The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-01-25
BY ALEXANDER ROBINSON, M. D.

Looking back, could see some terri
bic quarrel between these two men, each
OF whom no doubt possessed q strong
temper.
Perhaps Leonore had been the cause
of it all, and the result had been that
Theodore was banished from home with
his fathers curse upon his wretched
head. -.
From time to time he had sought an
interview, but the old Doctor had
perhaps misconstrued the tone OF his
letter, and deemed him impudent, when
perhaps he was only determined.
Then had come dark resolve on the
part of the wretched son to avenge his
wrongs, and perhaps gain the fortune OF
his father at one fell blow.
he had done it. Could it be possible that
this was the terrible foe DR.. Seabury
had dreaded for years? I could hardly
believe it, and yet the evidence pointed
that way. ..'.
Whoever had killed him had been the
cause Of his constant dread.
While these thoughts were fitting
through my mind, sat there watching
my man, and trying to analyze the
series Of emotions that fitted across his
face.
1t was beyond my power.
The man writhed under my indict-
ment, and I could not see how any
thing other than. guilt could make him
do so. rr =
He spoke first, and his voice was not
30 strong as before. ...s.- ..
doctor, am to understand that you
believe me guilty Of my fathers death?"
II am bound so to believe, SIR"
This is terrible accusation to bring
against man."
at is warranted by facts. You were
at loggerheads with your father. In the
dead Of night you sneak like thief to
the house, and climb the vines leading
70 your fathers window. He is found
dead-murdered beyond all shadow Of
doubt. Now, sir, what would it be rea-
sonable to suppose?"
A spasm of pain crossed his face.
II see the force Of your accusation,
Doctor, and yet I solemnly declare to
you, as heaven is my witness, that I
was not in my fsther's chamber on that
niRht-I am innocent of this terrible
crime"
~What! dare you deny that you were
present-that you climbed the vines as l
have said, leaving the mark Of your
hand on the white window ledge, and
losing letter from DR.. Seabury at the
broken wall?"
IL deny none Of these, simply stating
shaf / amipnocent Of the crime"
To say that I was amazed would be
puttip;y it rather feebly-I was almost
paraly: ed by the situation.
Here the man who had turned out to
be the old Doctors son admitted that he
had climbed the vines and looked in at
the window of his fathers room, but EN-.
ahatically denied going further.
Ah! Sudden thought: had he seen
snything to cause him sudden alarm?
The idea came with resistless force.
1t would account in measure for his
strong emotions.
This thought had to dismiss instant.
", fer it threw me off the track, anC
sent me back to the old suspicion enter
tertained by Mr.. Ketcham-that Leo
more, in q fit Of mental insanity, had
done the deed which had created such
confusion in tire mind Of the old de-
tective.
OF course this was but q scheme on
his part to evade punishment.
The man was capable Of much cum
aing-I saw that he was no ordinary
character, but that he possessed strong
powers.
Returning to the attack, I once more
pushed him hard.
"You have not acquitted yourself In
my mind, sir. Remember, the charge
against you is terrible one. It would
serve your interests wcll were you to tell