The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-11-04
THE JEWELED HAIRPIN;
The Strange Tragedy Of the
Grand Hotel.
By ARTHUR GRIFFITHS.
CHAPTER III-Continued.

ionable in late years, since the hair ha
been dressed upward, SO to speak, and
worn high on the top of the head. Large
pins were needed to maintain the edifce,
Z and I had seen many like the one I held
In nv hands in the shop windows of the
Palais Royal. A neat design in brilliants
whether they were real or false .dla-
monds, I, mere uninitiated male, was
unable to declare-ornamented the circu-
lar end of the pin; but between each
! flashing stone was small turquois. The
whole appearance of the pin was that it
had cost money, and was littlo out OF
the common run.
But it was far less valuable to its owner,
whoever she might be, than to us, eager
to snatch at any clew.
I rushed into the room, triumphantly
exhibiting my prize.
5 See, Hasnip," cried, this was on the
natl"
He looked upon the pin with melan-
choly air, disgusted evidently that l
should have come upon such clew.
Il always said it was woman" he be-
'All pure conjecture, Hasnip. you know
that, retorted.
AT any rate, my conjecture is now sup
pOItco CfldCAS0, "AA>I 80 ~1S~S ~~~>>-
can be said of any of yours.
I'VE must look for its fellow. They
generally 20 in pairs, these things. We
may find the other in the back OF some
woman's head here in the Grand Hotel.
He did not answer. All at once his
face had assumed fixed look; he was
listening with all his ears intently.
fish, he whispered, placing his
hand on my arm. Il was certain heard
footstep-the rustic of Dress"
81 The next instant the door was tried.
{ We heard distinctly the handle turned
once, twice Intellectually, of course, as
the door was bolted within.
4 A third attempt was made-convulsive-
ly, as I thought-and then followed q
sound as Of some one falling to the floor.
81 81 -She has tainted" said Rasnlp, taking
it for granted it was a woman. Stop!
what are you going to do?"
h rushed to the door, disregarding his
protests, opened it hastily and found it
was as Hasnip had said.
s A female figure lay PROSTATE in the
passage, and I Immediately recognized
Miss Clara Bertram.
What did I tell you? I was right to
trust my luck" I heard Hasnip say be-
hind me, as he caught sight of the inani-
mate figure and also came to the door.
was for running on down the passage
Ito summon help.
Hold hard, Mr.. Leslie, hold hard.
Don't call any one. We must manage
this ourselves. Come, let us get her in
side."
aWhat. into that room, where the body
is? Surely not"
1Tes, yes. You lift her by the shoul-
ders, will take her feet. There!" had
the beautiful girl now in my arms, and
could look down on the fine face from
which all color had faded, and which
looked the whittier from it's sharp con-
trast withIher coils Of raven hair.
y We carried her tenderly-at least I can
answer for myself-into the bedroom, and
laid her upon the sofa. Hasnip, after the
most approved fashion, hastily sprinkled
water from the ever on the washstand In
her face, then took one soft hand and
rubbed it vigorously, directing me to do
the same with the other.
This treatment soon had its effect, and
+ Miss Be-tram, with a deep sigh, pite-
5 Gus, painful sigh, opened her eyes.
n As they fell upon two strangers, two
men, leaning thus familiarly over her,
she started with terror, half sprung from
4 the sofa and cried:
Ss6 Where am I? What has happened?
Who brought me here?"
We found you, fa;nting,at the door, I
! began.
sAnd carried you in here. This is No.
s9," continued Hasnip, rather brutally,
J taking the words out OF my mouth.
mo. go! No. 99!" she gasped. Here!
Merciful Heaven! Here! Let me out. /
! cannot, will not stay here! I will not.
4 Let me go!"
y Her voice rose to shrek almost, as
she rushed toward the door.
y Rasnip interposed.
-You cannot leave the room yet, he
Z said, firmly, but in O very low voice.
There are other people outside. 1t is 30.
really. Listen for yourself.
= Miss Bertram put her ear to the door,
Il and by her next movement admitted the
truth of Hasnip's statement.
q yes; you are right. 1t is my sister
Z and Captain Fawcett. hear them plain
ly: they must not find me Eere. Please,
/ implore you, as gentlemen. I appeal
s., They shall not come in See, the door
is bolted. But you will betray yourself
4 If you speak SO loud" replied the detec-
tive.
Miss Bertram seemed to understand,
and moved mt once toward inc window.
II will 60 this way" sho said, placing
Ter hand upon the sash to lift it.
E The action, betraying, as fancied, SO
intimate knowledge of this second exit
from and approach TO No. 81, struck
cold chill into my hoart. 1t was obvious
she must have Travelled this road bciorc.
mo. no, madam; not yot," said the
police otficor, in o perempsory way, not
10 be mistaken. i want to ask you
question. Is this yours?"
He suddenly produced the hair-pin
which he had Kept il his hand.
~ was watching the girls face closely.
q Palo as it bad becn before, the evld 'Etly
3 unexpected production of the pin turned
IL t. gray eshen hue of death. Her
s eyeba!ls, round and staring with terror
1, at first seemed starting from her need;
then the lips dropped over them. as With
sudden faintness. and bur for my arm
! she would again have fallen to the moor.
is it yours?" repeated HasElp.
No no." she fsltered quite low. al.
most in a whisper. Don't ask mel
cannot tell you"
.You are quite sure2 It has its fellow.
& I believe"-this was a mere shot, OF
course-"and know where I can 10y my
hands on it.
The working Of her face indicated
fresh access of terror, but She could
< frame no words OF reply.
This is too cruel. Ha>nlp, said, feel
in7 bound to interfere. The mer, sight
of her anguish wonld have stirred me 10
the soul, but was yet more moved by the
AHo