The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-01-27
Il \ NATTER g
- J. Of WILLIONS. -
.-6 <ss ~*ess as&se>es
By Anna Katharine Grn Author ian IF "Ihs Etc. so"f''
u soRs
, H., vu-:, G.oo, 4 Author of "The Forsaken
~ Anna katndIlIs uleSu, 1nn," Etc.
CHAPTER XVI.
rnntinr1o6

Continued.
[ "You naturally wish me to accom-
pany you back to New York" proceed
ed the other. II do not wonder at this,
and, indeed, it is my own wish to re-
turn there as soon as possible that
may make such explanations as will
place me right with the authorities.
But before I leave this town demand
the privilege of signing the deed which
shall put Miss Rogers beyond the pow
er of these wretches. I have already
chosen my lawyer, and, tomorrow
morning, at II, hope to be in a posi-
tion to visit Miss Rogers with this i'm.
portant deed in my pocket"
1T is a serious STEP" objected the de-
tective, "but if you are resolved upon
tt"
II am resolved"
II do not see that have the right to
prevent you from taking it. But it
seems to me you might wait"
"When waiting leaves her in contin-
ued danger? You ask too much Of my
generosity, Mr.. Gryce. I will wait this
one night, because it is impossible to
do otherwise, and if no attempt is
made upon her life may consent to
delay till I have shown my papers to
the superintendent Of police, but If, on
the contrary, we find in the morning
that any attempt has been made upon
Miss Rogers life during the night, and
that her position is really as critical
as we have reason to fear, then no pow
er on earth shall restrain me from put
ting an end to her danger by making
her the indisputable owner Of Mr.. De-
lancy's millions!
"You are noble hearted man"' was
the artists enthusiastic comment.
t'You commnd my highest respect. 1
am not in position to say more; I
wish I were, and I wish" this he
added as he noted certain haggard
and unnatural look in the others coun-
tenance - "that I better understood
your position, and what this woman,
whom love, really owes to you"
They We're standing apart, Mr.. Gryce
having withdrawn toward the door,
Mr.. Begraw therefore spoke frankly:
"HaYe I.not made myself clear?"
"Yes and no. understand that Miss
Rogers is to receive that for which
she must be ever grateful to you, but
am not yet certain whether her obli-
cations will include a personal devo-
tion which will rob me of my happi-
ness"
Mr.. Degraw's eye, which had held
the others enchained, fell with vague
trouble.
"That question:" said he, "can be
better answered tomorrow. If you will
honor me by being present at the inter-
view which I have requested of Miss
Rogers you will then have the opportu-
nifty to learn what is at present as
much of an uncertainty to me as it can
be to you"
But"
: 'I mean it, Degraw. I want your
presence there and was about to ask it.
The hour set is II; join me here, and
we will 60 up to the house together"
The artist, assured of his rivals ear
nestness, again shook his hand and pre-
pared to leave. He had his own inten-
tions with regard to the night, and was
only anxious for the opportunity to
carry them out. Mr.. Degraw likewise
evidently had his, and as for the de-
tective, he no doubt was not without
his plan also, for, when he saw that
this interview which I have just de-
scribed was at an end, he stepped for
ward with the remark:
"It is late, but must hunt up Byrd.
I am anxious to know whether OF not
he has collared his man."
"And l." said the artist, "am going
to rouse up Miss Aspinwall and ask
her to take Miss Rogers into her room
tonight"
"And l." added his namesake, "am
going to pace her grounds like police
sergean'. happy if can be Of any use
in preserving the safety Of one who,
without any direct fault Of my own,
has been put in peril through my eff
forts in her behalf"
All three went down stairs. At the
front door they stopped. A man was
just entering in whom the artist and
the detective recognized Mr.. Byrd.
"Well?" asked MI. Gryce, pausing
before his colleague.
"Ah! you here?" was the quick re-
ply. THAT is good, but" The young
detectives words came slowly; evident
ly he was greatly astonished at seeing
the two Mr. Degraws in such amiable
conjunction with his superior. Il have
not the best Of news to give you"
"Why?" What" exclaimed they,
one and all. Has the man escaped?"
Dumbfounded at this further evil
dence of their mutual understanding,
he looked from one to the other and
answered, vehemently:
"Yes. How did you know about it?
He is gone, and I cannot tell whittier"
Mr. Gryce at once turned toward the
two gentlemen.
"Then it indeed behooves us to be on
the alert. If he has gone, it is in her
direction, and if he means mischief he
will attempt that mischief tonight"
And beckoning to Byrd he led the way
into the street, followed by his now
thoroughly alarmed companions.
CHAPTER XVII.
SECRET PROTECTORS.
The detectives and the Degraws, on
leo wing tho nunrtnrS of tho GlaYpla nd