The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-07-10

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Mr.. Sanborn haG called at the bank that
very day and left instruction to have his
| deposit book balanced and returned to
him with cheques cashed to date by the
first mail on the next morning. Then I
knew that I must see San born that very
! night. determined to make the journey
In secret so that no suspicion might be
awakened in the mind OF any one. By
taking the lao night train I knew that
could make the trip to Albany and re-
turn by ten next morning. As l was ar
rested the moment left the train in
Albany, I was unable to see Mr.. San
born, and so all my efforts in your be-
half have failed and I have placed my
self in false position which may prove
most serious
The young man thus concluded his ex-
PLANTATION.
Then Garrison told him of James San
born's death.
You are saved then after all, for no
one can prove the cheque forgery now.
But sincerely regret the death of my
old friend. How uncertain human ex-
istence is," said Stuart.
True; but Stuart, I cannot express
my gratitude to you. I am a penitent
man. The experience through which I
have passed shall serve me as life
long lesson-one that will never be for
gotten while live, said Garrison.
II will keep your secret inviolate, but
the amount OF the forged cheque shall
some day be made good to James San
borns estate" said Stuart.
1T shall. II life is spared me, I will
make restitution in full, answered Gsrri-
son, earnestly. But you must hate and
despise me" he added.
@No, that would be to do violence to
our previous cordial relations. I pity
you and regret this unfortunate affair.
Money is but mess Of pottage weighed
against honor. But I understand your
temptation. You were seeking to pro-
tect your credit, which is oil in all to
man Of business"
Stuart understood Garrison's weak
and cowardly nature, and he believed
that he was sincere in all he said.
Above all, am thankful that Edna
knows nothing Of all this. Promise me,
Stuart, she shall hear nothing from your
lips in reference to the cheque, "implored
the broker.
Your daughter would be the last one
to whom I would think Of revealing it,
replied Stuart.
Il thank you again. But now let us
consider your own situation. I shall
send you lawyer, and Paxton, the de-
tive, who has affirmed his belief In your
innocence from the very first, will call, D."
said Garrison.
After that they conversed for some
time.
Presently, when Garrison was about
to leave the cell, he remarked: Edna is
very anxious to see you, and she would
have insisted on accompanying me, had
she known I was coming to call here.
As I wished to see you alone, did not
inform her. However, you may expect
her before the day Is over"
That afternoon, Edna visited Stuart's
cell, and, as may we'll be surmised, the
meeting bstWseR the bstrothed lovers
was e host affectlonate one.
But Edna could not understand why
Stuart could 30 obstinately refuse to tell
what was the motive Of his midnight
Journey, when the explanation might
have saved him, and there were certain
circumstances Of which others were ig-
norant that troubled her.
Stuart had promised to accompany her
on an excursion by moonlight up the
Hudson on the night of the murder, and
they had planned to visit Stuart's aunt,
who resided in Albany, and return on
the following day.
Edna suspected mystery, but she en-
tertained not the slightest suspicion of
the truth.
In common with most women who
love sincerely, she was inclined to jeal-
ousy.
During the earnest conversation which
ensued between the brokers' daughter
and her afianced, she approached the
subject which troubled her.
Surely you can trust me, Stuart, for
you know I am devoted to you. Will
YOU not tell me the truth1 what was the
cause of your midnight journey to AL
bany?"
Stuart was silent for moment.
She noticed his hesitation, and the
thoughts which were in her mind were
clearly reflected on her beautiful, mobile
features.
Stuart was quick to discern the shadow
of doubt which had appeared upon the
face Of his betrothed, and he suspected
its cause.
II cannot tell you why visited AL
bany. It is secret Of another, finally
said.
The shadow on Edna's fair face deep
ened as she answered.:
Il am disappointed. Even though you
would not trust my dear father whom
you know to be the soul of truth and
honor, I believed you would confde
in me-"
You do not doubt my innocence of the
terrible crime?"
"Oh, no, no. It is not that. But your
strange reticence troubles me-"
All" thought Stuart, with some Bit
terness, "the very act which I did to
save her father, and the sacrifice for
which am paying the penalty now, has
caused the woman I love to doubt me.
But even had I not bound myself to
keep the secret Of her fathers forgery,
1 could not blacken his reputation to his
child, could not shatter her sublime
faith in his Truth and honor"
Edna departed still troubled by Stu
arts refusal to tell her the secret Of his
midnight journey.
But while Harland was in prison,
Marion Oakburn, the murdered cashiers
was in doubt and trouble.
She was working out the destiny which ]
fate had ordained she should bring upon
herself.
From the time when she had dlscops
cred Judith Kredge, the janitor's siste
at her chamber door, Marion knew that
she was in position more cruelty try