The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-05-27

with the stranger talking up, and the
young master replying back over the
wheels. But I have known him afore
now to give lift of ten miles to the com
monest sort of road-peddler what he's
never seen before in his life. Indeed
But Boncourt waited to hear no more.
He had come from Jasmine Lodge on
foot. by short cut back over the cliffs,
as was his custom, and now he returned
thither as he had come, though almost on
the run.
it!" he called out to his groom, as he
again approached the lodge, whose stable
was closely adjoining; and then, hearing
Adele's voice at the front OF the house,
be hurried in that direction.
I'm of afer Noel, Adele" he began
saving, as soon as he had turned into the
piazza, where she was standing. Its
Just as feared it would be, curse 1t oil!
for"
He suddenly stopped upon perceiving
that bis sister WAS not alone.
A ragged little boy, who was standing
before her, came up to him, and doffed
his cap to him, though with an amusing
assumption of independence in his man
ner: "
The deuce you are?" said Boncourt, not
in the best of humors. "Ah, / remember
now. But I've no time to attend to You
now."
But see here, Mr.. Boncourt, can't be
engaged to come here, and then eubmit to
being fred out off hand, you know" said
the youth. 1--we severed my connection
alto. ether with my former employer, Mr..
Hob Bently, at your request, and with the
prime understanding that am to enter
your service in miscellaneous capacity"
Boncourt stared at him, while Adele
began 10 laugh.
%Why, Alphonse, said she, young Mr..
Dipper here was even moro precise in his
EXPLANATION to me before your appear
ance."
I'm older than look. ma'am, Lesides
being free and enlightened citizen Of
the United States Of America said the
little fellow, turning to her, with bow.
Madam, I trust to remain Eour ever
faithful and obedient servant.
Boncourt burst into laugh.
AL right, my man. consider yourself
in my service from this moment, said
he; and then, calling through the opea
hall to 8 man-servant, who was descend
ing the stairs, he added: Maurice, this
ia Master Dipper. who is henceforth in
my service. Give Alm a good breakfast,
and then take him TO the village clothier,
and fit him out with o 'cng-up pepper.
and-salt suit. My sister may have some
further instructions concerning him dur
ing my absence"
The newly engaged youth was led
away, apparently much satisfied with his
opening prospects, and just then Bon
courts favorite saddle-horse WAS led
around the corner of the house.
will You not change your clothes for
riding2" asked Adele, as her brother
mounted, after few words of e1plana-
tion.
NO, there is no t:me; and, fortunately,
I am dressed in gray. BY the way,
Adele, in q lower tone, while bending
over the saddle bow, IF you try to amuse
yourself with that wonderful child when
I am gone, find out if he can possibly
have come here as Jasper's spy!"
She nodded her head, and ne set of ats
rapid pace.
The Beeches, as Sir Harvey Wildingi
seat was called, was abouttipe miles from
Highcombe, and, though Boncourt had
never as yet visited there, he chanced to
be familiar with the road.
His anxiety, lest Jasper should have
succeeded in anticipating his designs up
On the contents Of certain one Of Noel
Marlowe's pockets, was presently re.
lieved.
When about midway to The Beeches,
he encountered way -farer who proved
to be Jasper Marlowe himself, and who
seemed to be trudging back to High
conbe, in rather dispirited mood.
"Hallo!" said Boncourt, fffecting both
surprise and cordiality. You seem to
have been making long stroll, Jasper.
Yes, Mr.. Boncourt, and moreover
had jaunt in dog at the invita-
tion of just tho pleasantest and most
democratic young gentleman I ever saw
on this side of y O water, said Jasper, in
q despondent tone.
Boncourt eyed him like an eagle. II
that scrutiny had caused him to suspect
that this man had anticipated him, and
was even then in possession Of the covet-
cd document, his action as we'll as his
glance would, doubtless, have simulated
That of the same rapacious and falsely
omblema attic bird Of prey.
fro BE CONTINUED