The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-09-18
A MIDuICHq
TRAGEDY;
=
ltl gg|jQe Of ho
Brokers Office,
~BY-
II. F. MorT.
CHAPTER xxx.


taurant, and he meant to remain there
as long as the fugitive did. The young
man had no thought that he was Ventul-
ing into peril.
The instant he appeared in the rear
room he was set upon and overpowered
by the men assembled there.
Stuart saw too late that he had walked
into q trap, and although he battled
desperately, he was dragged down a
flight of steep stairs, through dark
passage and into cellar-room.
The young mans captors dashed hlm
down heavily upon the earthen floor, ana
as he lay partially stunned they hastily
retreated and secured the door OF the
cellar behind them
Stuart regained his feet and threw
himself against the door, striving to open
it, but all his efforts in that direction
were vain, the door would not yield. He
could not open it.
Seating himself, Stuart reflected upon
his folly in rushing into danger. Pres
emily he heard the sound Of footsteps on
the floor above his head, and the sound
of female voice.
Listening intently, he recognized
Marion Oakburn s voice, and he heard
her prayer and the words that pro-
ceeded it.
she is innocent. Now I have the
proof. That simple prayer, addressed
to Him who reads the secrets Of all
hearts, is proof positive Of her lnno-
cence," said Stuart, mentally.
= Distinctly he had heard Marion utter
the words:
@Father in heaven, Thou knowest that
am Innocent"
Stuart had resolved to inform Marion
OF his presence In the chair, and he was
about to pronounce her name when The
door opened and four Of his captors en-
tered.
The young man was seized and drag
eed to a rear apartment of the cellar,
where he was locked In and left to soli-
tude and gloomy reflections.
The proprietor of the place had just
thought that possibly Stuart might COM
municate with the captive in the room
over the apartment to which he was first
consigned, and that was why he so in
opportunely changed the young mans
quarters.
When Stuart was dragged 10 the Gel
lar the supposed assassin fed.
On the night Of Stuart's capture by
Marion Oak burns iailers, the man who
had brought her letter to Stanmore ap-
peared at the later's hotel again.
Stanmore had literally feed this man,
and he had agreed not only to guide his
patron to Marion's prison, but also to
assist in accomplishing her escape.
The night was dark, and everything
seemed to favor Stanmore's project.
He followed his guide with implicit
confidence, and the latter conducted
him straight to the house in which
Marion Oakburn and Stuart Harland
were both held captive.
The building was long, narrow
structure, and on each side Of 1t there
was vacant lot.
The room in which Marion was i'm
prisoned was on the ground floor in the
rear Of the house.
In this room there was but one win
dow, and this was protected by heavy
outside wooden shutters, which were
closed, and thus secured by number
of iron spikes. 30 that Marion had found
1t impossible to open them
Stanmore's guide was thoroughly in
formed as to the habits Of the inmates
of the house; he informed that gentle
man that at the hour when they reached
the rear Of the dwelling it would be safe
to force open the blind, and attempt to
enter Marion's room through the win
dow, for just then the game" played in
the rear Of the restaurant proper would
be in full progress, and all the men
about the premises would be assembled
there.
Stanmore's companion, In 'anticipa-
ton Of what was to be done, brought
with him q small iron crow-bar and
steel chisel.
With these implements he set to work
to open the blinds on the window Of the
room occupied by Marion Oakburn, and
Stanmore assisted him.
Working almost noiselessly, the task
of opening the blind was very soon ac-
coInplished.
Meanwhile, Marion had been warned
by the man who was now with Stan
more that an attempt for her liberation
would be made that night. Marion
heard the sounds made in opening the
blinds, faint though they were, but as
she thought they were made by the
friends who had come to iberate her,
she was not alarmed.
There was light In the apartment,
and when the blinds were open Stan
more saw Marion at the window.
Wondrously beautiful Marion looked,
though she was pale and careworn.
Poor girl! Poor girl! I hope your
trials will soon be over now" muttered
Stanmore.
Then he forced the window open and
entered the room, and Marion greeted
him joyfully.
Stanmore's companion remained with
out the house to be ready to signal his
associate of the night in case lie discov-
cred any sign of danger.
AS soon as Stanmore entered the
house, his assistant closed the blinds
without fastening them. He feared
Ehat the light from the window might
betray them.
Il received your message, and l have
come to save you; you did wen to
trust me. You must leave this place at
once" said Stannore, taking Marion 5
hands.
Il knew you wot1ld not fail me. I am
ready to go with you anywhere. You
remind me of one who is very dear to
me, and l know that if you are like the
absent one, can trust you even with
my life," said Marion.
You can trust ne even as you would
him OF whom you speak" replied Stan
more, ard rs voice treMtled slightly as
he spoke.
Marion rut on her La. and cloak,
pausinS now ana then to listen, and all
the tine in fear lest Stanm0ra should be
discovered, and her escape prevented.
She continued speaking as she attired