The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-06-07
hatred and jealousy held in thrall In one

hatred and jealousy held in thrall In one
concentrated look.
Il stole it from her room. He gave It
to her." hissed the self-confessed thief.
How I hate him!"
Paul Walton's placid eyes gazed up
from the picture. Their earnest glance
maddened his infuriated rival.
He spread it out upon the table; he
struck it; he spat upon it.
Then, taking out his pocket-knlfe, ne
began to jab at it.
SHow hate him. He burrowed out
one eye. II wish it was his real throat.
And the envenomed plotter described
skillful swoop across the cardboard.
There's his miserable heart" Jab, jab,
jab!-the blade quivered in the innocent
picture, until it was perforated like a
bullet-riddled battle flag.
Hello! Queer amusement, 1says.
Ralph Prescott started violently.
Tnrning quickly, he observed tramp
ish-looking fellow at his elbow.
Who are your" he demanded, anGssly;
what business"
The stranger leered craftly at the
picture, unmoved by Ralph's clustering
manner.
Queer amusement, I says" he re-
peated, insolently.
rs it any Of your business?" de-
manded Ralph, hotly, securing and hid
ing the photograph.
Or, no; ret0rted the other, coolly;
"only I can guess the truth-you hate
that man."
Ralph gritted his teeth vengefully.
And you haven't got pluck enough to
deal with the real fellow as you do with
his picture"
mo, you see here. I'm keen one,
am. Mebbe can help you. That man
Is rival, eh?"
Suppose he is?'
And you want to get even with him?"
What If do2"
We'll; know something. It's curious
how I know it, but I happen to, ell the
same. You want revenge. Tell me
your story, all about that man, and III
tell you something in return that will
make your eyes snap. I'll show you
way of revenge that will make you just
. get up and howl with delight -.
do you mean it2" muttered Ralph,
obviously.
Treat me right, promise me enough
to pay nights lodging and keep, and
see If I'm boasting."
Over their glasses Ralph Prescott re-
luctantly awarded the confidence de-
manded.
Now, them" he cried expectantly,
plaring in eagerness at his companion.
Now then it Is. When I saw that
picture I was sort Of startled
."Why?" II
Il know that man"
You know him?"
YES"
What of it?"
His name begins with W, first
name Paul. Is that clever guess?
and how's Dalton for the rest Of it?"
Il don't see anything wonderful in
that. Everybody about. here knows
that.
Yes, but I don't live about here.
Never was here before, and didn't know
that Paul Dalton was within thousand
miles Of here" -.
well, knowing now that he is, what
Of it2" r.. ,-ss s- D., -. ,-..
What Of it," repeated the other ex.
citedly. "This Of it. If I. can tell you
something about that man that will
sweep him from your path like hurri-
cane, if I can prove certain facts that
once known will drive him from Maple
Leaf Farm like flash, what then2"
Ralph Prescott's face was white with
eagerness and hope.
Can you do it?" he painted.
lean. Is it $50 If do2"
"Yes, hundred. Out with 1t. What
do you know Of this man, Paul Dalton?'
The tramp leaned over. His blowsy
lips touched the ear OF the eager Ralph.
He whispered seven words words
freighted with an intelligence that
meant ruin and disaster to the innocent
Paul Dalton-heart-br break and misery
for the girl with the trusting heart and
the wild-rose face.
Palpitating, his eyes glowing luridly
with mingled Joy and hate, Ralph Pres
colt sprang to his feet.
Prove that" he gasped, hoarsely.
prove it, andI'll give you, not fifty, not
hundred, but five hundred dollars. Oh,
the luck of it! Oh, the Joy Of it. Paul
Dalton, have you in my power at last!'
ito BE Continued