The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-01-27
May we enter?" he asked
Sbn 1nokod first at the artist then

May we enter? he asked
She looked first at the artist, then at
bis companion.
THE house is not on fire, then" she
naively remarked.
And beckoning to James, who had
followed her at a distance, she COM
manded him to light the lamp on the
library table.
But the detective, coming forward,
observed:
II think I would make no extra
lights. What we request-if you will
pardon the intrusion, madam-is leave
to watch this house. am Mr.. Gryce,
Of the New York detective force, and
I have been led to think, from circum-
stances unnecessary to state at this
moment, that one of your guests runs
some danger tonight from an unscru-
pulous man who has, or thinks he has,
a motive for her death. If, therefore,
you do not object to my guardianship,
I should like to play the part of her
protector, a part which, rs this gentle
man here will tell you, is no new one
for me to assume"
"Ah! and this guest"
She only needed one look at Mr.. De.
graw to know who it was.
rs Miss Rogers, no doubt"
"Yes, madam; lady whom I have
not seen, but who claims my interest
from her name and the peril in which
she stands"
And does she share your fears?
pursued the lady, with side-glance at
Mr.. Degraw, full Of sympathetic feel
ing.
II think not" responded the latter,
eagerly. "Nor are my fears just what
they were a few hours ago, Miss AS.
pinwall. Then I doubted Mr.. Degraw's
designs, now doubt only those of his
valet. The former has proved himself
all we had right to expect from MI.
Norris recommended ton, while the lat
ter has given token of being a most
desperate villain, with intentions Of the
worst, not only against his master and
myself, but against the innocent sig
norma, who, as Miss Rogers, stands,
as he supposes, in the way of an abom
Unable scheme Of his by which he hopes
to reap an incredible amount of
money"
His valet?" she repeated, Ibis val
ct? do not know that remember his
valet. Is he the man that has made
the trouble in New York, of which you
have told me?"
I'VE think So"
"Using his masters name?"
"No. That is, Mr.. Degraw had some
doings with these young girls himself,
but they were not reprehensible ones;
on the contrary, they DID him honor, as
you will have the opportunity Of judG'
ing tomorrow when he explains him
self. But his valet interfered with his
designs and made trouble, and contem.
plates making more, probably upon
this very night. 1t is difficult for me
to make you understand all this in
moment, but it is for the fellows sup.
posed interest that Miss, Rogers should
not live till morning"
A marked pallor, visible even in the
dim light Of this family illumined hall,
took the place Of her usual healthy
color. She instinctively drew nearer
the artist as if to appeal to his protec.
ton; but bethinking herself, stepped
back, and surveyed both gentlemen
with equal confidence and courage.
And where is this william now?" she
asked.
1--WE cannot say; but we think be is
on or near your grounds"
Il will call up Donald and Henry
and the c6achman," she cried.
But MI. Gryce stopped her with a
gesture.
NO." he objected, 1--WE have our aids
without; all We need is place near
Miss Rogers door where we can watch
in silence for any danger that may ap.
proach her. I know the house is
locked" he exclaimed, as she opened
her lips to utter some word OF sur.
prise or assurance. But the plot OF
which this valet is undoubtedly the
agent is a deep one, and may involve
some totally unsuspected person as an
accomplice. 1t is to save her from
such a contingency that we propose to
sit up tonight. The valet will be
taken care Of by those without"
II understand, or rather do not un.
derstand," responded Miss AspinWan.
But am willing to rely on the judg.
ment of others wiser than myself. Do
what you think best. gentlemen. am
willing to trust TO MIR. Degraw's dis.
cretion."
She drew back and waved her hand
toward the stairs. IF you think it in
dispensable to watch Miss Rogers
door, I will show you where it is. But
cannot do the watching for you?
You can do better" suggested the
artist. "You can take her into your
own room"
That is true; will do that; she will
be safe there"
To be continued.