as courageous in the face of threatening misfortune as she had
once been.

She had nearly reached home when, from out of the darkness, a man's
figure advanced from the roadside and laid his hand upon her arm.

"Who are you!" she asked faintly, suppressing a scream.

"Don't be frightened, Mary," was the reply, "I am your husband, Simeon
Barton."

CHAPTER IX.

MRS. BARTON'S SECRET.

Mrs. Barton staggered, and would have fallen, had not the other held her
up. "You here," she exclaimed, in amazement, "after being absent so many
years?"

"Yes; it has been a cruel exile. We have been very unfortunate."

"Where have you been these last ten years, Simeon?"

"For the last eight years in Canada."

"And you did not write me?"

"No; I feared it would set officers on my track. I have heard from you
now and then, indirectly. Have you suffered much?"

"It has been a weary time. It would have been easier to bear if I had
heard from you."

"A letter from Canada would have been sure to attract attention and
invite comment. Besides, I had no money to send you. Misfortune has
pursued me, and I have only been able to support myself. When I think of
the probable author of my misfortunes, I own it has made me feel
revengeful."

"To whom do you refer, Simeon?"

"To Albert Marlowe."

"What do you mean? How is he responsible for your--misfortune?"

"I will tell you. I believe that it was he who stole the bonds, the loss
of which was imputed to me."

"Is it possible that you have any proof of this?" asked Mary Barton
eagerly. "The bond that was found in your possession----"

"Was placed in my overcoat pocket for the express purpose of throwing
suspicion upon me. You remember that it was a bond for five hundred
dollars, while the amount stolen was six thousand."

"Yes."

"Albert and I were both at work in the same establishment. We were on a
level, so far as means are concerned."

"Yes."

"Now he is a rich man," added Simeon Barton significantly.

"Yes; he is considered worth thirty thousand dollars."

"It was the stolen money that gave him his start, I verily believe."

"He did not start in business for himself for more than a year
after--the trouble."

"No; for he thought it would invite suspicion. I have reason to think
that he disposed of the bonds in Canada, and with the proceeds started
in as a manufacturer. How otherwise could he have done so? He was only
earning two dollars a day when we were wo