The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-08-07
more were assembled at the Office Of
the attorney, discussing the prospects Of

the accused.
MY only hope now is in the Disagree
ment of the jury" said the attorney, at
| The conclusion Of the conversation
which took place between himself and
his guests.
The same night Marian Oakburn, who
had attended the trial from day to day
and listened to all the proceedings with
deepest interest, paced her room prey
TO agony and remorse.
1t seemed that the poor girl was fight
ing desperate battle with hersef-that
contending emotions struggled for the
mastery in her heart.
At last she knelt beside her couch as
though she had resolved to supplicate
the guidance of a wiser power than that
Of earth, and when she arose her fea-
lures were transformed.
They were radiant with delight Of
new resolution.
MY decision Is taken," she said in
self-communion. Tomorrow I will
tell the whole truth, I will save Stuart
Harland. Had I dreamed that an inno-
cent mans life was to be imperiled, had
I caught but a glimpse Of the future,
how different would my course have
been. But, thank providence, it is not
too late yet, she said.
That night Marian Oakburn slept
sweetly for she had resolved to throw.
aside the burden which had weighed
heavily upon her mind and heart since
the night of her fathers murder.
Judith kredge still continued to play
the part of a spy on Marion, and she
had not relaxed her vigilance.
That night she stood with her ear to
the key-hole, while Marion unconscious-j
ly uttered her thoughts aloud. She heard
the resolution which the young girl had
made, and she trembled with excitement
ss she listened.
AS she stole away from the door when,
she had heard Marion retire, Judith
kredge muttered:
She means to confess. She will save
Harland. She will tell how I have
wrung her money from her, and I shall
be compelled to return it. must see
Levi.
She crept out of the house.
The night was entirely dark, and II;
any emissary Of the detective was on,
the watch, he failed to see Judith
Kredge take her departure.
She knew where Levi was in hiding,
and she reached his retreat in safety.
Judith related to Levi what she had
overheard that night while she listened
at Marion's door. ::
$50 she would save Harland. That
don't suit me. I want him convicted:
That done, I am safe. They don't hang
two men for the same crime. And be-,
sides, he used me like dog, did that
Harland," said Levi.
I'll tell you what is to be done,' Ju-
dith said. =,
Then she lowered her voice as though
she feared she might possibly be over
heard by some concealed listener. and
made some statement which seemed to
Btartle Levi.
They continued to converse earnestly
for some moments, and then, when
Judith Yas about to 60, 4syt said' in "a. a.
resolute way: -
at shall be done tonight"
When Levi found himself alone after
Judith had left him, he stealthily made,
his way to resort where he knew he;
could always find desperate, dangerous,
men, who would undertake almost any
thing for money. !;
This night whereof we are writing
was to Paxton almost a sleepless one.;
He reflected and considered regarding
the various developments which his re-:
searches had evolved.
Since the life Of an innocent man was
now in positive peril, he did not mean to
be deferred from doing his duty by any
consideration whatsoever.
He believed it was his duty to caus-
Marion Oakburn to explain her conduct,
and since she had declined to do this!
voluntarily, Paxton that night deter!
mined that she should explain, or he
would arrest her.
At an early hour in the morning he:
visited Marion's home, and Judith
Kredge admitted him.
Il wish to see Miss Oakburn, said
Paxton.
very we'll; I will tell her." answered
Judith, and she started up the stairs.
Il will 60 up with you and remain
outside the young lady's room until she!
appears" said Paxton, and he ascended
with Judith.
The woman knocked at Marion door,
but as there was no answer, she opened
the door and entered.
A moment later she turned to the de-
tective. :
Marion Oakburn has run away!" she;
cried.
Whist! Marion fled2 Impossible!"
1T is true, sir. She returned as usual;
now her room is empty. know she is
not in the house."
Paxton pushed his way into Marion's
room and found that the girl he sought
was not there.
Judith followed Paxton into the apart
ment, and she said. as she glanced :
about it:
She must have suddenly resolved up
IN flight, for she has not taken her
clothing. Nothing, except the garment
she wore, is missing"
Paxton regarded Judith with a sus-
J9ious. eAarchinG glance.
Tne woman seemed Ill at ease, he
noted.
Having satisfied himself that Marion
was not in the house, Paxton left 1T and
repaired to his Office, where he found
Stanmore awaiting his appearance.
We'll, Marion Oakburn has dlsap-
peared," said the detective.
-Disappeared!" exclaimed stanmore'
YES"
Explain"
In a few words Paxton told his friend
and employer why he had determined
upon Marion's arrest.
He had proceeded thus fur, when
Stanmore interrupted him.
But Marion Oakburn Is innocent.
Heavens! You would not subject her
to the disgrace Of an arrest?" stanmore