The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-07-06
CHAPTER XIII.

4 WICKED COMPACT.
At the hour when the Globe Inn was
free of customers Giles Ellis entered it
and inquired after the welfare of the
landlord, who was abed. i came" said
Giles Ellis in his insinuating manner, Ito
inquire how he is. I was sorry to see him
in such straits"
Nobody knows what be suffers-what
I have gone through in the past twenty
four hours.
What think you caused Daniel to fall
in q fit, Mistress Meade?"
That needs no guess. Ever since my
poor son was killed, the very sight Of
8 sailor distresses him.
Il see. 'Tis very natural"
I am almost tempted to give up the
business"
4Aye-but it is q fine, profitable busi-
ness"
There have been times when it was
bad, too"
Think you, if the man who killed your
son were hanged, Daniel Meade would
cot rest easy?" Giles Ellis leaned over
the table at which they were sitting, and
looked at Grizzle Meade meaningly,
Grizzle was seized with q tremor.
Il would rather, we're / in your place,
or your husbands, see the man who MUIR
dered your son hanged, than own all
Salem. Daniel Meade may rest easy
when justice is meted out to the mur-
derer."
Grizzle Meade looked at him as if she
would read his soul. MY mind is not on
blood. I've had enough Of blood"
But justice-justice should be DONE"
Aye. Let them that makes the laws
execute them"
But the authorities are tsrdy, me-
thinks, or this matter would have been
cleared up before this. Did you mark
what the sailor said about Martin Lee
last night?"
Il did not hear all he said," Grizz!e
replied. cautiously.
Did you not hear him tell how he was
marked by Martin Lee in O quarrel?"
Yes; and how he was Martin Lees
friend. I heard him answer you that.
And how he knew that Martin Lee was
coming this way, and should be in Salem
now"
Yes; I heard all"
Think you Martin Lee is here?"
How do know"
Was it not sailor killed your SOM"
1T was" Grizz!e bowed her head and
and put her apron to her eyes.
That sailor-was he not Martin Lee,
think your"
Il never thought more about him than
of the sailor who slept here last night" /"
said Grizzle. why should you charge
Martin Lee?"
Because this man says he was coming
here. This is a matter none can hear. I
came to speak to you alone. Martin Lee
did come to Salem. He was here-where
he is now no one knows. But in good
time it will be shown he was in Salem.
Grizzle Meade, if you use your wits, you
will see justice meted out to Martin Lee.
And how are We to do this thing?
What would you have US do?"
First, promise that you will never
breathe what will tell you?"
You can trust me rs I trust you," an
swered GrizZle Meade, slowly.
Know then that Martin Lee was seen
in John Lees house on the morning aftsI
the murder"
Well, and if he were?"
Can you not see? Is it not plsin2
Why did not John Lee bid him stay? Be-
cause he dare not. 'Tis we'll known Mar
tin Lee was wild youth. Nay, then, to
tell you more, John Lee forbade him his
house."
How know you this?"
That is my secret, Grizzle Meade
But even if it were as you repor.-"
II thought you were keener. Twas
Martin Lee and the Marshal saw il this
very room. The sailor from Africa, with
stories of diamond fields"
Why, then, that could neve: be- and I
not know it.
Giles Ellis looked at hsr keenly. A
struggle was revealed in Grizzlies man
ner. Something was combated re-
pressed.
1T is all clear to ms now. 1t was none
other than Martin Lee. veril believe
who found shelter here that night. But
why - why did he not make himself
known"
Why? He had good reasons. doubt
less; think You he had plenty to do with
out revealing himself to. US here, else
John Lee would not drive him from his
door
That is reason, too." said Grizzle
Meade. slowly.
But, if ever it comes to the authorities,
you must be sure twas Martin Lee was
here. Aye, and so must Daniel Meade.
There need be no doubt on that hand"