The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-08-05

agea TO beg return-rlde OF one OF the
railway guards, and even whose genius
for lying had been inadequate or unavail-
ing to soften the rough edges OF his re-
port.
So that now, at dusk of this momentous
Friday, we find both the banker and his
confederate in decidedly gloomy condi-
ton, and hardly knowing what next re-
verse to expect.
We'll, we'll, Gilbert, We are together.
some consolation in that, said Croak,
sfter long and painful silence had en-
sued. Il will not abuse you any more
for your madness, your idiocy, in ever
having written that miserable paper;
though, were it not in existence. We
should now be easy and secure"
Say no more Of it, then, said Mar
lowe, harshly. What is done is done
we must face it out, and that is the end
of it. I have an idea-or am trying to
get one. Let me work it up"
He paced the floor tor some moments,
while Croak remained silent. and at
length exclaimed:
Il think I have it. Croak. Should the
worst come to the worst, old Alworth
himself is our only hope"
1Alworth?"
sYes. We've tried running, crushing,
and brow beating the old fellow, without
helping ourselves; suppose We try lit
tie Utilization, by way of variety. How
would it do to buy him up3 A few hum
dred might suffice"
1T won't work. But even it it were
otherwise, how would this rid US Of your
self-accusation contained in that paper?"
-Of course. I am going to repudiate
"a paper as forgery-f1atfoot A
piece Of writing from old Alworth, 81.
pressing his utmost confidence in me,
would 60 far to support my denial"
1T can't be got. The girl is with him
eonstantly-he is completely at her beck:
and she would absolutely refuse to treat
with us"
Have you given up the idea Of marry.
ing the glrl?"
SGadi I should think 80, for the pres
ent, at least. She won't speak to me, or
even let her father speak to me. What
am I to do? They've got comfortable
home there with Aunt Joan and her sons;
I don't see how I can deprive them OF
that shelter"
But the girl is SO spirited. "
She. new ertheless. appears to be to
ing her time about seeking employment.
Boncourt's sister privileged them to make
free with the Jasmine Lodge grounds,
and father and daughter seem to spend
most Of their time in wandering and
dreaming among the flowers and shrub
berries there. I saw them moving about
the grounds even after dark last evening" J"
This can't last, you know. We must
see to it that the girl obtains no employ
ment, and then Ha! If you could
only buy out old Joan, or in some way
deprive the father and daughter Of their
last place Of refuge"
I've thought of it, I've thought Of it, "
said Croak, rubbing his hands. The
girl shall be mine, If misery and misfor.
tune can drive her into my arms, depend
upon it! But there are certain things ]
cannot quite understand. I've told you
about Mrs. Beane's unaccountable freak
in quitting my service and roof, in spite
of my threats. Well, there's something
stranger yet. She, likewise, he's taken
up her quarters at Aunt Joan's."
SIS it possible?"
Yes. Curse it all! II the old fish,
wife should undertake to meddle with
nv affairs-But hark! There is ring
at the gate"
what if it should be Boncourt, come
already to fsunt that accursed paper in
our faces?"
They looked at each other inquiringly,
and waited in no little suspense. But it
was not Boncourt, it. was Noel Marlowe
Who entered the Office, moment later.
[ro BE CONTINUED