The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-03-23
CHAPTER II

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seen.
CHAPTER II.
Wayling bent his head eagerly for
ward, and q dark flush stole over his
face as if he were struggling with suf-
focation. He started to his feet, but at
the words, Patience, sahib,' from the
E[indoo he fell back into his seat shud
dsring violently, with countenance
like dead mans.
Peter wcnderingly turned his head
and saw standing beside the fire rak-
ish, half tipsy fellow. His clothes, Of
fine material, were stained and torn at
the seams, and his general appearance
was that Of a well born rake reduced to
his last shilling. He held tankard of
ale half. way to his lips as he boisterous-
ly demanded song from the player.
@1Tune up, tune upp' he cried, with
swagger. you're growing wheezy-
aye, wheezy; twas my word. We want
none of your doleful ditties. Hark,
now, I'll sing song for you. I learned
it in England when was sweetheart
ing:
ssOnce did waking spend the night
And tell how many minutes move,
Once did wishing waste the day,
And IEen was in love.
.sOnce Gid sonnet to my saint,
Ny soul in numbers move,
Once old tell a thousand l&c9,
and thenI was in love.
'sOnce in my ear cid dangling hang
4 little turtledove,
Once, ii q word, was . fool,
And, sken was il love.
s.Gow many fools among you:" he
cried to tie young gallants who had
gathered round him, and soon their ii,:-
pudent gibes and laughter resounded
through the place.
'eI never before saw Edward Cautley
even half way SOBER said Peter, look
ing mystifed at lis companions.
"And yoa knew him." asked Way
ling in harsh, excited whisper.
"Not as friend. lie was always
about the playhouse, but this month
past he has been in Boston, squandering
his last shilling, 20 doubt. He often
asked me to tie coffee house with him,
but [ never agreed. In faith, he is we'll
nigh a pauper and an evil fellow to
boot 'Tis not good for ones reputation
to hold mach converse with him."
"Bid him come to your lodging to-
night" said Wayling eagerly. "Let
that be your first duty as my friend and
secretary. Imust see that man for half
hour tonight. Will you do this for me?"
Peter hesitated. The expression on
the Hindoo's face made him suspicious
Of treachery.
"Ihere is some mystery here. What
may your reasons be for this strange re-
quest? What will you say-would do:"
asked Peter, very much troubled and
looking from one to the other.
Tonight you shall know all, prom
ise you. Will you consent? If not, the
present time Will suit my purpose as
we'll" Ard he half rose from his seat.
Peter hesitated only a second longer.
He found it impossible to resist Way
ling's look and tone. After an inward
struggle he gave tic desired promise,
though he feared-he scarce knew what.
When Cautley had finished his third
tanka1d of ale, .he left the place.
Follow him, Rao," whispered Way
ling to the Hindco. Mark where he
lives, but be careful he does not catch a
glimpse of you. y
The Hindoo obeyed with alacrity, and
for some moments after his departure
his master remained buried in thought,
an expression of pain deepening around
his mouth. He lifted his head, ard
meeting Peters plying eyes grasped
his hand firmly in silence.
''Is there 10 way can help you:?''
asked Peter.
''None Oh, the sight of that man
has resurrected my past, he said, stag
gering to his feet. SsLet US go out into
the air, or I shall stifle. y
In another moment they were on the
street.
Where are you going now, Peter?'
Wayling asked when they had walked
q short way in silence.
"The play begins at half an hour
after 6. 1t wants quarter to the hour.
I shall lie Just in time .
"Why need you &c there? You have
done with players life Come, walk
about the town with me aud let US
talk
NAY, l cannot, said Peter gently.
''There is no one to fill my place i'll the
play. But if you desire it will give
notice Of my leaving tonight. y
"Be sure you do and make also all
due arrangements at yes ls3ging- house