The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-09-23
0ze4sd& sss=1
& XVtF5 STEEL&
y xsNSkSzSss5zs5sa A4zc5 AzzaSsSr
YaaR AaES Azg&lzESg

Q | Hull uOOu, ouC N3SPoeSAAN ~
.or DR.. Raphael Simms:
This man was q physician who re
sided near the village. He was a hard
.oarse-featured man OF about 40, and
her only living relative in the world.
BE had a very small practice, for pee-
Die generally dislikod him, but he COM
bined with his profession mortgage
Ioaning Office, and cared very little for
ANYTHING except money. A half cousin
of Beatrice father, these two had
rarely net one another, but Beatrice
knew tte man fully, and comprehended
that sbe could rely on his secrecy anc
cooperation where there was moneyed
reward assured him for his services.
A: about o clock in the aftern DON
Doctor Raphael Simms was ushered
into the parlor of the suite OF rooms at
the hotel occupied by Beatrice. He
evidently supposed he had been sent for
by patient, for bowing awkwardly to
her, he looked somewhat puzzled, as
he said:
You ere the lady who sent for mep"
"Yes. Doctor, responded Beatrice.
'Ycu are ill-some friend"
mo. want your personal services,
not your professional advice. You do
not know me2 Lock-"
Her visitor started violently as Bea-
trice removed the false front OF hair
and her glasses for the first time, re-
vealing her true identity.
Beatrice Me1cerl" he calculated In
genuine surprise. -:
| Your cousin. Yes. I need aid. ]
do not know person In the village l
can trust but you. First, I desire COM
plete secrecy. Next, certain informa-
ton you can CLEAN for me. Perhaps a
weeks attention off and on will do. For
all this I will pay you $500"
| "You-will-pay-me!" gasped the pet
rifed doctor, wondering if the friendless
| girl he had known as dependent at the
seminary had taken leave Of her senses.
Five hundred dollars. Are not my
words plain enough?"
where would you got that sum OF
money!"
His incredulity nettled Beatrice.
Out of my pocket book! Five one
hundred-dollar bills. Count them. Take
, them; they won't burn you. I pay you
in advance"
She had extended the amount in ques-
ton. Its unexpected possession, the
munihcence Of the reward, fairly
stunned the Doctor.
Il cant understand how you come to
have so much money" he began.
Don't try to-" interrupted Beatrice.
impatiently. Briefly, have come into
possession Of several thousand dollars.
I choose to spend the money as like.
I offer you $500 to help me. Do you
agree?"
avo, t.Io
First, my identity and plans are to
be dead secret between US, now and
hereafter.
Trust me for that"
Next, you are to obey me implicitly.
with such pay for my services, am
your slavel"
very good. First and foremost, I
wish you to 60 now, and at once" and
learn all you can about the whereabouts
Of Raymond Marshall"
Eli" calculated the Doctor, with a
start. Il don't think he is In the vii
age"
Then ascertain where he is
I'll try"
Next, find out about the whispered
financial complications In the affairs OF
his father, Col. Marshall
That is more easy.
And report progress to me as soon as
rou can.
There shall be no delay"
DR.. Simms departed. Beatrice looked
excited, suspenseful.
The ball set in motion-oh! with q
Tusted ally and unlimited wealth, l
cannot fail in the scheme I have
adopted"
She counted the hours until late in
The afternoon. Her face underwent
vivid changes of color and expression
Is there was knock at the door finally.
Come in"
It was her ally, DR.. Simms. He
Iooked tired and excited.
"Well1" she demanded imperiously.
1--WE had an afternoon of it.
you have found Raymond Mar
ihall?"
He returned home this morning."
From where?"
From fruitless, heartbroken quest
or that girl he was spoony on at the
eminary-the one who disappeared 30
nysteriously."
Edna Deane, you mean?"
Yes; that's the name. He's been
3Cul 1Ol ASl ONCAs "AS3O, hOStONS
ng business, growing SO thin and pale
hat they say he is fast breaking down. |"
And his father"
added trouble there! Dark rumors
say that his business integrity is at
stake, that financial crash threatens.
made circumspect but close inquiries.
He is at the Office Of the lawyer now.
striving to adjust affairs. You SEQ
You need not tell me more, inter
rupted Beatrice, impstiently. Il know
more than you do, probably, about that.
At the lawyers Officer" she continued,
arising and putting on her wraps. Re
port to me here about eight O'Clock this
evening"
You are not going?'
ITO the lawyers office myself.
She left the hotel alone. In ten min
utes she entered the outer room of the
Offices of the lawyer her informant had
referred to.
She sank to chair near to the half
open door Of the compartment marked
Private" adjoining. Then she bent
her ear and listened eagerly.
Voices sounded quite clearly. Her
eyes glowed with satisfaction as she
realized that accident had enabled her
to enter the office and linper unper-