The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1891-12-23
Her FATHERS Victim.
A STORY OF
a SIURI OF
WESTERN LIFE
THOMAS ?. MONFORT.
CHAPTER XVI
TEE SERPENT IS TNw wARTEO.

As Pearson rode into town on his re-
turn from Green's, he saw the train
from the east approaching, and he also
saw Scraggs and Doctor Bascou walk
ing down in the direction Of the depot.
He did not attach any importance to
the fact Of these men being together,
but when a moment later they were
joined by Paul Markham, he began to
suspicion that something was wrong,
and he was seized with fear.
They're plotting against me-" be
muse6, land like as not old Scraggs has
telegraphed for Blatchford, and they
are going to the train to meet him. By
George, believe that old doctor is in
Scraggs' employ, and his keeping me
in bed all those days was a put up job
to gain time on me. Twas fool not to
know that sooner. Well, If Blatchford
is coming I've got to be going. This
town amt big enough to hold Us both" J"
With that Pearson quickly disnount-
ed and running down through the stable
turned down an alley and crossed the
rsilroad track just before the train
passed. Taking position on the
opposite side, from the depot he
watched the passengers as they
left the cars. First travelling
man came out, then woman and
two children, and it seemed that
that was all, and Pearson began to con-
gratulate himself again. But his con-
cratulations were shoyt lived, for d.
rectly another passenger emerged, and
Pearson knew only too well who It was.
There was no mistaking Blatch1oro,
although he was so aged and bent and
80 woefully changed from what he had
been when Pearson saw him last.
Course the luck" Pearson muttered.
"and old Scraggs and Bascom. The jig
IS up for me. I've got to fly from here,
and I've lost Louise; but I've got Batch
focd's money"
So saying he slipped on board the
train as it moved out, and was whirled
away from Magic City forever.
Blatchford was conducted without de-
lay to Scraggs' Office where everything
was explained to him. He listened
quietly to the whole story, but as
Scragcs revealed to him the sufferlngs
Of John Green's family and the v;nainy
of Harry Pearson, the old msn's face
grew ashy and his gray head dropped
low Oh his breast, while ever and anon
a hear~ending groan escaped him. 1t
was minute or two after Scraggs I'M
ished his hurried account before the old
man moved or spoke, but at last be
raised his head and cried:
my God! my God! how I have
sinned. Ny child dying Of want, and
the'viper have warmed to my breast
betraying my child's child to ruin. This
snore than can stand, men; can
not bear it another instant Show me
this scoundrel. and I'll put bullet
through bis black, villainous heart.
Come, must see him"
It was all Scraggs and Ethe doctor
could DO to get the old man quieveo
down, put at last they succeeded IN
inducing him to listen to reason, and
Scraggs untolded his plan OF procedure.
Pearson is going to Green's tonight
after. the girl, and we must arrange to
get there before him. We can never
see him here, for he viii be in hiding,
but we can head him OFF there. For
fear he may get there before US and
miss Us on the road, will have men on
the watch for him at the depot with in
stractions to detain him if he comes
back there. In that way everything
will be safe, and we'll catch him some
where in the round"
This proposition was readily agreed
tobyan, and then Scraggs continued:
''We. want to. get away from here
without attracting attention, 80 while
DR.. -Bascom conducts Mr.. Blatchford
tohis house to await US, Paul and I will
secure a carriage and drive out that
way. From the doctors house we will
proceed to Green's. Now, let's get out
of here and begin to move
Within surprisingly short time
Scraggs had completed al his arrange
ments, and with his. companions was