The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1902-12-24

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"Come up to the house and talk it oUer,"
said kelrtn.
I-said that I had been much over
praised to him, but admitted that had
made some study Of documentary evi-
dence bearing upon real estate titles in
that region. Every public record Of
any Importance was destroyed by fire
forty odd years ago, with the result
that many a bit Of property there
about was in the same status as Kel-
vim Elms.
eff the document comes into your
possession" said 1, 'it will give me
pleasure to assist you in any way that
lies within the scope Of my ability"
"I've made an appointment with
Cobb for tomorrow evening" said Kel-
vim. Meanwhile I've got your friend
Graves Reedy keeping an eye on him
so that if he's got the document slowed
away anywhere and goes to take look
at it I may be spared the expense Of
paying him for it,
"Unless misjudge Cobb" said Don
aid, che will be too shrewd to do such
q thing and fully shrewd enough to
find out that Mr.. Reedy is watching
him."
Kelvin wheeled around in his chair
and beamed upon Donald, rubbing his
knees. meanwhile with great enthusi-
asm. 1t is lucky that the man can af-,
ford as many pairs Of trousers as he
may require, for be must wear them
out fast.
Perhaps you can save US all further
trouble in this matter" said be. What
do the psychic influences say about it?
Understand" he added hastily, obser7-
ing that Donald looked dangerous, 'I'm
no scoffer. may speak lightly Of
these matters, but Pm not such a fool
as to assert that there's nothing in
them. Why, I've seen with my own
eyes. You found those diamonds, and
I'm free to say that l don't believe
there's another two legged creature on
earth who could have followed that fel-
lows trail as you did"
"Some Of the lower animals possess
remarkable instincts" said Donald,
smiling. 81 would not pretend to
match them. AS to this present mat
ter, am completely ignorant. I don't
know thing about it"
He arose and walked around the
room. That uneasiness which was by
this time familiar to my eye was upon
him.
"Let me suggest" he faltered after
several attempts to express himself,
"iE:;t you shouldn't 20 too fast in this
affair. I'd like to help you if could"
Come up to the house and talk it
over" said Kelvin. 1--WE don't see
enough of you."
It was quite true that the kel7ins
saw little of Donald. He seemed to
avoid Mrs Kelvin when she came to
our house, though his manner toward
her when she succeeded in finding him
was never lacking in respect Indeed
he had the power to draw out the very
best that was in the woman, and there
were times that they were together
when I have been able to understand
how Mrs. Kelvin happened to be bless
ed with so amiable daughter.
tried to get Donald to speak Of this
blackmailing affair after Kelvin had
left US together, but be insisted that
he had no intimatons regarding it
except an unfounded belief that the
deed offered for sale by Cobb was gen.
uine. would rather trust one of Don
AIDS "unfounGed" beliefs than any
other kind, and 1 told him so, where
upon he plunged deeper into the dis
tress that always marked the approach
of the condition in which psychic rev.
elations were granted to him.
Presently he wandered out, and
did not see him again until dinner time.
After dinner he got upon horse, and
it was late when he returned, dusty
and tired The night was very warm,
and we were all out of doors. Donald
sat down on the steps Of the yeranda at
his mothers feet, and she supported
his head upon her knee.
eve have decided to stay in Tun-
bridge this summer" said she. "We
shant 80 to the seashore for August
There's so much trouble about this
miserable stockholders meeting, which
doesn't occur until the 18TH"
"Who have decided to stay in Tun-
bridge?" asked Donald.
Gall of u.s." she replied. Carl and
your father don't feel that they can
take any vacation before the meeting,
and by that time the summer Will be
nearly gone. But we shall be very gay
here. Carl and I have been planning
lawn fete for Aug. 20, so that you and
little Amy Kelvin may dance together
on the green. Her father will have
been nicely beaten in his nefarious
schemes by that time, so that there'll
be no bar to perfect harmony between
the families"
II wouldn't do it, little mother" said
Donald softly.
why" she asked, bending over him.
She had detected the serious note IN
his voice. She knew that he truly
meant what he said.
Donaldson and Carl were talking ear
nestly in what might be called the
BACKGROUND of our little group. l was
in the middle distance, and, while os-
tensiDly occupied with what the other
men were saying, had an ear for
Donald.
81 think it's going to rain on Aug.
2O,' said he after 4 pause
Tell the truth" she commanded,
forcing him to look up into her eyes.
You will not feel like giving fete
on that day" said Donald hurriedly.
Something is going to happen. You
will be surprised and grieved; you will
wish that you hadn't issued any inT1-
totiorc for DeODle TO come here. Now,