The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1900-10-04


abe could see absolutely nothing. But
what was 1t that She henrdi surely
domo one was moving softly over the
heavy carpet.
"Who's thercf" cried the girl
Ths only answer was SOUND or
ecuFrying feet, Some one was run
ming toward the door communicating
With the conservatory. Instantly the
knob clicked sharply, but the door did
not open because 1t was locked, AS Miss
Acton we'll knew.
The girl had Oh impulse to scream
and another to run away, but her
strongest desire was for light. She
Seared darkness more than the mys-
terry that 1t hid.
It reQureu less time than the tick OF
@ clock for her to turn on the gas ID
the drop light aud strike the match
that was ready In her hand. The gas
jgnited with explosive suddrnness. All
that was I'm the room seemed to leap
into being out Of the vanishing shnd.
ows.
With his back against the conscrvn-
tory door and his outstrctChcd hands
upon the wall as If to steady him stood
o young man. tall, lean and pale. He
Jyore a long black ovcrcoat, but 1t was
hung Cpen and revealed the garb OF q
convict.
Miss Acton let her prnt up breath es-
cape from her lips with sound like
sigh Of relief.
no not be alarmed" she said. IL
know who you are, and | Will not be-
tray you. Sit down, and we Will de.
eide what 1t is best to do"
The convict's gaze was bent upon
her with painful intensity. She seated
herself by the table. and he advanced
toward her with the hcsitating stealth
mess Of Il cat.
"Some one will colnc.' he said in II
whisper.
"No." she replied. "My aunt has
gone to her room, and th" servants
have their duties. However. If You are
afraid, YOU may lock that door"
She Indicated the one 10y which she
had entered, and hr hastily locked It
Then he flung himself into an easy
chair near to hers and fixed his eyes
upon her as stcudfastly As their M.
turc would allow. They Were duh blue
eyes, but the cXtrnordinury rapidity Of
their restless play gave them an effect
Of brilliancy which suited well the
character Of his face. 1t was Il shrcWd
face lacking the higher elements Of IN
telligencc. yet far above the level OF
mere animal cunning.
IL read In q newspaper that you ha(
escaped" she said, "but l did not sup
pose that you would dare to come here
Xet l believe that your father expect
ed you and that lie went away to nvoIt
the risk Of meeting you"
The convict said nothing, but the In.
tensty Of his facial expression was q
distinct contribution to the converse.
ton.
"Eou dent understand" said tho girl.
"probably you don't know who an.
Let me tell You the whole situation IN
few words. You knew OF your IA
thers second marriugcT
"Certainly."
HE married my aunt, and | came
here to live with them by your fathers
great kindness. We knew that he had
q son, and that his nnino could not DO
mentioned In this house, but neither
my aunt nor myself had the slightest
knowledge Of the cause OF the
estrangemcnt between you and him.
IT was only by accident that I found
out where you We're"
"How did 1t happcnf" he asked.
"Through your letter to him last
spring-the one that he returned IN.
opened. l noticed the Sing Sing post
mark on IT when K came. or course
dlu not then know 1t was from YOU
but he wrote the return direction upor
the envelope. He sat at this table, and
afterward I saw upon the blottcr q
part OF the address reversed, of course
out legible The State Prison and
your middle name, Irving.'"
Arthur Irving Nane. WcllY'
iheh knew that you were con
F1c'' ana 1t was easy to guess tina
your crime and your disgrace hnt
caused your father to renounce you
but let me tell you Il secret: he love
you yet. ! know 1t; um sure of q
and that Is why am going to holm vo
tonight, though he would never fora,v
me If he knew it."
"And you read Of my escapcT
Eyes. / read few days ago that
convict named Irving had escap,
with two others. / knew, Of cours
that you had dropped your last mar
for your famlly's sake when you we
arrested"
There was moments silence Th
fhe young man leaned forward, wi
bis face close to hers. and asked In
low, intense voice. What are you q
ing to do for mcf"
what 90 you need2" she aske
"Food2 A hiding placef"
He sprang to his feet so sudden
shat the girl was frightened almo
60 the point Of crying out
"Money, money! he whispere
s"Thats what need. With mon
enough ! can get out OF this count
end begin new life on the other 81
Of the world. If 60 back to priso
# Will kill all the good that's in NO.
dQn't-if I got clean away-wl
knows what I can mako Of myself p
or ho1tooa $hot Sboro a.. x.,,,.x 49,,