The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1875-08-18
CHAPTER z.
A CALI, FOR HELP.

smile, CnaC you QOn QeSerVe any Sucu
attention from us-does he, FannyP"
Fanny made no reply.
"I am sorry you waited" said Eugene.
"Why ?" asked Bertha.
"Because have been disappointed"
"You are still undecided then p'
"Iam.'
"When will this uncertainty end, Eu-
gene? ?" said Bertha, softly twining her
arms around her brothers neck. Come
and help me coax him, Fanny, won't you ?"
Fanny drew her chair up to her lovers
side.
"Ah, my darling,' said Eugene, kissing
her, "I called at your house as I came
home. I wanted to be sure that you didn't
feel grieved at my conduct this morning.
You see," he said, looking up at his sister,
II knew that could make my peace with
Bertha, when 1 came home. But didn't
want my pet to be thinking all manner OF
hard things about me, until saw her
again. By the wos, my dear, Grover sent
you warning by me, that he intended to
lock you out tonight; no you will have to
stay with Bertha"
1--WE had already made that arrange
ment, Eugene" said Bertha" " wish he
would lock her out every night"
As it was quite late, the happy little
party soon broke up, and Eugene sought
his couch. Although he was thoroughly
exhausted, it was by no means an easy
matter for the young man to get to sleep.
He was disappointed at nDt seeing the at
torney before he retired, although he well
knew the reason why thu appointment had
not been kept. The supposed accident at
the Office had, without doubt, detained
Gray, until it was too late for the proposed
visit, but he was disappointed, neverthe-
less. Besides chatting under the uncer-
tainty regarding the Immense property,
which was almost in his grasp, he was an
xious to have the seal Of secrecy removed,
in order that he might unfold his plans
and prospects to his sIsta2 and his betfota'
ell. He knew that III rpite Of thoir MS.
sumed careicssncss, they were worrying
over it.
Although the question Of accepting or
declining the position offered Eugene, may
seem trivial one to many, it was really
one OF great Importance to the little family.
1t meant comparative Independence TO
them. The girls were doubly ANXIOUS, be.
cause they feared that Eugene was about
to engage in some uncertain scheme, which
could end in no good. Eugene understood
this and was, therefore, oil the more an1-
ious to tell them the real cause of his lnde-
e cision.
Resolving that he would keep the mat.
ter away from them no longer than the
next day, the young man fell into trou-
bled sleep--a sleep in which the incldents
of the past day, and the probable ones OF
the next day were strangely mingled IN
dreams which seemed to have neither
beginning nor end.
During one Of his wakeful spells, he was
thoroughly startled by hearing q loud
knocking at the door below. He arose,
hastily dressed himself, and, decending the
etairs, opened the door.
"Is Miss Cayson here7" asked voice,
as soon as the door was opened, which Eu'
gene had no difficulty in recognizing al
that of Uncle Billy.
Eurene answered in the Affirmative.
Her brother was taken bit sick as
came BY" said the old man, " and he
wanted me TO stop and tell her. She ID
to go back with me right away"
"If it is out Of your way, will return
with her." said Eugene. els it anything
serious2"
. "Nothin' to be scared about-only weak
and nervous like. He wanted her to come
alone, unless Bertha had mind to-"
"I see how it is," said Eugene. II will
call tho girls and get their shawls ready,
for see that it is raining"
"The poor fellow has worked himself
into a fever over that terrible theory Of
his thought Eugene, as he waited below,
for the girls to make their appearance
1T will be as well, after all. for me to keep
away from him until he is better, as the
thought that caught him at his horrible
work, may worry him."
The girls were soon ready, Fanny evinc-
ing great anxiety to reach home and learn
her brothers true condition. Eugene kiss
ed them both at the door, and was soon
alone in the house. while Bertha and
Fanny were facing the storm, which, how.
ever. had now nearly spent its fury.
After reaching the main road, tho party
walked very rapidly, and were soon at Fan
W. residence. In the sitting-room below,
Uncle Billy detained the girls, by placing
his hand against the door.
~ told you 'whopper, young ladies'"
he said, when said as how young Clay
son was under the weather. He is as well
as I am this blessed minute, but some one
else amt"
Fanny glanced anxiously at the door Of
her fathers room, which opened from the
sitting-room.
"It amt him." said Uncle Billy, follow.
ing Fanny's eyes "he is well enough. A
young feler was hurt last night, and waa
brought here. He is up in your brothers
bed now, more dead than alive. The doc
tor is there, an he said the chap wanted
nursin'. He thinks you are the best nurse
in the village, ever since you saved Mike
Reardons child, an SO went after you
After this explanation, the girls were ad'
mitted to the room where the attorneys
victim lay.
"It was case Of suspended animation"
said the physician, as the girls approached
the bed. "He lay in a state resembling
death long time, but he will recover with
such care as ain sure he will get in this
house. See, he has already recovered his
senses; have another visit to make, and
when call on my way home, Ishau expect
to find him almost we'll"
As the doctor was about to leave the
room, the sick man beckoned for him to
come nearer. He accordingly bent over
him, 30 that his voice would not reach the
girls ears.
"You heard bow I was hurt" Hugh
said, in faint whisper.
eyes; if had seen you before, could
have told your true condition at once"
"You also know how came hereP"
"Yes," said the old doctor nervously.
"Weu, for Mr.. Clayson's sake, don't
say word Of this. Besides, desire to
to be regarded as dead, for some days to
come. T.
"Never mind, now," said the doctor,
"you can tell me the whole story when you
are stronger. You are too weak to talk now
You can be saved from long illness, only
by the strictest quiet and good nursing.
If you do your part, these young ladies
will do theirs, and you will be on your feet
again in less than a week.
With this, the doctor took his leave, and
the girls, Grover, and Uncle Billy were
alone with the sick man, who now dropped
off into deep sleep.