The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-08-28

uc uOIC AS uuly udllSU, ouQ uC
knew Judith received it.
But the woman paid no attention to it
whatever.
1t seemed that Judith Kredge was too
cunning to be easily overreached, but
Paxton did not despair.
The detective had determined to at
tempt a grand coup-to try the most
difficult impersonation Of his life, all
things considered. In short, Paxton had
resolved to personate Levi kredge, and
try to deceive the janitor's own sister.
For a week the detective had been
considering this last and most difficult
sxpedient.
Every day he had been studying his
part and practlclng the character upon
the successful impersonation Of which
so much depended, just as an actor
studies new role.
He knew that it was folly to suppose
that even the most experienced veteran
in his profession could perfectly adopt
a difficult character at a moments
notice.
1t was Paxton's attention to details,
and the fact that he neglected no pre-
caution or spared himself no labor that
might avail to assist him, that had fire.
quently made him successful where
other men in his profession failed.
The detective felt that he had now ao-
quired as perfect an impersonation Of
the character Of Levi Kredge as it was
possible for him to attain.
His makeup was triumph Of his
art. 1t was positively perfect in every
detail.
Paxton was facial artist" and he
possessed the power Of changing the ex-
preston of his features in marked
manner, in order to initiate the habitual
expression of any character he under
took to assume.
On the night Of the day Of which we
are writing, Paxton had resolved to test
his wonderful disguise, and his power to
perfectly cleate the character of Levi
kredge.
But some personal business now de-
manded his attention.
Just outside the office door Paxton
encountered his agent, who was still
watching Judith Kredge.
"Ah, Brady, what news?" he asked Of
bis man.
Perhaps nothing Of consequence; I've
Just tracked Judith Kredge to pawn
broker, where she put up something.
I thought would leave it to you to find
out what she pawned, if you wished to
do it, answered the other.
Very well; I'll attend to this matter.
Give me the pawnbroker's address"
Here it is," replied Paxton's agent,
and he presented card on which the
address in question was written.
Continue to keep an eye on the
woman as heretofore, and by the way,
do not forget that tonight I shall try
the ruse I have explained to you"
Correct, sir. I'll not forget"
The detectives auxiliary turned away.
Half an hour later Paxton entered the
pawnbroker's shop to which Judith
Kredge had been shadowed.
What relation, If any, Judith's visit to
the pawnbroker might have on the in
vestigation which he was making, Pax
ton could not imagine.
On general principles, however, he
meant to find out.
The detective had previously made the
acquaintance OF the pawnbroker.
The latter had been arrested not long
since for certain irregular transaction,
and Paxton was the man who had taken
him in charge.
OF course he was recognized by the
pawnbroker the moment he entered the
shop.
On this occasion the detective was not
In disguise.
The pawnbroker was now on his good
behavior" for the authorities had threat
ened to deprive him Of his license, and
so he naturally desired to conciliate the
detective.
Paxton anticipated no difficulty in
obtaining the information he sought,
and therefore he did not resort to sub
terfuge.
Coming directly to the point, he ac-
curately described Judith Kredge.
Then he said
"A woman corresponding to the de-
scription I have just given you pawned
some article here to-day. What was it?"
a gold locket," answered the pawn
broker.
Let me see it2'
The other promptly produced hand
some gold locket, which he handed
across the counter to Paxton.
The moment he saw it the detective
recognized it.
To himself he said.
Il have seen Marion Oakburn wear
that locket.
He examined the locket, and discov-
cred that it contained portrait.
The picture was that OF young and
handsome man, and under it was writ
ten the name, Donald Wayburn."
But the picture did not In +h-
resemble the man who mad exchanged
oyercoats with Stuart Harland.
In moment Paxton comprehended
that he had adopted false theory.
1t was clear that Donald Wayburn"
was not the real name of the supposed
assassin.
Paxton examined the portrait critl-
cally.
He fancied there was something
strangely familiar about that pictured
face.
Suddenly he gave violent start, and
exclaimed:
Il have made recognition and dis
covery."
Paxton's face was the picture Of sur
prise, and it could not be doubted that
his discovery was the source Of pro-
found astonishment for him.
The detective returned the locket to
the pawnbroker and left the shop, his
mind filled with strange thoughts which
were suggested by his discovery.
After nightfall, disguised as Levi
Kredge, he crept to the window Of the
kitchen in the rear Of Oakburn's S fiat,
and seeing Judith alone within, he
tapped on the window.