Hatchie, the Guardian Slave; or, The Heiress of Bellevue

-What is

deed with

espe

d a waywardness of disposition which gave the promise of much evil in his future years. As the seed sown so was the harvest. Parental instruction, counsel and rebuke, were alike unavailing, and he attained the years of manhood morose and u

brother's assistance. Colonel Dumont examined his affairs, and, considering his position in the community, with the almost hopeless embarrassment of his concerns, concluded that success under these circumstances was impossible. He frankly and kindly informed his brother of his conclusion, and offered him a share in his planting operations

ergy, of which he was possessed of a liberal share. The society of Emily and other ladies he seemed to shun. The gentle influence of domestic life seemed entirely wasted upon him. Colonel Dumont was forced to believe his brother a misanthrope, and no longer strove to

ing occupied by the exterior business of the plantation, and by his city possessions. The poor negro, who was compelled to submit to cruel usage and short fare, knew Jaspar's nature better than uncle or nie

d to regard him. Runaways, which, under the mild management of his brother, were rarely known, were c

hed not to interfere, though the cruelty of Jaspar pained his heart. His failing health had latterly withdrawn his attentio

e left in Maxwell's office at

him. To Emily he had not communicated these gloomy forebodings, and she had discovered no alarming symptoms in his illness. She had no suspicion of the nature of her father's business with Maxwe

, and in his uneasiness had despatched Jaspar with a draft of his intentions, wishing the attorney to w

on the subject which occupied his mind. The lawyer wanted the lady and the fortune, and he had an undefined purpose of obtaining them through the agency of Jaspar, who wanted only

of fifty thousand dollars. If it needed anything to complete his discomfiture, this was sufficient. He began to think Colonel Dumont was in his dotage. He had scarcely heard of Captain Carroll until his return from Mexico, and now he was a legatee in the will of a m

of his own mind. Now his thoughts seemed to excite him, for his eye glared with an unusual lustre, and his thin lips moved, as if they would disclose t

lder. He saw the name of Henry Carroll, and his former severe expression returned, and his frame was stirred by angry emotions. A half-suppressed oath did not escape the quick ear of the attorney, and he t

is a lucky fel

kiest fellow in the crowd,"

ell, pleased to see no better feeli

this Carro

he colonel has helped

er, and reflects credit on your brother's judgment in

ifty thousand dollars, and I can never forgive him for that," said Jaspar, in what was int

y left, even after deducting the liber

ning young cub has divided a hundred thousan

Captain Carroll,-lucky dog, he!" returned Ma

aspar, with a scowl, as he caught

and turning half round, "is it possible you have not observed th

Speak out! no equivocation!"

he will yet be the wif

thing from which he could draw such an inference

have it as she," muttered he. "This will s

id Maxwell, who had overh

ar, thoughtfully, after a long pause. He had not intended the lawyer should hear his previous

ontinued Jaspar, in a vein of prudence. "My brother has an

strictest confidence, whatever its nature, and however it affects any in

without any of the appearance of obligation f

hich would ruin some of the best f

t," replied J

pronounced in an audible tone each sen

Dumont-I give and bequeath the

tended, again fire

edy for this?" a

d Maxwell, indifferently,

ny, legal o

st man would be wi

d Jaspar was not a little provoked

ow of

d

operation before it is too late

derstand me. A bolder step

at do you

d assi

any aid, honorably, I

by honorably?" said Jaspar, exasperated

affect the legal or moral rights of others," replied Maxw

you been so conscien

to make or break, it become

ot so fair, that you need be so tender o

ir

e led me to commit myself, and no

ue my reput

ce a fortune for it," interrupted Jaspar, ea

plied Maxwell, with a meaning smile, for he saw th

k sensibly,"

; if you have any proposition to make, out with it at once;

ver to reveal what

or it," said Ma

nd dollars, if you so will," said Jaspar, slapping the attorney

e was aware that it was some design upon the estate of Colonel Dumont, and he i

e supposed, a nefarious scheme, and not only intended to deprive Henry Carroll of his legac

will not h

er sentiments than those of friendship shocked even his hardened sensibilities, and he strongly objected to its consummation. It would also, by stripping her of her broad lands, and st

lical transaction,

l, it is the only one

e would remove his rival. He looked forward years, and saw his own purpose gained by means of Jaspar's plan. It was true that he and Jaspar both could not have her estates; but then Jaspar was a villain, and it would be a good service,

dured with patience, for he recognized the truth of the

stain my hands with s

ot!" snee

uld ru

o keep the transaction a secre

confidence in me sh

demoniacal expression rested on hi

interest too well

heartily, and did not relish his tyrannical manner. "Your confidence, I repea

"Do you know, Maxwell, that you are a

e, sir?" said, Maxw

aspar, taking from his pocket a little slip of paper. "

and a convulsive tremor passed thr

means of a dissolute teller, a boon companion at the gaming-table. But Colonel Dumont, in arranging his affairs for their final settlement, had sent Jaspar for a statement of his bank account at an unusual time. Jaspar, who, in the illness of his brother, had manage

, enjoying, with hearty relish, the discomfiture of the lawyer. "Now, no more of honor to me.

Maxwell, keenly sensitive to the weaknes

well; perhaps you can do it again," sneered Ja

t I should do it," returned Maxwell, determin

t?" sai

. Another would not be suspected. If I clear myself, I shall clear you at

another man with the p

own safety by writing t

o is this

evere fit of coughing apparently prevented his

know

street lawyer,-you must ha

oking ma

scription of a person would seem to require,-"rather corpulent, black hair and

said Jaspar, musing; "no, I do not know

d Maxwell, not a little satisfied at gaining his point,-for he had a

I will inqui

th!" replied Maxw

ut finish the will; the colonel will not relish my long absence. A word more: do not say anything about t

ined a sufficient knowledge of these worthies from their own mouths, to

meeting with De Guy was fixed for the next day, when