By G. H. BE A Thrilling Story of Love and Adventure, NEDICT. he might be able to prove it legal- fy. 6till, the property has passed out = his hands--in a lega! point of 'view, hat is @o our legal safety and standing as re- @ards the property; but rather at the ess of this whole matter, and have to wait awhile and watch events. ur present plans with regard to Rolff ouse are completely blocked. One 'thing, Claude is safely out of our way. We can hardly find a way to get back mow, when nothing but ships of war end privateers can keep the sca; and, besides, I doubt if he would come if he had the chance while his money lasts. Perhaps this bugaboo of an old fellow @t Rolff House will disappcar as strangely as he came. All we can do ig to wait and hope for the best." ly ere came a knock at the door. Ralph stepped to it, and opened [ft Where entered a young man, in sailor's Garb, and with a countenance as pale as '@ne from the tomb. Ralph séeggered back in consterna- Rion. , "You?" -he exclaimed. . "Yes, it is I," replied the young man. *T am glad you recognize me. I hardly Rhought any one would know me i@resume my visit is unexpected." As the young man thus spoke, he furned his eyes on Anthony Saybrook, That individual still sat on his chair, but he had leaned forward; his small, @harp eyes were fixed on the face of the goung man; a waxy, sickly pallor had @verspread his face; and his hands grasped the arms of his chair convul- @ively. There was good reason for his sur- rise. | The face and form of the young man | sailor attire were those of Claude | | replied Claude. silence followed ; Mlaude Rolff's abrupt and unexpected | @ppearance in lawyer Ssybrook's office | Claude was the first to break the gpell @hat his presence seemed to have pro- | @uced. | With your permission, I will take a eheir," he said. "I have travelled far, end am not well" "Oh, certainly, certainly," replied the fawyer, rousing himself with an ef- Claude sat down in a chair near the! r Ralph meanwhile was beating a tatoc fmrith his fingers on the desk near which he had taken his seat, while he eyed Claude with a scowling and rather rue- @ul countenance. The lawyer had apparently sank back fmto the stupor of surprise which Claude's first entrance had caused him; But, in fact, all his wits were at work an considering how to meet this unexe , pected emergency. Claude saw that is was necessary for Gim to open the conversation. "An opportunity being offered me to weturn home on a privateer," he said, "I thought it well to embrace it as I felt keenly the pang of being separated from @ny native land in the hour of her peril. { was hurt in an engagement with an | enemy's vessel on our return voyage, | and am probably in no condition to | adransact much business--still, there are | €ome matters which I deem it import- | ant to seek the earliest possible expla- @ation of." i "Oh, of course," replied the lawyer, | iling from habit, but still speaking rather an embarrassed way. "M-m.- gn--yes--happy to explain anything, {Very agreeable surprise, my dear sir; fwasn't expecting your return, I--m-m.- en--I--in fact, I'm very agreeably sur~- @rised, I--I--by the way, won't you al- flow me, my dear young sir, under the @appy circumstances, to set out a little fwine, and drink to your safe return be- fore proceeding' to any business," The lawyer arose, and bustled with a thospitable air that enabled him to con- @eal his embarrassment. . "No, no, I thank you," responded Claude, to his invitation. "TI shall be wbliged to decline, as I am disposed to be a little feverish, and I am afraid any @timulant would' be bad for me. Pray, on"t trouble yourself, Mr. Saybrook." But the lawyer, nevertheless, brought wut bottle and glasses, and poured out three bumpers, offering Claude one vege he again declined. The father a gon tossed their glasses off, how- are and the former resumed his seat, baving recovered in a measure his usus @oliected and wary demeanor. j de, after waiting a moment, sala, will state at once, frankly, Mr. brook, that I do not come in a very @ hardly seem credible, it is true, but awhich certainly justify me In demand brand @pportunity to chert edie mlisn Siraca Abeta Mes bomaiats @atisfactorily:" "Te what tt you refer?" inquired fn bland tones, that indl- had entirely regained his | or for any other purpose, and that if atte | -% + "E refer," responded Claude, "to the etatemerts current here in this village that you have taken possession of Rolff Bouse and a portion of the adjoining property under authority of deeds pur- porting to be given by me. I need not femind you that I gave no such deeds, and that there is no possible chance for there to be any misunderstanding on the point that it was my wish, most distinctly expressed, to place no in- cumbrance whatever 9n Rolff House, or any of the homeste d property, or ta imperil my possession of it in any way. You probably can inform me whether the rumors I have heard are true." "Well, really, my dear sir," replied the lawyer, rubbing his hands and smil- ing as pleasantly as possible, "I do not 'exactly comprehend your meaning. You are aware, of course, that a number of papers were drawn and signed by you, intended to secure me for moneys oaned you, some of which moneys I was forced to borrow. Arnong these securities, were certainly two. deeds, which received your signature in due form, and are properly witnessed, and which I have doubtless treated some- what differently from what you expect- ed, owing to the fact that I supposed circumstances had rendered your - turn home for a series of years ext ingly problematical. These deeds w intended, of course, y as collateral security, and I never had any idea of using them until the outbreak of war rendered your return uncertain and the impossibility of securing anybody to re- main in Rolff House called for some disposition of the property. Under the circumstances, I placed the deeds on record, and am nominally the owner of the property in question, but of course I consider myself bound as @ man of honor to keep the matter open for a satisfactory adjustment if we can come to amicable terms." "I confess I do not understand you," "T wish to state, with the utmost distinctness, that I signed no deeds by way of collateral security any such deeds are in existence they are fraudulent. My instructions were ex- plicit, and our understanding complete, that there was to be no mortgage, in- cumbrance or obligation whatever re- jating to Rolff House." "Ah, my dear young friend," replied the lawyer, still maintaining his smiling and insinuating mien, "I was more than half suspicious at the time of our busi- ness arrangements that you did not fully understand all the detaile we en- tered into. You left all the arrange- ments pretty much in my hands, and expressed your willingness to be gov- erned by my judgment--in fact, '& thought you were far too careless of your interests. Of course, left to act almost entirely on my own judgment, I rew up such papers as I considered wise and necessary in the premises, and you signed them. I am quite confident you did not critically examine all the papers you signed. It is well, perhaps, for you to remember this fact, beforw proclaiming any papers that may be in existence fraudulent. It might be dif- ficult for you to disprove your own aignature," "What I mean," replied Claude, "is that I expressly informed you that Rolff House was not to be included in any of the transactions, and you could not have mistaken me in the matter. It you took advantage of my confidence in you to disobey my Instructions and deceive me in the nature of the papers 'drawn up, it places your conduct in an equally bad light. The fraud is not lesg for being a cunning instead of a bold one. Now, sir, I wish only to be in- formed if you claim to have deeds cov- ering Rolff House and the adjoining estate?" "I do, most certainly," replied the lawyer. "And I will add that they are regularly drawn, and duly signed and witnessed. Stil, as said----" "That is enough," replied Claude, flushing with indignation. "I do not feel able to-day to discuss this matter further. You will next hear from me, most probably, through my counsel." 1 "You mean war?" asked the lawyer, | "¥ do--if it is necessary to assert my, rights." "Before proceeding to éxtreme meas- ures, it might be well to more fully un- derstand your position," said the law- yer.. * . Claude "id not reply. Making a low bow, he withdrew. Lawyer Saybrook rubbed his hands fn a self-satisfied manner as he turned to . d said: * "I fancy I bluffed him pretty neatly, Ralph." "Yes, Boe nicely," drawled the son. "We have got to fight this out, Ralph," continued the lawyer, "that is, unless we can intimidate the young fool and come to a satisfactory artanane ment." "Exactly," responded Ralph. "He can't bother us much. I am cae isfied of it," continued the lawyer; "still; his coming now is very awkward am afraid it will have a bad influence on the girl. Still, we must not give up _ fe ea yet. Our case, I maintain, | rate." "T ioe hope not," responded Ralph. eee ee ee y, The longest head is bound to win. we gman will see who has got it." TREE. It was the third day after his arrival ed of the situation In Rosa's letter and from old Carl's statements since his re- turn, Claude h 1 arrived home Im the even- fing, having come by stage to .a neigh- boring town. and then, in his anxiety th 'domicile occuple . by 3 ywas heartily greeted by that worthy old fellow. After a good night' rest, he had spent the morning in hearing from ol4 Carl a full account of all that had pessed during hie absence, and in the mfternoen had come to lawyer Say- breok's office and had the interview @etailed in tne last chapter. It appears ghat he had not received the letter dis- patched to him by Rosa and old Carl y the hands of the privateer sailor, but, becoming uneasy in regard to the plans of British invasions that were bruited in Europe, and resolved if pos- sible to give his services to his country én her hour of need, he had taken pas- eage for home in the manner and with athe results before described. Claude was exceedinly anxious to see fRosa, but very much perplexed how ¢o gratify bis wish without injury to his self-respect. He understood well enough that the old farmer would be decidedly opposed to his having any interview with her, and he felt scruples as to his right to use any influence to induce her to disobey her father's wishes in any way. But if "love laughs at lock smiths," it certainly has a way of over- coming lesser obstacles; and Claude goon resolved in his mind to send a mote to Rosa by old Carl, asking her to meet him in the old wood, at their trysting place, at a certain hour, pro- vided first that she secured the consene ef her mother to the interview. In tms way he felt that he had compromised with his conscience to a sufficient de- gree, and at the same time would se- cure his object, as he remembered that be had been a favorite with Mrs. Bruyn, and did not doubt that she would read- ily censent to the interview. In response to his note, he received @ tender and brief epistle from Rosa, telling him that her mother had con- gented to the interview, but only on condition that she accompanied her and was present. Claude could not well oh- ject te this arrangement, spite of his anxiety to meet Rosa alone and have a full explanation and understanding in regard to the obstacles that had been thrown into the pathway of their love. A little before the hour he proceeded to the appointed place, and had not fong to wait ere Rosa and her mother appeared. Claude's bearing was courteous and sincere, that it at once dispelled any prejudice against him that might have been excited in Mrs. Bruyn's mind. And, withal, he looked eo handsome, and his evident suffering condition so appealed to the sympathies of the good lady's womanly heart, that it was well for him that she had chosen to be present at the interview. Claude first greeted Mrs. Bruyn, and then taking Rosa's hand pressed it to his lips. Not a word was said by either, but their eyes told the tale of mutual distress and longing during the months ef their separation. _ Claude's story was soon told. "My early return," he said, "is no @oubt a surprise. The war had hardly broken out, however, before I resolved to take the first opportunity to reach fhome. Mr. Saybrook had constantly assured me in his letters that there could be no outbreak of war, so I had not been led to anticipate it. But when I found that I was really shut out from my native land in her hour of peril, and when I came to think what changes might occur during the progress of the war, all interest in my studies deserted ~_ and I could think of nothing but the ways and means to return home. I left Dresden and went to Hamburg ana other Dutch ports, but could find no vessels going to America. I then went to France, as I had heard that occas. sionally an American privateer would avoid the British blockade, and run into port for repairs. I went to Calais, and after waiting there until I was al- most discouraged, I was gladdened one day by learning that a schooner had escaped the blockade and run into the harbor, and was probably an American vessel I took a boat and went on board, and found, to my joy, that it was an American privateer. I at once of- feted the captain to ship with him as @ common sailor, and, as I-wds an Ameri- can, he took me at orice. On our return I was hurt in an engagement with a @ritish brig, which accounts for my tweak condition, But I shall get well it--it----" + He hesitated, as if eomewiiat fearful "I trust you will get well without any *lf,' Claude. You are young and of wigorous constitution, ona a long life should be yo | "But, my dear ire ave, I would Eee By i mae if 3 in a letter of mine, written in humorous reply to some of Mr. Saybrook's sug~ gestions that I might have become in- Rainer in love affairs in Europe. I now see through his double-eyed ---- and villainy. It was his purpose only to rob me of my property ty oe the only girl I have ever cared for, but to incite me to conduct that would de- gtroy in my heart the pure love it cher- ished. Oh, weak as I am, if I had him here I would make him own his duplic- ity or take the consequences." "Do nothing rash, Claude," pleaded Mrs. Bruyn. "Public opinion will come ~ your aid if you have been wronged, ely first on the law for justice, and do mothing to prejudice your cause." "And did you believe that I had so goon proved false and villainous, Rosa?' he: asked, turning impetously to the tair girL "No, indeed, Claude," replied Rosa, with a frank and kindly tone that indi- cater her perfect confidence in him, "T did not doubt you for a moment, or be- lieve there was anything in the letter that you could not readily éxplain Mother can bear me witness in this Yet where all was so dark and every- thing seemed conspiring against us, I could not explain your silence of your strange words even to my own mind, so I attempted no defence of you, but kept my belief in your good faith in my own heart." Claude folded her impetuously to = heart. "I knew it--I knew it," he gridit, "God bless you! The devotion of a Mifetime will be too little reward foy your faith in me, Rosa." "Say no more, Claude," answered Mrs. Bruyn, quietly separating th lovers. "I believe in your fidelity and goodness, and see through Mr. Say- brook's evil plans. But much wrong has been done, and it may be hard to right it. It is rot advisable to prolong this interview. If you wil receive a little advice from me, I will suggest a course that may lead to the evil that bas been done being corrected." --" most gladly," replied the young "Mr. Bruyn is deeply incensed at mhat he regards as your treachery and recklessness,"' continued the lady, "'and it will be difficult to reverse his opin- ion, Indeed, he looks upon you as hopelessly fallen from good. But al- though I fear for the result, I am cou- pelled to suggest that you go to him and endeavor to explain all that seems wrong to him in your conduct. He wil mot approve of your resuming your friendship with Rosa unless you disa- buse his mind of the impression he has gained--no doubt chiefly through Mr. Saybrook's influence. It would be wrong for Rosa to disobey him, and hold communication with you clandes- tinely in anyway. I could not approve of such a course, and I cannot believe that she would so forget her duty. I have accompanied her here, because I thought it was necessary there should an explanation that would perhaps prevent future trouble. So far as I am concerned, my dear Claude, I would willingly admit you to our home as the most welcome of guests and friends; but fit is not my province to deeide in this matter, and,you will have to se: cure Mr. Bruyn's consent before again attempting to see or communicate with Rosa, The young man's head dropped. "This decision seems hard," he said. "I am fearful--but, no, I will do as you say. I am strong in my own sense of integrity; I may have been foolish, but criminal--never. I think all can be ex- plained, and I bs a trust in Mr, Bruyn's Justice and char : With this scutstanding the interview germinated. Claude was allowed to give Rosa a farewell kiss, and to whise per to-her a pledge of his unalterable devotion, which was returned by a glance that assured him that she could be trusted to the uttermost and then he turned away his soul filled anew with indignation. toward the author of Bis unhappiness. He took garly occasion to have an ine terview with Mr. Bruyn, The old farm- er received him curtly,"and only after the most eurnest pleadings gave' his consent to even hear his explanations. But this coricession was of no benefit to the young bo The old fellow shut his heart to his plead. Baines obdurate and uh- convinced in spite of all the earnest- mess and eloquence with which Claus Gefended his conduct. { "No, no, no," he said at last, "T tell you young fellow, that I've made up my mind on this matter. You're none of the kind for my Rosa, She must marry @ sensible, plain fellow, with no rattle- notions about him. . You don't 'trouble for you to go to again. Iwasa foot to-elow & th | oie a gage was mn undermine enemy's defences hee counter-plots, and, if possible, to create a defection in flis- Choosing his agents with ment, he sounded every person who had in any way been employed by lawyer Saybrook, and was not long in getting a hint that the widow Grewy woud become a valuable witness if she was fwon over to the'r service. And this ~--alas for feminine -constancy!--was not a @ifficult r-«tter,. Lawyer Hals- tead, it } uppened, was a bachelor of consideruwle wealth. Though verging close on to sixty, he was still Well pre- served, and of a gallant and vivacious disposition not unlikely to impress the- fancy of a susceptible and lonely widow like Mrs. Grewy. Interviews were arranged, in wislitile little by little, the confidence of Mrs, Grewy was gained, and step by step was learned from her every detail of the plot for the possession of Rolff House, which her sharp ears and eyes had enabled her to obtain, in spite of the secrecy with which the lawyer and his son supposed they had conducted their conferences. The first intimation that lawyer Say- brook had of the mine that had been @rranged to be sprung under the ve citidal of his defences, was afforde by the retirement of the widow Grewy from his house and service. She refused to give any explanations, and was firm against all promises and eajolements, The lawyer, in his des- peration, went even so far as to la his hand and fortune at her feet; bu! it was too late. (To be Continued.) POSTMASTER IS MADE HAPPY After Years of Sickness [ odd's Kidney Pills Cured Him Plain Staterrent of a New Bruns- wick Postmaster whose Kidney Pains have Cone . Never . to Returr. Lewer Windsor, Carleton Co., N. B., Sept. 28.--(Special).--T. H. Bel- yea, postmaster here, well known and widely respected, is\ happy in the dis- covery of a permanent cure for the Kidney pains that have troubled him for years. "JT have been bothered with Kidney Trouble for years," Postmaster Bel- yea says: 'I have tried many medi- cines and plasters © without getting any lasting benefit till hearing Dodd's Kidney Pills so highly spoken of I determined to try them. They seem to have made a complete cure in my, case as I feel as well as ever I was. "TI believe that Dodd's Kidney Pills are the right medicine for Kidney Trouble and will do all they are claimed to do." Dodd's Kidney Pills cure the Kid- 'neys and with healthy Kidneys no.one- can have Bright's Disease, Lumbago, + Rheumatism, Dropsy or Pain in the -- Back. Thousands will tell you this - out of their own: experience. Did Not. Want Painting, In my early days I once tried to engage 2 as model a big negro, who made a living" " out of chewing glass in sundry barrooms __. for the entertainment of those ere, writes T rowne, a we lish comic artist, in Booklove: ant t to paint I sald, wan you," when he taken round the hat after his per- formance, "What oullah, b ss?" he asked, sus- biclously. 2 e natural color, of course,' I re- put 'y want to paint your face, you any, boss," he T'se 'got is good thered e ayy re' Mag~ "Yah, I'se not takin: ing . "The cul enough for t this got han Io red for a colored sketch from lite ot avery. re- dy in = attitude: of er t cern asa a and sendin t to oe under the title of ty Venter men