The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-08-15

would be read by millions within twenty
four hours.
All the country was talking about the
mysterious mur1er again and nineteen
twentieths of the public thought the
unexpected taking-off of Major Dabney
was well-timed they agreed it was just
as well his career had terminated IN
tragedy. 1t made the lesson more i'm
pressive.
1t was half past eleven when Living
ston handed his copy to the editor, after
reading it over carefully. 1t was near.
ly twelve when he cleared his desk OF
the work intrusted to him, and at least
another half-hour was consumed when
he made the rounds of the press, and
learned by telephone at the last Office he
visited, that an important message
awaited him at the Office of the Record.
He returned quickly to the Record, and
read the message. 1t was terse-
very much like Simmons
Captured our man. Come to station
at once. sIMMoNs.
Livingston could have tossed up his
hat. He was right. Simmons never
would have written "our man" If he had
captured Beauchampe- He was walk
Ing out of the editorial rooms when
some one called to him.
"What is it2 have have no time
now," Livingston answered 81 am on
the rush."
aSomebody down -stairs-a lady, wants
to see you. Says IL is imperative.
Livingston's mood changed on the in
etant His mind was on Miss Beau
champe when he entered the business
department. His surprise was very
great when, instead Of Miss Beau
champe, he beheld the prima donna.
She was very plainly dressed; her
face was concealed, but Livingston rec
ognized in the graceful figure and the
manner the famous singer. She was
deeply agitated; her voice trembled as
she spoke.
SPardon me; the matter is imperative.
It admits of no delay-not an instant
that can be avoided. am glad I found
you here. You must 80 at once to the
nearest police station. Your friend, Mr.
Beauchampe, is there. There is some
thing terrible, know, and for his Sis
ter's sake-on her account"
He interrupted her wonderingly. @Im-
"But I saw him, Mr.. Livingston. ]
was just entering my carriage. The per-
formance was unusually long, and ]
never am in haste. They had him in an
open wagon Of some sort; his head was
cut-perhaps lie resisted; who knows?
1t was all so terrible. I recognized your
friend at the first glance. bade my
driver follow them to the station. !
sent in word by an officer, but the gentle
man who cane out gave me no satisfac-
tion whatever. He was very polite. !
tried every argument. and everything
falling-T had the manager Of the thea.
ter brought there to help me, tool
came here. You will 60 at once?
"At once-I am going now"
Vittoria hestated, then, as II it cost
her an effort, she said:
any carriage is at the door. It is at
your service. My maid and I can go to
the hotel afterward.
Liyingston's only answer was "Come."
When they entered the carriage, Wit.
toria spoke to the driver in low tone.
The driver nodded, and the carriage
drove off furiously.
In very little time, seemingly, they
stopped at the station, where Livingston
found an officer he was well acquainted
with. Presently Simmons appeared, and
these three consulted before Fittoria
was admitted.
1t was Simmons who stepped toward
her and placed himself at her service.
II wish to see the prisoner"
Simmons led the way. Livingston
brought up the rear. A barred door
was before Vittoria's eyes. A man was
confronting her with baleful eyes
Vittoria started. Then she exclaimed:
at is not Mr. Beauchampe. She
heaved great sigh Of relief as she
spoke.
@No," said Livingston. "But there is
o marvellous resemblance.
There is-you don't say!" exclaimed
the prisoner, leering at Livingston. "He
must be handsome as picture II he
looks like me-"
The prisoner put hand to cash on
his head. Vittoria shudderingly with.
drew, as did Livingston and Simmons.
sYou are satisfied you are Mistaken"
said Livingston to the prima donna.
"Quite." She spoke with quiet dig
ni.y now. HWe will CO."
aNo," said Livingston. "There is no
haste. We will speak to my fr:end here
Mr.. Simmons I am sure he will as-
sist US In learning something of our
friend. Mr.. Simmons has communi'
cation to make to me which you can
hear"
at is short story" Simmons added.
"Ths man you see here planned a burg
larry some time ago. He induced an old
partner Of his to come on to New York
to help him move the plant was in
Chicago, learned something was amiss;
came home; put watch on the compan-
ion, and we captured three Of the burg
lars. One of them is the man you saw.
He planned the job. Livingston thinks
with this man in our power we ought to
be able to learn where his friend is
There has been a confounding Of per-
sons he claims"
"Oh, that am sure Of" said Vittorla
"And this robbery, where was it? DID
they succeed?"
"They did. 1t suited me to permit
them to enter the house-to put thi
plunder in bag. Here it is"
Simmons pointed to sack.
"lf you choose you can look at the
articles"
He proceeded to uado the string
around the sack, talking rapidly.
"You see, they effected an entrance
by opening window in the upper part
Of the house. To do that one climbed
into tree. Then he went down stairs
and opened the door. Our men were
near at hand all the while. We watched
until they had these in the bag, then we
pounced upon them"