The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-07-24
q ticket for Newburo, N, 7.


He will leave by the first tram In the
morning." said the detective agent. e.
And 80 will L. said Paxton. 'I'n
take the little trip with Levi. The
journey may have no meaning for US, and
vet it may, on the other hand, be Of
great Importance"
In accordance with his determination,
Paxton, we'll disguised as a foppish
young man, and carrying a small travel
ing bag containing the material for an
other disguise, left the city on the same
train with Levi Kredge.
When their destination was reached,
Levi Kredge proceeded directly to the
office Of the real estate agent.
Paxton entered the same Office mo-
ment after Kredge.
While clerk gave Paxton his atten-
ton the latter saw gentleman whom
he presumed to be the proprietor Of the
office usher Kredge into an interior and
private compartment Of the establish
ment.
The door was closed and in the pres
ence of the clerk it was impossible to
play the listener at it, but still Paxton
meant to know what business Kredge
had with the real estate agent.
h6 1ufGuUSU du cACuSS III LID lCSCAC0
and retired.
There was third-rate hotel opposite,
to which Paxton crossed, and engaging
front room, from the win dow Of which
he could watch the brokers' Office, he
hastily made change in his disguise.
In few minutes Paxton descended
from his room as O feeble old man wear-
Ing an old-fashioned shawl and carrying
cane.
Paxton reached the hotel office as
Kredge, whom he had seen crossing the
street before he left his room, entered.
Kredge entered the restaurant at
tached to the hotel and ordered dinner.
Paxton was at the dining-room door,
and, hearing Kredge give his order, he
said to himself:
He is safe for half an hour here" and
crossing the street he made his way
slowly I'D the stairs leading to the real
estate office, which he entered wheezing
and seemingly almost out Of breath, as
became the character he had assumed.
Glancing about the brokers' Office,
Paxton said, in cracked, old mans
voice:
i've missed him! He amt here!-
who are you looking for2" asked the
clerk.
MY son, Levi" answered Paxton.
At this, the gentleman whom the de-
tective supposed to be the proprietor
came out of an interior Office.
Then you are Mr.. Kredge, pre-
sume?" said he.
yes, sir"
We'll, your son left here but mo-
ment ago."
Did he fix the business up?"
mo. He did not positively agree to
purchase the property. He offered ten
thousand dollars cash, but our price is
twelve. Your son will find the place
bargain at that figure, I assure you"
said the agent.
Il don't know. It's good deal OF
money-a good deal Of money. Well,
must find Levi. Good-day, gentlemen.
It's O good deal Of money" said Paxton.
In his quavering voice.
He was amazed, astonished. Here was
O discovery that perplczed him.
1t was clearly evident that Levi
Kredge was in good faith contemplating
making purchase Of ten thousand dol
lars worth of real estate, and yet the
man had not been worth q dollar in the
world prior to the murder OF John Oak
burn.
But he had received none OF the
marked money-the proceeds Of the rob-
berry Of Jason Garrison's safe.
The mystery was, whence came the
money he had offered fos the real estate?
Mentally, Paxton searched for an ex-
planation Of this affair.
He in review went over the circum-
stances of the case in debate.
Suddenly he thought of one point up
on which he had not dwelt much. He
remembered that the savings Of life
time, which Marion Oakburn thought
her father kept in his little private safe,
had not been found.
In an instant Paxton formulated
theory which seemed like the truth, or
which was at least an explanation as to
how the treacherous rascal. might have
procured the $40 900 which ha assumed
to have.
TTo BE CONTINUED