The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-01-22
Q U EE r ST RY.
An ABsCoNDINa BAYKRUrr.
(Conciudcd.)

the man handed to him. 1t was an official
hand-bill, issued by the police, containing the
description Of n certain Austruther Meadows. n
quo ondam city speculator of considerable poto.
riety, who hal absconded with n considerable
quannty OF plunder, after ruthlessly robbing
many of his customers and friends.
DIR. Jones had heard of the man, and, indeed
his namc had recently been on everybody's
lips The hand-bill was headed With an offer
OF" reward of G5OO for his apprehension, and
q full and detailed description was given of his
personal appearance.
DIR. Jones glanced through this abstractedly,
and then his eye lightened upon n rough wood
cut purporting to DO a likeness Of the dcfaultcr
which appeared in the margin.
After moments scrutiny, the young man
sprang from his scat with an ipvoluntry excla-
nation.
DO you know him?' inquired the bailiff
quickly.
Know him No! How the deuce should ~
said DR.. Jones controlling himself
i was 'oping for your sake, that you could
lay your finger on him, for there is a very nice
little reward offered" returned tho man.
Five hundred!' said DR.. Jones, rather con-
temptuously, as he glanced at the document.
AYE, atidy sum, ain't it, sr?' said the man.
But Lord bless yer, it's all fummery ALL a
blind. He's hoff long ago, alvin in Americay
as l said just now
We'll, wherever he is, he has got a fortune
with him." said DR.. Jones, handing back the
document with an animated expression. Make
yourself at home, my man. he added; order
what you want. As you say daresay this lit
tle matter of mine will soon be arranged
He hurried away as he spoke and entered his
consulting-room, whore, after locking tho door,
he commenced to stride about in q strang civ
excited manner. After while, happening
to catch sight of his flushed face, as he passed
the looking-gass, he paused, and gravely ad-
dressed himself:
Come, Clarence Jones, steady yourself.
This looks like stroke of good luck. It may
even be the foundation of your fortune. But
you mustn't be so very sure. You may be mis-
taken. In any case, you need q cool heal to
play your cards properly
This soiiloquy had soothing effect, for he
seated himself in the patients armchair and
TgtiJorattsy kIittsa isis brJws to tiiinlx. Tho
result Of his deliberations was that no start
cd off with orposure to his club, and
sps,t several hours iu going through the news
paper file Of the past month or two.
lie met a city acquaintance Of W HON he made
particular inquiries concerning Mr.. Anstruther
Meadows Altogether he evidently oonsid cred
that he had passed o profitable evening, for,
upon his return, he saluted the man with o
friendly slap on the back, and promised him q
five-pound note for himself, If his hopes as to
paying him out the next day were realized.
When he arose the next morning, DR.. Jones
wrote little note to Dr.. Balmyre, stating that
he had q great desire to pay q visit to his asy-
lum; and adding. that, having boen summoned
to stfsua q consultation iu the neighborhoo
: Or she Institution, he should be glad Of an au-
thority to inspect It.
He sent the letter round by o servant, who,
In reply, brought back one Of Dr.. Balmyre's
cards. with a few words In the great mans
handwriting serawld on the back of It. An
hour later, DR.. Jones presented himself at the
door Of DR.. Balmyre's celebrated establishme mt.
He was very civilly received by the medical
gentlemen in charge by whom he was conduct
ed over the spacious gloomy building or
course he expressed himself highly gratiasd
and deeply interested in oil ho saw. though, in
truth, his mind was entirely prc-ocoupied with
other matters. At length, as they we're stroll
Ing through the grounds, he said, oarelessly:
'By-the.way, I signed q certificate yesterday
for DR.. Balmyre. Has the patient arrivedf'
what manner Do you reoolleo,f'
Roberts, think
'0h, yes,' was the reply. he came in yes
terday evening. Would you like to zee himf
'welL-yes, I thiuk should said DIR. Jones
carelessly. '.His case rather interested me.
Don't trouble to come II you arc busy. He Is
quiet enough
eyes, he is quiet enough, so perhaps
you'll excuse my running away from you.
!, must 20 my rounds. III. Edwardsr he called
TO On attendant, take this gentlemen, DR..
Jones, to see William Roberts, Noes
A minute later Dr.. Jonos was ushered into
small, private sitting room, whore he found
Mr.. VIM. Roberts. whose acquaintance he had
made the previous day. Mr.. Roberts gave .
pslpable start as his visitor entered. but imme-
iiatsly assumed vscant expression, and drop
pod his syes on the book he was reading.
You needn't watt said DIR. Jones' To the a.
tendant In confident tone. Il want 10 have
. little chat with my friend here s.
The man somewhat hssisatingly, withdrew,
while Mr.. Roberts, msnifsstly i'll at case, stole
. harrisd glance stlhs doctor out of the COR
ners Of his eyes.
sswell, Mr.. Roberts. You remember me, 1
suppose' said Or. Jones, pleasantly, when they
were alone.
Mr.. Roberts grunted, without looking up
from his book.