The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-05-14

emy, the baron, has subsidized in or
der to complete our downfall"
At this intelligence the newspaper
! man loses his head and looks silly.
| His ideas even become confused, ap':
he wonders whether Joe is not giving
him a little chaff. Up to the present
he has believed himself too old bird
70 be caught in this way, but such
strange things have occurred Of late
that he stands ready to take aimost
anything as gospel truth.
ooh, you're a full-fedged Thug, eh"
he manages to murmur.
'Not only that, but an officer in the
organization. 1t was as such l gave
the sign that threw these fellows into
4 fever"
How do you come to belong to such
lovely crowd?' asks Sandy.
"Ah, my dear fellow, that is story
you shall hear some day! Really, it
is worth telling, since it is founded
upon strange incidents such as only
Haggard could use with credit. F.
the present let it suffice to say that
this ancient order has more about 1t
than the general world knows. 1t is
not organized for murder, as you and
other people believe, although the
Thugs Of India, like the Nihilists OF
Russia, do not hesitate to remove any
one who runs against their will.
"a series Of strange circumstances
threw me into the midst Of them some
years ago, and to preserve my life l
was obliged to join the order, attain
ing a high place Of honor before the
opportunity came to quit 1ndia's
shores.
81 can now see very plainly why
that same thing occurred to me, for
YOU and must have fallen victims to
the fury of the mob only for my pow
er."
by the way. Joe, have you any
more Of these little bombs hidden
away? If so, put them to good use,
man. There's no telling when we may
need them in this country. Bless my
soul! I have a strange feeling all the
while as though invisible danger was
hanging over our heads. What can it
mean"
when the baron ceases to annoy us
you will get over that, Sandy. The
truth Of the matter is you have fallen
into the habit Of feeling his presence
near you. These men Of evil seem to
exhale q something that impresses it.
self upon those they hate, even as
! might the rattlesnake when charming
q victim. Once the serpent is trampled
under foot and all that .uneasiness
! vanisheS"
You've changed your mind, then,
and intend to make away with the ba-
ron:' says Sandy, quickly.
We'll, it becomes more evident every
hour that it's desperate case OF
Greek against Greek. Unless 1 de-
rolish the baron he will down me-"
Eureka, That's my policy to dot.
The question is how it shall be done"
THAT will come out all right, old
man."
Il give myself no ureasiness with
regard to it. Poor old Popoff! He'll
carry out the name to letter pres
emily. But since he's shown himself
to be such a consummatc rascal, l no
longer feel pity for him. Let him 60
The king has commanded it; the de-
cree must be entered" and Sandy
makes a royal sweep with his arm
that would cause many Il monarch to
turn green with envy could he see it.
Mynheer Joe looks beyond, and sees
things that a wise providence screens
from the eyes of impulsiye fellows Of
Sandy's stripe. He knows that the
life of the baron is exceedingly pre-
cious to the Russian authorities. and
that they will make searching inYoS-
iiration into matters in case he Is
downed: it may even be considered a
casus bellum, and the two great coun-
tries be embroiled in terrible con-
fiict.
Thus Mynhcer Joe. feeling the re-
sponsible nature Of his position. re-
solves to do nothing rash. He desires
to consult with some ore VINO has 4
Ion: head, and knows OF no person
more competent than Mr.. Grimes.
Sandy is AZ right, when it comes to
action, but lie does not make the best
adviser in the world, rs Joe has
learned before now.
1t is high time they turn their step"
in the direction OF the hotel, as thu
hour is getting late.
Through the crowds they pass with
out any fear Of violence, since the!
hold the good will Of the great secre
society OF India.
"Ah. There's the baron says San
DIV. And Joe catches a glimpse OF The
Russians face among tie dark one: