Edgefield advertiser. (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, July 25, 1894, Image 4
In that black" list were two murders
ono of a rival by tho knife and one of a
. mistress by poison. And thcro wcro other j
things even worse, too shameful indeed to
bo written.
"Doubtless thcro is moro that has not
como beneath my notice," said Fonseca
coolly, "but these things I know for truth,
and ono of tho murders could bo proved
against him were he captured. Stay, give
mo ink. I must add to the record. "
And ho wroto in his cipher: "In May,
1?17, tho said De Garcia sailed to England
on a trading voyage, and there in the par
ish of DiteLlngham, in the county of Nor
folk, ho murdered Luisa Wingfield, spo
ken of above as Luisa de Garcia, his cous
in, to whom ho was once betrothed. In
September of tho same year or previously,
under cover of a false marriage, he decoyed
and deserted ono Donna Isabella of tho
noble family of Sigucnza, a nun in a re
ligious houso in this city."
"What," I exclaimed, "is tho girl who
came to seek your help two nights since
the same that Do Garcia deserted?"
"Tho very same, nephew. It was 6ho
whom you heard pleading with him last
night. Had I known two days ago what
I know today, by now this villain had
been safe in prison. But perhaps it is not
yet too lato. I am ill, but I will rise and
soo to it. Leave it to me, nephew. G-o,
nurse yourself and leave it to me. If any
thing may be done, I can do it. Stay, bid
a messenger bo ready. This evening I
shall know whatever there is to bo known. "
That night Fonseca sent formo again.
"I have made inquiries, " he said. "I
havo even warned the officers of justice
for the first timo for many years, and they
aro hunting De Garcia as bloodhounds
hunt a slave. But nothing can be heard
of him. Ho has vanished and left no
traca Tonight I write to Cadiz, for he
may have fled there down tho river. One
thing I have discovered, however. Tho Se
nora Isabella was caught by tho watch,
and being recognized as having escaped
from a convent she was handed over to
the cxccutorics of the holy office, that her
case may bo investigated, or, in other
words, should her fault bo proved, to
death."
"Can sho be rescued?"
"Impossible Had aho followed my
counsel she would never have been taken. "
"Can she bo communicated with?"
"No. Twenty years ago it might have
been managed. Now the office is stricter
and purer. Gold has no power there. We
6hall novcr see or hear of her again unless
indeed it is at the hour of her death, whon,
should she choose tc speak with me, ibo
indulgence may possibly be granted to her,
though I doubt; it. But it is not likely
that she will wish to do so. Should she
succeed in hiding her disgrace, she may
escape, but it ls not probable. Do not look
so sad, nephew; religion must have its
sacrifices. Perchance it is better for her
to dio thus than to live for many years
dead in life. She can die but once. M<vy
her blood lie heavy on De Garcia's head!"
"Amen!" I answered.
CHAPTER VIII.
THOMAS BECOMES EICH.
For many months wo heard no moro of
Do Garcia or of Isabella do Sigucnza.
Both had vanished, leaving no sign, and
wo searched for them in vain- As for me,
I fell back into my former way of lifo of
assistant to Fonseca, posing before tho
world as his nephew. But it came about
that from tho night of my duel with tho
murderer my master's health declined
Steadily through the action of a wasting
disease of the liver which baffled all skill,
So that within eight months of that time
ho lay almost bedridden and at the point
of death. His mind indeed remained
quite clear, and on occasions he would even
receivo thosowho carno to consult bim,
reclining on a chair and wrapped in his
embroidered robo. But tho hand of death
lay on him, and ho knew that it was so.
As tho weeks went by ho grew more and
moro attached to mc till at length, had I
been his son, he could not have treated me
with greater affection, whilo for my part I
did what lay in my power to lessen his
sufferings, for he would let no other phy
sician near him.
At length when ho had grown very fee
blo ho expressed a desire to see a notary.
Tho man ho named was sent for and re
mained closeted with him for an hour or
more, when ho left for awhile to return
with several o? his clerks, who accom
panied him to my master's room, from
whenco I was excluded. Presently they
04 went away, bearing some Darchinents
with them.
That evening Fonseca sent tor ma I
found him very weak, but cheerful and
full of talk.
"Como here, nephew," ho said. "I have
had a busy day. I havo been busy all my
Ufo through, and it would not be well to
grow idlo at tho last. Do you know what
Ihovo been doing this day?"
t ahook my head.
"I will tell you. I have been making
my will-thoro is something to leave-not
80 very much, but still something."
"Do not talk of wills," I said. "Itrust
that you may live for many years."
Ho laughed. "You must think badly
of my case, nephew, when you think that
I can bo deceived thus. I am about to
die, aa you know well, and I do not fear
death. My lifo has been prosperous, but
not happy, for it was blighted in its spring
-no matter how. Tho story is an old one
and not worth telling. Moreover, which
ever way lt had read, lt had all been one
now in tho hour of death. Nephew, lis
ten. Except certain sums that I havo giv
en to bo spent in charities-not in masses,
mind you-I have left you all I possess."
"You havo left it to mel" 1 said, as
tonished.
"Yes, nephew, to you. Why not? I
have no rolations living, and I have learn
ed to love you, I who thought that I could
never again caro for any man or woman
or child. I am grateful to you, who havo
?roved to mo that my heart is not dead,
'ake what I give you as a mark of my
gratitude,"
Now I began to stammer my thanks,
but ho stopped ma "Tho sum that you
will inherit, nephew, amounts in all to
about 5,000 gold pesos, or perhaps 12,000
of your English pounds, enough for a
young man to begin lifo on, even with a
wifa Indeed there in England it may well
bo held a great fortune, and I think that
your betrothod's father will mako no more
Objection to you as a so.i-in-law; also
there ls thia house and all that it contains.
Tho library and tho silver aro valuable,
and you will do well to keep them. And
DOW one word more. If your conscience
will let you, abandon tho pursuit of De
Garcia. Take your fortuno and go with
lt to England, wed that maid whom you
<leslre, and follow after happiness in what
ever way seems best to you. Who oro you
that you should mete out vengeance on
this knave Do Garcia? Let him ba and
be will avengo himself upon himself. Oth
erwl5' you may undergo much toll and
danjo'" and in tho end lose lovo and life
and fortuno at a blow."
"But I havo sworn to kill him," I an
swered, "and how can I break so solemn
an oath? How could I sit at home in peace
beneath tho burden of such shame?"
"I do not know. It is not for mo to
judga You must do as you wish, but
in the doing of it lt may happen that you
will fall into greater shames than this.
You havo fought the man, and ho has es
caped you. Let him go if you arc wise.
Now l)oud down and kiss me and bid me
farewell. I do not desire that you should
seo me die, and my death is near. I can
not tell if we shall meet again when in
your turn you havo laid as I lio now, or
if wo shape our course for different stare.
If so, farewell forever."
Then I leaned down and kissed him on
tho forehead, and aa I did so I wept, for
not till this hour did I learn how truly I
had como to love him, so truly that it
seemed to mo as though my father lay
there dying._ .
-weep DOC," ?o 'Balcl,' 'Tor'all oiir ure
ls but a parting. Once I luid a son liko
you, and ours was tho bitterest of fare
wells. Now I go to seek for him again
who could not come back to mc, so weep
not because I die, Goodby, Thomas Wing
field! May God prosper and protect youl
Now gol'
So I went weeping, and that night, bc
foro tho dawn, all was over.
I burled Andres do Fonseca, but with
no pomp, for ho had said that he wished
as littlo money as possiblo spent upon his
dead body, and returned to tho house to
meet thc notaries. Then tho seals wero
broken and tho parchments read, and I
was put in full possession of tho dead
man's wealth, and having deducted such
sums as wero payable for dues, legacies
and fees the notaries left me, bowing
humbly, for was I not rich? Yes, I was
rich. Wealth had como to me without ef
fort, and I had reason to desire it, yet
this was tho saddest night that I had pass
ed since I set foot in Spain, for my mind
Was filled with doubts and sorrow, and,
moreover, my loneliness got a hold of me.
But sad as it might bc it was destined to
seom yet more sorrowful befor? thc morn
ing, for as I sat making a pretense to
eat, a servant came to me, saying that a
woman waited in the outer room who had
asked to see his lato master. Guessing
that this was somo client who had not
heard of Fonseca's death, I was about to
order that sho should bo dismissed, then
bethought me that I might be of service
to her or at the least forget some of my
own trouble in listening to hers. So I
bade them bring her in. Presently she
came, a tall woman wrapped in a dark
cloak that hid her face. I bowed and mo
tioned to her to bo seated, when suddenly
sho started and spoke.
''I asked to seo Don Andres de Fonso
ca," she said in a low, quick voice. ''You
aro not he, senor. "
''Andres do Fonseca was buried today, "
I answered. "I was his assistant in his
business and am his heir. If I can serve
you ls any way, I ajn at your disposal."
"You are young-very young, ' ' she mur
mured confusedly, '"and thc matter is so
terrible and urgent How can I trust you?"
''It is for you to judge, seo ora."
Sho thought awhile, then drew off her
cloak, displaying the robes of a nun.
"Listen, " she said- "I must do many a
penance for this night's work, and very
She thought awhile, then threw off her
cloak.
hardly have I won lcavo to come hither
upon an errand of mercy. Now, I cannot
go back empty handed, so I must trust
you. But first swear by the blessed Mother
of God that you will not betray ma "
"I give you my word," I answered. "If
that ls not enough, let us end this talk.'''
"Do not be angry with mc, " she plead
ed. "I have not left my convent walls for
many years, and I am distraught with
grief. I 6cek a poison of the deadliest. I
will pay well for it. ' '
*'I am not the tool of murderers, " I an
swered. "For what purposo do you wish
the poison?"
"Oh, I must tell you-yet how can I?
In our convent there dies tonight a woman
young and fair-almost a girl indeed
who has broken tho vows she took. She
dies tonight with her babe-thus, O God,
thus!-by being built alive into the foun
dations of thc house she has disgraced. It
is the judgment that has been passed upon
her-judgment without forgiveness or re
prieve. I om thc abbess of this convent
ask not its namo or minc;-and I love this
sinner as though she were my daughter. I
have obtained this much of mercy for her
because of my faithful services to the
church and by 6ccrct influence-that when
I givo her the cup of water before the work
ls done I may mix poison with it aud touch
tho lips of tho babe with poison, so that
their end is 6wift. I may do this and yet
havo no sin upon my soul. I have my par
don under seal. Help me, then, to bo an
innocent murderess and to savo this sin
ner ?rom her last agonies on earth."
I cannot set down tho feelings with
which I listened to this tale of horror, for
words could not carry them. I stood aghast,
seeking an answer, and a dreadful thought
entered my mind.
"Is thi9 woman named Isabella do Sig
uenza?" I asked.
"That namo was hers in tho world,"
sho answered, "though how you know it
I cannot guess."
"We know many things in this house,
mother. Say, now, can this Isabella bo
saved by money or by interest?"
"It is impossible. Her sentence has boen
confirmed by thc tribunal of mercy. Sho
must die and within two hours. Will you
cot givo mo tho poison?"
"I cannot give it unless I know its pur
pose, mother. This may bo a barren tale,
and tho medicine might bc used in such a
fashion that I should fall beneath thc law.
At ono price only can I give it, and that
ls that I am there to see lt used."
She thought awhile and answered: "It
may be done, for as it chances tho word
ing of my absolution will cover it. But
you must come cowled as a prie st, that
those who carry out the sentence may
Wnow nothing. Still others will know,
and I warn you that should you speak of
thc matter you yourself will meet with
misfortune. The church avenges itself on
those who betray Its secrets, senor."
"As ono day its secrets will avengo
themselves upon tho church," I answered
bitterly. "And now let mc seek a fitting
drug-one that is swift, yet not too swift,
lest your hounds should see themselves
baffled of their prey before all their devil
try is donn. Hero is something that will
do tho work," and I held upa vial that
I drew from a case of such medicines.
"Come, veil yourself, mother, and let us
be gone upon this 'errand of mercy. ' "
Slie obeyed, and presently we left thc
house and walked swiftly through the
crowded streets till wo came to tho ancient
part of thc city along the river's edge.
Herc the woman led me to a wharf where
a boat was in waiting for her. Wc enter
ed it and were rowed for a mile or more
up thc stream till the boat halted at a
landing place beneath a high wall. Leav
ing it, wc came to ti door in tho wall on
which my companion knocked thrice.
Presently a shutter in thc woodwork was
drawn, and a white face peeped through
thc grating and spoke. My companion
answered in a low voice, and after somo
delay tho door was opened, and I found
myself in a largo walled garden planted
with orange trees. Then the abbess KjMike
to me.
"I have led you to our house," she said.
"If you know where you ar?! and what its
name maybe, for our own sake, I pray you,
forget it when you leave these doors."
I made no answer, but looked round In
the dim and dewy garden.
Here lt was doubtless that De Garcia
had met this unfortunate who must die
this night. A walk of a hundred paces
brought us to another door In tin-wall of
a long, low building of Moorish style.
Here tho knocking and tho questioning
were repeated at more length. Then the
dcor.was.cr.''"'-^ and.I found ourself In ?
passage, ii?-l'iS?iiru, long ?mu n?uxow, JU
the depths of which I could soo thc figures
ot* nuns Hitting to and fro Uko bats in ?
tomb. The abbess walked down thc pas
sage till she carno to a door on the ri ?bt,
winch she opened. It led into a cell, and
herc she left nie in the dark. For 10 min
utes or more I staid there, n prey to
thoughts that I had rather forget. At
length tho door opened again, and sho
came in, followed by a tall priest whoso
face I could not see, for he was dressed in
the white robe and hood of thc Dominicans,
that left nothing visible except Iiis eyes.
"Greeting, my son," ho said when ho
had scanned mc for awhile. ''Tho mother
abbess has told mo of your errand. You
aro full young for such a task."
"Were I old I should not love it better,
fatr .T. You know tho case. I am asked
to pr?vido a- deadly drug for a certain
merciful purpose. I havo provided that
drug, but I must be thero to 6co that it is
put to proper usc."
"You aro very cautious, my son. Tho
chxirch is no murderess. This woman
must die becatise her sin is flagrant, and
of late such wickedness has become com
mon. Therefore after much thought and
prayer and many searchings to find a
means of mercy she is condemned to death
by thoso whoso names aro too high to bo
spoken. I, alas, am hero to seo thc sen
tence carried out with a certain mitigation
which has been allowed by tho mercy of
her chief judge. It seems that your pres
enco is needful to this act of love; therc
foro I tuffcr it. The mother abbess has
warned you that evil dogs tho feet of thoso
who reveal tho secrets of thc church. For
your own sako I pray you to lay that
warning to heart."
"I am no babbler, father, so thc caution
is not needed. One word moro. This visit
should bo well feed; tho medicino is cost
ly."
"Fear not, physician," tho monk an
swered, with a note of scorn in his voice.
"Name your sum; it shall bc paid to you."
4'I ask no inoney, father. Indeed I
would pay much to bc far away tonight.
I ask only that I may be allowed to speak
with thi3 girl beforo she dies."
'"What!" ho said, starting. "Surelyyou
arc not that wicked man? If so, you aro
bold indeed to risk thc sharing of her fate. ' '
"No, father, I am not that man. I nev
er saw Isabella de Slguenza except once,
and I have never spoken to her. I ajn not
the man who tricked her, but I know
him. Ile is named Juan dc Garcia.
''Ah," ho said quickly, "she would never
tell his real name, even under threat of
torture. Poor erring soul, she could be
faithful in her unfaith. Of what would
you speak to her?"
"I wish to ask her whither this man has
gone. He is my enemy, and I would fol
low him ns I have already followed him
far. He has done worse b}' mc and minc
than by this poor girl even. Grant Jiiy re
quest, father, that I may bc able to work
my vengeance on him, and with mino tho
church's also."
""'Vengeance ls mine, ' saith thc Lord.
"I will repay.' Yet it maybe, son, that
thc Lord will choose you as the instru
ment of his wrath. An opportunity shall
bc given you to speak with her.? Now put
on this dress"-and he handed mc n white
Dominican hood and robe-'"and follow
mc."
"First," I said, "let me give (his medi
cine to the abbess, for I will have no hand
in its administering. Take it. motlier, and
when thc time comes pour the contents of
the vial into a cup of water. Then, hav
ing touched tho mouth and tongue of the
babe with thc fluid, give it to thc mother
to drink, and be sure that she docs drink
it. Before tho bricks are built up about
them both will sleep sound, never to wake
again."
"I will do it, " murmured thc abbess.
"Having absolution, I will be bold and do
it for love and mercy's sake!"
"Your heart is soo soft, sister. Justice
is mercy,"said thc monk, with a sigh.
"Alas, for the frailty of tho flesh that wars
against thc spirit!"
Then I clothed myself in the ghastly
looking dross, and they took lamps and
motioned to mc to follow them.
CHAPTER IX.
THE PASSING OF ISABELLA DE SIGUEXZA.
Silently we went down the long passage,
and as wo went I saw the eyes of thc dwell
ers in this living tomb watch us pass
through tho gratings of their cell doors.
Little wonder that tho woman about to dio
had striven to escape from such a homo
back to tho world of life and love! Yet for
that crime 6ho must perish. Surely God
?will remember tho doings of such men as
these priests and thc nation that fosters
them. And indeed he does remember, for
where is thc splendor of Spain today, and
where are the cruel rites she gloried in?
Herc in England their fetters aro broken
forever, and in striving to bind them fast
upon us freo Englishmen she is broken
also, never to be whole again.
At tho far end of a passage wc found a
stair, down which we passed. At its foot
was an iron bound door that tho monk un
locked and locked again upon thc farther
side. Then carno another passage hol
lowed in the thickness of tho wall, and a
second door, and wc wero in tho place of
death.
It was a vault low and damp, and tho
waters of the river washed its outer wall,
for I could hear their murmurings in tho
silence Perhaps thc place may havo
measured 10 paces in length by 8 broad.
For the rest its roof was supported by mass
ive columns, and on ono side there was a
second door that led to a prison cell. At
tho farther end of this gloomy den that
was dimly lighted by torches and lamps
two men with hooded hoads and draped in
coarse black gowns were at work silently
mixing lime that sent up a hot steam
upon thc stagnant air. By their sides
were squares of dressed stone ranged neat
ly against thc end of tho vault, and before
them was a nicho cut in thc thickness of
thc wall itself, shaped like a largo coflin
set upon its smaller end. In front of this
niche was placed a massive chair of chest
nut wood. I noticed also that two other
such coffin shaped niches had been cut in
this samo w:dl and filled In with similar
blocks of whitish stone. On tho face of
each was a dato graved in deep letters.
Ono luid been scaled up some 30 years be
fore and one hard upon a hundred.
Those men were thc only occupants of
tho vault when we entered it, but present
ly a sound of soft and solemn singing
stolo down the second passage. Then the
door was opened, the mason Jnonks ceased
laboring at tho heap of lime, and thc sound
of singing grew louder, so that I could
catch thc refrain. It was that of a Latin
hymn for thc dying. Next through tho
open door came the choir, eight veiled
nuns walking two by two, and ranging
themselves on either side of the vault they
ceased their singing. After them follow
ed the doomed woman, guarded by two
more nuns, and last of all a priest bearing
a crucifix. This man wore a black robe,
and his thin, half frenzied face was un
covered. All these and other things I no
ticed and rcincniljcred, yet at the time it
seemed to me that I saw nothing except
thc figure of the victim. 1 knew her again,
although I had seen her but once in tho
moonlight. She was changed indeed; her
lovely face was fuller, and tho great;, tor
mented eyes shone Uko stars against its
waxen pallor, relieved by tho carmino of
her lips alone. Still lt was the same face
that some months before I bad seen lifted
in entreaty to her false lover. Now her
tall shape was wrapped about with grave
clothes, over which her black hair stream
ed, und in her anns she bore u sleeping
babe that from time to time she pressed
convulsively to her breast.
On the threshold of her tomb Isabella
do Siguenzapaused and looked round wild
ly as though for help, scanning each of the
silent watchers to find a friend among
them. Then her eye fell upon the niche,
and tho bea]) of smoking lime, and the
men who guarded it, and she shuddered
and would have fallen had not those who
attended her led her to the chair and plac
ed her in it-n living corpse.
Now thc dreadful rites began. The Do
minican father stood before her and recit
ed her offense and tho sentence which
had been passed lipon her, which doomed
her "to bo left alone with God and tho
child of your sin, that he may deal with
you ns lie sees fit." [Lestsuch cruelty
should seem impossible and unprecedent
ed, the writer may mention that in tho mu
seum of thc city of Mexico he hos seen tho
desiccated body of a young woman which
was found immured in thc walls of a reli
gious building. With it is the body of an
infant. Although the exact cause of her
execution remains a matter of conjecture,
UU? ,. 1... .... ;V.uVt ~ /.
"ul her death, lui- ni "aikli?o? to otncr evi
dences the marks of tho rope with which
lier limbs WCXO bound in lifo aro distinct
ly visible. Such in those days wero thc
mercies of religion!]
To all of this she seemed to pay no hood
nor to tho exhortation that followed. At
length ho ceased, with a sigh, and turning
to mc said:
"Draw nearer to this sinner, brother,
and speak with her before it is coo late."
Then he bado all present gather them
selves at the far end of thc vault that our
talk might not bo overheard, and they did
so without wonder, thinking doubtless
that I was a monk sent to confess thc
doomed woman.
So I drew near, with a beating heart,
and bending over her 1 spoko in her car.
''Listen to me, Isabella do Sigucnza!" I
said, and as I uttered thc name sbo start
ed wildly. "Where is that Do Garcia who
deceived and deserted you?"
"Howhave you learned his true name?"
she answered. ''Not even torturo would
have wrung it from mc, as you know. ' '
'.I am no monk, and I know nothing. 3
am that man who fought with De Garcia
on tho night when you wcro taken, and
who would have killed him had. you not
seized mo."
"At tho least I saved, him-that is my
comfort now!"
"Isabella do Sigucnza," I said, "lam
your friend, thc best you ever had and tho
last, as you shall learn presently. Tell mo
whero this man is, for thcro is that be
tween us which must bc settled."
''If you arc my friend, weary mo no
moro. I do not know whero ho is. Months
ago ho went; whither you will scarcely fol
low, to tho farther Indies, but you will
never And him there."
"It may be that I shall, and if it should
so chance, say, have you any mcssago for
this man?"
"None;-yes, this: Tell him how wo
died, his child and Iiis wife. Tell him that
I did my best to hide his name from tho
priests lest some like fa to should, befall
him."
''Is that all?"
) "Yes-no, it is not nil. Tell him that I
passed away loving and forgiving."
''My time is short," I said. "Awako
nnd listen." For having spoken thus she
seemed to bc sinking into a lethargy. "I
was thc assistant of that Andres do Fonse
ca whose counsel you put aside to your
ruin, and I have given a certain drug to
thc abbess yonder. When she offers you
the cup of water, sec that you drink and
drink deep, you and thc child. If so, nono
shall ever die more happily. Do you un
derstand?"
'.Yes, yes," she gasped, "and may bless
ings rest upon you for thc gift. Now I am
no moro afraid, for I have long desired to
die-it was tho way I feared."
"<4'hen farewell, and God be with you,
unhappy woman. "
"Farewell, " she answered softly, "but
call me not unhappy who am about to dio
thus cosily with that I love." And sho
glanced at the sleeping baba
Then I drew back and stood with bent
head, speaking no word. Now thc Domin
ican motioned to all to toke tho places
whero they stood before and asked her,
"Erring sister, havo you aught to say be
fore you are silent forever?"
"Yes,"slie answered In a clear, sweet
voice that never even quavered, so bold
had she become since she learned that her
death would he swift and easy. "Yes, I
"Erring sister, have you aiiqht to say be
fore you a. " i -fient forever?"
have this to say-that I go to my end with
a clean heart, for if I have, sinned it is
against custom and not against God. I
broko thc vows indeed, but ? was forced to
take those vows, and therefore they did
not bind. I wad a woman born for light
and love, and yet I was thrust into tho
darkness of this cloister, thcro to wither
dead in life. And so I broke thc vows, and
I am glad that I have broken them, though
it has brought mc to this. If I was de
ceived and my marriage is no marriage be
fore thc law, as they tell mc now, I knew
nothing of it; therefore to mo it is still
valid and holy, and on my soul there rests
no sin. At the hast I have lived, and for
sonic few hours I have been wife and
mother, and it is as well to die swiftly in
this cell that your mercy has prepared as
moro slowly in.thosc above. And now for
you-I tell you that your wickedness
shall find you out, you who dare to say to
God's children, 'Ye shall not love,' and
to work murder on them because they will
not listen. It shall find you out, I say,
and not only you, but the church you serve.
Both priest and church sholl bo broken to
gether and shall be a scorn in thc mouths
of men to come."
''She is distraught," said thc Domini
can as a sigh of fear and wonder went
round tho vault, "and blasphemes inlier
madness. Forget her words. Shrive her,
brother, swiftly, ere sho adds to them."
Then tho black robed, keen eyed priest
came to her, and holding the cross before
her face began to mutter I know not what.
Dut she arose from thc chan: and thrust
tho crucifix aside.
''Peace!" she said. "I will not bc shriv
en by such OS you. I take my sins to God
and not to yon-you who do murder in
tho name of Christ!"
The fanatic heard, and a fury took him.
"Then go unshrivon down to hell, you
-, " and ho named herby ill names and
struck her in tho faco with the ivory cru- j
eifbe.
Tho Dominican bado him cease Iiis ro
vilings angrily enough, but Isabella dc
Sigucnza wiped lier bruised brow aiftl
laughed aloud a dreadful laugh to hear.
"Now I see that you are a coward also,"
she said. ''Priest, this is my last prayer,
that you may also perish at tho hands of
fanatics and moro terribly than I die to
night."
Then they hurried her into tho placo
prepared for her, and she spoke again:
"Give me to drink, for wo thirst, my
babe and I!"
Now I saw the abbess enter that passage
whence the victim had been led. Presently
6hc came back bearing a cup of water in
her hand and with Jt a loaf of bread, and
I knew by her mien that my draft was in
thc water. Hut of what befell afterward
I cannot say certainly, for I prayed thc
Dominican to open the door by which we
had entered tho vault, and passing through
lt I stood dazed with horror at some dis
tance. Awhile went by, I do not know
how long, till at length I saw thc abbess
standing before me, a lantern In her hand,
and she was sobbing bitterly.
"All ls done," she said. "Nay, havo no
fear, the draft worked well. Before ever
a stone was laid mother and child slept
sound. Alas for her soul who died unre
pentant, und nnshriven I" "
RF. CONTI"VED.]
SOUTH CAROLINA COLLEGE,
COLUMBIA, S. C.
Session Begins Sept 25th, 1804.
Nine regular courses, willi Diplomas.
Special courses, willi Certificates. Re
quirements for admisiion mod i lied.
Hoard $8 a month. Total necessary ex
penses for the year (exclusive of trav
elling, ?riot liing, and books) from $112
to $ir?-j. Send for Announcement.
For further in format ion address the
President,
_JAMES WOODROW.
Subscribe to tho Edgefield Ai?
VERTI BER.
I THE STANDARD, \
j DURANG'S
? *
? Hit"? Kistalnuo Its reputation forlSyeors ^
* :is being toe standard remedy for the ?
4? ijuici-' un I perm.aiicnt euro of Rheuma- ?
tusa, Oout.Sciatica, ste., In nil its forms. A
?ft It is endorsed by thousands of Puysi- ?
<S clans. Publishers ?nd Patients. It is Q
.? purely vegetable and builds up from the ?
. first dose, lt never fails to cure. ?
? Prieu ls one dollar a bottle, or six ?
V- bottles for li vu dollars. Our tu-pagePam
? phlet seut Free by Mull. Address, <v
I Durand's Rheumatic Remedy Co, |
5 1316 L Street.WasHinoton, D.C. |
Y Durang'* TAvrr I'HISHTC the best on Y
? earth. They act willi an e?usc that makes Y
X them a household blessing.
? PRICE 26 CT3. PEP. BOX, or B BOXES FOR $1. ?
X TOR SALE 27 DRUGGISTS. ?
JACOB'S PHARMACY CO.,
Wholesale Agents,
Atlanta, Ga.
1
The
Question
of Life Assurance is not "Can
yon afford it ? " but " Can you
afford to do without it? "
WOODWARDS, S. C., July 3,1S93.
Mr.W.J. RODDEY, Rock Hill, S. C.
Dear Sir: - I have before me a
statement of thc various options of
fered in settlement of my maturing
Tontine policy in tile Equitable Life
Assurance Society. I have con
cluded to ' accept the surplus and
continue the policy. The results are
highly satisfactory and I heartily
commend the Equitable Society and
thc Tontine system insurance as
practiced by it, to persons desiring
safe and profitable life insurance.
Yours respectfully, T. S. BRICE.
The above letter is bu.: one
selected from many received
from happy policyholders in the
Equitable Life
It's a word to the wise-a con
vincing proof to the doubtful.
For full particulars address
W. J. RODDEY, Manager,
Department of the Carolinas,
ROCK HILL, S. C.
Elect Delegates.
THE Democratic clubs of Edgetield
county are hereby notified that
I hey are expected to send delegates to
the County Convention which meets
on 1st Monday of August prox. Presi
dents of clubs will call their clubs to
gether and elect delegates to the con
vention and au executive committee
man, on or before 28th inst.
W. II. TI MM ER MAX,
Chair. E. C. E. Com.
HUMPHREYS'
Dr. Humphrey**' SpccHIm arc scientifically and
carefully prepared Kemedles, med for years lu
private practico and for over thirty years hy tho
people with entire success. Every single Specific
a special cure for the disease named.
They cure without drugging;, purging or reducing
the system and aro In fact and deed the Sovereign
Remedies of thc World.
KO. emu, miora.
1-Fevers, Congestions,Inflammations.. .25
ii-Worm H, Worm Fever, Worm Colic.25
3- Teething? Colic, Crying, Wakefulness .25
4- Diarrhea, of Children or Adults.25
7-Coughs, Colds, I?rouchltis.25
5- Neiirnlgia, Toothache, Faceache..25
9-Headaclics, Sick Headache, Vertigo.. .25
10- DyspcpHia, Biliousness, Constipation. .25
11- Suppressed or Painful Periods... .25
12- Whites, Too Profuse Periods.25
13- Cronp, Laryngitis, Hoarseness.25
14- Salt Rheum, Erysipelas. Eruptions.. .25
15- Rheumatism, Rheumatic Pains.25
16- Malaria, Chills, Fever and Ague. .25
19- Catarrh, Influenza, Cold in tho Head. .25
20- Whooping Cough.'?5
27-Kidney Diseases.25
2S-Nervous Debility.1.00
30-Urlnary Weakness, Wotting Ped.. .25
HUMPHREYS' WITCH HAZEL OIL,
"The Pile Ointmcnt."-Trlal Size, 25 Cu.
Sold br DruKfflit*, or ?nt pn.t-pnld OD receipt of price
Ds. HUUPMBETS' MANUAL (lMptgaa,) MAILKD MICK.
HCBFURKTS' 31 KI). CO., Ill Alli Willina St., NEW TOBE.
S P E C~i~F~ICS.
^" I M ._. mm - ? II i i il
. L. DOUGLAS
S3 SHOE* NO SOU E A KIN G.
$5. CORDOVAN,
FRENCH&ENAMEL1EDCALF.
$4-.*3s? FlNEGALF&K?fJGAROl
$3.sp POLICE^ SOLES.
?oSj>.*2-WORKINGMEN*
EXTRA FINE. l*
*2.*I7^BOYSSCHOOLSHQES.
.LADIES
" SEND FOR CATALOGUE
WL'DOUGLAS,
BROCKTON, ALAS3.
Yon can eave money by purchasing W. L.
Douglas Shoes,
Because, we are the largest manufacturers ol
advertised shoes in the world, and guarantee
the value by stamping the name and price on
the bottom, which protects you against high
prices and the middleman's profits. Our shoes
equal custom work in style, easy fitting and
wearing qualities. We have them sold every
where at lower prices for the value given than
any other make. Take no substitute. If your
dealer cannot supply you, we can. Sold by
cr. nyc. COBB
EDGEFIELD, S. C.
T.X.L For
It Cures
RHEUMATISM". NEURALGIA,
TOOTHACHE, (.RIP, AND
COLD IN ALL ITS FORMS,
CUTS, SO RE 8, BRUISES,
SPRAINS, LAMENESS.
It :il\v:iys relieves when properly applied.
SOLD BY AL?L? DRUGGISTS.
PRICE 25 CENTS.
Prepared by T. X. L. CO.
C. M. DEMPSEY, Manager
230 Main St., Columbia, S. C.
We are thoroughly and
completely equipped for the
execution of Job Work of
all kinds, and we are mak
ing special rates on I
Drop us a Postal, giving
the number of Tickets you
want, and the office for
which you are a candidate,
and we will have your
tickets ready for you when
you come to town.
Address all orders to
THE ADVERTISER,
Edgefield, S. 0.
)
Important Announcement
TO THE BEADERS OF
THE ADVERTISER,
We have made arrangements with the publishers of
To supply the consecutive weekly parts of this ?reat serial at
10 CENTS oi One Coli Per Mg
The publisher's price is 25 cents, but we are determined to give
the readers of the ADVERTISER the same advantages that are offered
by the large city dailies, and accordingly, at considerable sacrifice on
our part, we have arranged to supply ."OUR OWN COUNTRY," oh
the above terms.
Tlie First Coupon will le MM Heit Ml M. ont for it.!
Now save your coupons and dimes, for we have just what you
want: "OUR OWN COUNTRY," represented in more than
500 Splendid &? foitafiil Photographs aid Bescriptions.
The grandest and most wonderful thing you ever saw. Published
in 20 consecutive numbers for only IO cents each. First number ready
next week.
Every family in America wants and nepds/'OUR OWN COUN
TRY," and it is a splendid present to send to your friends across the
ocean. .
It is the Story of Our Country and Its People.
It is America Photographed, Reflected, Pictured, and Described from
Alaska to Florida and from Main to Texas. It is not all
Scenery, nor all Houses and Streets, but it ia America
as you would see it Reflected in a Mirror.
Everything in America and America in Everything.
History, Geography, Scenic Wonders, Famous Places, Glorious Land
scapes; Everything About America, American Scenery, American
Homes and Home Life, Celebrated Historical Localities, the
Indians and their Surroundings, Wild Western Scenes,
Character Sketches Photographed, Our Great Battle
fields and their Monuments, Homes of Celebrated
People, Places where Great Events have Oc
curred in Our Country's Histoiy ; Won
derful^ and Gloriously BeauTi
ful Beyond all Conception. ---
Grand, Superior,
and Splendid !
Majestic Mountains, Roaring Cataracts, Waterfalls more Wondrously
Beautiful than a Poet's Dream, Bewildering Canons, Charming .
Valleys, Picturesque Lakes, Famous Caverns, Spouting Gey
sers, Grinding Glaciers, Expansive Prairies, Evergreen
Forests Scented with the Pineapple and the Orange;
Everything that is Necessary to Compose a
Complete and Splendid
PICTURESQUE AMERICA.
At the end of the regular series of 20 numbers there will be a
Special Grand Portfolio of Water-Colors,
representing such famous scenery as the great Natural Bridge of Vir
ginia; the Falls near Warm Springs, Va; Niagara Falls ; the Grand
Canan of the Colorado in all its wonderful and glorious colorings;
scenery in the Rocky Mountains, in the Blue Ridge and Alleghany
Mountains ; characteiistic Southern scenery, etc ; all reproduced in Ihe
?WATER COLORS^
by the new and beautiful Solar Printing Process. A sample of these
elegant colored views will be enclosed with each copy of Portfolio No
4. Be sure to get this Number.
We spend hundreds and thousands of dollars in educating our
children, but all the books that were ever written about American peo
ple do not reflect and reproduce them like these magnificent Portfolios
of "OUR OWN COUNTRY." We can not all afford to travel and see
the wonders and beauties of our native land, but for a few cents you can
possess a perfect photographic reproduction of Every Part of America,
accompanied by a continuous and splendidly written description,
Rpiced with adventures, anecdotes, legends, stories of heroism, great
historical events, and Nature's most marvelous wonders.
I "Cur own Gouotufl."-eoupoo IJfl. 1
SEDGEFIELD ADVERTISER.?
^ Clip "ut this coupon, enclose it in an envelope with to CENTS IX
i SILVER (no stamps), and address it to t
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j or senil direct tn the publisher of t.iis paper, n.nd thc Kamber of ?'OUR ?j
h O^VN COUNTRY" giren ?bove will he forwarded to jour address by H
H return mall. Don't write anything on this coupon except your address. S
B 8
0 Xame.fl
S' s
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?? State.
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