The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-06-11
Lost Lina;
THE BITTER AND THE SWEET,
A Tale Of Two Continents.
BY MRS. NINA LAWSON.
CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.
The telegram which was sent by the
unknown to Captain Hutchinson at
Leadville, Colo, was answered IN the
affirmative, and on the stated date the
men we're closely closeted In a room IN
one of the hotels in Lincoln, Neb.
"Well, Tan, what is this very impor.
tant matter that you have had the
cheek to call me here to meet you for?
"Ah, Hall, I thought You were al
ways the man on hand for haul"
"Well, so I am; and now out with
the whole affair"
"All right; yo2 know who I have
been with since last saw you?"
ayes. Jim the Desperate"
Just SO; and now he has played the
little on me and I intend to be even."
The unknown then related in full
everything concerning this strange
nffair, with which we are already ao-
quainted.
"Ah, ha! Tan, you have Jim in a
tight box indeed. He played me a
small game once, about five years ago,
and now I will cancel that old debt
when I have a good chance.
"You say the girl shall not be hurt
nor swindled out of her money!"
eyes, I said so, and that must be
part of the bargain"
"Al right. A man must be con-
foundedly small when he will attempt
to cheat poor, helpless, innocent
woman"
"That is the truth, Hall. I had not
thought of it just that way before, but
as sure as thunder and lightning that
is the chief point in the game that Jim
is trying to play"
$50 much the worse for him. I am
right with you. And now for our plans
OF action"
II had thought it best to work it in
something of this manner, in order not
to compromise ourselves. About the
Last of this month we intended to make
haul on the First National Bank of
Springfield, Illinois. Twas to 60 there
from JoEesboro, and investigate, get
everything ready to just step in and get
the money, and then I was to wire for
Jim. The Doodle was to be divided be.
tween us, and I suppose would get
about one-eighth, while he would have
the rest. told him I would wire him
when I was ready for him, and so !
will. I like to see fair play, even in
this kind of work, but when he is too
smart for that he must look out for
number one, and then take the conse.
qucnces. Intend to go back to Spring.
field, look the matter up, and on the
night expect Jim I will give the po-
lice key to the plan. OF course you
may be assured that I shall be careful
to be out of sight if they should want
me-"
THAT will work all right so far; but
how will We manage about the girl and
that italian woman that he has there p
"Well, now, that's just the thing
that is just what want you to see to,
and if you do as I say there will be no
harm done to any one but the man who
deserves it,"
"All right, partner; I am willing to
agree to anything you suggest that is
anywhere near fair and won't com.
promise me too much.
"You will get into no trouble what.
ever"
"All right; I am willing then"
II will return to Springfield, and
you go with me. We will investigate
matters there little, and then you 60 to
Chicago to watch Jim's house; watch il
closely and get. everything ready fol
tho final act
Nov, about that lovely farme,
girl. What do you intend to dc
with her? Remember, she must
have those papers that belong
to her, and you know where hel
home was. Jim said he had fixed it al.
right with the mail carrier, and she
would never get any mail to hel
uncle's. Hard telling what they may
think of her silence"
"Well, never mind about the girl
Just now. I have already decided
what I shall do With her-but, the
1talian!'
"Well, I told you where her old
home was, and only the other day
heard that her mother was still search.
ing for her, but to no purpose. Don't
suppose the girl knows anything at all
about it. What want is fair play and
revenge on Jim. I hope after he is
caught at Springfield that he may
never see either of them again, and
never be free man."
"Hold. hold. Tan! I know Just
what I want and just what shall do
for both the girls. Trust that Chicago
affair to me and We will come ont all
right"
"Very well, we understand each other
how?"
Perfectly. I see what you want
and know just what want"
"Hellol Well, we have just time
enough to eat little supper and catch
that east-bound train. You see we
have 10 time to lose, for want to gel
Jim down to Springfield about the time
he returns from Milwaukee,"
-
"Ah, Hall is mi ghty punctual; I