The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-04-17
but Is full of deep anger" Molly re-

but is full of deep anger" Molly re!
plies.
"Against-the man who struck him"
"No, singularly enough he doesn't
seem to feel that way toward the
wretch. His anger is wholly directed
against the man who threw the ball
ana skin upon the flags on which he
slipped at the time he was struck
"Oh" says Joe, with gurgling smile,
as he grasps the defeated gladiator's
ruse to excuse his downfall. "Singu-
lar how incidents will happen. I've
had as strange things occur to me at
times. But, Miss Molly, how is it with
YOU? If your father does not bear
malice toward the unlucky offender
who was so rash to measure strength
with him, do you also forgive him."
Not 1.-The wretch. 1t was my dear
old governor he struck. If had been
present I'm afraid l might have done
something desperate"
And her flashing eyes give Joe an
idea that this is no mere idle threat
on her part.
He shrugs his shoulders and contin-
ues:
II believe it was a fair, stand-up
business. But we will not discuss it
further, Miss Molly"
Pardon me, but" she Stammers.
what can I do for you"' seeing
she is about to ask some favor at
which she hesitates.
II don't know why I speak to you
in this way, since 1 have known you
for so short time. I have numerous
friends here-acquaintances I should
call them-but you saved my life, and,
somehow 1 feel that I can say to you
what I should hesitate to speak to
Others"
YES" he utters encouragingly, feel
ing deeply lattered by her words, and
yet conscious of an uneasy sensation,
for the baron is glaring at him from
across the room, and there is some
thing baleful in that diplomats frown.
will you help me" she asks blunt
ly.
81 promise you, to the best Of my
ability" he replies without second
thought.
"a thousand thanks. I knew I could
depend upon you," she murmurs.
Mynheer Joe does not dream the ma
ture of the request she is about to
make.
What can I do for you," he finally
asks. do not hesitate. Speak out"
You may think me vindictiye, per-
haps."
"Neverr'
"But when I think of the dear old
governor being so badly used, my
blood fairly boils."
"Ahw
"Do you think you could find the
wretch who beat my governor, Myn'
heer Joe"
II am sure of it," stoutly.
"NNill you do this-for me?"
"Assuredly."
"And bring him before me?'
II will drag him there by the neck
and the heels, though he has the
strength of a Samson"
This wonderful speech receives its
reward, Of course, in the shape Of a
sweet smile; but it is still too early
to tell what the designs of the eXplor.
er may be.
You are very kind, Mynheer Joe.
When this fellow is before me, l am
in doubt what to do-whether to give
him a piece of my mind or use a whip
on him, as have read Of energetic
women doing. In some way l must
show him that he cannot beat my
dear governor with impunity."
Joe almost smiles as be thinks OF
having need of such defender as
this. But the situation is so extremely
delicate and desperate that he has no
heart to be amused at it's ridiculous
side.
will you leave the decision with
me?" he asks having a bold idea
with pleasure" she replies.
"And abide by the result"
"Yes, indeed. 1t will take a load
off my mind to have you decide my
course"
"Then, if I were you, would not
think of doing anything with a whip
In the first place it will get your name
in the papers-news gatherers are sc
ready to seize upon a sensation and
make the most of it. Thus you would
find people turning to look at you in
the street, not because you had done
anything noble, but because you had
horse-whipped man who for some
reason was powerless to resist"
"Say no more; l really did not dream
of it."
Besides" he goes on, quietly, 81
have an idea the poor devil will suffer
worse at words of reproach from youI
lips than he would under the tortures
OF Ell Mahdi."
ITO be Continued