Mark Dunning's enemy

I. • 0

r>

* - i '

I

V

t r il

I

J

•*.

N •

*

•4 r

<f

(r f-

' J

Standard Series of Temperance Tales. 3 ;

f*

V

AUTHOR OF molly’s BIBLE, EFFIE WINGATE’S WORK, ETC.

J

BOSTON:

REJfRY A, YOUJfG ^ CO.

NO. 24 CORNHILL.

I rid

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by HENRY A. YOUNG & CO.,

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.

JijmW of

OL. 1. BILL BROCK’S INVESTMENT. “ 11. THE OLD DOCTOR’S SON.

“ III. MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

“ lY

(In Preparation.)

X —

X f f

A

I

I

CHAPTER I. November’s darkness, storm and gloom

A drunkard’s sin and shame and doom.

OVEMBER, saddest month of all the year. All day the rain had pattered quietly on dead leaves ; but as evening shadows deepened, the fury of the storm increased. Murky clouds drifted heavily athwart the sky, while the fierce wind swept down hillsides and through valleys, dashing large, round drops alike, pitilessly, upon the half-roofed cottage of the poor, andr the elegant mansion of the rich,

MARK Dunning’s enemy.

Flora Hanson, a beautiful girl thirteen years of age, stood by an east window, watching the lights in the distance, and shuddering when a gust of unusual force swayed the tall trees, threatening to lay them prostrate. Involuntarily she uttered some ejaculation, when a woman’s voice said, Do, Flo, come away from that window. It’s bad enough to hear the howling and plashing of wind and rain, without anything more of the same sort.”

‘‘ Excuse me, 'mother. I didn’t intend to speak, and if you are willing, I would rather stay here by the window. I can look down into the village and see the lights.”

‘‘ Then stay. It makes no difference to me, if you are still.”

So Flora retained her position, and presently the rumbling of a cart was heard, with the loud voice of John, man of all work, calling for some one to meet him at the barn.

MARK Dunning’s enemy.

“ John is very late,” said Mrs. Hanson, in a fault-finding tone. ‘‘ I heard your father say he ought to have been here before dark.”

“ He must have had business, mother. He wouWn’t stay out in the storm, unless he was obliged to.”

Well, no matter about the reason. I wish your father or Walter could find time to think of me. It has been the dullest day I ever saw ; and now this evening they must shut themselves up in the library.”

“But Walter is learning his lessons. I thought you wished him to be a great scholar.”

“ So I do ; and there is tirae enough for that by and by. He is only nine years old. But your father is so unreasonable, he hears, to nothing I can say.”

“Walter wishes to study this evening, mother. You know he is thinking about the pri2ie,”

So he is. 1 had forgotten that,” said Mrs. Hanson. “ I wish he might get the prize ; but so long as this teacher remains, there is little prospect of it. She favors the Dunning children, and Barton is in the same class with Walter. I wish that family would leave town. I am glad one of them is out of the way.”

There was no response to this, and soon after. Flora went to the kitchen, to see if John had come in, and hear what report he might bring. As she opened the door, he was saying, I can’t stop longer than to drink a cup of tea, and eat a bite of something. If Dunning is alive, he must be found, and Grace don’t want to make a stir about it.”

What is it. Uncle John? Is Mr. Dunning lost again ? ”

Yes, child. He’s been missing since just after noon, and looking for him is what

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

made me so late home. I didn’t mean to let your folks know anything about it, though.”

Perhaps he is in the lower summer house,” suggested Flora.

He may be,” answered the man whom she addressed as Uncle John ; and hurrying from the room, his lantern was soon seen flashing in and out through the avenue of leafless trees. At length the light disappeared for a short time, and when seen again, was stationary, seeming to be held aloft in the air.

‘‘ That means he wants help,” said Mrs. Forbes, or Aunt Sarah, as she was usually called in the family. ‘‘ I shall go down there myself,” she added.

But you will be very wet,” answered her companion.

Of course 1 shall. No matter for that, though, if I’m needed. If you see the lantern again in the place where it is now, tell your father Mark Dunning is down there.”

10 MARK DUNNIi^G’s ENEMY.

‘‘ Yes, Aunt Sarah, I will.”

To equip herself in blanket, shawl, hood, and rubber boots, required but short time for the good woman, and then Flora was left alone. Directly, however, the chore boy came in and sat down by the warm stove, wondering a little, yet asking no questions. Five minutes passed, when a bell struck, and the boy said, Mr. Forbes came towards the house a good while ago.”

“ Yes, he has been in,” answered Flora. Where shall I go to find him ? ”

You needn’t look for him. I will* tell father.”

‘‘ Mighty strange about tilings here,” muttered the inmate of the kitchen. Old man and young woman. Nice girl and — But it’s none of my business.”

Flora glided through the long hall, and stood in her father’s presence.

I was expecting John,” he said, looking up. “ I rang the bell for hini.”

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

’ 11

‘‘ Yes, father, but John isn’t in the house, and I came to tell you.”

‘‘ How is that ? I heard him some time ago. He ought to report himself. Do you know where he is ? ”

‘‘ Yes, sir. He went down to the lower summer house.”

« For what, Flo ? ” and, naturally, he walked to the window which overlooked that part of the grounds where this house was situated. What does that light mean ? It looks as though it was near the top of the house. No, some one is holding it,” he added, speaking more to himself than his daughter. “ What can it mean V ”

‘‘ It means that Mr. Dunning is there, father.”

‘‘ Mr. Dunning ! ” repeated the man, his voice quivering with some ill-concealed emotion. ‘‘ How do you know that, child ? ”

‘‘ Because Mr. Dunning has been lost since

12 •

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY. .

noon, and Uncle John has been looking for him. Aunt Sarah said if they wanted you to know, they would hold the lantern as it is now, and I must tell you. Perhaps Mr. Dunning forgot but what this was his home, just as it used to be. What a pity it is he is so poor, when he has such nice children. Grace is so pretty, too.”

Hush, child. How you do run on ! It’s just as your mother says. There is no end to your talking. I suppose I may as well go down and see what the matter is. If that crazy fellow is there, he must be taken care of.”

This library was a pleasant room ; its furniture and adornments indicating refined tastes and liberal means. It was hardly in keeping with the looks and general appear-

t

ance of him who had occupied an arm chair near the table, strewed with books and papers. His face was that of a shrewd, it might be,

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

unscrupulous business man, a good liver, and free drinker. Distorted now with anger, it was absolutely repulsive ; yet when occasion required, Alfred Hanson could command smiles and flattering words. The idea of encountering such a storm, under any circumstances, would have been disagreeable, still more so was it now, when he dreaded the revelation each step might make.

“ What is the matter here ? ” he asked, when he reached the termination of his walk.

Matter enough,” was the reply. ‘‘ Look there;” and John Forbes held the lantern so that its light fell full upon the face of a man, who at first sight, seemed to be sleeping.

‘‘ Mark Dunning ! ”

‘‘ Yes, and I’ve been trying to rouse him. But it’s more than I can do.”

“This is unfortunate,” said Mr. Hanson. “ How came the fellow here ? ”

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

I presume he walked. He isn’t able to keep a carriage,” answered John, with marked emphasis.

‘‘ And what is to be done with him, now he is here ? ”

Take care of him ; and it must be done quick. He must be carried to the house.”

‘‘ That would be very awkward,” was the cold reply.

‘‘ It might be more awkward to have him die here. People would be likely to talk about it.”^

‘‘ Is my husband here ? ”

So occupied had been the trio that they had not noticed the approach of the speaker. She stood where the rain beat upon her, yet gave it no heed, repeating the question, which surprise had not allowed to be answered.

Yes, Cousin Grace, your husband is here,” said Mrs. Forbes. Come in from the rain.”

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

“ No, Sarah, I only want my husband. I could think of no other place to look for him, or I shouldn’t have come here. Mark,” she called, softly.

Your husband seems to be sleeping,” said Mr. Hanson, with apparent effort at self-control. At least, we have not been able to rouse him.”

At these words, the lantern which Mis. Dunning carried fell from her grasp, and the next moment she was kneeling upon the damp floor, one hand clasping that of the unconscious man, and the other upon his forehead. A curse sprang to the lips of Alfred Hanson ;• but remembering himself, he set his teeth firmly, and turned away.

Short time did Mrs. Dunning give to idle grief. “ How can Mark be carried home ? ” she asked, addressing her cousin.

“ He can’t be taken home in the condition he is now,” was the reply. “ It would be

MARK Dunning’s enemy.

impossible. Something must be done for liim at once.”

^^Bnt ”

No buts, Cousin Grace. It is life or death now. Mark is chilled by exposure to the cold and wet.” Mr. Hanson echoed these words, offering the hospitalities of his house, with well feigned cordiality.

Thank you,” replied Mrs. Dunning.

But home is the best place for my husband, and I shall esteem it a favor if some way can be provided for taking him there.”

John Forbes was about to speak in answer to this, when a quick, firm step was heard, and while the inmates listened eagerly, a boy sprang in, calling, “ father, mother.” His mother’s own child. The same lustrous black hair, deep, dark eyes, clearly cut features, and resolute mouth. A boy, indeed, in years, yet his symmetrical, well-knit frame gave him the appearance of greater maturity.

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

‘‘ How is this, Arthur ? ” asked Mrs. Duiining, in surprise.

Mr. Clement sent me within five miles of home, on business, and said I could spend the night with you, if I would be back early in morning. So I came ; and it is well that i did.”

Mr. Hanson stood looking at the new comer in mute astonishment. So handsome, strong, and self-reliant, any parent might well be proud of him.

Mrs. Forbes understood the feelings of all present, and was seeking to devise some plan for avoiding the necessity of taking Mark Dunning into the house of her employer, when the prostrate man slowly opened his eyes.

“ Where am I ? ” he gasped, a moment after. Where am I ? ” he repeated, instantly. Tell me where I am ? ”

‘‘In the old summer house,” answered Arthur.

MAEK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

“ Uncle Mark’s old summer house ? ”

Yes, father ; and we had better go home now. It is dark and rainy. I have come over to spend the night with you. You have been asleep here.”

Yes, I must have fallen asleep, and I am so chilled now, I can hardly move. You here too, Grace ? ” he added, observing his wife.

Then he made an effort to rise, and with his son’s assistance, stood upon his feet. There was need for haste in getting him home, as those who looked upon him well knew. The wild light in his eyes, and the convulsive working of his face betrayed intense excitement.

Mr. Hanson, who had stepped without the shelter of the house, now calling John, told him to harness the horse to the carriage, and take the whole family home. Give Mark Dunning some dry clothing, and see that he is made comfortable.”

MARK DUNNING S ENEMY.

The sound of his voice produced a fearful effect upon the man of whom he spoke.

Traitor ! Villain ! ” hissed the latter. “ You robbed me of everything but Grace, dear Grace. She loved me if I wa% poor, and you couldn’t buy her from me.”

Hush, hush, Mark. Don’t talk so. We are going home to the children now. Don’t say anything to trouble me.”

But the spell was upon him, and there might have been a tragedy, had not the master of these grounds wisely withdrawn, leaving others to dispose of the unwelcome intruder.

The event proved that Mark Dunning needed little assistance. It was only necessary to keep pace with his hasty strides, as straight on he rushed, with the utmost speed, pausing for nothing, until he stood in the highway. Then, as though addressing a visible person, he shouted forth denunciations and curses.

MARK Dunning’s enemy.

In vain was he urged to desist. He shook his son from him with an oath. He was mad with rage and intoxicating drink. Above the wail of the storm his voice could be heard ; and Alfred Hanson, who, held bj some power he had not the will to resist, listened, tremblingly.

He was rich and prosperous, as the world counts riches and prosperity. His home sheltered wife and children, and he.computed his gains by thousands. From comparative obscurity he had risen to his present position ; and men delight to honor those whom fortune favors. ‘‘ Traitor ! Villain ! ” Strange words to be addressed to him ; yet they rang in his ears, and seemed branded upon his very heart, as with a red hot iron. One ^ust of wind after another swept by, yet they did not drown the tones of that clear shrill voice.

Standing there in the darkness, with no eye but God’s upon him, hot blushes of shame

I'#ll

I

V

•r

. •

I i I f

f

*v

MARK Dunning's enemy.

and conscious guilt flushed the cheeks of tlie listener. His thoughts went back to the time when he had first looked upon the beautiful retreat he now called home. Many years had passed since then ; already past the meridian of life, aged, too, for his years, he had small enjoyment of all which he possessed.

Morose and gloomy, except with Walter, he seldom unbent from his usual sternness in his family. Twice married, Flora was the daughter of his first wife, who had been quite unlike her. whom the young girl now addressed as mother. Walter was the idol of his parents ; a boy who, despite the coldness and disregard for the feelings of others he sometimes manifested, was yet attractive and interesting. As his wishes were usually consulted, outbursts of temper were with him of r^ire occurrence ; and his mother pronounced him a little gentleman."

At thought of his boy, Alfred Hanson repreached himself for being moved by the ravings of a mad man. What was Mark Dunning to him? He entered the house, threw aside his wet garments, and went to the library, where he hoped to be alone.

“ 0 father, has Mr. Dunning gone home ? ”

This was the question which greeted him, and to which he replied, Yes, I hope so.”

“ Was that he talking so loud ? ”

Yes, and now Flo, do go away. 1 am tired, and have heard enough for one evening. Go stay with your mother,” he added, notioing the grieved look in his child’s face.

She went to the parlor, and took her place again by the window, dropping a heavy curtain which separated her from the other in-. mates of the room. Soon Walter, who really loved his sister, went to her, notwithstanding his motlier’s complaints at being deserted.

‘‘ I’ve learned every word of my lesson,” he said, joyously. I wish I could get the prize ;

MARK Dunning’s enemy.

and I could, if it wasn’t for Bart Dunning. He never misses once. I most wish he would sometimes.”

‘‘ It isn’t right to wish that, Walter.”

“ I know it, and I don’t really ; though mother says I ought to be the best scholar, because my father is the best man. She says I shouldn’t let such a ragamuffin as Bart Dunning beat me.”

‘‘ Barton isn’t a ragamuffin,” answered Flora, softly. I never saw him have on ragged clothes.”

‘‘ Nor I either,” rejoined her brother.

His clothes are patched ; but I like him, and I’d rather he’d have the prize than anybody else, if I can’t get it. Father thinks we’re pretty small boys to be working for a prize. I guess the teacher thought we should study harder, if she offered a prize.”

Yes, of course she did, and I wish our teacher would offer a prize.”

MARK Dunning’s enemy.

Should you get it, Flo ? ”

No. I think Grace Dunning would get it. She is the best scholar in our class.”

Is she as old as you are ? ”

No, a year younger.”

Then she is just twelve ; and oh my ! isn’t she pretty ? A little prettier than you are, Flo.”

Yes, Walter, a great deal prettier than I am.”

I guess not a great deal prettier, though perhaps she would be, if she wore handsome dresses,” said the boy. “ When I’m a man I’ll give her some, just to see. Did you know she’s our cousin ? ’ Mother says they aint much cousins ; and they can’t be ; else they wouldn’t live in such a little house, and we in a large one.”

Mrs. Hanson overheard snatches of this conversation, and again wished the Dunning family would leave town. Mark was a dis-

MARK Dunning’s enemy.

grace to himself and every one connected with him, however remotely. Had she heard his accusations that evening, she might have desired his absence for a different reason.

Mr. Hanson was alone in his library, pacing the floor with quick, nervous steps, wondering what next would come to him and others. Mark Dunning was the bane of his life. Not often did they meet ; never intentionally, unless the former was excited by intoxicating drink.

More than an hour passed, and yet John Forbes did not return. Another hour went by, and solitude became insupportable. His wife looked up as he entered the parlor, but the expression of his face did not invite a greeting. The children were sitting at the table. Flora, as usual, devoting herself to her brother. He glanced at them for a moment, and then commenced his monotonous tread.

I do wish you wouldn’t walk this evening.

MARK Dunning’s enemy.

It always makes me nervous, and after such a day as I have had, it is intolerable.”

Walter called his father’s attention, and thus the complaint seemed to be heeded.

Bed time for children,” he remarked, as the clock struck nine ; and soon after he left the room, saying that he had some accounts to look over, and must sit up late.

It would have been nearer the truth to say that he had some accounts to think over ; but he was not scrupulous in regard to the truth. At eleven o’clock there was a rap on his study door, and as he opened it, the pale face of Mrs. Forbes was seen.

Come in, and sit down,” he said.

I can’t stop for that,” answered the woman. I came to tell you that John can’t leave Mr. Dunning to-night.”

“ Have you just come from there ? ”

“ Yes, the doctor brought me to the gate.”

How is he, Mark, I mean ? ”

MARK Dunning’s enemy.

Raving mad, though more quiet than he has been. It has taken three men, besides John, to keep him on the bed.”

Can’t something be done for him ? ”

‘‘ Something has been done.”

“ Have his family what they need to make tliem comfortable ? If not, I wish you would provide for them, on my account.”

They require no more than their friends are able and willing to provide,” was the reply.

‘‘ I am a friend to them,” said Mr. Hanson, glad of an opportunity to speak upon this subject. “ I know Mark considers me an enemy, but ”

‘‘ We won’t talk of that now,” answered Mrs. Forbes. Mark is his own worst enemy. Good night.”

True. No enemy however powerful and malicious, can so work a man’s ruin as his own unbridled passions and depraved appetites.

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

Dowered with all natural gifts, which, rightly improved, commanded the highest success in life, Mark Dunning was a drunkard ; and, but for his family, would have been a wandering outcast.

In sober moments, he shrank from himself with horror, shuddering at the thought of crimes, which, in his madness, he contemplated with delight. His finely organized brain, delicate perceptions, and quick sensibilities made him far more susceptible to the use of stimulants, than one of coarser mold.

Call such, weak, if you will ; but of such are they who charm the world with poetic numbers and creations of beauty. The man, upon whose uncovered head the storm beat that wild November night, but for one fatal habit, might have stood among the proudest of the land. His eloquence might have swayed the hearts of men, and turned them at his will.

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

Yet he raved ; with method, perhaps ; still, it was madness which prompted the utterance of frightful curses and imprecations. How long he might have braved the storm, no one could tell, as Dr. Graves, a physician whom he had known and respected from boyhood, fortunately passing that way, came to the rescue. With the doctor’s previous acquaintance, he needed to ask no questions of the group before him. He comprehended all at a glance.

‘‘ Good evening, Mark,” he said, cheerfully.

Rather rough, this evening, and you are some distance from home. You had better ride with me. I should like some company.”

“ Can’t ride, to-night,” was the quick reply.

There is a murder case on trial, and I am the prosecuting attorney. Hard case, too ; plenty of money on the other side, witnesses bribed .and all that. But I am bound the murderer shall swing.”

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

That’s right,” answered the doctor, humoring his fancy. ‘‘ Do your duty. But I haven’t heard much about the case ; so I must depend upon you for particulars. Take a seat with me, and let us talk ii> over. The trial can’t go on without you, and an open air court ought to adjourn, such weather as this.”

The frenzied man hesitated, hurled one more denunciation at his invisible foe, and then sprang into the buggy.

‘‘ We will drive slow and take the longest way. Men, like you and me, needn’t fear a little wet ; and if anybody wants to go faster than we do, we shan’t be offended if they pass us. If we were walking, we could cross the footbridge, but it is hardly wide enough for our carriage.”

These last remarks, so little pertinent to the matter in hand, were made in a loud voice, and intended as a suggestion to those who stood silently by the road side.

MARK Dunning’s enemy.

‘^That’s a good liiiit,” said John Forbes, a moment after, as the doctor drove slowly away. We can take the short cut across, and get to the house before they do.’’

Let us do so, then,” replied Mrs. Dunning. “ Perhaps Mark will forget he has seen us, if we are home first, and it will be so much better for the children.”

Arthur went first, the others following as best they could ; and all were gathered around a warm stove, when Dr. Graves drove up. Calling, in his familiar way, John Forbes went out, saying, as he did so, “ A wet night, doctor.”

‘‘ Yes, wet enough. I overtook our friend Mark, and have brought him home. Riding is more agreeable than walking, such a night as this. He has been telling me something of a case in which he is engaged, and I believe I will come in and hear more of it.”

“Do so, doctor, and I will put your horse

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

and buggy under the shed. My wife and I have just walked over.”

Then we shall have quite a party of friends. Bu^^, Mark, you are not going to leave us,” added the doctor, grasping firmly the man thus addressed.

It required the united strength of three to force Mark Dunning into the house, where he seemed bent upon the destruction of everything within his reach. Grace and Barton, accustomed as they were to their father’s wild freaks, were terrified, and at a whisper from Arthur, went upstairs to their rooms. Persuasions and mild measures failed. Even the doctor’s commands were unheedeed.

You must lie down,” he said.

Lie down ! ” thundered Mark Dunning, in reply. Lie down in — .” But I will not repeat the horrid, soul-sickening language he used.

His brain was on fire, lurid lights danced

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

before his eyes, and he was sulfering such torments as no pen can describe. He would not, could not rest. His wife, herself unnaturally cairn, sought to soothe him, addressing him by the endeared names which had so often thrilled his heart ; but these were worse than idle words.

There was no alternative. He must be treated like a- raving maniac, as he really was. More help was summoned. With hands and limbs pinioned, he was laid upon the bed, and forced to swallow a powerful opiate. For a time, this produced no good effect ; indeed, it seemed to aggravate the malady it was interided to soothe. Shrieks, groans, gnashing of teeth, and exhibitions of almost superhuman strength, alternated with pitiful pleadings for mercy, and wild cries for assistance.

Those who listened could never forget. If Arthur Dunning had needed anything to

MARK DUNNING’S ENEMY.

convince him that there was but one safe path for him, he would need it no more. Young, yet old enough to comprehend the full force of what he saw and heard, the syren of the wine cup could never lure him to her embrace.

‘‘ This is an attack of genuine, horrors,” said one man to another, when, in an interval of comparative quiet, they could relax their vigilance. Dunning can’t live through many like this.”

The fewer the better,” was answered.

Guess the doctor thinks so, too, by his looks. There must be a last time, and it wouldn’t be strange if we have come to it.”

This half whispered conversation was interrupted by outcries which might well appal men of the strongest nerves. At length, about ten o’clock, the paroxysms subsided, and at eleven, one attendant was thought sufficient. Mrs. Forbes returned home, while her husband remained.

MARK DUNNING S ENEMY.

‘‘ What time must you be off in the morning, Arthur ? ” he asked.

Before light. I ought to be in the store by eight o’clock, at the latest, and I have twelve miles to ride.’’

“ Then go to bed this minute. You will have short time enough for rest.”

Yes,” added Mrs. Dunning ; “ Go to bed and rest, my son. 1 am sorry your visit has been so unpleasant.”

‘‘ But I am glad I came,” responded the boy, following his mother into another room. ‘‘ You needed me. Haven’t I been of some use ? ”

“Yes, indeed, Arthur; but I would have spared you this trial.”

“ Why should you, mother ? I can bear it as well as you, and better. I am glad I came at this time. I shall want to see father before he goes out again, and shall come home again as soon as possible.”

MARK running’s ENEMY.

Why, Arthur ? ”

“ Because I must talk with him, if I am only a little boy. I thought father was doing well. Dr. Graves told me so, only last week. How did this happen ? ”

I don’t know. Your father was very much depressed this morning, and went out early. When he came in, I knew he had been drinking. He went out again after dinner, and I presume drank again. He is so easily affected that a very small quantity of liquor unmans him. Oh, if it were possible for him to break off entirely, I should be the happiest woman in the world.”