The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-05-03


proceeded to light the gas.
That done, he tore open the bundle.
He found It to contain suit, complete
from hat to shoes.
Sears was of about his size, and the
clothing would fit him nicely.
The principal thing, however, was a
bIords wig and false mustache, each Of
the finest workmanship, we'll calculated
to deceive, unless. indeed, q close scru-
tiny was made.
Cole carried an unusually sharp pocket
knife, and with this he cut off his mus
tache, the operation taking but smoment.
Then he adjusted tho blonde substi-
tute. His own glossy hair was quite
closely cropped. SO that the wig fitted
him exceedingly we'll.
When he had lightened his face with
the contents of a box Of cosmetics, he
found from the glass that he had under
gone a metamorphosis SO complete that
his detection seemed impossible.
Suddenly q difficulty occurred to him.
What would be do with the bond and set
of jewelry which still remained in his
pocket where the dastarely villain had
placed them?
If he left them in his clothing, they
would furnish damning Evidence against
him If he was ever made 8 prisoner,
which was by no means remote contin-
gency.
On the other hand, to take them with
him seemed still more hazardous. AS he
stood irresolute, debating the point in
his mind, the problem was solved for
him.
The noise and trampling Of feet below
had been increasing for some minutes.
In his busy excitement our hero had not
noticed this, but now he heard the sound
of footsteps ascending the stairs.
There was but one thing to do. Cole
glided forward and unlocked the door.
Then he threw back the bed clothes,
made an incision in the mattress with his
knife, and began cropping with his hand
among the hair with which it WAS filed.
"Hellol" called a voice from the door,
which was just then thrown open With
considerable violence.
Hello yourself!" responded Cole, as
he turned and saw an officer in uniform,
and young man with O notebook in his
hand.
Then he turned and coolly continued
his feigned search.
What are you doin' here?" glowled the
OmCGI III b LOu6 VI bubp4C1Ous
I'm working to get the best reports
for my paper, responded Cole.
Well, III be blowed! You reporters
bang the Jews! I thought this one had
cheek to beg me 10 let him come up here,
but hang me if you haven't pre-. empted
the premises without saying by your
leave. How did you come here?
i was down this way on an assignment,
heard Of the row, and walked in.
What have you found2" asked the
man with the note book very eagerly.
will you trade points'"
"Of course.
We'll, one of them must have left here
in hurry"
How so?"
There's some of his clothes"
Cole pointed to the floor where he had
thrown his discarded garments, upon
which the officer and reporter immedi-
ately pounoed.
Must have took 'em off to put on q
disguise" said the former. Hal what
have We here?"
BE had drawn forth the set Of jewelry
50 recently presented to our fair heroine
by her now lifelsss father.
''The st. Cyr pecklsqs and brooch!"
almost gasped the reporter But look
ct thisF
sIt's one of the stolen bonds" cried
the officer, as he spatched the object
from the others hand.
The pencil Of the reporter fairly few.
70 his Joy, our hero found small block
of paper and pencil in one Of the pock-
ets Of bis coat, and was soon initiating
his example.
In the meantime several others had en-
tered, and Cole drew the knight of the
pencil" aside.
He asked him q few questions, and
made pretense Of writing down the in
formation obtained.
"What are you going to dor asked the
reporter, as Cole thrust the block Of pa
per into his pocket.
4 intend to write up and turn in what
I've got.
But there'll be lots more"
Perhaps; but want to be the first to
bring In copy. It will be scoop on the
other boys. Seep"
Cole Winters had done . little repor-
torial work for paper in the town where
he had been at college, and was conver-
SAINT with the terms used by the craft.
What paper are you on2" asked the
other.
I'm doing hook writing at present.
The paper that pays the best will get my
reports. That's why I'm in hurry to
write it up. It'll stand two columns. I
reckonp"
I should hope SO. I intend to mako
three Of it, at least.
You reporters, and everybody not con-
nected with the force must leave the
premises" announced. the sergeant. in
stentorisn tones. Il don't see how you
managed to get in, anyway, he added,
petulantly. =
. This was our hero's opportunity, and
q mement later he wssss in the street,
Tree map.
CHAPTER Kill
REPORTING HIS OWN CASE,
For some minutes Cole Winters walked
aimlessly along. he knew not where to
20, and was incapable OF formulating
plan Of action
His first idea had beer to repair to the
st. Cyr residence in Calumet avenue, and
learn if Berenice had returned home.
But he abandoned this plan before it was
fully formed. In all probability it would
lead to his detection and arrest, and be-
sides he felt satisfied that she YVES still in
the power of his enemies.
Il will effect her rescue" decided he as
he hurried along.
Suddenly the ringing of bell and
loud CRY attracted his attention.
Cole looked quickly, saw e. flaming
light bearing down upon him and leaped
nimbly forward, just in time to avoid