The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-10-16
CHAPTER XVI.

heart that he had been defeated,
ANONYMOUSLY and entirely.
CHAPTER XVI.
BEECHwooD.
"Where is Beechwood?" demanded
Arthur Wynne, of Chief Ludlowe the
next morning, as he entered the Office
at police headquarters.
Mr.. Ludlowe glanced up from the
morning paper, and elevated his eye
brows with slight, expressive gesture.
"Beechwood? My dear boy, which
one? There are half-dozen towns
answering to that rather romantic
name in different parts of the State. II
you tell me in what portion Of the State
it is situated, or give me some land
mark as a guide, lll guarantee to set
you upon the track. But what is the
matter, Arthur? Have you," the Chief
tossed the morning paper aside. and
turned an eager, excited face upon the
young man, really found a clew at
last?"
Arthur sank into the nearest seat.
II think So hope so! Listen while
I explain Which he did in q few
terse sentences.
Ludlowe listened attentively. and
shook his head when the story was told.
az have never heard the name Far.
menti BEFORE" he observed; "but it is
probably assumed, and the Beechwood,
among so many, will not 1e easy to
tind."
"Give me a list of them," cried
Arthur, eagerly. II will go tc every
Beechwood on the map, one after the
other, until I find this Farmenti, who
ever he may be. My word for it, when
he is found the rest will be compare
lively easy. Ludlowe, T believe I can
see ray of light ahead. Ishall find
Ruby Lawrence yet"
"And suppose you do?" interrupted
the Chief, gravely. @Granted that you
do find her, poor girl, what then? Do
you forget, Arthur, that that hideous
charge still hangs like shadow over
her head?
THAT as soon as she would be dis
covered, her whereabouts known, she
would be placed under arrest; the
trial would follow, with its attendant
horrors; and do you imagine that Ruby
Lawrence could survive it? Arthur,
Arthur! leave we'll enough alone! If
the poor girl is really alive, and hid
den at Beechwood, do not seek her
out!
"Let her live and die in peace, un-
known! It would be cruel kindness
to bring her back to the world once
more, God knows!. A kindness for
which she may live to curse you!"
Arthur arose and began to pace
slowly up and down the Office; his face
pale and anxious, his eyes full of
moody light.
All at once he stopped short, pale
and agitated.
II can't help It'll" he painted, hoarse-
ly. Il must find her, or at least, make
the attempt! I will assume all
responsibility, I will take all tie risk,
Ludlowe. T know that Ruby will
never curse me for any step may
take in her defense. She would know,
understand that it was all for her
good. In short, I have made up my
mind. I intend to visit every Beech
wood upon the map"
Ludlowe whistled softly.
"You will have your hands FULL" he
exclaimed. "But go ahead, Arthur; I
have no more objections to make, and
after all, it is just what I would do my
seIfl Go at once, and heaven be with
you!"
"He shook Arthur's hand warmly.
The young man picked up time table
and began searching for Beechwood.
There were several towns by the name
all within radius of one hundred
miles. From this superabundance of
Beechwoods Arthur selected the one
at the greatest distance. He started
that very night, and was absent three
days. He returned moody and disap-
pointed. The name of Farmenti was
unknown at Beeohwood, and he had rot
been able to pick up single clew. He
was weary and discouraged, but-no
matter.
Better luck next time!" he cried,
hopefully, as he prepared for the next
trip.
The Beechwood to which sis foot
steps were now directed was q small
town not more than twenty miles away.
He arrived just at dark and the train
halted at the tiny wayside station. A
group of idlers, as usual in country
towns, hal gathered to "seo the train
come in" and closed carriage stood
near, as though waiting for some one.
As Arthur stood hesitating upon the
platform he sow woman, who had
evidently also just alighted from the
train, hasten toward the waiting car
riage.
She was dressed in deep mourning,
and heavy Grape veil covered her face,
entirely concealmg it from view. Some
how a strange suspicion darted into the
detectives mind that somewhere he had
seen her before. He started forward,
then drew back, low cry escaping his
lips.
The woman had disappeared. She
had entered the carriage and was
driven away at full speed. For mo
ment he stood wrapped in thoughS
then suddenly arousing himself, me
started to follow the carriage.
A wild impulse had taken possessIor
of him. a conviction that it was Ga