The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-08-02
CHAPTER NIX.

Ralph Prescott lay where he had been
left robbed and insensible in the white
moonlight, while his assailant sped
away from the spot with the fleetness OF
a deer, and the guilty bearing Of GRIM
inal escaping from the hands Of justice.
The false Paul Dalton's breath came
was not yet altogether sanguine Of leav-
ing the country without some trouble.
He feared Prescott, revived and hot
on his trail with all the vengeful per-
sistency OF O baf1ed accomplice; he
dreaded the anger OF his deserted wife,
whose written warning and subsequent
silence were more impressive than
spoken words.
But he had arranged for all that. The
bearded man, Newcombe. whom he had
employed to act as jailer to Paul Dal-
ton, was an old-time confederate In
crime, and he had arranged to meet him
at dilapidated cabin o mile distant,
that night.
I'll see Newcombe and well fly the
country together" he murDcured, as he
hurried over the moonlit landscape. He
ls too old friend to desert, but as to
that fellow Prescott, he handled edged
tools and got cut-he got all he de-
served"
d. The impostor threaded forest maze,
and at last came to dismantled hut.
He paused in the bushes to whistle
several times.
There was no response to this evident
ly agreed-on signal, and he entered the
doorless structure and proceeded to
light lantern, which, with q lot Of other
traps, lay on the floor In one corner Of
the gloomy place.
From among these he selected suit
Of clothes, false beard, pair OF blue
spectaclcs, and other articles likely to be
OF use in making up disguise.
When he had donned them they gave
him an appearance scarcely according
with the fugitive Of q few minutes
previous.
Il fancy no one will recognize me in
this disguise even II pursuit is made, he
ehuckled confidently. "The money =?
Yes, that is all safe. All! 1t was worth
the battle, and victory perches on my
banner, and I have won the day. A
royal fortune! With Newcombe to CO.
Op0EdvS W1Ou uOy WO Son ooobAO ~ oe
some foreign gambling place"
He gloated over the well-fllled pocket
book for some time, then, securing 1t in
an inner pocket, he paced tie floor OF
the hut restlessly.
An hour went by, and he glanced at
his watch-Ralph Prescott s-his time
piece now, he told himself, with hilari-
GUS laugh, as he pictured the discom-
future Of the plotter when he regained
his senses.
Strange that Newcombe does not
GOMEZ" he murmured, impatiently, at
last, extinguishing the lantern, and 60
ing to the door Of the hut.
Another hour went by, and ne started
from the spot.
Il can't, I won't risk trouble by re-
naming here or going in search Of New
combe," he muttered. determinedly.
He had his cue to be here. He Is not
here, 30 I leave the country alone. With
an abundance Of money can find an
equally shrewd partner in Europe"
Utterly selfish and heartless to the
last, the impostor hurried through the
woods.
He had his plans formed to cross the
coun----.1----S coun--1 railroad, take an east
bound train, reach New York, and thence
by steamer, Europe.
just where q narrow ravine lined the
path he was traversing, he paused sud-
denly.
= Like flashing meteor, Q woman's
form crossed his vision and blocked his
path.
'Stop!"
Clear as clarion note the mandate
rang forth.
Isabel" gasped the startled plotter.
@Yes-I have found you.
-What-what do you want2" STAN.
mered the abashed impostor.
A white, shapely hand was extended
from the folds Of the long, dark cloak
that enveloped the woman's form.
II want the fortune you have stolen
from the man you have 30 cruelty
wronged, Paul Dalton!" was the impe-
riCue rppIv