The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-04-03

he appears before them and mechanl'
cally clances at his watch-a villain
Gus habit he has upon every occasion.
The action catches Molly's eye, and
with q little feminine scream she
snatches out her own timepiece'
studded with diamonds. and looks at
the tell-tale face in CONSERVATION.
Eleven o'clock! An hour and half
away from the ballroom! What will
Lord Quinsy and the baron think:
And I. had engaged a dance each with
them! They will never forgive me"
II am sorry to be the cause of your
trouble begins the explorer. hulnbly.
Please don't mention it! wouldn't
have missed this hour and what
have heard Of brave Gordon for ten
lords or fifty barons. 1t was only the
governor 1 was thinking of. They
must have asked for me, and the dear
good man will be fairly wild looking
for me"
Mynheer Joe imagines an insignifi-
cant, bald-headed, good-natured little
man tearing around the hotel pleading
with every one to help him find his
daughter. If he comes across such an
individual he will recognize him at
once.
"You will excuse me, Mynheer," she
saws, holding out her hand again-the
hand upon which fash diamonds that,
with those in her ears, at her throat
and in her bonny brown hair, are sure
" worth a kings ransom.
He murmurs that he will be glad to
meet her again, perhaps in the morn
ing, if circumstances are favorable,
with a sidelong glance toward Mr..
Grimes, that has no apparent mean
ing, and yet which causes q grim smile
to appear upon the face Of the silver
king.
Then she glides from the bijou par
lor, Sandy holding the portiere aside,
though he has to stand on his tiptoes
in order to make it clear her head.
The three gentlemen are left alone.
Sandy takes out a cigar and looks at
the others. The mute invitation IS
Immediately accepted, for a couple OF
hands are extended, and the weeds
exchange owners.
Lets 60 outside. The house is no
place for smoking, in my opinion" re-
marks Joe.
So the trio adjourn to the piazza.
More than one curious glance Is cast
toward them; for, in spite of the Sc
crecy that has been exercised, rumors
have gotten around concerning the
truth. 1t is strange how these things
leak out-a word is sometimes enough
to start the ball rolling, and people,
once interested, add little here and
tri1e there until story has been man
ufactured out of whole cloth.
Hardly have they reached the piazza
and Joe stops to light his weed when
a dapper little fellow, Sandy's counter
part in nervous ways, steps up and
taps him on the arm.
BEG pardon-do I understand you
have arrived from up the river, sir
from Khartoom?" asks this sprightly
chap, apparently not noticing Sandy
in the background.
Mynheer Joe puffs away, and be-
tween each puff he mods his head up
and down in an affirmative way that
sets the little man fairly wild with
suspense. He will speak soon-when
he gets ready-but not until that time
comes. 1t is plainly evident Mynheer
Joe knows how to manage the crea-
ture known as press agent.
Sandy is chuckling near by, dread
fully tickled at the thought of having
for once obtained an advantage over
his rival.
"You are quite right, sir. have ar
rived this very night from Khar-
toom," finally admits the object of
all this attention, having reduced his
weed to a point Of subsection, where
it would burn without much care.
Out come the pencil and notebook.
Would you mind giving me a little
information regarding the state Of af-
fairs at Khartoom when you left? l
represent the New York Herald, the
London Times and the Paris Figaro.
shall be pleased to take your views,
sir, and give you every courtesy in my
power" rattles on the little CORE
spondent; then catching sight OF
Sandy his face blazes up, he waves
his hand as though in warning, and
cries:
TOO late, Barlow-you're left! Fall
to the rear! I may let you pick up
some crumbs presently. but don't
bother now. AS you were saying. my
dear sir, at the time you quilted khar-
toom matters were assuming q serious
aspect?
Very" replies Mynheer Joe, grave
ly.
"And Gordon-you left him well,
hoping for the coming Of the British
line even now on it's way there. His
views and yours would be very ac-
ceptable reading for the world. A
vast audience, indeed, sir. Would you
kindly relate your story in detail, or
at least that portion Of it concerning
Gordon"
His manner is persuasive, his voice
hcneyed, and butter would fail to
melt in his mouth. Unfortunately he
has laid hold Of the wrong man. Myn-
heer Joe lays hand on his shoulder
and almost crushes him.
For particulars 1 must refer you to
my press agent. Just now I am en-
gagged. Your arm, Mr.. Grimes, if you
please"
But where can I find him? I beg
that you will inform me. This is q
matter that concerns the whole civil