SERIAL STORY.

Oxford Observer, Volume XX, Issue 1, 14 December 1889, Page 3

SERIAL STORY.

Specially written for ' The Observer.' THE SICK STOCKMIN. (A Story in Two Parts.) Part 11.- -Chapter IV. (Concluded.) But for all his bitterness and weariness of heart, the sick man did gain strength, and, as he got stronger, Helen learned something of his history. He told her what my readers will have already guessed, that he is our old irierid Max Codrington, and that he had been banished to New Zealand for a crime which he never committed. He also confided to Helen the story of his love for his beautiful cousin, and of that last happy Christmas Day they had spent together. The next morning he was taken to London by his father and Mr Gray, and confronted by the clerk who had cashed the cheque which had caused such trouble. The clerk swore that Max was the man who presented the cheque. Almost before Max realised the charge which was brought against him, he was sailing down the English Channel, without a word of parting or explanation to his promised wife. He wrote as soon as he reached New.Zoaland, but, with the exception of the two letters he got on his first arrival, he had heard no word of his home or iriendis during these five years.

Chapter V,

It is Christinas Eve 18e>5. Helen Cunliffe has got her patient (who is much improved) out on the verandah. She has made him comibrtahle on a couch, and is herself, seated on a low chair near by. They are enjoying the cool pleasant evening, and looking for the arrival of Alec, who has gone to the Port ,to bring home his brother and sister, who have just arrived from England. Helen is evidently in a great state of excitement, and is straining her ears to catch the first sound of the buggy. Presently, she starts up exclaiming — " I hear them Mr Codrington ! Here they are ! " And a few minutes later the buggy drew up in front of the verandah. Alec and his brother jumped down, and assisted two ladies to alight. Helen greeted her new brother and sister, and then turned to the other lady, who had just thrown back her veil, but, before either of them could speak, Max Codrington started to his feet, exclaiming — " Alicia my cousin ! My -promised wife ! " Everybody turned to see Max lying back on his pillows hi a dead faint, and the strange lady (who was Alicia Ramsay), kneeling beside him. As soon as he was restored to consciousness, Alec and Helen took their brother and sister into the house, leaving the cousins together. We will follow the larger party, and hear Grace Cunliffe's explanation of how Alicia Rainsay came to be there. ■ " Ralph. Codrington, who died about a month before the Cunliffes and Alicia left England, had confessed on his death-bed that it was he who had forged the cheque, to pay a gambling debt ; and one of his dissolute companions, a man who unfortunately bore a strong resemblance to Max had cashed it for him. Alicia, who had ever remained true to Max, and would not consent to a marriage between herself and her cousin Ralph, although it was constantly being urged upon her by her aunt and cousin, as soon as she knew George and Grace Cunliffe were leaving for New Zealand, made up her mind to accompany them in the hope of seeing or hearing something of Max. His parents wanted him home to take his brother's place, and they knew hot where to write to him." It was a very happy Christmas Day |hat was spent at "Te Tiehana O te Waireha " by all our friends, and Max grew strong so rapidly from that date that before a month was over he and Alicia,, accompanied by the Cunliffe's, went to. town, where the cousins were married by special license. George XDunliffe acted the part of best man, Grace was bridesmaid to her friend,

while Alec gave her away, Helen meanwhile looking on with a veiy smiling face. The happy pair sailed for England the day afber the wedding, and let us hope they are having as good a time in the Old Country as they deserve. Aunt Peg. [The End.]