The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-12-18
when the jury adjourned for luncheon.

Nell, WHO Hdd Deeu very WHlle, grew
crimson as she looked at him.
You mean-that you suspect me,
too? You think me capable Of"
"No, child, of course not. But I
think you gave your evidence very
badly. and that you therefore can't ex-
pect to be pitied. Now tell me why
you didn't want to come and see me-"
Nell silently hung her head.
"Was it because you didn't care il
you never saw me again?"
Up went the face, radiant with pas
sionate denial.
"Well, was it because you knew
should ask you some questions?"
Down went the face again.
what was it you wanted to see me
about when you sent for me to come
down from town to see you?'
She looked up at him with face full
of terror.
"Ah, that's it." she whispered hur-
riedly. THAT is why I didn't want to
see you. l knew you would want to
know that. And now-I cannot tell
your
"Why not?"
yesterday" went on Nell, her voice
getting lower, 81 was going to ask
your advice; for it was only a case or
theft. To-day l dare not, for it is now
q question of-murder!'
"You know something, Nell!'
"I don't. I wish 1 did. Butt sus-
pect. And 1 dare not whisper my sus-
nicion even to you, until have felt my
way to a little more knowledge. NOW
will YOU be content with that, and not
want to make me speak when Would
rather be silent?"
Clifford hesitated.
"Wouldn't you trust me to be SILENT
too?
Nell began to look perpleXed and
miserable, drawn this way and that
by conflicting feelings Of love ana
duty. Clifford saw how keen the strug-
Gle was, and like a generous fellow cut
it short for her.
"All right, Nell, you shall keep your
secret. Only mind this: I must be the
first to know it. Will you promise me
that?"
Eyes, oh, yes, and I thank you with
all my heart"
The weight Of care sprang up from
off the girls heart at one bound. Inc
entire trust which Clifford showed IN
her was just the balm her wounded
soul needed, and the hour the nurse
allowed her to spend by her, lover 8
bedside, although it was passed almost
in silence after this explanation, was
one of happiness and relief SO deep
that she went out to face the world
and her uncle's suspicion with fresh
courage.
Clifford's wound had proved more
serious than was at first supposed.
There was risk of Inflammation, and
the doctors ordered that he was to be
Kept very quiet. When, therefore, 1nat
same evening, Hemming called at the
inn, and asked to see Mr.. King ne
would have been denied altogether IL
Clifford himself had not heard the IN
auiry and recognizing the voice. IN
sisted on seeing the detective.
"Well, and what do you want with
MOI" asked Clifford, with interest, as
Hemming was shown into his Tiny
room.
"Well, sir, I hear you've seen MISS
Claris since the inquest" was the de'
tective's abrupt opening.
Eyes. Well?"
"Well, sir, things look about as black
for her as they well can"
And he gave the young man q
shrewd look as he pronounced this
statement. Clifford said nothing, and
Hemming went on:
knowing how you were-were
friend Of the young lady, sir, 1 thought
it only right you should know as 1 am
downright certain who was at TIE
bottom both of the murder and the
robbery; and I'm only waiting to make
the chain of proof a little stronger be-
fore making an arrest"
"Of whom:"
81 leave you to guess, sir. may tell
you I've fouad the pistor-Clifford
started-"and the bullet fits it exact
ly."
"Do you want to put any more ques-
tions to Miss Claris!" asked Clifford,
imperturbably.
well, the young lady seemed so un-
willing-But, of course, if you think
she wouldn't mind-after all, it's only
rehearsal like, and 1 dare say she
knows that"
To hn Continued.