The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-06-26

covered that it was not his own but his
late companions coat which he was
donning.
But his own coat was gone, and sur
missing that his new acquaintance must
have taken it through very ordinary
mistake, which there was no opportunity
to rectify just now, Stuart buttoned up
the coat which was left to him by this
exchange Of garments, and concerning
himself no more with the matter he
leaped from the train just in time.
Meanwhile, Stuart Harland's g recently
made acquaintance had not slept at all,
though for time, until he was sure Of
the formers somnolency, he had feigned
to do so.
When he was confident that the obliv-
ion Of sleep held Stuart's senses en-
thralled the young stranger coolly arose
and appropriated his coat.
There were but few other persons in
the coach, and they were all sound
asleep.
Deliberately the young man who had
secured it donned Stuart's overcoat, and
then removing his hat he threw it out
Of the wineow. From his pocket he
produced a skull-cap, which he drew
down over his eyes, and he turned the
collar of Stuart's overcoat up about his
ears.
The garment was long ulster, such
as was then the prevailing style, and it
reached to the strangers heels, COM
pletely concealing his under suit.
The moment the train slowed up at
Albany, the stranger leaped upon the
platform, and turned to hurry away.
Two police officers were standing on
the watch at the depot landing, and
they advanced toward the young man as
he alighted from the train.
One Of the officers flashed the light Of
his lantern in the face Of Stuart Har-
lands late companion, and as the young
man saw the uniform Of the policeman,
which the light disclosed, he trembled
as with fearful chill, and turned pale,
as though with fright.
HE amt our man, Tom," said one
policeman, as he scanned the young
strangers face by the light Of his Ian
tern.
mo, he don't tally with the descrip.,"
assenred the other police officer.
The stranger seemed about to sink
upon the platform as the police officer
seized him, but now, as the two minions
of the law turned away, he recovered
himself, and strobe rapidly from the
depot.
The moment he was out Of the police
mems sight he broke into run.
Il thought was lost. I could have
sworn they meant to arrest me" he
muttered.
We'll, I have secured q partial dis
guise, at all events, and If the human
wolves fear mean to play double
game and betray me yet have chance
to battle them" he added.
On through the streets Of Albany he
fed, choosing thoroughfares that were
imperfectly Illuminated, until he paused
at q street corner where the tents Of
Judah are pitched.
Producing a card cn which certain d.
rections were written, he consulted it
by the light Of street lamp and NUT
tered:
This Is the street, and yonder Is the
number. We shall see what our worthy
son Of Abraham will do for u.s."
With this monologue he turned down
q side street where old clothes mer-
chants and pawnbrokers abounded,
where "Isaacs," and Lewis" and
"Solomons, and "Goldsmiths," and
Jacobs" and "Rosenthals," and other
historic names ornamented the signs.
1t was here that during business hours
barter and trade were carried on very
much as in the marts Of ancient Jerusa-
lem, by sharp-eyed men whom nature
had gifted with the genius Of trade.
Late as was the hour, and although all
the stores were closed, the man we are
following gained admission to certain
shop where the familiar sign Of the
pawnbroker, the three balls, hung be-
fore the door as warning to the way
farer who ventured that way in quest Of
some good Samaritan to heal his fnan-
cial wounds, that the chances were as
two to one If he entered therein he would
come forth shorn.
But the stranger accomplished the
purpose for which he had visited the es-
tablishment, for in half an hour he
emerged from it clad in manner which
created complete metamorphosis in his
appearance.
He had procured an artistically fitting
wig and beard, and it was evident thas
he relied implicitly on the impenetrabil-
lty Of his disguise, for he no longer
skunk along the gloomy, retired streets,
but walked boldly where the light WAS
brilliant.