The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-12-09


burst of fragrance, and wheeling i'm
petuously about encountered close at
his back a man in whose shifting gaze
he Immediately detected the fact that
the words he had just read had not
been conned by himself alone.
Blinded with rage-for the spy was
no other than bis rivals man, whom
he had seen with the signorina in the
ravine-he shot one glance at the bas-
ket of hot house flowers which the fel-
low carried and then .leaped like a flash
at his throat. But the other slipped
aside in time and an encounter was
prevented.
"Do not forget yourselfw exclaimed
the valet. "The ladies will be coming
in minute. If you have anything to
say to me you will find me in the cir
Gle of hemlocks. But first let me put
these flowers on the window seat
where 1 was told to leave them"
The artist, mute and Illuminated
walked directly out of the house. He
had not needed to read the card at
tached to the flowers to know that
they were for the signorina.
The valet, contrary to his expecta-
tions, did not disappoint him. he
came directly to the circlet OF trees TO-
ward which the artist had mechanl-
cally hastened, and halting respect
fully at the entrance, took of his nat.
Mr.. Degraw eyed him with contempt.
"You scoundrelr was his greeting,
'by what right did you presume 10
read letter of mine over my back.
The other, battling him still by an as
pect which was at once strange ana
vet vaguely familiar, answered him
solely by sly smile.
EXasperated the artist cried:
"Where have I seen you? Your face
IS not new to me. Are you a New
York man, or do you simply look like
some other coward 1 have known
A broad laugh finished the smile
that yet distorted the others sWarthy
countenance
IF 1 have disguised myself as poorly
as all this I shall not receive very high
commendation from the chief" was his
final response. "You saw me at police
headquarters, sir. am an officer IN
disguise"
The artist recoiled. Of course; why
had he not thought of this before.
Had not Mr.. Byrd warned him that a
detective would be found in Miss Rog-
ers' vicinity? His equanimity returned
with a bound. He even seconded the
others smile.
II beg your pardon" said he. Il was
told that you were Mr.. Degraw's man
and being"
T am Mr.. Degraw's man. How else
could 1 be useful? I came with him
here from New York. I watch over
him and watch over her, and pardon
me, have just been watching over
you"
1.-The last seems unnecessary" dryly
remarked the artist. II am at least
competent to take care Of myself"
NO" the others look seemed to say.
"You overrate your power and under
rate your danger"
what do you mean?" inquired the
artist. "Miss Rogers speaks Of peril,
but, then, a woman is easily alarmed"
"That is true" allowed the other,
"but, then, in this case think she is
justified. My master, Mr.. Degraw,
has some diabolical scheme on hand.
What it is I have not yet been able to
determine, but that it is of an impor-
tance which will brook no interference
/ have many reasons to know. You
stand in his way; if you continue to do
this he will endeavor to suppress you.
I know this by words have overheard
him mutter. So if Miss Rogers shows
apprehension you perceive she has rea-
sons for it."
"Does Miss Rogers know that we are
protected by detective"
mo, sir"
"Yet I saw you talking with her yes
terday."
"In the ravine%
"Yes."
II am glad it was you, sir, who saw
us, and not. my master or one Of the
young ladies: I had something to say
to her, and followed her to q quiet
spot. 1t was dangerous thing to do,
but we have to take risks sometimes.
I wanted her to know what I have just
told you"
$50 this Is how Miss Rogers is &C.
Quainted with my danger"
Eyes, sir"
"And you did not tell her you were
a detectiveT'
mo, sir; did not consider it neces-
sary."
"She must think you an honest sery-
ing-man."
"She appears to-"
To be continued.