The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-10-14

q dreadful experience. and at first I
was so discouraged that 1 sat down
and crieI, but afterward 1 plucked
up heart and began to think it was all
my own fault, and that if I had not
made so many foolish mistakes I
should have been in time to see him
and save him perhaps from disap.
pointment as cruel as my own. But I
was late, and undoubtedly would be
late if 1 tried the experiment again
The distance was too great, besides. I
did not believe could get another op.
portunity Of slipping away. or if l did
that I should succeed in eluding my
companion. If wanted to keep my
appointment I must stay in the vicin.
ity, and to stay in the vicinity meant a
whole night spent in a strange hotel.
For q young girl who had never slept
alone in her whole life you will think
it took courage TO decide on such
step. But was crazy, carried away
by all idea. did not give the man my
right name-the hotel man, l mean
and did not go down to the table. l
stayed in my room all the time, anu
had my meals brought to me. and was
dreadfully nervous and afraid, but all
that was nothing after it was over.
did not care for that; all that l did
care for was the fact that, though
sat in the depot punctually from II to
/, no ore approached me, nor did see
any one that could in any way suggest
the person who had haunted my steps
and written me this note"
"Humph! And that was yesterday?"
eyes, sir"
'I see. You suffered q cruel mortifi-
cation. for which you can now con-
graduate yourself"
30! yes. sir"
81 am glad you had the courage to
return"
"Where else could I go?"
"And that is the whole story? You
had no other experience, and have not
heard from the man again.?
mo. no. How should I, if he is the
wooer of n dozen other girls? He has
amused himself, and it is over, but my
scorn and hatred are not over, and if
ever 1 have the opportunity to face
him l will load him with such re-
proaches as will make even his wicked
heart tremble."
Meanwhile Mr.. Gryce had given the
note which he held both close and care
full scrutiny. 1t was we'll written, but
in a stiff and formal hand, which
struck him like an attempt to disguise
the natural writing.
81 should like to keep this" he suS-
gested. ut may prove of inestimable
value in determining the identity of
the writer"
There is something else," she muir
INJURED, (which may prove of more use
to you, though 1 did not mean to tell
you, and may regret having done so.
There was a card inclosed in this note,
which if it was not meant as guaran-
tee of good faith certainly looked like
it." And. with an added blush she
dipped again into her pocket and drew
out a small slip of pasteboard. which
she handed to the detective. THAT is
his name" said she.
The detective put on his glasses
again. gave the card one look and
started perceptibly, Notwithstanding
the self-possession acquired. by long
years of detective service.
"Was this card in the letter I hold?'
"Yes, sir"
"This card? This. with the name
you here see upon it,?
"Yes, sir"
"It is another mans card, surrepti-
tiously inclosed in the note" he de-
cided. 1T is not that Of the person
who has followed you"
"I think you are mistaken. I have
rea son for knowing that there Is no
decaption about this"
"What reason? Tell me, my dear
young lady, for this is very impor'
tant."
"Well, it is the last secret have.
One day when I was out walking We
passed this man standing on the cor
ner of a street. He was smoking and
held his cigarette case in his hand. AS
we approached he grew embarrassed
and attempted to thrust the case into.
his pocket. but heIailed to do so and
it fell upon the pavement. He did not
notice it and moved off, and when
came to where he was standing
picked it up. I have kept it and can
show it to you. There is monogram
on one side Of it. and the letters are
the same as the initials of this name
"Get It: let me see it, if you please
cried the detective, looking both
troubled and incredulous.
She left the room at once. When she
returned she found the detective stand
ing before the electric button in the
wall lost in a reyerie so deep that she
had to touch him on the arm to attract
his attention.
"Here is the case" she said, timidly.
To be continued.
He Meant to Tell tho Truth.
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