“The ranger also informed me that through the instrumentality of Madge Taft, Clara had been induced to marry Sherwood. The renegade promised her that he would liberate her and Madge just as soon as the wedding was over, and a certificate of the missionary--who was gotten up on purpose for the occasion, he being a white renegade called Tom Jules--securely in his pocket. Sherwood’s intention was to drown Clara in the lake when pretending to escort her home. Madge was to meet him there at the lake, when they would at once take their departure for the East--he to prove his claim to The Golden Horn as the husband of the deceased heiress. What more would really be necessary to establish his claim, according to the will? Nothing. But, alas! in the very hour, yea, the very _minute_ of their triumph, death seized them both! “Thus you have a full confession of the sins of Martha Hohn and her son-in-law and daughter. And perhaps you would ask, where was Martha Hohn during the latter part of this wicked drama? I would answer: Martha Hohn writes this confession, for Martha Hohn and Talbott Taft _are one and the same_! I donned my disguise to aid Dick and Cecil in their work of wickedness that was hatched in my own brain. “And what has become of Rollo, the ranger, will be asked as time goes by, for Rollo will never again appear on the stage of action. It has often been a source of great wonder to me, that Town. Farnesworth, in his attentions to Madge, and his conferences with Rollo, did not detect that Madge and Rollo _were one and the same person_! “Poor Cecil! she was brave, daring and strong, and played her part with all the skill of an accomplished actress. She deserved a better fate, and but for the influence around her, might have won it. “On the table by my side, in the little tin box, is the will that I promised by all that was sacred to deliver to Clara Holmes. Will the reader of this deliver it to her? It is my last request. MARTHA HOHN.” And thus ended the manuscript, leaving Town. wrapt in wonder and surprise, while Old Tumult seemed terribly agitated. “Of all the complicated cases of sin and sinners in disguise, this beats me,” exclaimed Town. Old Tumult made no reply. His agitation seemed to be increasing. “What’s the matter, Tumult?” asked Town. “Holmes! Holmes!” muttered the scout, as though he was unconscious of so doing, “as God’s in heaven, it must be so!” and then springing to his feet he cried, excitedly: “Come, lad, let’s rack out for the post! I believe I’ve struck a bee-line! Fetch the will, lad.” Town. made no reply, for the scout darted out of the cabin and away toward the post, at such a rapid speed, that he could scarcely keep in sight of him. “I declare, the old chap is terribly excited,” muttered Town., as he proceeded onward through the forest. When he reached the post, the old scout bent his footsteps toward Geoffry Bryant’s cabin.