The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-02-05


cantly.
AN idea strikes me-"
"Well, let's hear it."
''It is possible that had Tanner been
forced into conclusions with the baron.
ne would have been set upon by these
Thugs
Il am positive OF it,
"Such thing would explain th
confident assurance Of the baron."
"Yes."
"a brilliant thought comes to me,
Sandy"
'I can guess it. old fellow"
'.In knocking Demosthenes Tanner
out, was really doing him the great
est favor"
mo doubt Of it"
Saving his life."
"They would have nearly or quite
finished him"
IF she could only be induced to see
the thing in that light"
Depend upon it, Joe, my dear fel'
low, she shall. 1 myself will under
take to open her eyes"
"God bless you, Sandy"
zone good turn deserves another.
You gave me a monopoly Of your
startling news, and that is something
l can never repay. Rest assured that
when Sandy Barlow has had his tete-
a-tete with Miss Molly she Will believe
you god"
Heavens, don't draw it too strong,
my boy!'
II shall deceive her only in one
thing"
What is that"
"You knew or suspected the truth
when you rushed into the breach -,
THAT will hardly do, for you remem.
Der thought the small man was her
father"
"Bosh. Don't tell her that-she will
feel insulted-thinks the old governor
is the handsomest in the world. No,
no. you must have suspected the truth
beforehand-we'll give you the bene-
fit Of the doubt, anyway"
"rake q look across-as I live. that
little fend is himself telling Molly
the truth. Notice the look upon her
face-she can't wholly believe him.
Confound the villain, he's got the start
Of mel Now, what am to do, my
good friend?'
Joe has been. considerably shaken
up by what he has just seen, and he
turns to his companion fer consola-
ton.
Fortunately. Sandy is equal to the
emergency. and quickly responds:
Leave Miss Molly to me, Joe. I'll
undo all that rascal has built up, and
establish you in her heart more firm,
~ than ever" he says. at which the;
traveller squeezes his hand in 4 waH
that marks his gratitude.
Again I say, bless you. my boy.
"What q fix 1 would be in. only for
your genius in arranging things"
Don't mention it. Time may be
near at hand when poor Sandy shall
have need Of your strong. right hand
who knows:"
"And willingly shall it be placed at
his disposal. But. see here, ought
to have hand in my own redemption
i don't like the idea Of standing
around doing nothing while you ac-
complish the work"
That's just like q man Of your size,
Joe. Well, l see no reason why you
shouldn't hold your end Of the logw
Good"
while I win over the daughter, you
can be patching up the peace with the
awful dad"
Good heaven. face that tartar again!
Id sooner take whipping.
Hush. He's her dear Old governor
"a savage I'll admit, someways, bet
the better you know him the more
you'll find in Demos to admire. D.a-
mond in the rough, you see
Exactly. Well, do admit l could
see something Of sterling, character
back Of the exterior. Yes. I'd even
grow to Ike the old bear, K need be-"
For Molly's sake" says Sandy, sly
IL.
For Mol!y's sake" returns Joe, IN
abashed.
See here, old chap, don't you think
you're-well. rushing natters:'
How so?"
"Just got in tonight from Khartoom
fought a duel on Esbehiyeh square
and already arranging to make way.
with your rival for the hand Of the
belle Of Cairo, whom you have met
tonight"
do you mean Molly?" interrupted
Joe.
"Of course, man."
"You forget, Sandy. she has belonged