Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1891-04-09
CHAPTER XIX.

On the night when Belle Lorimer was
overtaken by Percy Loyel she was on
the way to perform her nightly duties at
the theater and as soon as she reached
her dressing-r room she sat down and
penned hasty note which she folded
in q sweet-scented envelope and gave to
boy who stood waiting. run with
this to the Foreign Club, aud if the
gentleman to whom it is addressed is
not there wait until he comes if you
have to wait till midnight. Anyhow,
deliver it to him with your own hands"
The note was addressed to Colonel
Brandon" and it read as follows:
Several years ago I was on the full
tide of prosperity in London and half
the society men of that city bcnt the
knee to me. At that time you came and
asked me to assist you out of a financial
dilemma. 1 did so and you promised to
return the favor whenever the oppor-
tunity presented itself. I noticed your
| name on the recent list Of distinguished
arrivals in this city and now have a
small favor to ask. Please call at my
rooms tomorrow at eleven o'clock a. m.
and hear it. BELLE LORIMER.''
The boy delivered the note within an
hour and at the appointed time next
| day the Colonel, who was n man of his
word, presented himself at the some
what humble apartments of the actress.
| She lost no time, but Immediately en-
tered into the purpose of the interview,
giving him brief history of the occur
rences of the past few months, so far as
Mr.. limerick Percy, and herself were
concerned. She proceeded: ''All that !
have to ask you is that you will do your
| utmost to secure this gentleman's iden-
tity at the American Consulate and at
the hotel. That accomplished I shall
| consider your obligation towards me en-
tirely cancelled"
$50 far as 1 am able, will help you
in every way" responded the officer.
They had reached this point in the con-
versation when Percy was announced.
He was still pitiable-looking object,
but his countryman easily discovered
that he was a gentleman and offered
| him every assistance. It was arranged
that Percy should go to the Colonel S
room and, after having bath and his
toilet attended to. don suit OF the
! ColOnePs clothes, after which the wor-
thy Office, proposed to exert his infiu-
ence among the city and diplomatic
magnates to procure for Percy his bag
gage and personal effects, which had
been left at the hotel, as we'll as his bal
ance in the River Plate Bank.
| Before Percy left with Colonel Bran.
don. Bello Lorimer drew him aside and
asked in earnest tones: What is the
secret of Mr.. Emerick's life? am sure
there is one. Can you aid me to dis
| cover what it is?''
81 have my own superstition" an.
swered Percy, ''but it may be wide OF
| the mark
Whatever your supposition is, follow
it up to the last thread. The man is as
bad as mortal man can be. His very touch
would befoul sewer-rat and there is
no crime which he could not commit
and smile over. l am convinced thai
| there is a dreadful secret in his life and
| shall rejoice if the day ever arrives
when it can be unearthed. In a few
weeks 1 leave here for London. and
should you ever have communication
/ to make to me concerning that smooth
tongued despoiler of a woman's virtue
| you can address mo at Martineaus ORA
matte Agency" Then drawing from bel