The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-08-01
CHAPTER XIII.

Livingston was Tagged out when ne
closed his report. He was despondent.
The conference with Simmons had stimu-
lated him, infused hope, and inspired
him with courage until his work was
done.
Then he began to experience strange
oppression. His thoughts reverted to
New York, and to Miss Beauchampe.
What was she doing? What could a girl
like that do all alone? She might go
mad She might be tempted in sheer
frenzy to 90 out alone, perhaps be SUBJ
jected to insult or suspicion.
In short, Livingston became prey to
utter despondency.
Where then was her brother? If the
man he had seen was another, where
was poor Beauchampe? How did it help
matters if it could be proved that Beau
champe and this man resembled each
other?
Livingston was walking to his hotel
when his attention was attracted to two
men on opposite corners Of street. One
stood silent, motionless. The other
shufled his feet, and looked all about
him. One stood so close TO a lamp post
that he might have been unnoLiced, or
mlSUdhGl 1Ol GuC pOoN AaN SshSA SeooN
out boldly on the street corner. One
was slight. The other was of massive
frame, evidently.
AS Livingston looked, he was i'm
pressed with the idea that the slender
man was watching the large man. He
felt somehow as If he was about to
participate in a struggle. Instead OF
pursuing his steps in that direction, he
paused, and stood looking at the figures
on the opposite corner.
Suddenly the large figure stood stock
still. Livingston was sure the man was
contemplating the figure close to the
amp-post. Then the big man made q
move. He was crossing the street, when
the slight man shot out from the lamp
post and sped toward the opposite cor
ner.
Then a figure suddenly shot out as
from a wall seemingly, and the slender
figure turned, doubled on his tracks, and
was heading toward Livingston.
His face was turned toward q power
full light-a huge lamp in front OF a
hotel. The instant Livingston beheld
his face, he sprang forward, uttering one
d-"Beauchampe!"
The man shot look at Livingston
that bespoke fear and terror, but did
not pause. The big man shouted:
HALT"
He, too, ran swiftly. He was within
a few feet of Beauchampe when the lat
ter whirled around-there was fash,
report, and the big man put his hand to
his thigh, but still pursued his man.
Now, the third man sped past Living
ston, and he could not resist the tempta-
tion to 1olIow them. Thus ali four were
running on one side of the street swiftly.
The wounded man labored, but he ran
fast withal. Gradually this mans breath
gave out. He paused to signal his fel-
lows. and at that moment Livingston
passed him.
The man nearest the man who fired
the shot gained not!ceably on Beau
champe. 1t was a neek-and-neck race
for at least the length Of block. Then
the pursuer put out hand. Livingston
could see the men struggling. He was
near them when one was thrown V1o-
lently to the ground. The other-Beau-
rhampe, sped on. Livingston still pur-
sued. Another and another block was
passed Livingston realized they were
approaching a passenger depot he
feared he would lose Beauchampe now,
If he did not succeed in reaching his
side. 1t was Beauchampe - but 80
strangely altered. He called to him now
as he ran, not in loud voice, but so
distinctly that Beauchampe could hear
him. Beauchampe did not turn, did not
abate his speed. He ran the faster un-
til he reached an alleyway, when sud-
denly Beauchampe disappeared.
When MS pursuer looked up and down
the alley, no sign of living being was
seen. 1t was as If the earth had swal'
lowed Beauchampe up.
While Livingston stood dazed, marvel
ing what had become Of Beauchampc,
he heard violent outcries on the next
street fastening in that direction, he
observed number of men running along
the railway track toward train OF cars
They darted IN and out and under the
cars, which were motionless, then gath
cred in group. Livingston could hear
them talking eXcitedly.
He approached the group slowly. AS
he ncarcd the group, one man said:
81 thought had my hand on him."
"And was sure he jerked under the
rear car" said another.
at is the strangcst thing ever saw,
another said. "But he's as good as ours
III bet my months pay We'll nab him
before the days over"
" feel like taking that bet," said a
voice Livingston recognized: ain my
opinion he'll not be nabbed in Chicago. "
"How will he get out of it if we mind
our business and look into every carr"
| demanded one young man, whereat
there was loud laugh at the young
mans expense =,
aWhat you don't know, ADAM" said
big policeman, "would ill whole
libraries. OF course he will get out OF
town if he gets aboard; he won't be
ahead of a brass band"
Livingston stepped forward, and was
recognized by Simmons, who said to him.
quietly:
ATS our man. thought we had him,
but he is too quick for US. He is one OF
the sharpest l have ever had to deal
with"
Livingston was on the point OF re-
lating all he witnessed, but he reconsid-
cred and remained silent for time.
Finally he asked Simmons what he
thought of the affair
"I think" said Simmons, with rare
delibe -ation, knitting his brows, "that
he E. find Chicago too hot for him, and
will get out if he cam"
"And which way will he go?"
"To New York. Where else would
he go?"
"What did he come here for If he can
not manage to stay?"