The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-06-05

and Cato received n terrible blow between the
eyes, which had the effect OF completely stag
gering him for an instant. Nothing daunted
however, no arose and with terrible oath
made for his adversary. Then followed what
doubtless would have been serious encounter
had not friends in an adjoining room, attracted
by the scuffle, rushed in and stopped the diff
Guilty.
A few hastily chosen words spoken by NAL
vern explained matters, and the parties re-
tired, taking Cato with them; not, however,
until he had warned Hill that he would see
him again.
Ill.
A larse of fve months brings US again to
Malvern Hills bachelor apartments. Seated
in one corner of his room, his hat pulled over
his eyes, nervously lingering his watch chain,
he was the perfect picture of utter helpless
ness. Only four more days. and all wonld be
lost! What could be done? Surely there was
some means by which Annabel could be found |
But no! Hadn't he tried everything? Hadn't
he wandered the world over almost without
the least trace of his missing love?
ooh, God" moaned Malvern, "be merciful
to Annabel Cato, wherever she is. Deal
gently and kindly with her, for if ever a poor
mortal needed the protection that You alone
can give, she is that MORTAL If she be in the
hands of enemies guide and protect her, and
at last deliver her unframed into the hands of
her friends, bcseech Theel'
A gruff "helol" from the outside caused
Malvern to start neryously from his seat. With
something akin to evil forobodngs, he
cautiously approached the door and asked in as
steady voice as possible;
"Well, who are you?" And without wait
ing for an answer he boldly drew back the
door. Horror of horrorsl what sight met his
gael A veritable bundle of walking rags!
My, how ragged he was! And dirty Words
fail in the attempt at description! Little did
Malvern think of the tale soon to be unfolded
by this notwithstanding individual. Had he
known, he would then and there have fallen
on his neck and blessed himl
"Woll ?'' asked Malvern, with his eyes rivet-
ed on the strange visitor.
II haven't card with me-" said the tramp
ironically, "but my name is Wreck-W-r-e-c-k.
Do you fully comprehend? W-r-e-c-k!"
Malvern could not suppress a smile, and felt
like laughing outright. Eyeing him moment,
he said:
"Wreck7'
"That's right-call me Wreok.'
Without another word the tramp strobe into
cushioned chair took a seat, with comforta-
Bile grunt rs he sank down to its bottom.
Malvern took chair opposite him.
Without any more ado, the tramp COM
menced the conversation with the question:
"Your name HIP"
eyes. sir; that is my name.
81 tho't so. You know Bill Cato?'
Malvern started perceptibly and answered
In the affirmative.
~ tho't so. You know Annabel-
"Why, man, who arc
"Be still, Buddy. You know Miss Gator"
"Why yesl'
II tho't so. You the 'zocutor of that es-
tateP"
Eyes; but who are your"
THAT don't matter. Has that girl been
found9"
"No."
al tho't SO. A reward of several thousand
dollars has been offered for her recovery"
ayes; of Ave years standing"
al tho't so. And Bill never tried to get the
reward?"
"Then he is the man"
''Be still, Mr.. Hill. Where is that money ?
Are you prepared to make trade with me pr
THAT depends. don't understand"
care we quite by ourselves?"
eyes"
"Wel, Mr.. Hill. I am business. You sit still
q few minutes, and will tell you something
that brought me here. know Bill Cato, and
Bill Cato-knows me. You understand? In
case tho young girl is brought back safe and
sound, how soon will the money come up?"
"fou villain! I'll have you in the hands of
the officers In few moments II you"
"Be still, Mr.. HILL Have me arrested as
soon as you want to. II you don't want to find
her, why, 80 far as Wreck is concerned she
can stay whore she is until her head is white. "
Malvern attempted to say something in reply
to this, but the words would not come.
"Now, the whole thing is this" continued
the tramp, with a malicious grin on his face
II might as well say my say in as few words as
possible. know where Annabel Cato is. and
there is but one other person in the world be.
sides myself who does know. If it is to nv
interest 10 speak, then speak if it is not to
my interest, then am a--clam. See?"
"Then you will deliver her to me for"
Give thousand dollars"
"And II should refuse?"
"Then she stays where she isl"
Malvern was in deep study. There were
some fifteen thousand dollars of the money
set aside by old man Cato to be used in the
search for Anna that had not been expended
Why not give this fellow five thousand dollars
and end this terrible strain on his nerves
besides recovering his long-loSt darling2 sud
denly looking up at the tramp, Malvern said
II will give it!"
IAN right"
"She must be here within three days, or i,
will be too late. Can you do it?n
al can have her here IN twelve hours"
Il will accompany you?"
ono, sir; prefer to work in single harness.
'But she might n,'strust you?"
"a line from you will fix that all right, ]
guess"
"Can trust your" asked Hill.
"Can trust you9" answered Wreck
There seemed 20 be something in this mis-
| cradle specimen OF humanity that suEges ed