“After Doctor Lamberton departed I closed my eyes and tried to sum up in
my mind all that had occurred since I left Memphis, in order to see if I
could make anything tangible out of it. The hours dragged slowly along,
a faint light struggled through the small aperture misnamed window, a
little mouse stole in and began to nibble at the crumbs of bread on the
floor, while I watched him intently. It was a relief to me to see any
living thing, no matter what it was; it had the effect of keeping my
mind from painful subjects. When the little mouse would finish his
repast and leave me alone, I would lie on my filthy straw bed and watch
his hole for hours at a time, hoping he would come again to keep me
company. A large spider had set his net in one corner of the window, in
order to capture unsuspecting flies that were constantly coming in and
out through the opening. His net was an ingenious piece of workmanship,
and it took him several days to finish it; he could throw his fine-spun
thread with as much accuracy as a Mexican Greaser could throw his
lariat. After he had completed his net, he built a little neat residence
for himself near it, so he could sit and look through his window and
watch his trap. I noticed that in selecting the location for his
residence, he was very particular to place it so that it would not be
seen by any insect coming in through the window; he erected his
apartments inside, and a little in the rear of the corner of the
window-sill, while his net was stretched across it. The web was woven so
very fine that it was scarcely visible to the naked eye, and many a bold
fly lost his life by being caught in its meshes. Sometimes a vigorous
contest would take place, when a fly would make a desperate struggle to
free himself; but I noticed that the victim seldom came off victorious.
One memorable battle between the spider and a large bumblebee I think
worthy to be described. As soon as the bumblebee got one of his legs
entangled in the net he commenced to work vigorously to loosen it. The
spider came out and took up his position within two inches of the
captive, and began to throw his lariat at his leg. The heroic efforts of
the bumblebee excited my sympathy, and I would have gone to his rescue
if I had been able, but I was helpless. I could only lie still and give
him my good wishes. After a while the spider managed to get one leg of
his intended victim securely fastened, and I was sorry to think that the
poor bumblebee’s fate was to be death; but not so: I was struck with
admiration when I saw the brave fellow amputating his own leg by using
his teeth. The spider, however, seemed to realize the situation, for
while the bumblebee was engaged in amputating the leg he began to hurl
his lariat at another, and by the time the amputation was done one more
limb was tied fast; but the bumblebee seemed determined to regain his
liberty at any cost, so he fell to and took off the other leg, and did
it so quickly that the spider did not have time to fasten another, and
the gallant hero was free, minus two of his legs. As soon as the
bumblebee regained his liberty, instead of retreating, as I expected he
would do, he quietly seated himself on the window-sill and watched the
spider’s hall, as if he were not satisfied with the result of the fight.
After a while, however, he disappeared, and I let my sympathies go with
him. The spider’s net was completely destroyed, and I was glad of it,
but he set about rebuilding it, which cost him three days’ incessant
labor. The little mouse, the spider, and dear Lottie’s picture were my
only companions during the long, lonesome days of my captivity. I would
lie on my back for many hours at a time, with my eyes riveted on
Lottie’s picture, and ask myself a thousand questions: What is Lottie
doing at this moment? I wonder if she is thinking of me! Have they made
her believe that I ran away of my own accord? Perhaps they have
persuaded her to give me up, as one unworthy of her love. Maybe they
have induced her to marry Heartsell!’
“‘Heaven have mercy on me!’ I groaned in despair. If I had known then
what was going on at home, I dare say my anguish would have been greater
still; but I presume it was better as it was, for I might have died if
any additional troubles had been thrust upon me, I think that the heroic
struggle I had witnessed on the part of the gallant bumblebee to win his
freedom had a good effect on me. I became convinced that a man of
courage and strength could accomplish anything that was necessary, and I
then and there resolved that I would imitate the brave example set by
the heroic insect as soon as I recuperated my strength, I would make an
effort to regain my liberty, an effort that should break down and
trample over all opposition. I would not yield like a base coward, but
would be free, or lose my life in the attempt to accomplish that end.
“It was four days after I had regained consciousness before I was able
to sit up in my bed. Doctor Lamberton visited me once a day, usually
coming early in the morning, and chatted with me a few moments, gave his
instructions and retired. Then I would be left alone for the remainder
of the day, except when some one would come to bring me food and drink.
Then I would divide my time between the mouse, the spider and Lottie’s
picture, giving most of my attention, though, to the image of my
darling. It was so dark in my cell that I could not read, even if I had
had anything in the shape of a book; and then since the fever had left
my brain it seemed to be lingering in my eyes, and made them sore and
quite sensitive. The doctor brought me a pair of green glasses to
protect my eyes, and told me to wear them all the time, as my eyes were
in very great danger. My recovery was exceedingly slow.
“As soon as I thought my strength would justify it I wrote a long letter
to Lottie, giving in detail all the circumstance that had combined to
prevent my return to Memphis. I requested her to see Doctor Dodson,
inform him of my situation, and ask him to come to my assistance without
a moment’s delay. I also requested her to go and see General Calloway
and explain to him the cause of my absence from Horn Lake on the day
appointed. I informed her of my illness, but did not tell her how
serious it had been. I told her the simple truth when I said that her
dear picture had been my chief source of happiness during the long,
weary days of my solitary confinement. My letter closed thus:
“‘Always trust me, dear Lottie, no matter what you hear about me. I am
now, have ever been, and always will be, as true to you as the needle is
to the pole.’
“‘I sealed and delivered that letter to the negro boy, who promised to
mail it, but I don’t think he did it, for no such letter ever was
received by Lottie. I waited and hoped for Doctor Dodson to come to my
assistance; but, alas! I waited and hoped in vain. As soon as I was able
to take a little exercise by walking about the room that small comfort
was denied me, for a rough blacksmith came in one day and riveted a
heavy chain on my ankle, then fastened the other end to a beam in the
floor.
“‘There now,’ he exclaimed, when he had finished the job, ‘I guess
that’ll keep you this time! By the way, Debar, how did you manage to get
those tools?’
“‘What tools are you talking about?’
“‘Why, of course the tools you used in cutting out when you were in here
before.’
“‘I never was here before; and my name is not Debar, either.’
“‘Oh! ah! I see how it is--the insane dodge this time. But look here,
old fel’, that’s too thin--I should advise you to invent something
better.’
“I was glad when the uncouth blacksmith took his leave, but sorry to
know that he would make another witness to identify me as the real
Debar.
“One morning, while I was endeavoring to amuse myself by watching the
strange maneuvers of the spider as he was weaving a new wing to his
net, the jailer made his appearance at the door, and began to unlock the
inner shutter. He was a rough, drunken brute, who scarcely ever came
about me, and when he did, he refused to answer any of my questions; I
learned afterward that the rough treatment I had been subjected to was
owing to the fact that he thought me the man who had made the escape
some time previous. When he had finished unlocking the door a lady came
rushing into the room and threw her arms round my neck, exclaiming, as
she burst into tears:
“‘Oh, Eddie, why did you let them catch you again? I thought you were
safe in Mexico by this time!’
“The jailer had immediately slammed the door to and locked it, leaving
us alone. I was paralyzed with astonishment, and unable to utter a word
for several seconds. As soon, however, as I recovered my
self-possession, I pushed her away rather roughly.
“‘Madame,’ I exclaimed indignantly, ‘you are laboring under a grave
mistake. I am not your husband--have not been married--and I never saw
you in my life until this moment!’
“She drew back, gazed at me for a moment in a bewildered way, then
uttering a most pitiful wail, fell fainting on the floor. I threw some
water in her face, and did all I could to revive her, and was gratified
to see signs of recovery. She was a very beautiful woman, though her
face was quite pale. Her long, black hair came loose and fell in great
masses on the floor. Directly she was able to rise, and I saw that she
was very much embarrassed. She again fixed her eye intently on me, and
appeared to be undecided as to what should be said.
“‘I hope you will pardon me, sir, but you are very like my husband; and
then they told me that he was re-arrested, and in this room. I should
have known you were not my husband if I had met you in the light, but
when I entered this dark cell I could scarcely see my hand before me. I
declare, I never have seen two persons so much alike, though you are a
little taller than he, I think; and there is a difference in the voice,
and perhaps a slight difference in the color of the hair, yours being a
shade darker than my husband’s. I am truly sorry, sir, to know that you
have been compelled to suffer so for a crime you did not commit, but I
rejoice to find that my dear husband has not been retaken. He is
innocent, but was unable to prove his innocence. Public sentiment ran
high against him, and he was forced to save his life by flight.’
“‘My dear madame,’ said I, ‘you will not hesitate a moment, I hope, in
informing the sheriff that he is holding the wrong man in custody. I
have suffered indescribable torture since my detention here, and I fear
that serious consequences have resulted from my imprisonment.’
“‘Indeed, sir, you shall not remain here another day if anything I can
say or do will secure your release. I will go immediately to the proper
officers and tell them of the great mistake they have made.’
“She then called the jailer and requested to be allowed to come out.”
“Stop a moment, Dr. Demar,” said Mr. Peniwinkle, rising with his hat in
his hand, and bowing low before him and Queen Mary, “I cannot wait any
longer; I most humbly beg your pardon for the indignity that we have
unwittingly offered you. We have been following you for the last ten
days, believing you to be Edward Debar--but I now see what an
unfortunate mistake we have made. While we have been watching you, we
have let the real criminal get away. We had traced Debar to Memphis, and
found where he had his wife concealed, and have been thrown off his
track by the great resemblance you bear to him. Indeed, the resemblance
must be very striking to have misled us so. We have committed a most
unlucky blunder, and have lost our reward. The real criminal has
escaped, and we have been so unfortunate as to offer you an unpardonable
insult.”
“Not at all, Mr. Peniwinkle,” Ingomar replied; “you only did what you
considered right. You thought you were performing your duty as an
officer, and I rather feel inclined to applaud, instead of censuring
you. It seems that other officers have fallen into the same error. Be
seated, Mr. Peniwinkle, and let the matter drop; I would most willingly
grant pardon, but where no wrong has been committed, of course there is
nothing to pardon.”
Mr. Peniwinkle resumed his seat, and Ingomar went on with his story.
“I must now tell you what was transpiring at Memphis while I was in
jail, all of which was afterward related to me by eye-witnesses. General
Calloway was at Horn Lake very early on the morning that I had promised
to meet him there; so were Harry and his friend Heartsell. Ten o’clock,
the hour when we had all agreed to meet, arrived, and every one was at
his post but me. After waiting for me until eleven o’clock, Harry became
impatient, and intimated to Heartsell that it was his opinion that I had
fled.
“‘Yes,’ replied Heartsell, ‘and I’ll bet my last cent he has carried
that woman off with him.’
“‘Let him go and welcome,’ said Harry; ‘but I should have been glad to
have had one shot at the villain’s carcass before he went.’
“General Calloway made inquiries of all the citizens of the little
village, hoping to hear from me, but no one had seen me. I of course had
managed to get out of the village quietly without being noticed by any
of the residents, as that was in accordance with General Calloway’s
instructions, and I suppose that the two officers who had arrested me
had not told any one their business; hence I had been carried off
without any one knowing anything about it. When twelve o’clock came, and
still no tidings of my whereabouts had been obtained, General Calloway
became restless and suspicious. Heartsell approached the general and
said:
“‘I suppose it is unnecessary for us to wait here any longer. The time
agreed on has passed by two hours ago. I think your friend Demar has
concluded that “discretion is the better part of valor;” in plain terms,
I think he has run away.’
“‘I cannot believe he has done such a cowardly act as that,’ replied
General Calloway; ‘some serious accident, I fear, has happened to him.
He took the freight train at Memphis, and he may have got hurt on the
railroad. It is my duty to have this matter thoroughly investigated, and
I mean to do it. I have always believed Demar to be a brave, honorable
young man, and I shall not condemn him without positive proof. Of course
you and your friend Wallingford had better return to Memphis, while I
shall take the necessary steps to ascertain the cause of Demar’s
mysterious disappearance.’
“Harry and Heartsell returned to their homes. As they were leisurely
riding back in their carriage, it was agreed that Heartsell should renew
his suit for Lottie’s hand, and that Harry was to throw the weight of
his influence with his sister to induce her to accept him. Those two
rash young men were just like thousands of others who are ignorant as to
the material composing a true woman’s heart. They imagined that Lottie
Wallingford would transfer her heart, with all its pure love, to Mr.
Heartsell, and gladly consent to become his wife. But they were building
a magnificent castle on a sandy foundation. They had a sad lesson to
learn, which it would be well for all men to know. A woman’s heart
cannot be traded off and bartered round like a bolt of calico or a bale
of cotton, but when it is given to a man, it is his! he may bruise it,
he may break it, but he cannot transfer it at will. A man’s heart is a
negotiable instrument, transferable at will; but not so with a woman’s.
I perhaps should not say that all men’s hearts are negotiable, for I
know there are exceptions to that rule, but it will apply in a majority
of instances.
“It was night when Heartsell and Wallingford arrived at Memphis, and the
first thing they did was to go immediately to the old brick house to
ascertain whether the woman was gone or not. They found the building
empty. They entered and examined the rooms, and after satisfying
themselves that the woman was gone, they departed.
“‘Well, Wallingford,’ observed Heartsell, as they walked toward Mr.
Rockland’s house, ‘you see I was right after all; she was undoubtedly
Demar’s wife, and they have fled together.’
“‘Yes, that is true, and I am glad we are rid of them. Demar was a
greater rascal than I ever thought he was.’
“‘My dear fellow,’ replied Heartsell, ‘I never had any faith in him from
the start. I always thought he was a consummate hypocrite. He assumed a
pious dignity that I know was all a sham. Wasn’t it fortunate for your
sister that I happened to watch his movements?’
“‘Indeed it was, Heartsell; she owes you a big debt, and I dare say if
love can pay it she will be glad to liquidate the obligation.’
“‘Ah! you have cause to be proud of your charming sister. Do you know
that I think she is the most talented woman I ever knew?’
“‘My sister is a very sensible girl.’
“‘Indeed she is, Wallingford, and she has an angel’s disposition. She is
too good for me, but if pure love and devotion can make her happy, be
assured she should never know sorrow.’
“‘You have heard of men counting the chickens before they were hatched,
haven’t you, Heartsell?’
“‘Of course I have; but what has that to do with this matter?’
“‘Suppose Lottie don’t choose to see things from our standpoint? Suppose
she should still put her faith in Demar?’
“‘Oh! that’s not a supposable case; how could she cling to him when she
learns his true character?’
“‘Well, you have my good wishes in this new enterprise, and if I can
assist you, command me; but here we are at the gate--will you walk in
and take tea with me?’
“‘No, not to-night, Wallingford; I’ll go home now; but where can I see
you early in the morning?’
“‘At my office.’
“‘Very well, I’ll call early. Good-night, and pleasant dreams to you.’
“When Heartsell parted with Wallingford he sauntered toward his home
whistling ‘Mollie Darling’ while visions of triumph floated gaily before
his imagination. Since the dreaded enemy had ingloriously fled, he
thought as the victor he was entitled to the spoils; in other words, he
imagined that since Demar’s flight, Lottie would be glad to throw
herself into his arms. He was vain enough to believe that she would be
ready to thank him for the great service he had rendered and ask his
pardon for having once rejected his suit.
“When Wallingford arrived at home he went immediately to his sleeping
room to change his toilet before the supper bell rang. Lighting the gas
and looking at his watch, he found it only lacked five minutes to eight;
he hurriedly began to arrange his dress. Ten minutes had elapsed after
he entered the room when he was startled by a loud scream that went
ringing through the house; he ran rapidly to Lottie’s boudoir.
“‘What is the matter, mother?’ exclaimed Wallingford, as he appeared at
the door where he saw Lottie lying insensible on a sofa, and Mrs.
Rockland standing in the middle of the room wringing her hands,
apparently wild with terror. ‘Speak, mother! what in Heaven’s name has
happened?’
“‘Some terrible news must have been brought in that letter, for she
still holds it crumpled up in her hand. Doctor Demar’s clerk delivered
it to her a few moments ago, and when she began to read it she turned
deadly pale, then screamed and fainted.’
“‘Demar has eloped with another woman, and she has just now found it
out!’
“‘Merciful Providence! my son, is that true?’
“‘It is certainly so; and I trust she will at once discard the hateful
villain’s memory from her mind.’
“While this conversation was going on Mrs. Rockland was kneeling by the
sofa, bathing Lottie’s pale face with eau-de-Cologne, and in a few
moments evidence of returning consciousness appeared. I had explained
everything in the letter, telling Lottie that if I did not return by
eight o’clock she might know that I was killed, because I would
communicate further news if wounded. It might appear to be an
unpardonable imprudence on my part to write such a letter, but it must
be remembered that I did not intend her to receive it unless I was
killed. I had written my will, bequeathing my little estate to her,
which was also inclosed in the letter. Lottie was not one of the sort of
hysterical women who faint every time they see a worm or a spider, but
she was brave, sensible, self-reliant and strong, both mentally and
physically. But notwithstanding all her courage and self-possession, she
was instantly overpowered by the contents of the letter. As soon as she
was able to sit up, Harry attempted to take hold of her hand, when she
drew back with a convulsive shudder, at the same time uttering a
suppressed scream. Then she cast on her brother such a gaze as to chill
the blood in his veins--it was a mixture of horror, scorn, contempt and
pity.
“‘Touch me not, I beg you; that hand is red with a hero’s blood, and
Cain’s mark is on your brow. You have murdered the noblest, the kindest,
the best man that ever called you friend! Oh! my unhappy, rash,
inconsiderate brother, pray on your knees until the “crack of doom” and
maybe God will pardon you. How could you be so cruel as to shed the
blood of a noble big heart whose every throb was in friendship for you?
Had you lost sight of the fact that I owed my life to the poor victim
whose blood you wantonly shed? How could you face our mother in Heaven,
with Eddie’s blood dripping from your murderous hand? If you were to
touch me with that bloody hand of yours, it would kill me in five
minutes. Did you hate Edward because he was noble, generous and good?
Did you envy his gentle disposition, his even temper and greatness of
soul? Oh! blessed Redeemer, have mercy on my unfortunate, rash brother,
forgive this awful crime and humble his haughty soul.’
“‘Lottie, I swear by the heavens and all the saints that never have I
shed one drop of Ed Demar’s blood; he is a hypocritical villain who has
betrayed and deceived you; he has eloped with another woman.’
“‘Harry, don’t slander the dead, I beseech you; that would aggravate the
awful crime you have committed. Shame! shame on you! Why not kill me
quickly as you did Edward, instead of torturing me to death? Why not
shed my blood while your hand is in? I have no desire to live any longer
in this wicked, cruel world. Why should such as I be permitted to live
in the world, when you have hurled my Eddie into a bloody grave? Why not
kill me, too?’
“‘Sister Lottie, I most solemnly declare by everything sacred that I
have not seen Edward Demar since he left the city yesterday; it is true
I challenged him, and he agreed to meet me at Horn Lake to-day at ten
o’clock, but instead of keeping his appointment, he has run away with a
woman that he brought from Philadelphia.’
“‘Edward told me in his letter that you had forced him into a duel, and
that he would be here by eight o’clock if he was not killed; and in
that letter was his will leaving his estate to me--how then can you tell
me he has run away? You and Heartsell have killed him, and in order to
conceal your crime you have invented this falsehood! You may go dig my
grave, for there is a sweet spirit calling me to Heaven, and I shall
soon go to meet the noblest soul that was ever dismissed from the body
by the red hand of murder.”
“‘I will bring Mr. Heartsell here, sister, who will tell you what I say
is true.’
“‘Do not mention that man’s name in my presence, for he is more guilty
than you, because he has made a dupe of you to destroy Edward. I have
tried Edward Demar in adversity, as well as prosperity, and if a legion
of such men as Heartsell were to tell me he had proved false, I would
not believe it!’
“Lottie then broke completely down, and would have fallen to the floor,
but Mrs. Rockland caught her in time to prevent it.
“‘You may put me to bed, mother, I cannot fight it off any longer; I
thought I was very strong and brave, but this blow is too much for me.
All will soon be over with me, my dear good mother--I feel it very
plainly; and when I am dead, I want you to have me buried by the side of
Eddie, if his body is ever found. They killed him for loving me, and the
blow has killed me, too; poor Viola! tell her I shall expect to meet her
in Heaven, where wicked people cannot molest or make us afraid.’
“Mrs. Rockland then attempted to lead Lottie to her bedroom, but was
unable to do it, for she fell completely helpless on her mother’s bosom.
Harry then stepped forward and attempted to take his sister in his arms,
when she began to tremble violently, uttering a loud scream.
“‘Oh, mother, please do not let him touch me with those bloody hands;
make him go away!’
“Then she hid her face on her mother’s bosom, while horrible convulsions
shook her body.
“‘Look there, mother,’ she exclaimed, as she glared with dilated eyes at
her brother, ‘do you see that bloody stain on his brow? That is blood
from poor Edward’s heart; drive the cruel murderer away!’
“‘Leave us for the present, my son,’ whispered Mrs. Rockland, ‘she is
going mad, I do believe!’
“Harry rushed from the room, frantic with grief, and tortured by an
accusing conscience, and began to pace hurriedly through the garden,
while a horrible fear that he had really driven his sister mad seized
upon him.
Mrs. Rockland called in the servants, who assisted her to carry Lottie
to her bedroom; then a messenger was sent after Doctor Dodson, who
arrived at nine o’clock. When he entered the room he found the patient
in a state of total unconsciousness, and a burning fever had set in,
while the eyes had a wild, lusterless appearance. Every now and then her
body would tremble violently for a moment, and be seized with severe
convulsions, lasting from ten to fifteen seconds; then the nerves would
relax, and she would remain quiet until another trembling fit would come
on. The convulsions continued until after midnight, and when they
ceased, the doctor was compelled to resort to strong stimulants in order
to revive his patient. The kind-hearted old physician was too well
posted in regard to the science of his profession, and the mysterious
influence which the mind exercises over the nerves, not to know that
Lottie’s illness was the result of mental distress.
“‘Ah, ha! here we come, madame,’ he exclaimed, as soon as he became
convinced that his patient was not going to be tortured by any more
convulsions. ‘What has happened to Lottie? Ah, ha! yes, what has
happened?’
“Mrs. Rockland, with tremulous voice, proceeded to give a detailed
history of everything that had occurred, while tears streamed from her
eyes.
“‘Ah, ha! I see how it is. Oh, that rash boy! I wonder if he has been so
cruel as to hurt Edward?’
“He called on Heaven to witness the truth of his assertion that he had
never drawn one drop of Edward’s blood; declared that he had not seen
him since day before yesterday. I believe he told the truth, for, with
all his faults, he would not tell a lie; never has that rash boy uttered
a falsehood in my presence, nor has he ever in any manner attempted to
deceive me. He affirms that Edward has eloped with a woman that he
brought from Philadelphia.’
“‘Ah, ha! that is a pretty story indeed! I say, eloped with another
woman! ah, ha! when he was heels over head in love with Lottie? Now if
Harry Wallingford can snatch the sun from its fiery chariot as it spans
the sky and put it in his pocket, and convert light into darkness, then
may he expect to make me believe that my boy is a villain. Ah, ha! don’t
you see? My noble boy was the very soul of honor, the paragon of men,
the embodiment of truth, and a stranger to deception. Ah, ha! you see
how it is yourself, my dear madame; some intriguing villain is at the
bottom of this business, and a horrible suspicion tells me that Harry
has been led into a trap. Ah, ha! yes, he has suffered himself to be
used as a tool by some scheming rascal who wanted to get rid of my boy!
It is Heartsell or Bowles, perhaps both. Ah, ha! don’t you see? I will
ransack the globe, and plow every sea, and skim every ocean, but I will
find my brave, noble boy! If they have killed him, they had better get
on the other side of the world without delay, else I will increase the
population of hell with their souls. Ah, ha! don’t you see?’
“‘How is my sister now, doctor?’ said Harry, as he met the old physician
on the veranda at two o’clock.
“‘Bad enough. Ah, ha! bad enough, my boy; brain fever--serious
attack--dangerous disease--life in great peril; bad business
this--another bright angel added to the Heavenly band. Ah, ha! don’t you
see how it is, my boy? The world loses, Heaven wins; bright young life
foolishly extinguished; had rather die myself; will save her if
possible, but don’t believe it possible. You hear people talk about
broken hearts, ah, ha? that is a mistake--hearts never break; the brain
may be broken; then the soul becomes alarmed and deserts the body.
Lottie’s brain is injured--that affects the nerves; ah, ha! don’t you
see? Then convulsions ensue, which worries the circulation, and a
general collapse of the whole system follows; final result, death or
insanity. Ah, ha! yes, death winds up the show in a majority of such
cases. Poor girl! she loved Edward very dearly, and he was devoted to
her.’
“‘In that respect,’ replied Harry, ‘I am sorry to inform you that you
are very much mistaken; Edward Demar did not love my sister. The fact
that he was a double-faced hypocrite and faithless traitor has been
proved beyond the possibility of a doubt. I was foolish enough to
believe he was an honorable man who loved my sister truly, but he has
betrayed her and eloped with another woman.’
“‘Ah, ha! look up there, my boy,’ exclaimed the doctor, as he pointed
heavenward; ‘do you see that bright star yonder, just to the left of the
moon?’
“‘Yes, certainly I do; but what of that?’
“‘Do you notice how near it appears to the branches of that elm tree? it
seems to be within three feet of that large limb; ah, ha! do you see it,
my boy?’
“‘Yes, very true; it looks as if it were fastened among the branches of
that tree.’
“‘Ah, ha! yes, very good, my boy; will you be so kind as to step up on
top of that tree, pluck that beautiful bright star from its place in the
sky, and bring it to me?’
“Harry began to stare at the doctor with feelings of anger and
astonishment.
“‘This is no time to crack jokes, Doctor Dodson, and I am grieved to be
compelled to remind you of it.’
“‘Joking, ah, ha! who is joking? I never was in deeper earnest in my
life; why do you refuse to do such a trifling favor for me? I want a
pretty planet snatched from the heavens, and you will not do it for me.’
“‘Doctor, I confess your language astonishes me; I have ever had a high
regard for your opinion, and would make any sacrifice to serve you, but
when you ask me to do absurd impossibilities, you can hardly expect a
serious answer.’
“‘Ah, ha! you tell me that you cannot snatch that star from the sky, yet
you try to make me believe that Edward Demar has eloped with another
woman. Whenever I see you take that planet in your hand and lay it down
at my feet, then you may try to convince me that my boy was dishonest.
Ah, ha! yes, you see how it is yourself, don’t you? Did you ever hear
of a certain monkey who raked the chestnuts out of the fire with the paw
of an unsuspecting cat? Ah, ha! yes, of course you have; very good,
then, you are the unsuspecting cat, and Heartsell is the monkey, and he
has been using your paw to rake out his chestnuts. Ah, ha! to be plain,
that man wanted to marry your sister; she loved my boy, and therefore
Heartsell wants him out of the way; he uses you as his tool to remove
his rival; ah, ha! don’t you see? Heartsell has practiced a fraud of
some sort on you, deceived you, cheated you, and in all probability
ruined you, and killed your sister. Ah, ha! don’t you see?’
“‘Doctor Dodson,’ replied Wallingford, ‘I know my faults are numerous; I
confess that my unfortunate temper often gets the advantage of my
judgment; I may have acted too rashly in this affair, but it was my duty
to guard my dear sisters honor; and when I tell you that she has been
deceived by Ed Demar, I only tell you that which I know positively. With
my own eyes I saw him in the arms of another woman; that woman has
disappeared, so has Demar; and that he has fled with her is a fact
beyond controversy.’
“At that moment Mrs. Rockland came to the door and requested the doctor
to go in to his patient, informing him that she was again in
convulsions.
“Harry hurried out of the house and bared his burning brow to the
falling dew, while he beat his breast with his clinched fist, hoping to
still the gnawing conscience that was torturing his restless soul. All
through the night he continued to wander in the garden, half mad with
grief, muttering to himself, while the hot blood in his veins seemed to
be collecting in his fevered cheeks and heated brow. At early dawn he
went in search of Heartsell, and found him sound asleep in his bedroom.
“‘Get up, Heartsell,’ he said, as he hurried in, ‘I must speak with
you.’
“‘What’s up now, old fellow; something serious, I guess, else you would
not be out so early.’
“‘Ah, Heartsell, I never have passed such a night; I did not go to bed
at all. My poor sister is dangerously ill; she thinks that we have
murdered Demar, and the doctor is afraid she will die.’
“‘Indeed, Wallingford, that is awful news! Why should she think that we
have killed Demar?’
“‘He wrote her a letter telling her all about the contemplated duel,
left it with his clerk, to be delivered in the event of his not getting
back by eight o’clock. In that letter he told her that if he was not
killed, he would be at home at eight, and because he did not come, she
concludes that we have killed him. Now, why should he write such a
letter if he intended to run away?’
“‘I must confess that it is very strange.’
“‘Has it ever occurred to you that some accident might have happened to
him, and that he did not absent himself willingly?’
“‘No; I never had dreamed of such a thing.’
“‘I am afraid we have been too hasty in this business. I love my darling
sister as I do my life, and I begin to repent of my rashness in this
matter. She refused to let me touch her, shrank from me as if I were a
savage wild beast ready to tear her to pieces, cast upon me such a
strange, wild look as caused the blood to freeze in my veins, and spoke
of my hands being stained with Ed Demar’s blood. Then all at once she
broke down, and when the doctor came he said that she was threatened
with brain fever, and before midnight she was unconscious.’
“‘That is very unfortunate, Wallingford, and as soon as she regains
consciousness, I’ll go to see her and tell her that you did not hurt
Demar; she certainly will believe me.’
“‘If you take my advice, you will not let my sister see you, until you
can prove Demar to be alive and unhurt. The manner in which she spoke of
you was anything but complimentary, I can tell you. She regards you as
the cause of all the trouble, accuses you of influencing me; and the
truth is, Heartsell, you did persuade me into it. We have been rash and
hasty in this matter, and I begin to repent of the part I have played in
it. I wish I could be like other men, but my unfortunate temper won’t
let me. Most people think before they act, but I act first and then do
the thinking when it is too late. A most horrible suspicion is crawling
over me. I begin to think after all that Demar has not run away. He owns
a half-interest in a drug-store here with ten thousand dollars; he made
no disposition of it except to will his interest to my sister in the
event of his death. He left a sealed paper with his clerk to be
delivered to Lottie, and it turns out to be a will. Now, if he had been
married to the other woman, why should he will his property to my
sister?’
“‘Indeed, that does look a little strange; but what can we do to clear
up the mystery?’
“‘Put detectives to work to find out what has become of Demar. Has it
ever occurred to you that the woman might have been some relative of
Demar?’
“‘No; I have never dreamed of such a thing; but why should he elope with
her if she was a relation?’
“‘I don’t believe he went away with her, because he took a freight train
and started to Horn Lake. I believe he intended to keep his appointment
with us, but met with an accident--perhaps has been murdered.’
“‘Wallingford, your language puzzles me; give me time to think.’
“‘Yes, it is very proper we should both do a little serious thinking. It
is a pity we didn’t do that before. Instead of acting so rashly, we
should have demanded an explanation of Demar, and afforded him an
opportunity to make it. I can see now the great error we committed. He
might have been able to explain it all to our satisfaction, but we did
not give him a chance.’
“When Harry left Heartsell, his affection for that gentleman was
considerably decreased.
“Time continued to drag along very slowly, or at any rate it seemed so
to Harry Wallingford. Lottie’s life appeared to be gradually but surely
drawing to a close. Her beautiful golden hair had commenced to come out,
while the flesh appeared to shrink away. The color had fled from her
cheeks, and her eyes gazed listlessly at the ceiling. She would lie
immovable from day to day, never complaining, never uttering a word,
except occasionally to whisper the name of Eddie. When her reason
resumed its throne, she continued to ask for Eddie, and on being told
that he never had been heard from, the tears would flow slowly down her
cheeks.
“‘They have killed Eddie; he is in Heaven, though, and I am going to
see him soon. Give me my darling’s picture, mother.’
“When it was given to her she pressed it to her pale lips.
“‘You loved my poor unfortunate brother, and never would do him wrong;
yet they killed you.’
“Such language was usually uttered in a low, dove-like tone, and she
would continue for hours at a time conversing to the picture. When Harry
would enter the room she would turn her face to the wall and shiver, as
if she were very cold. When he spoke to her she would hold the corner of
a quilt over her ear, as if his voice gave her pain. The doctor finally
advised him not to visit his sister until the state of her mind should
change.
“‘She thinks you have killed Eddie,’ said Doctor Dodson to Harry, ‘and
so long as she clings to that idea, I think it best for you not to let
her see you. Poor girl! she can’t last much longer. There is only one
remedy that could save her life, and I fear we shall not be able to get
that in time.’
“‘What is that, doctor?’ exclaimed Harry, as a new hope began to rise in
his breast.
“‘If Eddie could be found, she would be all right in a week, but if not,
she will be in Heaven before that time.’
“‘Oh, merciful Providence! what shall we do? Doctor Dodson, you are not
going to let my darling die, are you?’
“‘Ah, ha! my dear boy, we must bow submissively to the will of God. A
physician may patch up the machinery, but he can’t make a human heart.
That poor girl’s heart is desperately wounded, and nothing on earth can
cure it except a look at Eddie Demar. Present him before your sister
alive and in good health, and I warrant a cure; fail to do it, and you
may go dig her grave!’
“‘Oh, doctor, this is horrible; it will kill me, too, if she dies,
believing I have murdered Eddie! Can’t you quiet her mind with opiates
until her physical strength returns?’
“‘Ah, ha! my boy, that’s all you know about it; I have given her as much
of that sort of medicine as her system will bear, and I tell you again,
you had better find my boy, and that without delay, unless you expect to
see your sister die. Ah, ha! when that poor girl dies, this world will
lose one of its brightest jewels, and Heaven will receive one of the
brightest angels that ever went there. Poor Viola will lose her best
friend, and we will be left to mourn over crushed hopes. I should like
to know what sad fate has overtaken my poor boy. He was the light of my
life and the joy of my house. Ah, ha! indeed he was! Some foul play
somewhere; ah, ha! my boy; mind you, though, I don’t mean to scold you,
Harry; ah, ha! you see I couldn’t have the heart to do it. Heaven knows
you have enough to bear anyway.’
“‘Yes,’ replied Harry, ‘it is all my fault, but I thought I was acting
for the best.’
“‘No doubt you did, ah, ha! my boy, but it has turned out to be a bad
job. We are all ruined unless Eddie can be found.’
“‘I’ll find him, if he is on the globe, doctor!’ exclaimed Wallingford,
as he hastened from the room.”
“We will take a recess now,” said the queen, as she rose from her seat
and took Ingomar’s arm.