The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-11-25
CHAPTER XIV.
JAMES GREGSoN'S STORY.

1t was late Mt night when / got back tc
York, excited and elated by the great dis
covery had made A letter from Harding
awaited ME, in which he told of the steps lie
was taking for the purpose of finding Greg
son. Through tie celebrated detective Max
Biclsh lie believed that ho might ut last get
on his track, though the chase would uh'
doubtedly be difficult one. did not go to
bed until I had answered the letter and
given Harding Il full account Of my visit to
the hall. concluded by implorns him to
come To N" III unce, il that were possible SO
that we might advise rs to the next meas
ures to Ike taken.
"a gentleman is waiting to sec you, sir,
, down stairs" It was early the next morn
ing, while was ut breakfast in my private
10. III ut the hotel, that received this inti,
nation.
"Do you know his nameE"
"No, sir; he would not give me his name,
but be said was to tell you TINT he came
from Mr.. Harding"
"Show him up ut once"
The stranger was short man, with pow
erful frame, clean shaven face, and bright
eyes that seemed to see everything at once.
"Beg pardon, sir, for intruding," he said,
addressing mo with business like air; u
thought you might not wish to have my
name spread over the house, Tor you see il
is rather well-known name now, sir; am
the detective Mr. Harding has been employ
ing on your account be-
"Mr. Bielskp
ayes, Max Bielski ae your service, sir.
He pulled note book out Of his pocket and
opening it continued: II understand you
want to meet with party of the name OF
James Gregson, aged about thirty, tall and
fair haired. Well. Mr.. Fenton, don't be
offended, but must tell you at once that
that description won't give me any help in
finding the man. You see, sir, tbero are
thousands of tall, fair haired men of thirty
walking about the streets; as for the name,
YOU may be sure that Mr.. Gregson Is not
MIR. Gregson now, if he has any reason to
wish to Keep i'll hiding. You will have to
tell me something more"
"But l am afraid that is just what can,
not do"
"Well, we'll see, sir. You must excuse me
putting you through your catechism, MIR.
Fenton. 1t must be done If I'm to lay hold
of your man."
And in u surprisingly short space of time
Mr.. Bielski had made himself the master oi
all tho particulars, good, bad and indiffer,
ent, which knew about Gregson, including
even the story Daisy had told me. When
told him Of the photograph of Daisy had
picked un in the railway carriage after
Gregson left it. ho at once asked mo for it;
und-very reluctantly, for it was tho only
portrait of my darling which l rossessed--l
parted with it to him.
At the end Of an interview of three-quar.
ters of all hour tho detective pulled out his
watch, and rising hastily said: ~ must bi
of Sir. I've just tmo to catch the express
buck to town"
"Due uro you going to London to find
Grcsson. Ny own opinion Is that you'll find
him sumo where about here
"That is INV opinion Also sir: and nc
doubt If he'd three months to spare could
La, Il heavy WAGER that | should nab him
in this very city of York before the end OF
that time But you sec, sir, it is 4 matter Of
life and death; and q single day might make
ali tho differences; SO must follow tho safe
Glow YOU have given me- and not the uncc,-
tain one"
"A:ll what is the safe clew''
"q'he time about which Gregson landed II
England from Melbourne. This is all l have
to 70 upon. ! must tract, him down from
that hour to the present. Good day to you
sir" And in another instant he was hurry.
ing off to catch the ten o'clock express tc
town.
The remainder Of that day spent in con-
sult.tion with our solicitor, anu i'll awaiting
the arrival Of Harding. He came to Yorl
by an evening train, and pressed my hund
a.cctionately when We met upon the rail
way platform.
"What do you say, Harding; shall we ap
ply to the homo secretary Mt onco on the
strength OF tho discovery OF the stry chniai'
"No, we must wait Don't look disap
pointed, my dear fellow. AS soon as l re
ceivctl your letter this morning hurried of
to Belmore's chambers and was fortunat,
enough to get five minutes o. his precious
time. Indeed, | believe he gave HE fully flf
teen minutes il tho truth must bo told.
read your letter to him and asked him hi:
advice. Il should like to consult Grange be
: fore say anything was his answer. "
! "You mean the judge"
| "Procisely. Our one Lope, you know, is il
the Judge. 1t will rest with him in the enc