The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-07-07

but how can |? In the present IN
famed condition of the peoples mind, a
mans former friends are bis bitterest
foes. Can you not delay this service for
an hour-till tomorrow. ] have impor-
tant business here at the bank"
Sorry" sighed the Sheriff, but duty
is duty. See here, Mr.. Dacre," he con-
timed hastily, II have confidence in you.
| amt afra.N OF a man who risks his
life as yru have done to keep that mob
out of the bank, running away. III tell
you what I'll do-Ill &c your bond my
self"
"Oh! thank you," murmured Dacre.
ut won't take ten minutes. At the
| same time you can lodge information as TO
the assassin of Mr.. MerwVn. Dear! dear!
never dreamed that quiet, slow-eoing
Ridge6eld would come to numbering its
best friend!"
Nor of the true depths OF villainy that
lay beneath the courtly exterior OF his
prisoner! That prisoner was strangely
excited as they left the bank, however.
He hurried the Sheriff along, he scarcely
heard the taunts or needed the vicious,
scowling faces of the disappointed depos-
itors as they passed down the street He
was safe under the protection of the law,
and he had but one thought-to get back
to the bank as soon as possible, and re-
lease the imprisoned Flora.
He calculated the chances in his favor
of speedy release. He grew less uneasy
as he recalled the interior OF the vault
1t was scarcely up to the massive con-
struction Of metropolitan vaults, having
only a front Of iron, the three other sides
being composed of brick. Even this
formed an air-tiCht COMPARTMENT, but It's
closeness had led to air shafts being
placed at the back, and, while a rather
uncomfortable place on q hot day. he
had often remained in it for an hoir or
more arranging papers and the like.
"She cannot die in there" reflected
Dacre. mo outcry can reach the out
side of the bank, but, If / should be de-
| tained-"
He was detained. In a frantic fever of
suspense, his own heart seemed devour-
ing itself as one hour, two passed bY,
and the absence of the Judge, and tire
less formalities, kept him in the court
room.
The clond deepeDed on his brow as,
from what the Judge said, he realized
that a strict investigation Of the methods
and finances of the bank would be made.
With Abel Mcrwyn dead, however, a
scape'goat was afforded for the crooked
work he had so artfullY shifted to his
innocent shoulders, thanks to the dett
clerical capacity of John Wharton.
As to Wharton. That phrase OF the
case had long perplexed Dacre. Schem-
ing to cover up his detalcations,
his losses in speculation, he
had induced the latter to tamper
with the accounts and records in q way
that would attach no blame to himself.
Some ugly transactions showed, how
ever, and Gloss investigation might en-
barass the old clerk. The whispered
consultation with Wharton as he left the
bank with the pocket book, however,
had provided for that-yes, with a con-
fdent smile the arch-plotter decided, that
of all the clever ruses he had designed,
the disposition he intended of the old
clerk, involved a scheme that was flaw
less and unique!
Only Flora! that was his one anxious
concern now. He planned boldly. He
would remove her to the house from the
vault, he would tell the nervous, agitated
~housekeeper that the death OF her father,
the accommodating perplexities at the 5ank
had temporarily unhinged her reason.
thai she must not heed her frantic utter
ances, nor allow any one to see her, that
her father with his dying breath had en-
| Joined Dacre to remove her to some re-
tired spot, where the threats OF the de-
positors and the disgrace OF the hour
| could not reach her. A close carriage at
night, a drive to the city, and he would
place her in charge of some trusted
emissarv. Then he would unfold to her
| the power over her fortune and her IA
theirs good name. If she welded him,
John Wharton could be sent abroad, and
the blame could be transposed to his
charge.
Thus plotted the mercenary %scoundrel.
Trampling upon human hearts, merc1-
iessly blasting all that was brightin life,
where the stepping stones to his own
| selfish desires demanded it. Arnold
Dacre saw riches and love as his reward,
and never dreamed that there could be a
day of reckoning other than some error
in Judgment might precipitate.
He hurried down the street, once free
of legal entanglements, and then by
lonely alleys reached the vicinity OF the
bank. The man on guard nodded re-
spectfulIy to him as he walked up the
iron steps.
The Sheriff has kindly allowed me to
complete some work in the counting
ROOM" he explained.
The officer admitted him without
cavil. Dacre fastened to the priva @
office.
The sad, white face of the murdered
banker looked up at him, he fancicd,
with solemn reproach, but he drove
away the feeling of superstitious dread
it inspired. A sudden advertisement
made the realities of the moment still
more exclusive and engrosSing, as, try
ing the real door leading to the bankers
home. he found 1t locked.
The Sheriff has blocked exit that
way" muttered Dacre, with darkening
brows. How shall I get her away.
All! what's this?"
TO BE CONTINUED