The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1888-10-25
CHAPTER XXX.
WATCHING AND WAITING.

Il don't know how l came to give him
the chance. This will be a lesson to me,
Norris, was too conceited, and thought
myself far too sharp; wanted all the credit
of unrayeling this affair. You remember
that Maloney told US Edison had gone out TO
seek the assistance of a friend that night
when you so OPPORTUNITY found hint Well,
set myself to watch for that friend, sup
posing he had got an linking of Edson's
whereabouts, and to-day when was told
that n person had been inquiring for him,
went down TO interview the person. 1t
turned out to be one of those cadaverous
tract peddlers, on the hunt OF sinners to
convert, but spent some little time talk
ing to him, to convince myself of the gen
uineness Of his mission. When went back
to the sick room, found it empty. Mind
you, that Miller, us he called himself, had
never fairly come out of his stupid state.
He took what we gave him, ate and slept,
and lay there like man whose mind was
torpid; but can see now he had his wits
about him through all He knew he had
given himself away to me, and he took this
way of beating me. You're in the right of
it to be modest, my boy. I'll never boast Of
my own smartness again.
"He may have wandered away in a fit Of
alteration" suggested Norris
mo l thought Of that, but in that case
he could not have gone far without calling
attention to himself. can find absolutely
no trace of him, and l have been hunting
since noon. He knew what he was about,
and has been storing his strength for just
such an effort. have no doubt.n
Uncle Amos spoke modify. He was bit
terly disappointed and Inundated at this
result of his detective experience.
There was another feeling in the younger
mans breast. His one hope of serving
Carol and saving her from Ingot had disap
peared with Edison. Fate was taking cruel
pleasure in thwarting him whichever way
he turned.
1t might be as well. He had no doubt
Althea was right in saying Carol had bcen
influenced by her brother; but would she
care to be saved at the expense Of that
brother, whom she adored. The moro he
thought of it, the more Norris was con-
WINGED that Lyman Childer had been guilty
of some wrong doing which gave Ingot
hold on him. 1t might be completely in that
defalcation OF the previous cashier, or 1t
might be something entirely independent
of the business of the bank. he could not
give form to the suspicious which assailed
him, but some underlined foreboding led him
to step which he did not think necessary
to reveal even to his uncle. l
About this time, good Mrs. Bates began
to shake her head and sigh dolorously over
the change in her model lodger. Daylight
was struggling in at the windows before
his latch-key clicked in the lock, and he
dragged himself YEARLY up to his room to
lie there till noon, when he appeared heavy
eyed, listless, without appetite or zest, only
to go through the same performance when
night came around again.
The first time or two this happened, Mrs.
Bates only murmured that young men
would be young men," but after nearly
week of such actions she unburdened her
self to Sally.
"Tve seen many one go the same way,
and it's alters them that seems inner
contest that's the worst when they once
gets goin'. It's downright shameless not
to miss one night, l say Had the head
ache this morning, had hei Well, l don't
wonder. 1t would be hardened old topper
that wouldn't have it after such round.
I'll give him piece Of my mind if he starts
out tonight, you see il | don't"
Accordingly, when Norris made his prepa-
rations for leaving the house he found his
landlady in the way.
81 wouldn't make so bold for every one,
but can't bear TO see you going on so, Mr..
Norris. Hain't you any mercy on yourself,
at ala How long IL you stand it at this rate,
do you thinkl Tain't as if you was seasoned
to these things. It's a-tellin' on you now,
as blind man might see, or wouldn't a
took tho liberty, for thinks to myself he
hain't no one to advise him, and mebbe q
word spoke in season will make him see the
danger Of his ways
"Thank you, Mrs. Bates. am sure you
mean kindly said Norris, with hidden
smile lurking at the corners of his mouth.
81 hope, then, you'll stay in this evening,
sir. II you knowed how I've Worried, you'd
take better care of yourself. Go to bed at q
Christian hour, Mr.. Norris, do. You'll feel
enough better in the morning.
"Ycur advice is good, Mrs. Bates, and
Pm sorry can't act on it; but don't worry
about me. I'll turn over new leaf with the
new year, promise you that Every young
man must have his fling, you know, and
mine is, perhaps, not so bad as you think"
Laughing he left her, to make his way to
many storied building in which he had
rented room. 1t had this advantage, its
windows commanded view Of the banking
institution of Everleigh g. Childer, and here
Norris had been keeping watch night after
night, expecting he scarcely knew what.
Some attempt upon it, possibly, in view OF
that note Althea had received-or some
traitorous deed by one employed within.
He was here in pursuance Of his promise
to protect Mr.. Everleigh's interests as he
would his own. He would trust to other
means when he was once admitted to the
bank; until then, he would keep guard in
the only way he could
fro BE CONTINUED.