The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-03-08

the police. Their inquiries had been in
vain. Every likely spot had been search
ed, all the hospitals had been visited,
but without result, and the clew they
had was too slender to hope for much
success from it.
With a weary heart Brett turned
away, determined to take a step which
had occurred to him during the night.
1t was bold and probably a useless
one. In his calmer moments he would
have at once dismissed the idea, but he
had now worked himself ny into ter
rible state Of excitement and had resoly-
ed 10 leave no step untaken that might
possibly lead to a clew.
He walked straight to the Metropole
and asked for Mr.. Keighley Gates. He
found that gentleman at breakfast in
his dressing gown. He raised his eye
brows when he saw who his visitor was.
"You are an early caller, Captain
Brett said he
II must apologize, Mr.. Gates, for
coming at this hour, but I feared l
might miss you if I called later. The
fact is, Miss Fenton has been abducted. :"
Indeed! I am sorry to hear it, but
you don't think have had hand in
the matter, do you:''
Hardly, Mr.. Gates, but do think
you know the man who did it. have
every reason to believe it was the man
I met coming from you the last time I
called
Really! Which man was that?''
''The tall individual I spoke to you
about. He called himself DR.. Fitzgerald
when I met him some weeks ago, but
you said he had given you another
name and that he had been on beg
ging errand. %
''Ah, I remember the man.
"Can you tell me anything about
him?''
"I'm afraid I cannot. had never
seen him before. -
"Can you tell me the name he gave
to you:"
81 have even forgotten that
Mr.. Gates gave these replies in an
icily polite voice. Brett saw the inter-
rogations did not please him, and he
himself was annoyed at his own want
of success. But he had got it into his
head that Mr.. Gates was withholding
information he had it in his power to
give, and ne grew reckless. He stared
at Mr.. Gates incredulously.
''Do you doubt my words, Captain
Brett:' said the other after an awkward
pause.
81 do, Mr.. Gates. You have deceived
me once and may be doing so now.'
Mr.. Gates bowed with an absolutely
expressionIess face, got up and moved
toward the fireplace.
"Before I ring the bell for the serv-
ant to show you out, Captain Brett, per-
haps you would be kind enough to
specify the occasion on which I deceiv-
ed you.
"You told me you did not take Lady
Florence Mostyn's photograph from the
Scotland Yard album and substitute an
other for it. 1 have the best reason for
believing it was you who did this.
"Thank you. AS you believe I de-
ceived you then. I cannot see why you
came to me for accurate information to-
day. You are somewhat illogical, Cap
tain Brett, but believe the navy is not
conducive to accurate thought. As a
matter Of fact, you have come here this
morning with the deliberate intention
of picking a quarrel with man vino
was doing his best to aid you in your
difficulties. After our previous conver-
sation I took the trouble to cable to
the States for information about Arthur
Durant, and this morning received
news that would undoubtedly interest
you. ! was going to send it to you this
very day, but after your insulting re-
marks further intercourse between Us is
impossible. Your methods are singular,
Captain Brett, and am afraid I can
not congratulate you on them. Saying
which, Mr.. Gates touched the bell.
Brett jumped up and walked toward
the door.
"Mr. Kejghley Gates, said he, "if
you deliberately intend to withhold in.
!: all r..