The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-06-23

$500 udlu W Uduh vi, Will O
PGaining her hand and fortune
price Of my retutal OF her fathers
Z6nor, hope to come out victor. We
lave played for high stakes-we must
I win!"
John Wharton shrank back in his
chair, the picture OF AFFECT misery and
dread. The cold beads Of ~perspiration
stood out on his colorless face. his lips
were trembling. He seemed like a poor,
conscience-strlcken wretch, held 80
firmly in the grasp of a tyrant, that he
could only struggle helplessly and die.
"Hark!"
The old clerk sprang to his feet with q
shock. The babel outside had suddenly
ceased, but only to be renewed, only it
was in a new vein, now.
"Merwyn"
'Our money-our deposits!"
"Seize him. don't let him get in and
lock US out like the others. Well square
accounts here"
Hold on! Fair treatment. Listen to
what he has to say"
These various cries echoed within the
bank distinctly. The face Of the CASH
ier lighted up with sudden excitement.
Ho ran into the c~ounting-room. The
agitated clerk pressed close to bis side at
one of the shattered lights Of glass.
Thence they surveyed a thrilling scene.
Abel Merwyn had arrived. At the curb
stood his horse. Fighting his way
through the crowd, his pleasant. honest
face one void OF amazement and alarm, he
was regarding the cursing, crushing mob
about him with eyes Of the direst con-
Germ.
That mob seemed to DO divided in sem
tlment. A cudgel would be raised to
deal the venerable banker a blow, only
to be warded off by the sturdy hands Of
friends closer to him. The latter pushed
their way with him to the top iron step.
Bracing himself against the massive
doors, Abel Merwyn tlrned and con;
fronted the raving throng that<surge
below.
"Men-friends!" bs/S cried, in ringin
tones. What doesfthis mean?"
'MeanP' jssrefed q harsh voice. "a
if you didp,E know! 1t mean robber
f~or/vyvu,~ beggary for US. Read tina
The bankers glance swept the dang
ling bit of cardboard at the window
His gasping breath, his staring eyes
his stricken demeanor told that 1t wa
an honest surprise TO him.
"Friends!" be spoke, with difficulty
II do not understand this. Merwyn'
suspended payment! Why"
Our money! No p~alaver," yelled
hoarse voice, and a clod OF earth knocked
the bankers hat from his head.
His eyes blazed as he picked 1t up, hi
lips closed sternly as he looked dow
steadily at the white sea of faces befory
him.
MEN, he cried, his tone vibrating
with resolution and dignity. this dem
onstration is shameful. / do not under
stand that notice. IL car only meal
that the cash reserve is low, but nv OWL
personal resources in bonds and securi
ties are safe for ten times what is du'
you. Allow me to investigate"
Mono delay-our ~money-our mon
eyr'-that was the furious, m%onotonou!
sentiment of the crowd.
II have in my possession sufficient
"Sland back!"
Down him."
at that moment, the venomous temper
of tho crowd was set loose in all it's ma
llgnity. Sorle one reached over the
heads Of men directly surrounding Mer
wynn, and with a cane dealt the august
banker a quick blow.
ne staggered under 1t, wiped the BLOOD
from his check, and directed q sad re-
proachful look upon his assailant
1t was the signal for q furious on
slaught. Instantly q score Of hands
we're raised. Amid the fierce fusilade
they directed, the bankers champion:
fled in unite alright. Pelting the door,
SCATTERING the windows, striking the
banker, clods Of earth, sticks and stones
rained about him like hail.
They saw him fall prone. bleeding from
q dozen wounds. With wells of rage they
started towards him as if intent on finish
ing up their murderous work by tearing
him limb from limb.
The first man to spring up the iron
step, however, received 7 blow that sent
him reeling and snarling back into the
arms OF his companions.
or a sudden, the massive iron doors
were unbolted from the inside. They
were closed as quickly again against the
batled, yelling throng, but not until
Arnold Dacre had appeared, struck back
the leaders OF the rabble, and dragged
the prone and senscless Merwyn out Of
reach Of his assailants.