The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-07-04

ar, nibbled q cracker with it, and then
they separated at the door, each going
his own way. Livingston availed himself
| of a cab, while Simmons entered the first
car passing.
He called at three newspaper Offices;
In one he found his man in, in the others
be left notes that answered all pur-
poses.
1t was after two when he entered the
office of the Record.
The managing editor hailed him.
"Hello, Livingston! Thought you
were OFF,"
Il am off,"
81 see you are. Why is it that news
paper men when they get a day oil
invariably hang around newspaper
officeS?"
Il might ask why does the managing
editor voluntarily perform the duties OF
night editor"
aWell, the fact is, I was at the opera.
You'll allow managing editor to look
in his own Office one night in three years
that is not counting election nights
and extra occasions. The truth Is,
Baird is out of sorts-I've packed him
off home. everything is smooth as but
ter here. By the way, going to be about
| few minutes? If you are, there's
| murder you might look over Another
mystery. Three murders in one day, or
twenty-four hours-same thing-is doing
pretty we'll. Just skim over it, and see
that the head is all right. Sparks is out
looking up matter of his own-playing
Oh -; Nv
Of everything this morning Lots OF
fun"
The managing editor was perspiring,
but Livingston did not smile. He was
not in a smiling mood.
you'll find the proof on Blacks table
Thereon it ought to be there. Come to
think of it, I did change the head.
You'll find the head on separate slip"
Livingston removed his hat, as he
lifted the proof.
Directly his pencil was out. "The
proof-reader hasn't seen this" he said.
"No-he'll run over it after you"
"Why"-Livingston turned to the
managing editor, "you did not tell me
Major Dabney was killed."
"Not Major Dabney! J. S. Dabney?
Yes-there it is-no doubt about the j.
S. But can it be possible it is the j. S. ?"
at must be-, said Livingston. "There
is no other ]. S. Dabney."
@Sure? That's inexcusable stupidity
on Blacks part. He ought to know
where Major Dabney lives. The best
ltem-a sensation lying there and no
body know it! This is the Cabney,
Livingston? We must be sure"
II know both the numbers as well as
know this Office, Mr.. Ward. This is the
man who has helped to make and un.
make Mayors and Postmasters. And
you did not know it?"
@I've got plenty of time left to say all
that is necessary, but Blacks days in
this Office are numbered. A man who
does not know the difference between an
influential politician and grain mer.
chant manufacturer, or grocer, has no
business fooling around newspaper"
The managing editor turned away with
wrathful countenance, and Livingston
read the account Of the murder, correct
ing the errors carefully.
Directly the manager was at his elbow
again.
@See here, Livingston. Do you mind
dashing off something describing the
sort of a man the Major was On second
thought, won't devote more than par
Bgraph to the murder now-I may again.
Time enough. You can do the sort OF
thing I want-and III relieve you OF
this. Yours will be Introductory
understand"
So Livingston, who was at home in
his subject, wrote out swiftly the "sort
of thing" that fitted the Record.
He described rich-a very rich man.
Men accounted wealthy were pleased &c
get nod from him. Men who wers
anxious to make money courted his so
ciety; men who had sons 10 provide for.
and who knew that hint from Major
Dabney was as good as petition signed
by q thousand merchants, consulted
Major Dabney's pleasure, looking not
to heaven but to the Americans Mecca,
Washington, for their sure reward.
The political structure lin local sensc)
was thing of clay in the Majors hands.
Self-interest and the golden rule that
always-ended in his friends pockets
when it did not begin ana emo in his
own, was the Majors sole guide. A
polit'c venture that promised no profit
to himself possessed no interest for him.
There were such campaigns, in which
great principles were involved, spite OF
all the Major and his colaborers could
do to prevent it, brit when the can.
vass was at its hottest, Major
Dabney was either fishing in foreign
waters, absorbing the atmosphere OF
Florida for the benefit of his health, or
sulking in his tent. AS for the social,
and especially the me-3l structure, they
were built and mainSsined in another
way, without the Majors aid.