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

MIN general principles
IMP With Boncourt
%a however, the case
* was wal Tholly Is hya differ: differ
ni1Si fl ON tho first that his interests
and those of his visitor, had suddenly be.
come directly antagonistic; and, before
the present interview had lasted five min
utes, he had secretly determined ID that the
coveted document should pass from Jas.
per's into his own possession, by fail
means or foul, before that interview
ahould end.
You cannot surely doubt my honesty,
Jasper?" continued Boncourt, with his
hand still half-playfully extended. Re.
member how you confded 10 me the
knowledge of this papers existence, away
OF yonder in the San Francisco hospital,
% many years ago."
True; and you werc kind to me then.
Rut-but I cannot do what you ask.
A look that was not good to see came
for an instant into the adventurer's face,
Aut 1t was almost instantly replaced by
the former good-natured expression.
You say I was once kind to you," he
persisted, skillfully throwing tinge of
onnotion into his soft voice. How mag
unanimously you are ropaying me now!"
But what can you possibly want to see
$he writing for?" exclaimed Jasper, puz-
Gled and softening.
Il will tell you. Jasper" And Boncourt
simulated frosh earnestness. Your enemy
Gilbert Marlowe-is secretly my enemy,
too. To glance at it with my own eyes,
to feast them on the written words that
exculpate you and criminate him In the
syes OF all men and the law-this would
secession mo intense qualification. That
10 all. Not wholly all, either. should
be able to use tho knowledge against him,
without forestalling you. II would en-
able me hereafter to feel sort Of part
nership in your power.
will not my word of possessing the
paper sufice?" said Jasper, at the same
time beginning to unbutton his coat.
Not as would an actual glance at the
writing itself, Jasper" said the other,
and, while still stretching out his right
hand e1pectantly, with un unsuspicious
movement Of the other he touched the
pocket-pistol with which he intended, if
necessary, to compel the surrender Of the
anticipated document, sooner or later.
cAh, knew the kindness Of your nature.
Il must yield to your persuasions,
then, Boncourt," said he, reluctantly be-
ginning to unfold the outer Wrapping.
But you must be very sure"
@What-what was that?" interrupted
she other, with glance through the open
window. There was movement out
there in the garden"
Doubtless, my little guard shifting
his position"
Nevertheless, it won't DO to accept any
chances of being spied upon"
Boncourt went to the window, and,
after looking out without seeing any
one, took the precaution to close the cur
: As he turned, he was astonished by the
startling change that had suddenly come
over his companion. In the brief mo-
ment Of his back being turned, Jasper
had taken the paper out of its envelope,
unfolded it, and was now gazing at its
contents in indescribable alarm. The pa
Per trembled in his clutch, his eyes seemed
starting out of his head, and he had grown
ivid.
"s" "dventurer sprang forward and
-'-- A glance
sofe the paper from his s."or.
at its .ienitcance was likewise sufficient
Fool! miserable, self.duped fool!" he
exclaimed, with an oath, ns he flung back
fbe paper. IT'S worthless--a mere jum-
bic IF business memoranda"
$3.50 I perceive" murmured Jasper,
sinking back into his seat. and still glar-
ing at the paper, which, however, he me-
chemically wrapped up again, and re-
turned to his safe-koepinC.
How could I have been so deludedp l
Il really thought I recognized it upon
my releaoe; but the light was certain;
Il must have been wholly different
paper that was thrown into the vault with
mel"
Totally different from the papor, of
course, you fool!" cried Boncourt, who
seemed with difficulty to abstain from
enashing his teeth, though he speedily
resumed his self-control. -Dolt! you
have frittered with me as we'll as with
yourself. Your power over the enemy has
vanished into mist"
Jasper now seemed to first become
aware of the adventurcr's change of tone
and attitude, and it served to restore his
own elf-command.
you forgot that I myself may, in tell
ing my history to the world, be still 9
power, independent Of the lost writing,
said he.
Boncourt laughed contomptuously.
And, as for the paper real paper,
continued Jasper. nettled, I shall gel
that, too, mover doubt. have an idea az
10 what has become of it..
so have I.
AT all events" said Jasper, rising tt
70, this affair las given me all lnsisn
into your true motives, which lha!l 60
b. lost upon me.
The adventurer at once saw the neoes-
sity of fresh dissimulation.
sCome, said he, with return OF hi
-suavity, forgive the expressions OF nj!
anger"
He extended his hand, with an appear
auce of contrition and frankness, ant
continued in the same strain, until Jaspe
seemed mollifed at last, though b
moved again toward the door.
wait vet q moment" said Boncourt
after q moments reflection.
That odd little fellow-your messen
ger of this morn ng-did you rot speak O.
having no further use for him2"
Svne