The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-04-27

chine would never consent to have hel
nortrait taken; 30 that he had no means
of learning if there was such wonderful
resemblance between the two women ex-
cept by personal description, which was
not by any means satisfactory.
Under these circumstances there was
only one thing to be done-see Captain
Dicksfall, the father of Lens-so: putting
a few things together, Dowker caught the
afternoon train to Folkestone form Char
ing Cross.
1owker duly arrived at Folkestone and
took 10 his abode in a hotel in the
Sandicate Road, where he ordered him
self pleasant little dinner and made
the acouaintance of fatherly old waiter
who knew everyone and everything.
This waiter at the Princes Hotel re-
ioiced in the name Of Martin, and, hover
ing about Dowker, armed with napkin
and o pint bottle of Heidsick, managed
to satisfy that gentleman's curiosity con-
corning the existence of Captain Michael
Dicksfall.
Yes, sir-know him we'll, sir-by sight,
sir" he said, brmming the empty glass
with champagne. Hold gentleman, sir
bin in the army-'ad two daughters.
Two daughters?" repeated Dowker,
eagerly.
Yes. sir-Miss Amelia and Miss Hele-
ma, sir-twins-as fine-looking gals as you
ever saw, sir-tall, 'andsome, and golden
air"
.Oh, indeed!" replied Dowker indiffer-
emily. And are they living with Captain
Dicksfell?"
No. sir" said Martin gravely. You
see, sir, Miss Helena fell in love with a
GENT who was stopping at the Pavilion,
sir, and went off with him."
What was his name?'
Don't know. sir. He called himself
Carrill, but they do say it was not his right
name"
"Humph!" -,
Dowker pondered q little over this. 1t
was az he had thought after reading the
letters. Lord Callist on had masqueraded
at Folkestone under the name OF Carrlll,
and had inyeigled Helena Dikcsfall away
from home and kept her in st. Johns
Wood as LENA Sarschine."
And the other young lady, he asked
Miss Amelia?"
"Oh. she made good match, sir, re-
piled Martin. Married Sir Rupert Balls
combe, sir, about year ago. But I did
ear. sir. as 'ow she 'ad bolted last week,
sir, with Lord Calliston-same blood,
sir: it will come out" And Martin de-
parted to attend upon an important Gus
toner.
Same blood" repeated Dowker mus
ingly. L wonder if he knows it's the
same man? Calliston evidently had q
penchant for the family, for there seems
to be no doubt that Miss Sarschine and
Lady Balscombe we're sisters. So he kept
one and made love to the other! Queer
deuced queer! Well, I think ] had better
look up Captain Dicksfall.'
He finished his wine, and, putting on
his hat, went out into the cool evening
and strolled leisurely along the Leas.
first having taken the precaution OF put
ting Dicksfall's address in his pocket.
He had no difficulty in finding Captain
DickBfall's cottage, which was comfort
able looking place with small garden In
front. A neat maid servant admitted him
into o dusky passage, and from thence
1howed him into small drswlng-room, at
She end Of which, near the window, Cap
tain Dicksfall lay on sofa, looking out on
to quiet street. A haggard, pale face,
worn by suffering, but which had once
been handsome. He lay supine'y on the
sofa in an attitude Of utter lassitude, COW
cred by heavy rug, and his slender white
hands were toying with book which was
lying on his lap.
he turned fretfully when Dowker enter
ed, and spoke in the querulous voice OF an
invalid. .,
what is it, my good MANI" he said
peevishly. why do You come and disturb
me at this hour? My doctor has ordered
complete rest, and how can I get it it you
sSelfsh old chap" thought Dowker,
but without saying o word he took his
seat near the invalid and commenced tc
talk.
II am sorry to trouble you, SIR" he
said, respectfully, "but wanted to see
YOU about your daughters"
g.. MY daug ghters!" echoed Captain Dicks.
fall anprily. You are making mistake.
I have only one-Lady Balscombe!"
Dowker felt disappointed.
Il understood you had two daughters,
sir-Lady Balscombe and Miss Helena
Dicksfall?"
The invalid turned sharply on him.
Who the devil are you TO intrude your
self into my private affairs?"
Dowker came at once promptly to the
point.
MY name is Dovker. ! am detect
ive."
Captain Dicksfall struck his hand an.
grily down on the pillow.
Sent by Sir Rupert, l presume?' he
said with sneer. He wants to get O
divorce, and you have come to me foi
evidence. I know nothing. My daugh-
ter was always good daughter to me,
and if Sir Rupert had treated her well
this elopement with Lord Calllston would
never b I've taken place. He is to blame,
not she."
Il do not come from Sir Rupert, said
Dowker coldly. but from Scotland Yard
About what?"
The death of your other daughter"
Captain Dicksfall started up with .
eroan, and stared wildly at DowkeT.
Good God! Is Helena dead?"
who is Helena?" asked Dowker stol-
idly.
MY daughter-my daughter
I thought you said you'd only one.
SIR"
The sick man turned away his face.
Il Ihad two, he said in low tone, but
one, the eldest, ran away with some scamp
called Carrill. Since then I have heard
nothing of her, SO always say have only
one."
Dowker thought for a few moments.
1t was very delicate position to occupy,
and, feeling it to be so, for moment he
was doubtful as to how to proceed.
Captain Dicksfall," he said at length,
Il know am only common man and
YOU are a gentleman. 1t is not for such
as me to speak to you about your private
affairs, but this is matter of life or
death to human being; and if you hear