The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-01-25

70
Ttisone looked at him aDSth sleepy inter
est ds he cunne S1a.
- looking TO Scotland, but h1s slender
resources decided him in favor of Man
chester. Punctually at 10 minutes past
1S the train drew up alongside the plat
form, and to Fenton it>seemed a perfect
haven of refuge. He tried to find an
empty compartment, but failed to do SO,
and at last entered one with a solitary
inmate.
This one looked at him with sleepy.
interest as he came in, which was In
creased when Fenton took off his drip
ping coat and thereby disclosed his
evening dress For some time he eyed
him curiously, and then he said in
brcadest Yorkshire. 'Tha's been tuv an
evening party, young felier?
Fenton nodded assent, too wcrn out
to dispute the point.
'eThear's a sight of parties ON just
mar, I'LL be bahnd?"
Fenton groaned inwardly. He was
evidently Imprisoned for the night with
q loquacious Tyke.
| e.Yes, there's generally something Of
that sort ON in town." he assented po-
litely.
stWell likes TO go somewhere where
ones clothes doan't matter. Give me
waxwork show or e. Bloody Tower. "
Fenton didn's reply, but nothing dis
concerted, his companion went ON:
.ssNot as I've been to shows this time.
I've seed 'em all afore. I've been on
bizness -
Fenton nodded wearily.
s.Tha doesn't mind ma smoaking, do
yes'' said the other, pulling out cigar
Of doubtful aspect.
e'Not at ALL. said Fenton, hoping
this would keep his companion quiet.
maybe you'i ike smoak yersen: ?
said tine Yorkshireman, who was gener-
ously disposed.
..Thanks, no, said Fenton "I'm
not much of smoker
'.That's rect. A young feller should
reserve his strength so as he can enjoy
his smoak when his trouble comes.
And pleased with this philosophic senti-
ment the old fellow puffed away at his
rank cigar.
There was a pause Of few minutes,
and Fenton hoped his companion was
now fully engrossed with his cigar and
his troubles. But he was mistaken. The
hearty voice went on:
eyes, I've been up to Lunnon on biz
ness-very pertikeler bizness. Ah'll tell
ye all about it, as ye seem interested. :"
And he did tell, and his voice buzzed
in Fenton's ear in harmony with the
rattling of the wheels and the roar OF
! The train.
On, on the voice went, with never
| ending energy, but Fenton's thoughts
| we're elsewhere. He was wet through to
the skin, he was shivering with cold,
he was utterly miserable both IN mind
and body. Was there in all London that
night more wretched man than ne:
| The thought was simply overwhelming
that be, George Fenton, was a fugitive
that he would be wanted by the po-
! lice on the morrow for the murder OF
woman. A cold sweat stood upon his
brow and All involuntary groan broke
from his lips.
Even the self absorbed Ycrkshireman
noticed his companions distress and
broke off his epic in compassion.
young feller," said he soiemnly'
"ye're wet through to the skin. .
Fenton did not deny it.
.sSee 'ere,'' said the other, getting
up and inspecting his own wraps.
s.Just We put on this 'ere waterproof.
It'll keep ye warm oyverneet- It's
downright daft of ye travelling IN nowt
but gimcracks like them, as wouldn't
! turn summer shower.
Fenton thanked him warmly and was
glad enough to don the proffered artl-
Gle. He buried his chin deep in the ca
pacious collar and pretended to sleep.
The cigar had now gone out, and the
smoker was yawnirg. In another ten
minutes resounding snores proclaimed
his reception in the arms OF Morpheus
In vain did Fenton try to follow his
companion into oblivion. Sleep refused
to come. For few minutes he fell
into fitful slumber, but his brain re-
fused to rest. Again he stood over the
dead body of the woman be loved; again
he saw her pale. drawn face and the
horrible dagger in her heart; again
Brett confronted him, and once more ne
was chased down the streets by howl
ing crowd. Quick down there, or ne
would be caught! Faster! Faster! y
God, they are gaining on him! And
with cry of terror he awoke, trem-
bling from head to foot.
Thank heaven, it was only horrible
dream! He was safe as yet.
And so that interminable night wore
On. It was not till the gray morning
came in through the carriage windows
,os--syag5aSszczFI