otfier', she readily decided was the person referred to by Ursuja in the letter that she had left for her under the secret slide in the drawer. The douversatioat soon grew interesting, and 70 ,,t 2 page: 72-73 (Illustration) [View Page 72-73 (Illustration) ] flow'ed on without restraint. Richard Park- theirway in Murderers' Alley, never found rst and Duke Mariaduke had every rea- it, and bave never been found. When Time son'to believe that'they wer utterly alone. at length gives his evidence, it will be but The ntitl, who is privileged to see the the. spectacle of a few discolored bones be- 1whole situation, will permit the reader free neath rthe.ibrings." {espas to those who talked, and her who Sibylla shvered. What new crime had i .'d. these men perpetrated ? The danger that iUchard, well dressedbut still sinister, sat surrounded her was never so apparent then. o irtehisSatani*hoin an elegant morn- -Magnus Drake had fallen into evil hands. as, lour','innupon cushionednd His silence was evidently owing to unavoida- J tr, guing ,sage ad'vice. they spoke ble circumstances. He came not, because he y ~darkly concerning- some things, plainly could not come. out' others. The housekeeper Was,' often'- " I cannot imagine what has happened to e rred,'to. Marnaduke was ; particularly:him, unless he lost. his way in the manner pleasant in his remarks respecting her. He you speak of. He might have run the wrong smiled and he rubbed Ils hands together, way in his eagerness to escape, and, in run- aloking beiievOlent all the time., Although ning =the wrong way, ran upon the wrong. lbyllaould, not see him; the writer reveals ,me to help a person in extremity," answered it, through virtue of his ability to observe. Bicha Parkhurst, uneasily. " Droolby and passingevensoneeeither side of the wall. Drigs're clever rogues, but not clever "Theo hdseee,'said Mairnsduke, "is enou h, eveni with yor help, to make a clean a eery ni'e, person, d deserves particular job of a dir-ty busi ess." attention ; Miut;' as a hatrimenial companion, ."TI' eonfss,", re tned Duke ,Maridaduke, she 'is too smart for yfou, Richard.' Marry" that' I fe red we should not be able to keep her,:and you will soon beri le ding-strings. above the ide.,The' facts in the case, were Sie Would son "get your head under 'the these: 'Two persons were to be kept quiet. tide; and sit upon'it. She does notwant you; You did not know how to keep them quiet. she wants the money. You are afraid o her, I, being your Asinodeus, devised a scheme andf souknow it." by which the,.object in view was -to be "bhe 'Is tery shrewd," responded Richard. reached. I assumed adisguise, and became "True," said Marmaduke, "and we will the bereaved Davids. A fictitious daughter catch herin-her own net. Ctinning people was fictitiously lost. The persons to be, in- are apt to stumble into their own pitfalls. I veigled 'fell into the snare. Compassion have sav'ed - you, Richard. Admire my carried them where Prudence said, ' Do not genius." go.' They were caught with chaff. One "The salvation exists in theory, only," was a lawyer. A plague upon all lawyers, answered Richard. I say! They are threefold more the children S"It will, soon exist in fact. The mionent of the devil than the fallen angels. Un- the girl is ableto sit in the carriage, send her, natural cunning, crooked devices, unex- to Doctor Bi-6oks, in the care of" Licretia pected plots, sudden turns of subtlety, and Fuller, and the thing ' is done. Do not be damnable invention, are }among their quali- niggardly with Doctor Brooks. If you Want ties. Commend me to something slippery it a-good rascal, pay hinWell." it be not lawyer! Bring me an unscrupu- "I am troubled about Magnus Drake," lousy adviser, a sly peculator, a false friend, a icbard observed. ,wily flatterer, a deceptive hopegiver, a fawn- Bibylla held her breath, and listetied with Ing dtsteaer,- a greedy knave, and an un- altpet paiitil intensity. conscionable devourer, if it beinot a lawyer. "Your 'Iln failed inexeeutiloh," he con- Deliver to, Satan, onhis guarded throne, a tianed. lawyer,:manacled with the deepest damna- " His escape was'sihmply a'n accident," re- tion of ;in,and let him plead his own case, plied .Marmaduke. "The plot' was success- and he will outwit his accusers, bleach his il, and the thiscarriage of uny batt f it 'is misdeeds and orm himself 'nto some to be attributed to the cunning of the' laye'. 'subodintte office in the realis of hell." Layers are people who niean to keep their Duke "armaduke.pausedi and wiped some Beads above the'tide." - drops of perspiration from his fair brow, ' x."All seemed lost when you informed me while, thb carbuncle stared at Richard, and what had happened ; and the not lodging of the diamond on his little finger flashed white any corhplaint with the police-authonties, light in every direction. and his apparent silence, are matters of sur- "$ mnuch for lawyers; .so much for that prise." s '-glib-tdrigued brotherhood that casts itself up- Perhaps he never left the slums -alive," on society, to magnify human ,disagreements, said Marmaduke, thoughtfully. "He may and to feed the flames of hatred with the ury have shared the fate of those who have lost kindlings of legal technicalities ; ,so much.itar _V page: 74-75[View Page 74-75] i SB U', 5t V. \ ;r t;k T4 ,; _Y . j t ' F i .l Sri} iq r BIBYLL4 JoY. 75 a profession that sets the world at differences, hi your caution. I wish he was put of the and coinniunities at variance. But I will go way; Well, Lueretia must go,. if we have to on with my'statement. The;attorney, having devise- a. new pretext. Sibylla will gladly examined the witnesses of his judgment, es- remain' to take care ,of Ursula,, and in that tablislhed an albi, in fact. Of a sudden he way I hope to gain sufficient, time. .By the was elsewhere. Norman Drew-" wayt we must -still continue to/have Drake's Sibylla Joy thrilled with expectation. Her office.watched.' L have 'a presentiment that person seemed the subject of successive gal-. danger wllt come ;from that direction, and at vanie shocks. That nane was full of hopes a ;moment when we, least, expect t. You and fears. "On that name depended the solu- must'be very busy, and very shrewd,'Marma- tion of a mystery. duke or we may be hange yet." "Norman Drew,' added Duke, ".went in, Sibylla's heart quickened again. and Magnus Drake went out. The failure or "Speak for yourself, Richard; I had noth- half the plot threatened to be. the failure of ing to do with the charcoal. , I do not belong -the whole. One went down under the pave- to the Carbonari."' ments and human feet, ahd into the reek and Just then the breakfast-bell rang' dampness and death of the dark kens, while " I have an appetite," quoth Drake. 4"This the other went we knov not where. We settling of estates is a wearisome business. have heard nothing from him. He is alive, What would you do without me ?" or he is dead. - If he is alive, and in his senses, Sibylla crept behind a curtain, so that if you will hear from him sooner or later. So they looked ito the room, in passing the what you do, you must do without delay. door, on their way to breakfast, they could Your policy is this Convert and pocket." not see her. "I believe -you," 'said Richard. "You,. " - should have been a lawyer yourself." ' I preferred a quiet and honest life,"re- CHAPTER XXVI. plied Marmaduke, smiling. ABIGAIL CAST OUT.' " Convert and pocket," repeated Richard. WHEN they had passed, and with them the " Convert, pocket, divide," added Duke, immediate danger, Sibylla thought of her blandly. " Remember your friends, and your youthful messenger,, and returned to the friends will forget you. Forget your friends, apartment from, which she had successfully and your enemies will remember you." dispatched her, letter. Looking into the The eye of the carbuncle winked wickedly avenue, she- discovered -her Mercury, sitting at Richard. Richard felt that he had a mas- upon the opposite curbstone, waiting patient- ter. ly for notice. She.tapped upon. the window, "I shall follow your advice," he said.' "I and he sprang aoss the intervening space in wish the girl would get well. I can't under- a moment. Thdte was smiling intelligence stand her illness. However, I wont complain, upon his countenance. Standing on tiptoe, for it hastened 'the lunacy of Ursala. The and stretching upward as far as he could, lie moment she is conscious she will call for offered a letter to Sibylla, who. reached it by' Ursula, aridI shall be but too glad to gratify. virtue of a long arm. It was directed to her her wishes. I shallthave at grim satisfaction in a hand that she presently recognized as in the torture and disappointment of Lucre- Magnus Drake's, although without its usual tia Fuller. I will look into the halt to see it clearness and firmness., She was giddy with she is listening. She'.is a dreadful mouser I joy, and sat down quite weak and taint. The I scarcely dare think inher presence, she boy went back to his former place. Sibylla, pounces upon one's unuttered secrets with when she had rested a little, opened the mis- such catlike quickness.?' ' sive, and read the following answer : Richard arose, opened the door, looked into "DEAR SIBYLLA :-Mang things have happened since the hixll; and returned to his seat, relieved. I last paw you. I have been sick with a fever, con- ".Instead of a wedding-ring," quoth Mar- tractec by damp, foul air, and excitement. The crisis Inadute, you willgie Lucretia Fuller a has passed, and I am rational, but weak. Fall readily mauk,"yuwilgiv urtaFle into 'the pans of Richard, and go with tihe housekeep- strait-jacket." er to the asylum. A watch is'set upon the house, and "A strait-jacket will be good for her," the carriage willbe followed whenever and wherever asserted Richard, "'and it will avenge the fate it goes. Have no fear about the consequences. Faithful agents win be near you, and the downfall of of Ursullaa - - - - -Richard is near. I will not, now answer your argu- "It will be dramatical," said Duke. "It-is meats concerning the name of Norman Drew. It is poetical justice. Keep an eye on Droolby wisest to let that subject remain as it is, for the pres- D eye ent. 'Besides, I am too weak to enter into statements riggs, and Bolter. knaves that'are bought had 'explanations.. You can see, by the crooked once 'can be bought again. Rascals are al- lines, that my hand trembles. ,You pnay speak the ways -on sale, and they go quicklyfor ready most cheering words to Ursula. Look upon your cash and plenty of It" enemies as conqucreal, and. the victdrl cf justice as- sured!. Have full faith and cornuslere- .- ,ur frm, "ou might have included John Jerome trueand loving friend, . i/e',Th bailaR? :I U" a f , ,b page: 76-77[View Page 76-77] Sibylla kissed this reclous' doeunient, aid 'She thought she saw Sibylla running eagerly Waving her hatud to the boy, who' still'-'st into the trap that was set for her, and felt -a uponte ncurbstone, watching the Window, load suddenly lifted from her mind.a a she hurried to her chamber with light and "I rejoice t6 hear you talk so hopefully," happy:foot~tseps. she answered. "Yes, we will go to Ursula. Abigail Vaughn Was yet. Wandering Your presence will help her, if there be any- among her brandyfaneies. Sibylla tang thing curative in nature. We will start as the hell, then"adjuting'lier pillows, threw soon as you are able to go." hcrsel& upon her couch with' eelings of inf-i-t"That wi11 be to-morrow, or even to-day. White relief and fervent gratitude. 'All Was But to begin with, do what I have bidden going well. The current of events wasw- you, and that will suffice." ing smoothly.' The struggle of 'faith and 'The housekeeper rang the bell, and waited hope seemed"nearly ended. She felt that 'she for it to be answered without 'uttering a could fall into a peaceful sleep, so great was word ; but she looked straight at Sibylla. her confidence in Magnus. ' Uneasy thoughts and uncomfortable-sensa- Lucretia Fuller came by and by. She tions affected her. The confidence of Sibylla, liked to answer that bell -,herself. There the firmness of her demeanor, the perfect were reasons ;obvious why she should keep faith in herself and in her cause, had a strong guard over Sibylla's- chamber. Seeing that influence upon Lucretia. She had not in young lady lyngupon the bed, in -a becoming this struggle met that peculiar kind of wrapper, with her pair neatly arranged, and strength. There was something in the power everything about her 'person looking tid , of prophetic innocence difficult to battle with. she was considerably surprised. -ibylla A strange servant came, after a time, and closed her eyes, and permitted her to look at came tardily. It was not so under the sway her leisure. of Stephen Parkhurst; the servants came "Who rang ?" asked Lucretia Fuller. promptly and with mien respectful. 'When "I rang,r 'answered Sibglla. " Have this I{servants govern servants, things go not drunken woman removed,'and bring me some smoothly. The servant who becomes master nice'tea and toast." is apt to have a hangdog look ; as if he had Miss Fuller .dropped into the first chair, no business to command. and stared at the fair patient. It was evident Lucretia gave an order for tea and toast, that a change had taken place. Sibylla had with an injunction to hurry. passed from imcoherency to perfect conscious- That woman" said Sibylla, looking at ness. Sibylla pointed at Abigail Vaughn. Abigail when the servant had gone. "Take het' away!i I cannot hear it," 'added "1 will deal with her myself," replied Sibylla, with, firmness. V If you are not Lucretia. shocked by such shamefdl conduct, under- " Let me see you deal with her," added stand that I am, and will not tolerate it." ibylla, watching the countenance of the " I am shocked," replied Lucretia Fuller. housekeeper closely. It is rot becoming' to - have such a person The latter approached the nurse and shook here. ,'She shall go away. You appear quite her gently., Abigail responded by a nasal restored to yourself." explosion of unusual vehemence. Sibyhla e You shall soon learn, Miss Fuller, that I raised herself in bed, frowning a very rfe. am," returned Sibylla, promptly. " Obey Fuller shook Vaughn again, but shook her as me as if I were the mistress of the house, and if she was afraid of giving offence. Sibylla you Will -not regret it." raised herself more, and put one skippered The 'housekeeper ; flushed somewhat 'and foot upon the fiaor. Abigail turned a sue- was startled. cession of mucilaginous wheels in her throat,' " I observe," added Sibylla, "that you and seemed near death from internal drown- think yourself to be mistress of the brown- ing. Sibyllafrownedniore, and both slipper- stone house ; but that will not, can not be. ed feet found the-floor. She was beside Lu- Misfortune will visit you, as it has visited 'cretia in a moment. She pushed her away others-as it has visited ,me. You- have but with 'her transparent hand, with an unpre- one thing to cling to;%'dd I am that.' tentious dignity that was indescribable. "I do not comprehend," 'said Lucretia "You are afraid of this' woman," she said, Fuller, turnlg pale. " I hope you are fully " I see fear in your manner. But I am not restored, however." afraid." ' Do not doubt it.: I am restored, and There was a silver ice-pitcher upon the Ursula will be restored. I am going with table, half-filled with water. Sibylla turned you to see her, and to bring her home. You out a gobletful, and dashed it into Abigails had better have her room prepared for her face. She started ,up, ;gasped, shivered, .as reception." the icy little rivulets found their way down The housekeeper breathed more freely. 'herperson, tossed 'her arms, turned her fiead SIBYLLA JOYS, to the other side, made an uncommon coin- persoli float, to a madhouse, that's about the placation of the' wheels, then relapsed into her last of thelrfloating." sodden sleep. ," Perhaps so;" returned Duke, reflectively. " It does not work," muttered Sibylla. " My carbuncle turned pale last; night. I "We will try what virtue there.is in stones." don't like to see it change color. How does There was a bottle of spirits of ammonia it look to you, Richard ?" upon the table, of great strength and pungen- "Like a.dead man's eye !" niutterod Park- cy. A single snuffwould nearly unroof one's hurst. head. Sibylla shook it, removed the ground- "Like Stephen's eye," observed Duke, in glass stopper, and clapped'itto Abigail's an undertone. "And that is why the devil nose. T'he effect was iimmediate antd mark- isam the carbuncle." ed. The nurse surged forward with one "Bah !" exclaimed Richard. " What non- grand snort. The wheels-stopped revolving, sense is;this ! One would think us children, and Vaughn quivered like the corpus of a ga- scared by the goblin-tales of some old trot. vanized frog. There was somethingmore in May you, and your carbuncle, and your ammonia than Abigail had dreamed of. An Italian, be -" act of sternutation was her first tribute to the " Kindly, kindly, Richard! This eccentric ingenuity of Sibylla ; then she opened two eye ma wink at your hanging yet. It will eyes, that were redder than ripe cranberries, be blue; then, perhaps. Blue and sulphur- and about as expressive. She made -some ens." frantic motions with her arms. " Don't fret me !" retorted Richard. "I " Arouse yourself," said Sibylla, "and have enough on my mind, without listening leave the room." to your infernal prophecies. wish you Lucretia regarded the'young lady with iii- would burn that diabolical stone. Whenever creased wonder. I have hearkened to your advice, and looked "Mem ?" mumbled Abigail Vaughn, not at that carbuncle while you dealt out your well knowing what the matter was. sophistry, my judgment has been taken cap- "Go out, and never come in again !" added tive, and I have, followed your proniptings, Sibylla. Satan's Eye has already winked ae to the "In her tantrums agin !" muttered the foot of the gallows, and I want it to wink no nurse. more. Here are a hundred dollars ; take "Push her out, Fuller!1 Have her put them, and give it me." into a hack and trundled off, bag and bag- ' "Not for a thousand !" replied Marmaduke, gage" smiling. " By the way, the air is chilly and Lucretia not stirring, Sibylla pushed her the room is damp. Order a brasier of char- out herself, left her much astonished in the coal !" hall, and closed the door upon her. "For your own use, willingly," said Rich- Presently, the tea and toast came up, and ard, scowling. " Why don't you be comfort- Lucretia watched her while she ate and able, and let ,1e alone ?" drank, with an expression worthy the atten- " If I let you alone, your affairs would soon tion of physiognomists. The sudden recov- drift away,,with you. But let things be hur- ery of Sibylla was a mystery to the house- ried. The lawyer still troubles me ; for if he keeper-while her firmness of character was turns up, you are turned out." equally surprising. " The carriage is at the door," observed Richard, rising and preparing to go. "I must take another journey into the country. CoAoToRnooV'epThis insane business is getting to be a bore. TO DOCTOR R iOOKS. Keep things straight, Marmadluke, and mind The recovery of Sibylla was considered your cups. Stephen's liquors are good, but remarkable. Richard was pleased with the use them sparingly. '.When I return, the prospect of getting her away so soon, and of brown-stone house will be clear, and I shall using her to such advantage in the disposal of l-e its master." Lucretia Fuller. Duke Marmaduke saw her "Dreadful deceiver1" quoth Duke, play- several times previous to hpr departure for fully. " Where will Lucretia be? In ros- the extremely nice residence of Doctor perity how soon, we throw away the ladders Brooks, and informed Richard that he did by which weclimb to success. Artful Rich- not like the girl's expression, ard I Who knows but I may be your next " That young woman," ,said he, "is going victim I" to keep above the tide. She has made up her -"I an acting, by your advice, as you well mind not-to sink, and she'll float like.a cork, know. Ngw for a drama and Doctor Brooks. Richard." Good-morning, Satan." "Yes ;" answered the latter, with a shrug, So Riehard left the house, and entered the "shell float to Doctor. Brooks'. When a carriage with Sibylla Joy and Lucretia Ful- '1 { F S' 4 I K Y 1 z; ri y r 1 page: 78-79[View Page 78-79] 78 SIBYLLA JOY. ier. He tried to be cheerful and even play- your fortunes," she added. " You nolonger ful. He was very lover-like with the house- go about with downcast air and drooping keeper He got possession oft her hand be- head. You have cast your old slough, and hind the cushions, pressed'it, and looked at ndiw go about as a gentlemanforgetful of the her admiringly.' Sibylla good-naturedly shut vagrant-schemer who used to appear at inter- her eyes, an had curiousthoughts while the vals at Stephen's door." farce went on. Shepictured to herself the Richard heard this language with undis disappointment to come, and believed that guised astonishment. the wrath of Lucretia would be amusing. - If ".Between cups and lips there are fatal her lashes quivered and opened now and slips," continued Sibylla. .. then, it was to look out and see if the carriage ' Don't talk, 'young woman !" said Rich- were 'followed. But whether she could see ard ; " don't talk I It is best that your mind any one or not, she knew that the 'carriage be kept quiet." would be followed. So great was her conti--" "Keep yours quiet, if you can," retorted dence in Magnus Drake, that she had not a Sibylla.. "Keep the ghost of Stephen quiet, lingering doubt but that the carriage would if youcan. be followed. In that faith she -rested in per-- - 'What have I to do with the ghost of feet peace, and the motion of the vehicle was Stephen ?"- muttered Richard, in apetulant a soothing lullaby to her nerves. manner. - Richard, with wonderful foresight, had had "Much," answered Sibylla, ;assuming a a hamper of wine placed in the carriage, and, mysterious manner. ".It follows you; it by and by, he drew a cork; and clinked looks over your shoulder ; it gesticulates glasses - with Lucretia, while the carriage with its shadowy hands, and points to a rolled easily onward. The wine set hisnerves brasier of charcoal." more firmly ; and, warming Lucretia,-it made Richard Parkhurst grew deadly pale.' her more gracious than usual. Richard, sur- "She's wandering again," observed Lucre- passing himself in hypocrisy, asked her to tia, lancing at Richard;. namemn'earlyday for the eternal consolidation , "Ihave wandered 'much within the last of two hearts. Miss Fuller drank a little more ten days," replied Sibylla. "I have walked wine, then put her handkerchief to her eyes, among impalpabilities, and have been. lost or, more - truthfully speaking, one of Ur- among fragments of disjointed thoughts ; but sula's, which she had abstracted from her in all my walkings there has been a constant drawer that morning. vision of crime." , Richard, of course, was obliged to whisper " Soothe her, if you can, Lucretia !" exclaim- while the sick girl was asleep; but the =sick ed Richard ; " she annoys me dreadfully." girl was conscious enough for both. The " Be calm, dear; child '" admonished Lu- villain, as he looked at her now and then, cretia. "Do not give place to fancies. Fan- could not but be impressed with her quiet cies are but the flies of the imagination that face and sweet expression. When a con- buzz about distempered brains. Brush them sciousness of his sins came over him, when away, child '-brush them away!,' You are he realized what he was and what he might troubling our worthy fiend." have been, when he reflected upon time mis- Sibylla smiled faintly. spent and 'talent abused, when the terrible "Our worthy friend has trouble enough," conviction crept over him that life had near- she responded, sarcastically. "In the long ly lapsed and slipped away, and he had grown and restless dream which I have had, I have viler instead of better, he confessed to his seen him walking, walking, like another darkened soul that 'he would rather be that Cain. Once, I saw him in a dark compart- g'irl than himself, and that it might perhaps meant that was very cheerless. The air was be a privilege to kneel at her feet, and make chilly, and the room was damp, and lie 'kept humble confession of all. But thathour had, ordering brasiers of charcoal, till he.was sur- passed. :,Hitherto be had had sin without its rounded by a circle of glowing embers." wages; -now lie was to have its payment in Parkhurst stared at Sibylla with parted silver and gold and good banknotes. Why lips and pallid cheeks. A dewy perspiration should he, recede when the cupwas at his stood upon his forehead, Lucretia Fuller lips ? So, as.dll bad men do,'he mentally ran was, observing him. Her keen eyes were his course to reach the' en'd at last In reality, looking through the imperfections of his Sibylla revived after a time, 'and began to moral armor, and shebelieved she had found talk. She said : a new hold upon-his fears., he slid not re- " You are getting along bravely, Richard gret this discovery, nor ; could she contem- Parkhurst. All things prosper- under your plate -the calm =faceof Sib lla -and feel at hands." -'.'ease. 'The conjunctive stars of the hour "After it fashion," replied Richard. ruled her spirits! gloonrilp. The beginning "The death of 'my guardian'has changed of the end seemed near.' And so the ttavel- '3 4 c l a 1 y i rl h. p h( ot T se d na SIBYLLA JOY.70 ing-carriage rolled onward toward the nice Lucretia advanced and pronounced the establishment of Doctor Brooks. name of Ursula, as she -had been bidden. - While she was saying the name of Ursula, CHAPTER XXVII. ' and peeringnto the corners of the cell with THE HOUSEKEEPER ENTRAPPED. the expectation of seeing her, Mrs. Brooks Doctor Brooks received his visitors with shut the door upon her, locked it, and drew bows and 'smiles. They were. ushered in the key. - The noise of doing this made Miss' with obsequious alacrity. Sibylla shivered Fuller turn, when she saw the woman's face as she entered a portal devoted to such exe- at the grating, looking through. crable uses.'- She begged to -see Ursula at "What have you done?'' asked Lucretia. once. The doctor said: "I have locked you in," said Mrs. Brooks. " Of course,"' and requested the house- "What for ?" Lucretia demanded. keeper to go andprepare that unfortunate " To keep you from getting out," replied young lady for an interview with her "inter- Mrs. Brooks, with composure. "Your food esting young friend''. Miss Fuller was bland will be put in to you, through a slide in this and willing, and followed the attendant gra- door, every day with great regularity. If ciously. It being nine o'clock in the even- you are docile and quiet, you will be very in , the attendant carried a light,'which she comfortable. In a niche at the right-hand held high above her shoulder, to enable Lu- corner, you will find,- a bed, wich cretia to make hers way without stumbling mustn't tear to piees; and you'll find There were corners to turn in that house; chair in the room, which is screwed down. and some of them were very sharp corners. We screw 'em down to prevent 'em from We must go with the housekeeper. It being broke. Be a. nice, good woman, and were not fitting to lose sight of her on this your friend Richard will do all he can for occasion. you, and perhaps sometime you'll get well, Lucretia was lighted up stairs, and through and be the same as the rest of us."p various turnings and narrow halls, till her Lucretia Fuller, discovering at that ,mo- conductress reached a certain door. * ment the diair that was screwed down, it "This is not where I left her," said Miss luckily received her person, very dead and Fuller. helpless. Then l1er anger, like the rebound "No," answered the woman; "we have of a steel spring, brought her back to' herself changed her since." as suddenly. - She unlocked ,the door, and. held it open "He has betrayed me!" she exelaimech for Lucretia to go in. Lucretia went in with- " The infernal villain has played false " out doubt or misgiving. The woman, who Mrs. Brooks turned to go away. was no other than Mrs. Broks, went quickly '-Woman," screamed Lucretia, in a fury of after her, taking the key from one side of the anger, "I denounce Richard, Parkhurst as a ock, inserting it upon the other, and turn- murderer I He murdered Stephen Parkhurst, ng it. ' his half-brother - and has broken up his " What need ?" asked Lucretia, gonder- household through false accusations of insan- ngly ity ! Revenge I Revenge !" "the dear girl is quite bad of late," quoth " Be a good, gentle lamb I" advised Mrs. Mrs. Brooks, "and night make a des operate Brooks, maternally. "Be a lamb, or we ttempt- to escape. The poor thing flutters shall have to order you into a jacket'" ike a bird in a cage. She'll break-her wings '"A jacket for me !" gasped Lucretia, hys- 'et, I'm afraid." terically. "Barbarians! Monsters !" "Against the bars ?" said Lucretia, looking "We don't like to put'em into jackets, be- ntelligently at Mrs. Brooks. cause it's a trouble, and it takes three or four " Against the bars," said Mrs; Brooks. of us, sometimes, to do it. Mad people are We've had to put her in one of the barest so vicious." rooms. The barest rooms are those which. "And I am mad, I suppose ?" panted Lu- ave no 'furniture in them, and are fpr frantic cretia. patients. They are the stoutest cells in the F As a March hare." ouse, too, and do not look out upon the "Singular madness that affects an entire court " ' household !" cried Lucretia, w By this thste Mrs. Brooks had reached an- hands. ringing her her door, - grated one-half its length. "When these kind of cases setin, there's hrough ,the .grating a dim light could be no knowing where they'll stop," Mrs. Brooks en. observed'- " and what is sauce for the goose is "Enter gently," advised Mrs. Brooks,."and sauce for the gander. Be very mild, and o not- give her a sudden start. Call her don't damage the things. Pleasant dreamsto tme softly, Madam. She is not dangerous, you. 'Be a shining light to all in the house. it timid. Advance without fear-" Good night, my dear."m s i d V page: 80-81[View Page 80-81] ,?r i, ; v i i ,' t 1 S ' ' " * JB4TTg4 JQY. With these valeditcpryr words, Mrs54Brpoks sweetvoic gye $ istrtd ae fl e went away as calmly as she Came, and tu- ment of the incs4ents ohat ni 'lit, the 6 -P cretia heard her lock -the other door. . She ing of which had brought the announcement heard no more for a long time; for she fell of Stephen Parklpurst's death Ursula was upon the floor in strong nervous convulsions, bewildered. At first; Sibylla's 'calm .logic and remained there, unheeded and uicared startled more than it convinced; but, after a for, eating, in solitude, silence, and darkness; little while, she fell to sobbing, and was very the bitter bread of disappointed ambition. nervous. She.continued in this state till ten' In the first lull of her nervous pain, she minutes aftermidnight; when something like thought of Sibylla's warning, and murmured, hailuwas heard rattl1ng against the window. despairingly : -.Ursula arose,-blushing. "The girlwas right. Her mind was some- "What is that ?" inquired Sib lla. thing more than prophetic. 'The hopes "Pebble-stones," answered Ursula, some- of the wicked perish "'"' what ambiguously. ".He .is throwing them ..-.. - against the panes, you know." CHAPTER XXIX. * "Who .is throwing them against the CO OTLU5IQ. panes ?". Sibyl1a had some doubts about being per- "Frothingham, to be sure," said Ursula. mitted.to see Ursula ; but after the return of "But I have not'told you about Frothing- hrs. Brooks, and some consultation with ham, have I? The nob est fellowI He has Richard and the Doctor, she was presently cheered this miserable imprisonment, and conducted to that young lady. The meeting now he has come to ake me away. There ! was quite affecting to the- feelings of e ch, Do you not hear a'la der being placed against finding free expression at sight of each other. thewill'" Mrs. Brooks quickly withdrew, not caring to " Heaven'has saved you from escaping in witness th r girlish ecstasy, under the pecu- that manner,",answered Sibylla. "We have liar circumstances. , only to be patient, and trust in$he promise of Sibylla had much to say, and after weeping Magnus Drake." and smiling a becoming time, beg an her "You have no doubt?".queried Ursula, singular story. First, she wished to know if looking earnestly into Sibylla a eyes. her nerves we're strong. "No doubt," responded, Sibylla, unfalter- "Very strong," said Ursula, thinking of ingly. the young man whom she expected that "And-that, "no.doubt" sank deeply into night, with a ladder to climb into her win- the young girl's heart, and brought her a dow, to release her. "I, too, have had ;ad- world of faith and confidence. ventures,. which I shall tell you, by andby." Some one was'at the window, then, tapping " The world is full of such strange things?' lightly upon the panes.' observed Sibylla. "I havecome to you full "Can you speak to him?" asked Sibylla. of hope and cheer. We shall' be restored She said " Yes', and went and spoke to to our own, and our own will be restored to him. ,. us. But I cannot, dare not, tell you how "Is At Mr. Frothingham ?" much to hope, and what great things I " It is, and my friend is below. We have expect." come to release you from this prison, and to "My poor Sibyllal! I fear you are not yet conduct you to a place of safety." yourself. Your mind is wandering upon the Ursula replied : old, sick track." " Many, many thanksI My prospects have "I kneW you would think so' Let-me see brightened.since you were last here.- I have your, eyes ; they look calm and firm, dnd I heard from my' friends,, and all goes .well. shall show you something." My sister, Sibylla, is with me. ,They sent her Sibylla drew a small silk purse from her for evil ; .but Providence willed it forgood. pocket, took. from it a long, narrow .strip She brings assurance of safety, and inspires of paper, and handed it to Ursula. It was the me with hopes so wild that they push me to telegram which she had found in the box. the brink of that insanity of which I am Ursula-read it, and said : accused, It is better to be freed from this in- "This is news to nie. I knew not that justice 'by the strong and 'crushing. hand Norman Drew was dead." of the law, than by clandestine fight." Sibylla remained silent, to give her a "Do you feel so well. assured of this that chance to follow her thoughts. there is no cause for distrust " "Nobody came," mused Ursula, going step "Quite sure," interposed Sibylla, stepping b step into the ; intricacies of the case. forward- "where did you get this I" "Hush !" whispered Frotgingham. ".Carlo Sibylla too Ursulass hand, and resting her is growling." weary head -upon her shoulder, in a low, "Come down!I" said a voice from below. f E 4 11t I b, SIBYLLA JOY. 81 "Some men are forcing the gate. Faith, it is You've done business so, amicably together, aLookig down, Hubert Fiothingham saw. "On what charge " stammered Richard, personsentering t e yard, and he was greatly "am I arrested ?" them. "garmerGoron among For the murder of Stephen Parkhirst." "hem. OIt s an accusation without foundation, and OurAfriends !" cried tibylla, clapping her there is not a witness to testify against me !" hands. "Among them there is, I 11 warrant 'exclaimed Richard, defiantly. you, the man whom Richard Parkhurst calls "I will call a witness," answered the officer, iman rew.You will see,-now, if.I am not gravely. "I will call the ghost of Stephen ririht " aParkhiurst." Then, in ajloud voice, he, sum- ra Gordon! Gordon !" saidFrothingham, moned the ghost of Stephen to appear, and in raising his voice cautiously. walked the ghost, pale enough for the best "All right "answered Gordon, approach- ghost tiat ever was. ing him. Richard s natural cowardice rendered him "Who are those with you ' ad easy dupe, and the real Stephen struck Patting her ear to the window, Sibylla him with all the terror of a real ghost. With heard himsay, in a low tone : ".New York a cry of horror, he shrank into a corner, and detectives." turned his face from the accusing form. "Ask.him if Noman Drew is with him, "I accuse you, Richard," said Stephen, in added Sibylla, in a tremulous voice. a solemn voice, "of being guilty of the worst "The young ladies wish to know if Nor- of crimes. I accuse you of conspiring against man Drv is with these o Gsaid orothingham, my life. I accuse you of being an unnatur- dtiverL the request to Gordon. al villain., I accuse you of perjury, and of At tha moment, a middle-aged man, who the blackest ingratitude. I accuse you of all had advanesc sto the foot of the ladder, ex- .the meannesses and vices that distort the claimed: "He is!, threw up his -arms, stag- character of man. You are- beaten down gered a few paces toward the house, and fell and crushed. I leave you, with the curse of insensible to the ground. Cain upon your vagabond head. I leave you "I know 1in !-I know him !" gasped Ur- to the society of criminals, and to the fate of sula, and knew no more till she revived felons. Good night, Richard ! Good night !" slowly and painfully, two hours afterward, He paused on the threshold as he went in her father arms. backward from the room, and added, sepulch- o describe that scene, would be a vain rally: efort . For a time, the most intense feelings "The air is chilly, and the room is damp. Qf human nature were called into action. It Good-night, Richard. Good-night !" was feared, by her friends, that her emotions "Ai, what a night !" groaned Richard. would prove too powerful for her delicate Something seemed' to whisper in his ear. strength abut-she came round, anon, and was " The wages of sin is death." able to enjoy happiness as great as it was un- On the Ibilowing morning, Richard, very expected. sor a ulw days she was extremely haggard and hopeless,- in irons, and in the thul, and slept but little, starting up wildly good company of Doctor Brooks and his whenever se lostherself ir sleep. These wile, made a quick and safe journey, to New nervous m'anifestatons finally subsided, but York, and lodged, the ensuing night, in the not till they had created considerable excite- Tombs. He seat for Marmaduke to come and inent in the mind of Stephen Parkhurst, wl4o see him, but that worthy gentleman, either already regretted an experiment attended warned by the Devil's Eye, or his own pru- wt so uch pain and danger. dence, had changed his quarters, and could The detectives performed their duty faith- not be found. Ho -nevef was found by fully, and without delay. Richard Parkhurst Richard. The latter, after being in con- was closeted with Doctor Brooks, when his finement a long -time, was sent to a luna- aiention was arrested by a gentle knocking tic asylum, where, after moping and pin- at te door. Opening it, a stranger stepped ing some months, he hanged himself with in, and, bowing, wmned to know whom he his pocket-handkerchief, not being able to Had the honor of addressing. Richard grew keep above the tide of circumstances so well pale about the mouth, and Doctor Brooks as. his friend Marmaduke, who, when he began to bluster. The stranger put his hand made his sly exodus from the brown-stone upon Richard s shoulder, and said : house, carried a bottle of old claret and a 1 am a detective eo lcer.- Richard Park- dozen silver spoons with him, to enable him hurst, you are my prisoner. 'Ihis is no to float better. It is to be supposed that the Droolby nd -Jriggs affair. I have been carbuncle looked pale on that occasion, and watchinagyou some time. Doctor Brooks, winked ironically at its owner. you and 1148. Brooks will bear him company. So Richard found a house at last; a very I i . r page: 82-83 (Advertisement) [View Page 82-83 (Advertisement) ] I' g--- - . IBYLL. JOY. narrow house, that answers all ambition and ened stones and a few charred sticks are au' serves for all tide. Doctor and Mrs. Brooks that remain to tell where the building stood. went into long retirement at Sing S"g ; but That eccentric dog, Carlo, adheredstrictly never. sang well nor cheerfully after that. to the fortunes of his new master, and was a The insanity of the Parkhurst family, by geat favorite with Ursula whenshebecame sone means, did not agree with them. The Mrs. Frothingham. F-rank Southerly tell in resuscitated Stephen-who had some difil- love with Sibylla, but that young lady was so culty in proving his own identity-follpwed nestled about the heart of Stephen, that the all parties concerned in the conspiracy with did not wish to lose her ; and said that the relentless rigor. . . fellow' must wait, as he might grow young Bolter, resisting an arrest by a detective- himself, and take it into his head to ask her officer, was shot ; while Droolby and Driggs, to become mistress of the brown-stone house. for their many villainies, .received the awards After a while, it transpired that Sibylla of justice by being sentenced to an unusually was the daughter of Magnus Drake, and that longperiodof imprisonment. When Drool- the revengeful feelings of the latter toward by was arrested, a large- sum of money was Richard had so ing to do with the girl's found upon his 'erson, which he had received mother. But that was a subject never from Ste phen. Parkhurst, as the price of his referred to. Magnus was very fond of her, delivery from the slums of the Old Brewery, and all his property will fall to her, eventu- and which was returned to him. ally-. Lucretia Fuller, after being kept a while John Jerome was caught setting fires, and in Doctor Brooks' establishment, to see how got his deserts at last. she liked it, was set at liberty, much subdued Stephen Parkhurst still lives in the corner- and humbled by her experience. That famous house, widely known by his charities, much institution for the reception and cure of ab- respected as a citizen, happy in his domestic normal persons was shortly after visited by relations, and not disposed to try dangerous the indignant people of that neighborhood, experiments. and reduced to a heap of ruins. Some black- [TE 15"D] 1 r BRADY'S CELEBRATED UUWa(11, y sm ere nantuc et The White 'Wizard ; Or the Prophet h1oals and is adopted by a hermit who names him of the Seminoles. A tale of strange Mystery in Edward Sea Waif, because he is a waif of the the South and North.. By Ned Buntline. Six sea. At the time be is found he floated ashore full page engravings from designs by Darley. The on an old sea.chest, wherein were a number of ar- reader's attention Is called back a period of near- tices with crests upon them, which finally leads ly forty years ago' when Spanish pirates and to his identification as Lord Francis Egerton. Af American slavers infested our Southern coasts ; terbeing released and exchanged he assumes his when New York Merchants, some of whom now position as a peer of the realm,comes back to the wallow in their gilded mansions in our fashionable land of freedom where he marries Kate, tae streets, were engaged in fitting out vessels to daughter of old Cingle and returns to England catch " black-birds," as well as "green ones." with her. All the characters in this beautiful sto- The White Wizard is aeCaucasian, who is leaving ry have happy lives dit finally winds up by civilized society with his young wife and darling everybody bei g plea d and satisfied. Whoever ehiild of two years. They are overtaken by a pi- 'dhis story will ,st assuredly have their ful rate vessel, which pour shot and canaster at the money a worth. Pric................$0 25 small yacht irpon which is the White Wizard. A Man-.of-Wars-M&n's Grudge. By Ned shell falls upon the wife and she is skilled. Buntline. A romance of the Revolution. The Through the aid of some kind fishermen hle ran ebase-the fight-the baffled suitor--ai alderman ages to escape with his little yacht up one of the of the olden time--the tory-love and duty-s small rivers oathe coast of Florida, where he falls tress and servant-hoquet.-tete-a-tete-enemy in in with a head of Seminoles. After consultatoi sight-Cora Bedford-crime and misery-fate of he is accepted by them as their medicine man' w- and is named Arpiaka the "White Medicine." wsu rprie-cruise-love's stratagem---spy- They dig a grave for his murdered wife beneath a night scene in Philadelphia.-fiend in huitat asape--welcome visitor-abduction-strange ins tall magnolia. He carved upon the tree, as he terview women's kindness -- disclosure - ca- sighed " Lost, lost, forever" ofie word-" Iown." triw-wmnaknns icoue-cp hemorLin, s haiever,"whichwasra-glossym.ture-parole.of honor-a visit-two villains-so- la the morning, hl hair, which was a glossy vial dinner.-storm at sea-fight--foiled and kill; brown, the night before, had been changed to a ed-five beautiful engravings by barley. snowy whiI $02al "The mturd~es of my wife, seek my blord, Price ..........................$0 25 they would rob me of my child t" said Arpiaka. Stella Delorme ; or the Camanche'; " They had better put their hand in the nest o Dream. By Ned Buntline. A wild and fanciful the hooded Cobra than seek my white brother story of savage life. Illustrated by ea full page' among de Seminoles1" pried Chikika. ' " We engravings.in Darley's best style. The author of will go-half way to meet them". The child Ona this Indian tale has been exceedingly prolific in is stolen by one of the fishermen who turns trait- his description of savage life as it is in our Was- er, and taken to Havana to Senor Ribera, who is tern Wilds. This -'one of the very interesting authorized to pay ten thousand dollars for it. Ri- stories that Buntlinei6 well knows how to weave, ber employs an assassi to kill the fisherman af- that when once the reader begins to scan its pa- ter he departs from Ribera's house, and take half ges-he cannot leave it untilhe finishes its reading the gold for his trouble and return the balance to --for every page a a new scese. Priest. $0 25 SO'spies of the above books sent te ny .address in the United States, free of postage. Bead Cash osdess to Prederie A. 3rady, Pabhlheu ao. SB Ann treet. New-York. M FRED.ERIC A. BRADY'S CAVTALOGUE. t ' r ,'ul i Y { ^ f i5 A'. ., =Y ' f' ,, . ' i q '4_ 5. _S i' is ry .,§ . L, " MERoURY) asrIEars. Ribera. "He waited for-se return of the atlas- sin. He had not long to wait. In a very few minutes that individual came in and emptied out the gold upon the table which Pedro, the fisher man, had carried away, as well as otl er valuables. found upon the murdered scamp,'who had deser edly.met death just when he has consummated his villainy and received his reward." There are hundreds of very' beautiful. scenes and historici incidents in this book that only such a writer as Buntline could so elegantly portray. Prce $0 25 Sea Waif ; or the Terror of the Coast, By Ned Buntline. Embellished with ten full page illustrations by Darley. This interesting story opens at the commencement of our American Revolution.with S8ea Waif being engaged, by old Phiness Cringle, as the Captain of the Tyranni tide, a privateer. In his first adventure he sinks a British Sloop of War, which is escorting some half a dozen transports, and captures them alland brings them into port, by which Cringle gets over, a hundred thousand dollars prize money. See Waif makes the Tyrannicide the terror, of the Britishers and after many adventures is taken a prisoner. Sea Waif has been picked up when quite a child. by some fishermen off Nantcket S .aul Sabberday; or the Idiot Spy. A tale of the men and deeds of '76.- By Ned Bunt- line. -Illustrated with several full-page engravings by Darley. The attention of the reader is led to the days of the American Revolution, when deeds of great valor and heroism were enacted. Saul pretends to be an idiot, and by that means gains assess to the enemy's camps and reports their dot ing to American commanders. Saul renders much service in those trying times, and was selected to carry intelligence to Gen. Washington ; counting thehorse of.the lamented Ethan Allen, he gal- loped to White Plains to the camp where Wash- ington was giving orders to his Aids. - Saul rush- ed into the presence, and seeing the Commander in-chief, shouted, "you are a man like other folks I" The ohief hastily 'opened the dispatch and a glad smile illumined his countenance. Saul is then employed on perilous services which he faithfully executes to the perfect satisfaction o Washington, who rewards him. Saul finally mar ties Lely the untutored child of Emathla, the dread Chief of the Seminoles, but now the fully developed and educated woman of civilized life. Washington I. present at the wedding and thanks Saul in the name of a Free Country. Price $0 25 page: 84 (Advertisement) -85 (Advertisement) [View Page 84 (Advertisement) -85 (Advertisement) ] 4 1REDEWIC A. BRATY'S CATALOGUEK. BRADY7S CELEBRATED "MERCURY'5 STORIES. Luona Prescott; or the Curse Fulfilled. Morgan; or the Knight of the Mack Flag A tale of the american Revolution. By Ned A. strange story, of by-gone times. By Ned Bune luntline. We will give a short synopsis of its line.' Illustrated: by Darley with ten full size ea, contents, viz:-curse of the dying and the missi:n gravings. The author carries the reader to the of the living-a history of' wrong and desolation, days of the " Merry Monarch," CharlesL II, and cry for vengeance. Military drill. and funeral. faithfully pictures some of the persecutions of the We will-pulpit versus pills. A picture-myste- Hebrews at that ,lime. ..Morgan the hero of the ry. Rum and recruiting. Ethan Allen and the plot is a young Welsh nobleman deeply in love Green' Mountain Boy. Assault on Quebec--Mont- with Miriam, a young and beautiful Jewess, the gomery killed. Battle on the lbke. At )me. daughter of Solomon, - surnamed "Solomon the Arnold In action. Hot and cold blood. 'omus Jew." I The, attention pf the reader is called to Heights. Arnold in Philadelphia. 'Arnold's first the following extract to show the style of the ats false step and leads-where ? Washington and thor in the exciting tale :- the reprimand. Favor asked and granted.' Ar- "Thou art of thosewho believe t&at the glories nold's treason. Andre's capture. The traitor's of the Holy City will be yet revived ?" escape. The warning of Luona. Washington "It is a part of our creed. Were it not for discovers the treason. Arnold awakens to misery. that hope the doom of the Hebrew were dark, in- Luona at home. Terrible concinsion. Seven il. deed ! Persecuted by all men-reviled and ha- lustrations by Darley. Price.............$0 25 ted-they know little of joy on earth'" , *"All men do not hate thy race I Some. pity Our Mess; or the Pirate Hunters of the more than they hate." Gulf. A tale of Nava. heroism and wild adven- "Pity !" ture in the Tropics, by Ned Buntline. Illustrated The jet-black eyes of the Jewess flashed like by five engravings by Darley. This is one of fire as she echoed this word. Buntlines's Sea Romances, for which he is so emi- btPity!" shecried. " Give us hate and score, proverbial, and into which he casts so butnot so base a thing as pity . Pity the hound gently proverbit, anin es much which howls when you scourge him-pity the exciting interest. This story ias unsurpassed in slave which kisses the hand that smites him; but perous adventure and Nautical romance b any ity us not, for we yet are proud amid all suffer- other dthor. Prie...... "....... 0 25 gand all persecution." Jnglish Tom; or the Smuggler's Se'cret. There are many exciting and interesting scenes in this book that will chain the attention of the A tale of Ship and Shore. By Ned Buntline. U- reade to Its very last word.- Price. 0 25 lustrated with six engravings by Darley. The r reader is-taken to a New England villageand Death LMtystery; a Crimson Tale of life finds Mr. Drummond on the lookout for the 'Scud' in New York. By Ned Buntline. Eight elegant en- a vessel commanded by Frank Hewlet, a most un- mitigated rascal. Hewlett has a wife in New York gravilugs by Derbey. This is perhaps one of the circumvents the' ruin of hetsey Hunthe daugh most interesting tales ever penned by Buntline. A ciruof t ' woman is the leader of a band of murderers and ter of the tavern keeper o the village, and also cut-purses ; whom she visits in various disguises, ,n v t. a rummond.'r so that her own band fail to recognize her., 'She Betsey is induced to. come o New York, where visits the gambling hells of New York ; breaks a the ceremony of a mock -t rrmge is performed. nmeof the Faro Banks, iniveigles her betrayer She is then left to her owvn resources aird after be- numberot.Fro Bakivglshrbtye and causes his ruin. She exhibits the most re- ing looked up in a brothel in Mercer street, makes ,lentless hate, and'proves that a neglected woisn her escapeand through collusion with Miss Drum- isthe most to be dreaded of all characters.' She iond she baes amid axposes Hewlet to his saves many of her sex from destruction; and final. shame. Old Drummond has been ,an English ly winds up by causing those who had persecuted smuggler, and the facts being kiawn to Hewlet her formerly. to moot at her house, which is ax he tries to take advantage of the facts to that - elaborate establishment in one of our best loali-' garagemeat of Drummond, ,and is finallyt x iled ties, and poisoning there with some refreshments, in all his attempts: Hewlet's conduct exposed h at a ball which she gives for their amusement. is convicted of Bigamy and serves the stat ini Previous to their deaths she informs them who she time capacity of a convict. -Rosali Diummond is is, how they spurned her with their persecutions, proven to be the legitimate heiress toan earldom and she now condemns them to condign punish- in England and only the adopted daughter of mont. Price.................... h0 25 Drummond. The secret of Drummond the smug- gler, is that he is supposed to have murdered the .Earl Delorme, (the father of Rosalie) when he ,liare Henderson; or the Se.et re- had in fact only wounded him. Delorme comes veiled. By Ned Buntline. This work, contains to America and the real son' of Drummond mar- a number of illustrations by Darley, and, is the rice Rosalie and becomes thereby the heir to the antecedent of the Death Mystery. Here are set earl's estate and title. The publisher can scarcely forth all the machinationa of the characters spo- give an outline of these intereaing tales in thisIp little catalogue, but feels assud that the readers ken of in the Death Mystery. To have a corm- of these books will be amply paidd for both time plete estimation of the Death Mystery with all its and expense-in their reading. 'Price .... $0 25" exciting incidents the reader must have a copy el (and the book mailed free of postage.) i Hilliare Henderson. Price.............."$ W' Copies of the above books sent to any-part of the United States, free ofpostage, eend Qasir orders to Fr'ederio A. Brady, Publisher, .No. 22 Ann. Street, New-Yark. FREDEBIC A. BRADY'S CATALOGUE. BRADY!S CELEBRATED " MERBURY" STORIES. 4rossbeak , Mansion: A ifystery of forests of our almost boundless Co New York, by Ned Buntline. Illustrated with elegantly delineated in this story, thatI eight full page engravings by Darley: The au- a faint outline of these tales would ap thor and the designer of the illustrations have work of supererogation, yet we can here produced a most interesting and readable from telling just a little to give- the.g book of ninety closely printed pages. This Gross- er n idea that he is paying the triflin beak is a retired captain and ship owner, residing twenty-five cents for something intrins in Bleecker street, some twenty years ago-Gross- ten times the amount in pleasure to l beak is bne of the old-fasnioned ,jolly-sort of Sea- to others when he is sated The first dogs, who is now enjoying life in a pleasant, ra- by a trapper discovering that some rasc . ional and charitable manner. Old Levi Martin pilfering from his stock of furs, which] is a a~na-lint merchant and Ship-owner in South are safely stowed in a cul-de-sac in the street. Young Martin,- his son is introduced in He sets to watch in the night but is un the send chapter. He is delineated as one of cover the thief. While he is on the w these free and open hearted sailors, who is full of pilferers, he discovers five men approa affection for his profession, as well as the weaker with a burden from which afterward but fairer sex. Old Martin gets married for the arise tire form of a lovely young girl. second time, during the absence of hision on a tie her up in the covering, and with r voyage to the East Indies. This Mrs. Martin, as ed to the bundle cast it into a river.I the sequel proves is aperfect she-rascal, who with springs into the stream, and being a h her mother, has inveigled old Martin; in the hopes mer succeeds in bringing up the bod of either killing him themselves or driving him he applies friction and stimulants andr to suicide, that they nray enjoy his property after- to life again. She stretches out lier ar - wards. Young Martin upon his return from hit ing mercy, which the trapper answers long voyage, during which, at Dalcutta, he was lowing strain: made the Master by the American Consul, asks You're safe, little woman--you're his father where%is sister is'; to which the father wretches have gone,,.and you are with a cannot reply, inasmuch as the machinations of the to die for you! No more need of wife and the mother-in-law, have driven her from - mercy, gal; no more clasping of' ti her parental home. The daughter, however, has hands in despair, no more turning' of th married the object of her choice, her husband to heaven !" dies and leaves her the mother of twins, which 'The girl was assured-she felt, she causes to be sent to Mr. Grossbeak, without that she was indeed safe, and seizin telling him whose they are, except that the twins browned hand, kissed it and dropped are boru in honest wedlock. Grossbeak receives it. , them, and with his daughter, a very interesting There are very many touching. incid and beautiful young lady rears them. Grossbeak work, of trapper habits and adventure has two ships left, one of which he places under scenes and beautiful turns, all of which the command of young Edgar Martin, who makes terest every reader. Price ......... a great deal'of money with her, and he finally marries Lizzie- Grossbeak. The sister of Edgar e Ratlesnake j or the Reb becomes a companion to a lady who purposes ma- teer. A tale of the present day ; by king a tour through Europe. On the European line. Handsomely illustrated with sit travels they meet with many thrilling adventures ; engravings by designs by Darley. Th are taken captives by Italian Banditti. The lead- story opens by the introduction of a er of the brigands became acquainted. with the of Our Navy, having intimate relatic lady at a large soiree'in Paris, and he falls'despe- highly respectable family in Boston, a rately in love with her. He treats her well aa a chester. Ashton is the accepted, late captive, she is attended by the Chief's sisters, and band of Fluta Winshester, who is en receives the treatment due a lady. The brigand to the American Union, while Ashton is afterwards surrounded by troops and he is slain .Ashton resigns his commission ia the and she thereby escapes from him. Finally the succeeds in obtaining the and o whole family meet in New York,.and everybody brig from Ichabod Snaggs, other ses is made happy by the denouement. This is one This Snaggs managed to get from J of Buntlines' happiest tales, and will well repay a Letter of Marqus, and with that author perusal. The publisher takes much pleasure in sails the brig from Boston ; endeavor eseomimending this series of books to the general abduct Flute Winchester on, board. I reader, under the full conviction that they will give ;States Marshal pursues the brig but fai general satisfaction. Price---..........$025 her. She proceeds to sea and meets m tures. The cnaracter of Doctor Umb Pathaway; 'or the Mountain, Outlaw.. A surgeon, is most graphically described tale of the Northern Trapping Grounds ; by Dr. J. versatile manner. The reader will find H. Robinson. Beautifully illustrated with eight full of exciting adventures and enough ful-page engravings. - The reader is in this high- interest to hold hitn "spell-bound" t ly interesting story given an excellent idea of end" is reached. This story is pleasing our American Trappers. Some of them are white ing and highly entertaining, leaving a men and others of the Indian stamp. The thrill- satiog on the mind. hallucinating in its. mg and exciting adventures of our heroes of the Get a copy, the Price is only ....... Cpie* ofthe above books sent to any address in the United States, free of postage. Send Cash erder. to Frederie A. Brady, Pubil her, No. 21t Ann Stenet, New-York. A untry is s to give eves pear to be a nnot refrair general reader g arpount of ically worth himself and scene opens cal has been he supposes wilderness able to dis- atch fordse oh a stream is seen to These men ocks fasten- The trapper ardy swim- y, to which restores bet ms, 'implor s in the fol- safe. The man ready asking frr hem while at pale fat, she knew, g the sun.- tears upoe eats iii this Graphic. h must int- ...$0 25 el Priva Ned Bunt x full page is beautiful Lieutenant ons with a amed Win- ended hus- tirely loyal is a rebel. Navy and f a clipper eek Scamp. oeff Davis a ity, Ashton ing first to Tho United is to catch any adven- illicus. the d in Nse's d this book h scenes of until " the g, interest- direct seg- *Character. ....$*0 96 L V _ } i t" p ' , c . s ": , . ' r$Y i i+ t 4 - } 6 r ,A R 'k R . ' S j ,3 J l _ -^y '" "w.. ^.9 a. ._'a it7 V i' ; ' r 1 4 I . l . ' J t ' , ~ i I , 1 i ,,;t { . S r f ( r ( . .Y I .a i ' ' r '.S. r c." } s ,r ! , ,C , r r yid: r w a." f f - t - page: 86 (Advertisement) -87 (Advertisement) [View Page 86 (Advertisement) -87 (Advertisement) ] 6- FREDERIO A. BRADY'S CATALOGt. - BRADY'S CELEBRATED Ella Adams; or the oion of Fire. A tale of the Charleston en ,ingration. By Ned Buntline. Illustrated with ix beautiful engrav- ings from designs by Darley. The author as well as the designer of the illutrations are so well kiiown to the general read r that the publisher need make no comment on their productions, and therefore simply announces the facts. Miss Ad- ams is a New agland school teacher in South Carolina in the pursuit of'her profession. A par- sy of the so-called regulators have a chivalric an- tipathy'to New Englanders and after persecuting her in all the manifold ways that such claraters -do, causes her to leave thatJfart of the country ; previous to which they tie ket to a tree and whip er on her naked back. Wits escapes through the agency of a negro and goes to Charleston where she is hidden by a Spanish Quadroon na ned San- she.. Sanches has suffered a great deal by per- secution and has a band who finally set five to the city. Ella Adams escapes from the city through She agency of her lover, who comes there through the blockade in disguise. This is one of Bunt- line's highly \wrought stories, that will pay the time spent in its perusal. Price. 0 25 " MERCURY" STORIES. and glittering steel to close up a wall in which Is placed a live man in a state of sbmnolence. The unfortunate victim becomes partially conscious of 'what is goig 'on and in his agony makes a mystie sign of d ress, which Jean Louis understanding, drops, inside of the tomb, a-large jack-knife ; 'by which means the intended victim finally escapes. About a year after the above event, the same would-be assassins endeavored tQ make away with Catholina, the daughter of the man 'supposed to be entombed, by administering poison to hoa. They call in Dr. Merigny, who instantly makes the discovery of the poisoning. The Dr. directs s be left alone with the patient, and after explaining toter the-state she is in, gets her eonfideno. He stains her face and arms to resemble yellow fsver and gives, her a powerful\ dose that causes her to. appear as dead. .The same persons attempt to as sassinate him on his way home. le escapes, and with Jean Louis gets the body of Oatholina and restores her to life. There are a large number of very interesting scenes in this work; among which may be noticed that of the son becoming acquain- ted with the fact of the supposed murders of his cousin, thabeautiful Catholina;: her father ; -Dr. Maringy;- the confederate in all these erimes, as Millrose ; or the Cotton Planter's Daugh- well as many others having been eemmitted by ter. A tale of South Carolina. By. Dr. J. H. his parents. We would like to give a larger out- Robinson. Bi'strated by eight full-page designs line of this very pleasant book, but chose hither from Darley. This story is an episode of the pros- te make the reservation of somb for the reader. en. civil war, which is distracting our once happy . The pu-ice is only-......-----.-..$0 25 and peaceful country. The scenes, as the title in- dicates,' laid ini that nest where first washatch- Elfrida: The Red Rovers Daughter. A ed the germ of rebellion. It recounts many ty- new mystery of New York. By Ned Buntline. mannies practised by the demons of discord upon Illustrated by.ten elegant engravings by Darley. those who chanced to differ from them in opinion This story is one of those " Tales of Mystery d as to the correctness of their proceedings, While New York," in which Buntline far excels all come this work does not enter into the discussion of this peers. - It is written in a bold and vigorous man- political question, 'it yet describes the many hard- ner, and the reader will be enchanted to the cad, ships that are and have been endured by the Law and then be filled with wonder at the author's' ves' ,and order party. The heroine of our tale is the satility in his depictions of art tal living chares- orphan - daughter and heiress of a large cotton tars. To read this book is to b highly pleased. planter, now under the guardianship of her uncle, Price-..... .-'................$0' 25 a perfect tyrant. She is locked up in a chamber at the 'top of the mansion, and is rescued by'an Mountain Max; or Nick Whiffles on the overseer who pretends to whip. Niggero and be' - border. A tale of the Bushwackers.in Missouri.- with his employer in all his nefarious purposes and By Dr.'J. H. Robinson. Seven handsome engra' deeds, yet succeeds in rescuing the orphan from vings from designs by Darley. In this work we the clutches of, her guardian through the instru- have the adventures of.Nick Whiffles in Missouri. mentality of a yankee carpenter and an old slave Dr. Robinson has made these border Bushwackers who is devoted to her interests. All the various quite famous, as every reader of these stories must scenes and inciden re beautifully described in admit. Those who have not read this book have the-Doctor's peculi versatile and interesting Indeed missed a most delightful and interesting on- style. Failing to have-and read this interesting tertainment. Don't fail to get a copy at onceand story, would, be an irreparable loss to any reader read'it attentively. Price ............$025 who desires to be classed as such. Price..$0 25 .o Thayendanagea the Soourge ; or the Catholina ; or the Niche in the Wall. A War Bagle of the Mohawks. A tale of Mystery, Tale of Louisiana. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. Il. Ruthiand Wrong. By Ned Buntline. Several lustrated with ten full-page engravings from de- beautiful full page illustrations by Darley. This signs by Darley. The reader is introduced, in the is another one of Buntline's tales of the " poor fret scene to Jean Louis, a bricklayer, who is very - indian." It is exceedingly delightful to travel poor, and as usul, has a large family. He is through this beautiful story, with such a deserip- called-out of his house at midnlight by two men in tive writer, and to follow the hero of the tale masks, who seine him and place a hoodwink through all his manly bearings. The stoicism of about his eyes, force him inte a carnage and.af- Thayendanegea leaves a pleastejt thrill on the mind ter making many turns stop and lead him to a of the reader long afer be has concluded its rea'- ,ault, where he is compelled by means of pistols ing. Price...................-...... $0 25 9 Copies of the above books seat to any address in the United States,,free of postage. 8end Cash ordss ta Frederi A. Brady, Publisher, Ne. 22 Ana itreat, New-Yekk. r Scotto the Boaut ; or the Union Ran- . This Giles Hilton b.me.see possessed o a ,ue gene. A tale of the Great Rebellion.. By Dr. J. valuable diamond which he 'has given to Mr. Mee H. Robinson. Handsomely illustrated with 9ight the dealer in precious stones, to sell for him, and beautiful engravings from designs by Darley. This takes an advance of ten thousand pounds upon it neat and chaste story gives - a number of vivid While- the diamond is in the possession of the jew scenes in the civil war of the United States, un- eler it is stolen and a false stone put in its place, der the administration of President Abraham Lin- which is only discovered when Giles culls for more ooln. This Scotto is a kind of Spy for the fede-. money. He is arrested -for changing the stons ral'forces under that brave ma Geo. B. McClel- and trying to defraud the jeweler. He is fansle Ian ; and gives much valuable information in refer- acquitted of the charge by the confession of the snee to the position of the troops in oppositon. actual thief and he Is restored to favor. This book He passes several times through the con'federate abounds in interesting scenes and is recommended army, and while making observations for" home with much pleasure to the reader. Price.. $0 26 use,"' meets with many pleasant and. some very un- Patriot Cruiser - A Stor of the Amer- pleasant adventures. cotto is taken prisoner by t i .o hA some of the Black Horse Cavalry and when asked can Revolhtion. By Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. Illustra- by Beauregard to take the oath of allegiance -so tad with design. by Darley. This story is printed the Confederacy, replies in following language: trom good large type and is therefore easily to be " If all the trees in yonder run was men, and read. 'The opening scenes are during' the dask all the branches and leaves on 'em was bagonets, days of the American Revolution, and commenpe and all the grass growin' round 'em was dead-shot in the Year 1775. While a British Naval forte rifles, and if all the sun-beams let down from was in the harbor of Massachusetts an army was heaven was 'rebel halters, I swear to ye that I. quartered in the good city of Boston. The trou wenld'nt swear allegiance so your one-horse con- ble aganst ,English tyranny was than brewing, and sara! You wince, do ye I Prehaps you ain't in little could be said by either Whig or Tory to each the natur' 'o things, dead to condemnation and re- other that was not term m reenacing and injlam morse. Think of what you've lost! You've lost able. she Revolution; 'you've lost your history; you've " Either the English King must withdraw his lost the OLwpens; and the memory of the Swamp troops and concede to the reasonable demands of Fox, and the Santee !" the colonies, or else--- There are very many sceh beautifully and home- . " What '" asked the stranges, as Vincent Gray tbust in this work, which the author presents to hesitated. the readers. Frie - ... $0 26 " Else the colenises will make their own bar- Nightshade - or the Maaked Robber of gain, even at the point of the bayonet I" This Beanslow Heat?. A Romanceof the Road. By was said in a low, firm tone, which told what the 'Dr. J. 'H. Robinson. 'This book introduces the speaker meant ; and that it was-the sentiment of the others besides, himself. readerto many scenes in the life of an English Captain Vincent Gray with a small sloop-rigged Highwaymand i the times when the country was fisherman's boat captures an English brigantine, not grldironed over with railroads "and traveling and with that vessel becomes the " Patriot Cmli. after Steam-horses prevalent. 'As the weary way- ar" There is much iterestin adventrit in the fsrer travels homeward he is halted on the .road gr. Theat bgaetin adventhat with by "your money or .your life !" But that is' in the cruising of that brigantine under Gray that will past. The -interest of this story consist. in des- pay the reader for its perusal. Price.....$0 26 cribing so beautifully very many incidents of dar. The Sword Maker of the Santee; or lag as exercised by the bold and' bad men of for- mer times This story is illustrated by nine beau- ,Hirl, the Hunchback. By Dr. J. H. Robinsoa. tiful engravings' from designs by Derbey and it Eight full-pageingravings from designs by Darley. -enravis f0 25 This tale opens in South Carolina in the days of iee T--the American Revolution.. The early scenes opee Blanche; or the Lost Diamond. A Tale- with arrest of an American who for British gold of the Lights-and Shades of London. By Septi- became a tory spy. He is in prison, condemned mus R. Urban. Beautifully illustrated with ele- to die the death of a spy, when he is visited by a gant designs by Darley.. The opening scene is in loyal young lady to whom he haid been engaged the Weaver's' ome. . - tobe married, but who, while she pities his un. "Husband 'le--dear Giles. Oh, say a word fortunate position, despises him for the part he to me-to the little ones. God sees us yet,'dear has takon--hat of a Spy on his own countrymen. Giles, and will send us help. I am not hungry General Marion is here presented to the reader. -oh, no, no! and I don't think Mary and Luke rhis Hirlis a loyal man and' makes swords of a are vry hungry, dear Giles. They will soon sleep. superior quality for the Americans. He is hump. I will.go out-and see if-' if I can borrow-" backed and deaf, and is almost shot for failing, to "Mush, Emma, hush-no ! no !It is not bor- , give the countersign to the sentinel when demand- row. It is beg-beg. Ylu mean beg.'' There are very many scenes of-deep and ab- Here apparently is a weaver and his poor fami- sorbing interest in this work that will repay the ly in a state of-starvation. This is one of the reader for the outlay of money and time required shade pictures. Now for the light one. ' in their perusal. Price-.-................0.25 W Coes of the above books sent to any address in the United States, free of postage. Se-nd Cashorders to Frederic A. Brady, Publisher, No. 22 Ann Street, New-York. I. t' ''I I FRU DIBICA. BR&DY"5 OATALGU)I. BI tADY'IOX1.UUL&TJD " MOII! owPOmUS i k, 4y4 Fti t t , . 4' t s _ page: 88 (Advertisement) [View Page 88 (Advertisement) ] S FREDERIC A. BRADY'S CATALOGUE. BRADYI NRLEBRATNDI "EBRURY" STORIUK. Kqty Atherton,; or a Broken Life.' By Melpomene Surf';' or the Little Middy. Margaret Blount. Illustrated with six beautiful - By eptimus R. UrbanT. lhastiaed by full-pag full-page engravings from designs by Darley. engravings- .from- designs by Darley. This is aen This is another interesting story by this gifted an- interesting series of tales of Sailor Life. A child theress, in which are portrayed many incidents of is found on the Surf by some of the crew of the English Life. .\'".. Meiponmene Man-of-War's man, and hence the "Broken Life!" says one, " iust .be either ' name " Melpomene Surf." We are here gven a something new, or else the printer has read the description of how sailors are impressed into the 'copy' wrongly, and made a terrible blunder on British service ; and the very many strategem' the very first page of his book !" which are resorted to to place seamen in the Eng No! 'Tie no mistake of the printer's.; 'tis no-. lish Navy. After they are placed on board and thing new ! Broken lives are far more common are once at sea they will do good service, and at- things than broken - hearts ; they may be tend to their whole duty, even to fight for their seen in every direction if you will but turn your country's glory. There are the usual number of eyes upon the world you live in. They are simply characters in this. work that make up the whole arrows that have missed their mark-streams that of such a story, and who seem each and all to have failed at the fountain head-fair and smiling play a connecting part. There'is the old board. gardens that have fallen into barrenness and decay ing-house-keeper, who endeavors to keep the -through whose faults who can tell ?" " See if " paid off men" as long as it is possible, so that you can tell, why a heart so fond and warm should the may spend all their hard-earned money in the turn to imarble-why hopes so pure should fadq house, and as soon as 'poor Jack is out of the and die--why'a nature so innocent should be for- blunt he is gently assisted to the clutches of the ever spoiled-why a spirit so eager and bouyant Press-gang. This highly pleasing and interesting should bJcontent to fold its pinions,-grovel on the book is sold at only.......-...........$0 2 *Yearth till the end of all earthly things? ** And when the end comes may it not be possible that Maid of the Ranohe ; or the Regula- then some " city of refuge" will be opened to the lators and Moderators. A story of life on the poor bewildered soul, and the great secret of such Texas Border. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 'Illutra tter failures be revealed ? I hope so 14 from designs by Darley. Here is a story of life How beautiful is tise language. And yet the in Texas about the time of its independence from whole book is elegantly written in this sweet Mexico. The vividness of the scenes, and the strain. A good readable book.. Price. . .$0 25 elegant style of its authorcin describing thenm is The Shell Hunter ; or an Ocean Love well worthy a careful perusal. Many of the char. Chase. A roqpane , of land and sea. By Ned acters are under fictitious names, yet the,incidentse Buntline. This work is embellished with eight are almost entirely matters of the history of that beautiful engravings'by Darley, each illustrative beautiful country. Any one who has been i the of the prominent characters and scenes in ti ".Lone Star 'State, can tell that this story is book, and which are alone worth more than 'its made up of some actual occurrences. At the time price. This is a voyage of a pchooner to the coast of its organization into ah independent govera- f the Pearl fisheries ; where it encounters num- ment, many flocked there from the- States, that berdess storms, cannibals, and incidents that fast-I found home to warm for comfort, and therefore ten the mind of the reader to its pages. Bunt- was formed in Texas that association called Reg- line's sea stories are all written so carefully that ulators tand Moderators. They, however, were those unacquainted with the management of yes- not always free from tant, yet they succeeded i els at sea will learn much in the life of a sailor. doing .much good. The story is well-written and Price--....'............ r. .... $0 -25 will bear reading. Price--............$0 28 1 eOwlet , or the Royatl highwayman. '9 eConspirators:. or the Corsair of d tale of the Road in the times of George the Cape Antonio. By Arthur M. Grainger. Five Thid. y eptmusE.Urbn.Thirteen fui.batflfull-page engravings from designs- hy page engr'avings from designs by Darley. The -Darley. T1ss book contains a large number of reader is carried back to the times of the mad adventures and cruises of a bucaneer ampng'the and blind King of England. Owlet is the note. Wecst India Islands, in the Cuban Sta. Captain rious Highwaytpan -that baffles all the celebrated de Salio, as he wvas called, (was in truth a Span, thief-takers of his'day. Many inteesting i'.ci- ish Noble,. and connected with the crown of Ar- denie is here related1 of him. A poor girl is inno- ragon,) Was for a time a terror to all Spanmish yes' eently hanged for having stolen a diamond brace- sels, as towards them lie seemed niost bitter and let from a jewelry establishment.in London. It -implacable. Letting the empty ships pass around was afterwards discovered that she' was guiltless. to Mexico, and from Spain, he lay in wait for but as she had suffered death no reparation could. them on their return laden with the silver trees' be made. In. those days the punishment for steal- ures of the mines. The story is^ well written and ing anything over' forty shillings' in value was gives an insight into " Life in Havana anid Cuba,'t banging. This book is confidently recommended both on shore and afloat. Thereader will be well itgathgraorver.rsiei.,.-........wag0g25 paidfo is instino"peinHavt. a PribeC..b0, V h ' Copies of the above books sent to any address in the United States, free of postage. - Send Cash orders to Frederic A. Brady Publisher, No. 22 Ann Street, New-York. t i
