Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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THB WEEKLY LEDGER: GAFFNEY, S. C., NOVEMBER 7, ISM. n <y ( s S l i l , *'Z v . , , -Sr -*F CotrwbSf art ^ ^ Arfl what a home! A tine stone-front mansion standing in spacious grounds with all the luxurious surroundings that wealth could accomplish. "Now,” said this gracious lady, when they were indoors, “I want you really to feel that you have cmno home.” "You are too kind." The poor, friend less fellow cculd not keep back the tear from his eye. "We are an old childless couple,” she continued, "and you were so good to toy Marcus, the best husband woman ©rer had. He says again and again that if it had not been for you he would have died. Ohl” she added, earnestly, "you do not know how precious a life you saved.” “Really, my dear lady, you exagger ate my services,” Grey remonstrated, feeling really uncomfortable at the warmth of her gratitude. "I would have done for anyone else what—" x "Oh, yes; I know you would. That it Just it. Now, tell me, are your parents living?” "No; they are dead.* 1 "Your relations?” "I have none—at least none who have ever acknowledged me, and, as they are rich and I am poor, I suppose I may say that I am quite alone in the world.” "The old story," she sighed. “I graduated at an eastern college, then drifted west." "And none to love you?” "No relation.” "Ah, I understand—nay, do not blush, though the color Is very becom* Ing to your cheeks. Now, Mr. Grey, I wanted to ask a favor of yoq.” “Be assured it will be granted." “I want you to try hard to love me Just one little bit.” "No need to try, dear Mrs. Wood- E rovo; no one could be in the same ouso with you amt ijot love you.” "That is very prettily spoken, Mr. Grey, so 1 will reward your gallantry by dismissing you to your own chamber till we meet at lunch.” The thing Grey Aid when he found himself in the K>litude of his room was t-e write a long letter to Jack Wilders, a pleasure lie liud denied him- pelf during his long disappointments in Chicago—for now with u clear con science lie could beg the honest pros pector to tell him nil the newa of Ore- town. Little did he think that while he was basking in the sun of prosperity, the cold clouds of troulilo were hanging over the head of the girl he loved dearer than life itself. CHAPTER XtIL elsie siTBrmsus EVEarnoDY. You may be sure there was a pretty commotion outside the pit-mouth,, when Jack and Blsie were brought to the surface. Millie was there, pale as ashes, but tearless and full of resolu tion. Mrs. Whitford and a score of other women were ready at hand with their services; for, alas, frequent acci dent had familiarized the women folk to sights of suffering, as the clang of the ambulance bell was often heard in the land. Elsie was carried home, where she lay on a sofa propped with pillows, un dergoing a cross-examination by her 990 HR —•wise. The maiden has shown a dl»- creiion V-youd her years.” 1 * chi. rcnolved as a matter of treof »h > , i ) "God Dless her—yes, the oest wile in ie world,” tlie prospector muttered, as md tor closed upon the two worn m. "Y > i see. dear,” Millie sail, when ‘ho i' •A- Cl 1 Hi wd h . - i. .>ju.. v.as Liiioiijg iicr sicu has- bi.nd. To her surprise but little objection vt.s made to the proposition, and even what little there was was overruled by Dodd, who evinced the greatest desire to curry favor with her Before she left home, however, she determined to come to an understand ing with him, and the opportunity of fered itself that very day. "Mr. Dodd, one word with you,” she said, abruptly, for trouble had made Elsie more self-reliant. "With pleasure, my dear child.” This very unctuously. “I wanted to tell you that I did rec ognize the man who came first tc the spot near the rocks on Thursday.” "Oh no, my dear child, you did not. You denied that you had done so in the presence of two witnesses.” “Ah!” “Now for my part, Elsie, I am con vinced that the whole scene of the rocks was an hallucination of a slightly disordered mind. You see you suffered afterwards a great mental strain and—” “Villain t” “Tush, tush! Do not profane your pretty lips by fashioning ugly words. You probably did hear two passers-by mention the fact that they had seen Mi*. Wilders go down the mine, and knowing its deplorable condition, yon very heroically — as for those sawn rungs—” "Well!” "There Is ample proof that they wei a cut more than a month ago.” “You have prepared your defense well, sir.” “My defense! What are you thinking of, child?” “But,” she added, impressively, heed less of his mocking interruption, "if that man I speak of ever molests or annoys me by word or deed, I shall without another word of warning de nounce him.” “And I should think that he would appreciate your discretion and give you no cause to regret such an exceedingly wise resolution.” “That will do, sir; we understand each other.” "MB. GBBY, OF CHICAGO?” foster parents, while Archibald Dodd stood glowering m the background, •ying the unfortunate girl malevolent ly but with the air of one who is not quite certain of the trend of events. "I was sitting behind a rock,” Elsie began slowly, “when %^man ap proached, wh® stood close to mo—why, 1 could almost Lave touched him.” “Did you recognize him?" Dodd leaned forward and asked eagerly. Elsie paused. Trouble was teaching her discretion. So, looking straight into Dodd's eyes, she said with a mean ing that he could understand: "I cannot say that I recognized him.” “This man was joined by another—a tall, slouching person, who talked with him for several minutes.” Dodd asked gently: "You heard what they ftid, dear child?” "Every word.” "Ah!” "Yes. Their conversation divulged a plot to murder Wilders by sending hhn on a fool’s errand down into the bottom of the mine, where one of-them, hired to do it by the otlikr, had half cut Into the rungs of the lowest ladder.” "The dastardly villains!" cried the corporal, now keenly interested. "Well, what then, lass?” "Oh, you’ve heard the rest. I went down to him and 1 suppose I saved his life.” “And a bravo lass thou art,” the cor poral cried, exultingly. "The whole country will be talking o’ thy pluck." Then Dodd said ver^r significantly: "Brave—and what is better than bravo Elsie met with a warm welcome at the Wilders’. Millie was hysterical in her gladness to clasp her in her arms, calling her the preserver of her Jack, who sadly spoiled the poetry of the in terview by calling from his sick room to the young women to let him share the joy of Elsie’s advent. “Oh, you brave darlin’,” ho said, with a tear running down his bronzed check. "1 ain’t no groat shakes on speechifyin’, but when I think that but for you I should have bean now in kingdom- come, never have seen Millie nor the lit tle kid again, never—confound it, wife, what are yer blubberin’ at—why, what 1 mean ter say is you’ve got a friend fer life in Jack Wilders, who won’t fail you in the hour of need." Then Elsie, all blushes, with a desire to turn the torrent of the man’s grati tude, modestly remarked: “You are looking batter than I ex pected.” "Oh, I’m tough as hickory, Elsie. The doctors did kind o’ rasp me around, but I’ve pulled through in spite o’ them.” “And with good nursing you’ll soon be well.” __ fu- lection on his wife, to whom his words were sweeter than honey, “that’s what I want. Millie ain’t up to much in that line; she don’t worry an’ fret an’ cry her eyes, an’ sit by a feller's bedside for sixty hours at a stretch wi’out tailin’ a wink of sleep—not much she don’t. Oh, no!" "Millie knows that what’s good for nothing never comes to harm,” the gratified wife saucily replied. "Millie is overworked,” Elsie said, seriously, “and I am come to share her labors. That is to say, if you will have me.” Have her! They were wild with joy at the prospect. Millie kissed her fond ly, and Jack said he would wait till ho got well and that tiresome wife of his was out of the way before he followed suit, whereupon Mrs. Wilders declared her solemn intention of sending to Chi cago for a divorce and resigning her position in the prospector’s cottage forthwith. “But where’s the little boy?” Elsie asked, presently, when the excitement of the meeting had sobered down a little. “Ask her,” Jack said, pointing to his wife. "That unnafral female sent him off to his grandmother at Marquette.” "Only for a day or two, to be out of the way,” Millie explained. “Bull scotched her heartless scheme; the little chap’s on his way bad: home.” "The great silly couldn’t be without his boy for even a couple of days,” the wife .said, laughing. “Now, Elsie, we must not let the invalid talk any more. You, sir, go to sleep and show 4 ■***! F*1 % ; L / “MK. DODD, ONE WOBL WITH YOU.” •ome desire to please the best wlf® In this wicked world.” lt» ole.v ,;tlt lij rv.n l.'i V of :!.e pretty home hud bivmghi Jh. co’or -u •’<£ to her cheeks and elasticity to her steps, but Millie was in trouble about her young friend for all that. The fact was she was mystified, and as she could not read the puzzle jumped like a woman to a wrong conclusion. Elsie Whitford was receiving letters— letters from a distance, which she read in her chamber and never discussed even with her bosom friend; ergo, this young woman argued, she is correspond ing surreptitiously with some man, and who could that man be but Frank Grey? And the good little creature was considerably harassed by the dis covery. Yet that very night Elsie spoke. "Millie,” she said, “I want to tell yon a secret.” Mrs. Wilders’ eyes flashed suspicion at once. "A secret, Elsie?” she asked, coldly. "Yes, dear; and I want you to prom ise that you’ll never breathe it to a liv ing soul." "Well—er—that sounds very myste rious.” "Will you promise?" "No!” “What! I cannot understand you rightly.” Elsie’s big eyes looked won- j deringly as though she could not have caught the meaning of the emphatic monosyllabic. "Now, Elsie, may I ask you a ques tion?” Mrs. Wilders gravely asked. “Why certainly—of course.” "You were great friends with Mr. Grey?” "Ah, yes, indeed, but those happy days are passed.” "You thought a great deal of him?” “How could I help it? So good, so generous, so self-denying. Millie, I owe him more than words can tell. lie found me a crude, ignorant girl, with | no appreciation of the good and beauti- ' ful, no taste for books, no care for self- improvement, no ambition. He left me—” “Head over heels in love with him," I laughed Millie. “That’s the worst of , .i .isome young men with a tas e fi,j lileiViUire.” Elsie’s head drooped and a uimso;. blush suffused her cheeks. "I think I did love him,” she sighed "Did!” “Well, then, I do love him—to me lie- is a king, a prince, a demigod.” "My gracious goodness! What a piece of inflammable tow the child is.” “And what is your question, Millie?” "Is a very simple one. Have you heard from Mr. Grey since he left Ore- town?” “I heard from himl No, Indeed, ha has long ago forgotten me. What could such a man as lie see in a girl like me to keep me in his memory, much less to trouble himself to write- -" “If lie were not as stupid as an owl he would have seen one of the sweet est girls that man’s eyes ever rested on. So you have never heard from him?” "Not a word.” "Then, dearest Elsie, the clouds are cleared away, and I can keep your se cret, that is, if I may share it with Jack." “That is of course. Do you think, you stupid, that I ever fancied you could keep a secret from Jack?” "Well, now for the mystery—1 <jo like mysteries.” -■ “PiLWSfc •fGmember, Millie, the two Ladies who stayed a week at our house a year ago—the strangers from New York, who owned so many shares in the Buffalo mine?” "Oh, yes; they captivated Jack, and he gave them a lot of mineral speci mens.” “Well, they took quite a fancy to me, and, if mother had not made so strong an objection, would have taken me back to New York with them then." "Ah, and you have been correspond ing with them—I see it all." "I have. I have asked them to offer me a temporary home.” "Elsie Whitford!” "What else could I do? Misunder stood by father and mother, persecuted by a scoundrel with whom they are in fatuated, what resource have I left?” "This is very serious, Elsie. Have you the means to go—but that is a sec ondary consideration, for, of course, Jack—” "Thanks, dear friend, but I have no designson Jack’s generosity. To-day I received from Mrs. Baxter a draft for the expense of the journey and a loving renewal of her offers." "Surely, Elsie, this great New York lady cannot be conniving at your leav ing your home surreptitiously?” "There’s the trouble. You see I said in my letter that I was suddenly de prived of the care of my natural pro tectors, and I sadly fear she labors un der the delusion that they arc dead.” "Naturally.” "What must I do? I will not remain at home.” There was stern resolution in the young voice. "Why, stay with us, of course.” "No, Millie, it cannot be. A yearn ing for a change of life and scene burns in me like a fever. I have long ings, aspirations—ah, you cannot un derstand.” "Well, you’ll at least consult Jack.” "I will.” And Jack promptly decided that whatever Elsie said or did was right, and that the Whitford?, who hud made her miserable for “that lop-carod scal awag, Dodd,” deserved no considera tion from sensible people; however, Elsie was spared the humiliation of sur reptitious flight, for site chanced to meet her Itte n»ir in the street and said to him, boldly and abruptly: "Mrs. Baxter, of New York—my another will know who I mean—has Invited me to pay her a long visit and has sent me u bank dre't for my ex penses. I look to you to get me per mission to go.” And tb* uwvettd Uwaa-ataatlAB earn*. and Elsie Whitford set out tor XSew York, exultant at freeing herself from the wretchedness of her surroundings, and with her young hea t beating with hope for the future. CHAPTER XIV MR. l'<! IM> FT IVXt*. • i • • . .i •■. ' < ii , ■ l. 1 ' nT. I< ! ■ uh< UH d sue ,• .i ■ let-. :.', as h • was poE-Jiiag hi.. •. so. lier-h; ,:do ■, with soap and water, over a big tub in his back yard. “Missus! There’s some one a-hammerin’ away at the front door —can’t you hear ’un?” “Some dratted bool: agent,Oi reckon,” remarked the angry dame, as she put aside her irons and hurried to answer the summons. But the good woman had no sooner drawn back the door, with mouth al ready open to give the intruder un im patient reception, than she gave a little shriek of astonishment that startled the corporal in the back kitchen. "Why Jacob Gregson!” sbe gasped, when breath would coma. Yes, it was he. "Your dearly beloved cousin sure enough,” the irrepressible visitor ejaculated, seizing her liand and wring ing it effusively. "Do you take me for a spook, Bess?” “Oi’m welly addled wi’ wonder at seein’ yer." "Then I’ll invite myself in, as you don’t seem to have wits cnougli left to be polite.” "Aye, coom in, do.” “Ah, this is comfortable. Well, where’s the gallant corporal an’ how’s Elsie?” he cried, as lie flung himself without ceremony into an arm-chair. “He’s a cleanin’ hisself, lie be.” Then running out she broke the extraordi nary tidings of the new arrival to her husband. “Who dost thou think bo a-settin’ i’ our house-room?” "Elsie come back?” "No, indeed. There, thou’lt never guess. It be none other than Jacob Gregson.” “Then all I can say,” remarked the corporal slowly, as he dried ins face on the huckaback towel, "is that another scoundrel is added to the criminal pop ulation of this much-suffering coun try." "Oh, hush. Oi dunuot loike to treat moi own flesh-an’-blood thatta way— asoidcs. he looks weil-fettled, an’ Oi shouldna wonder but lie be coom to p :• yc ail the gowd he's owcu theo ihL& mony a year.” “Well, if the pill’s gilded I had better swallow it, though it goes against the grain to welcome such a dog into the house.” With thisinhospitibie speech th'* cor poral donned his coat an I stumped into the presence of hi, v'mkor, who little knew how warm a reception lie was es caping. “Here he is!” laughed-.I:; oh jovially extending both hands to his impassive kinsman. "Large us life nn’twice as natural. Tip us your dipper, old chap, for it does me good to see you.” But the corporal’s right hand was behind ins back and his features wore no smile. "Why have you left Elsie's board- bill unpaid all these years? Have you brought the money in your hand now you have come?” “I didn't pay it be -mse I couldn’t,” was the dogged reply. "I’ve brought a hundred pound ; now for you. if th:)’ will satisfy you.” “And that is ninety-’.ine pounds nineteen shilling; and twelve pence raorp than 1 ever expected iu gel, so I viiink—yes, I think I may shake hands with you.” It is astonishing what a change in the aspect of affairs a little ready money produces in a pinched house hold. Hardly had Gregson handed over to tlie corporal twenty five-pound notes than a genial atmosphere pre- vaded the room. Whit ford's broad faeo beamed with smiles,while his wife with true Derbyshire instinct set about spreading the table for dinner. The day passed pleasantly. Jacob was quite satisfied with the explana tion of Elsie's absence in New York— nay. was even glad, for it suited bis in terests better. But towards evening the guest grew a little inquisitive. “You’ve a boarding-house sign out side. Have you any boarders?” he asked. TO RE COMINI EI) NEXT WEEK. FnlG the Anwrchlii*. "Business is booming,” said the ni.r.rc Ids!, a* he hoard thi explosion of his infernal machine at a safe dis- tanc X. Y. World. fa ■l •« uu readily Onc '■'ort rf rl-htnew% Wilberfore,' v .i ’ i Dinsmor® brighi v rl. Gild Fctr.t’. !• . .; ’ ; s* *„■ Hem's TM*j. V.’e offer one hundred dollars re- i ward for any ease of Catarrh that ! cannot ho cured by Hall’s Catarrh i Cure. F. J. CHENEY A CO., Props., To- ! ledo, <). We the undersigned have knowti J F. .J. Cheney for the lust lo years, and believe him perfectly honorable in all business transactions and financially able to carry out any obligation made by their firm. West A 1 max, Wholesale Drug gists, Toledo,O. W aiding, Kinnan A Marvin, Wholesale Druggists, To ledo, O. Hall's Catarrh Cure is tukcu in ternally, acting directly upon the blood and mucous surfaces of the system. Price Toe. per bottle. .Sold by all Druggists. Testimonials fret PROTECTION from the grip, . Pneumonia, diphtheria, fever and epHtenjir* i* given i,\ ii :<!'*. ^rsfloa- r '■ ’* ' •' ' Ll^OD. R I P A-N-S ul fT ' — u® J The modem stand- (U a ard Family Medi- cine: Cures the UJ > common every-day 5 ills of humanity. u z o _ Wn- FOR Up-to-Date Job Prii ing, cal!att| LEDGER Office. Exclusive Groeerv Th< fact timt ° urs is au < UAVIUJIIVJ UIVUOI j. cery store enables us the more bettoL to keep up with the market in our particular line, therefore (1 ser\ice must he better thun that oi our competitors. Heavy at I'nnev Groceries etc. constantly on hand. Your patronage ia so* licited. Respectfully, *r»ni Orotjer®.*' *Tp/-v Ibis week I desire to call your attention to ^ ^ the fact that I have just received a fresh sup ply of New Crop Raisins, Citrons, Cleaned • Currants and everything necessary for baking cakes, also a big line ol nice Fruits, Jams, Preserves, &c., which I will sell at very low prices. I also have the nicest Patent Flour || for cake baking to be found in the city. Call for “Pinnacle'i. flour, Armour’s Hams, Sausage and Lard constantly in stock. Come to Headquarters for anything you need and save money. Yours Truly, Paul V. Gaffney. Hyman’s sweet mixed pickles—the tinest. HARDWARE! HARDWARE! I Axes, Belting, Roping, Feed Cutters, Bolts, Nails, Guns, Shells, Cartridges! Pocket Cutlery, Table Cutlery, Tea spoons, Tablespoons, and what you don't see call for. Smith Hardware C». CLOTHISG! CLOTHIKG!! CLOTHINO!!! A complete line of suits, $.9.00 to $19,110. Overcoats $;j.9U to $12.50. Mclntoshes. pants, gents underwear, hats, caps, Ac. Shoes to fit everybody and at old prices. Best line childrens shosa in town, without any exception. Jeans and (Jussimen s in all weights and colors and at all pricss. roconos. I keep a full iine of Groceries of all kinds. Good flour $1.75; nice sugar 22 pounds for $1.00 : coffee o p mnds for $1.00. Everything else in proportion. Cotton seed meal, itulD and wheat bran and corn always in stock. Gambia Lump Coal delivered at $1.50 per ton. Call an d gei my prices before buying. Respectfully, J. JN^. 1^1 pssooiiilj. All goods delivered in town. Ho Doubt HEART DISEASE! Flattering, No Appetite, Could Not Sleep, Wind on Stomach. “For a long time I had a terrible pain at my heart, which fluttered al most incessantly. I had no appetite and could not sleep. I would lie com pelled to sit up in bed and belch gas from my stomach until I thought that every minute would lie my last. There was a fcelling of oppression about my heart, and I was afraid to draw a full breath. I could not sweep a room without resting. My hus band induced me to try Dr. Miles’ Heart Cure d am hapny to say it has cured ». 1 now have a splendid appetite Its effect was truly But what we are “The Hustlers” Clothing, Shoes and Hats. If you doi believe it just ask your neighh “Where did you git that hat, ai where did you get that good suit ai shoes? and their answer will be, “froi W. O. Lipscomb & Bro. “The Hustlers.' and am me. and sleep well, marvelous." MltS. HARRY K. ST A UK, I'oithvillo, Pa. Dr. Milo® Heart Caro Ueold on a ruarauleo trial t ho lirwt bottlo will All UruKKifttHMvIl It at #1, tt bottles for IA, or positive benetit. Horse and Ho™ E and R cYJ Cattle Powders ! S'S 5 . "A a! sell cheaper than any others when pri< and quality are considered. Lrovelv t^tsitionery!—Lpyely girls Ii lovely stationery when writing to lovelj fellows, and lovely fellows like lovely s tionery when writing to lovely girls. I ke the loveliest of the lovely. W. B. DuPRE, It Will buMvnl. prepaid, on rocoint of prlcv ty Ut® l>r. UUm M®Ulcal Co, F.ubart, link