The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-12-22

quttc uniDle 10 feacn conclusion. AS
for myself, 1 was certain that she had
gone away Of her own accord and had
deliberately planned her disappearance.
Why? Well, 1 began to suspect that
we had not yet really touched the bot
tom Of the mystery.
We drove back to tie Office and found
Mr.. Graham there. l related to him
the circumstances of our search and
submitted to him and to our jun!or one
question for immediate settlement.
at the best, it's q delicate case" ]
pointed out. "AIiss Hol,a,iay HI; plain
ly laid her plans very carefully to pre-
veat us following her. 1t may be diff
fcult to prove that she has not gone
away entirely Of her own accord She
certainly has 4 perfect right to 60
wherever SHE wishes without consult
ing Us. Have we the right to follow
her against her evident desire?"
For Il moment Mr.. Graham did not
answer, but sat tapping his desk with
that deep line Of perpleXity between
his eyebrows. Then he nodded en-
phatically.
It's our Guty to follow her and find
her." he said. "It's perfectly evident
to me that no girl in her right mind
would act as she has done. She had no
reason whatever for deceiving us-for
running away. We wouldn't have in
terfered With her. JenkInson's right
she's suffering with dementia. We
must see that she receives proper med
lcal treatment"
1T might not, be dementia," | sug-
gested, $50 much as undue influence
ON the part Of the new maid perhaps"
Then It's our duty to rescue her
from that influence" rejoincd Mr. Gra-
ham. 'and restore her to her normal
mentality"
Even If we offend her?"
1--WE can't stop to think Of that Be-
sides, she won't'be offended when she
comes to herself. The question is how
to find her most speedily"
"The police. probably, could do it
most speedily" l said, "but since she
can be In no immediate danger Of any
kind l rather doubt whether 1t would
be wise to call in the police. Miss
Holiday would very properly resent
any more publicity
But" objected Mr. Graham, "if we
don't call in the police, how are we to
find her? 1 recognize, Of course how
undesirable 1t Is that she should be
subjected to any further notoriety, but
Is there any other way?"
glanced at Mr.. Royce and saw that
he was seemingly sunk in apathy.
IF / could be excused from the
office for few days, sir" began
hesitatingly, Il might he able to find
some trace Of her. If I'm unsuccess-
ful, we might then call in the author
itiea."
Mr.. Royce frightened up for a mo-
ment
THAT'S it," he said. "Let Lester
look into IT,
very WELL" assented Mr. Graham.
II agree to that. OF course any ex-
pcnse you may incur will be borne by
the Office"
"Thank you, SIR" and I rose with
East beating heart, for the adventure
appealed to me strongly. I'll begin
at once then. / should like assistance
In one thing. Could you let me have
three or four clerks to visit the va
rious stables of the city? 1t would
be best, think, to use our own people,"
Certainly" assented our senior ill.,
stantly. "I'll call them in and we can
give them their instructions at once
SO four clerks were summoned, and
each was given district of tue city.
Their Instructions were to find from
which stable Miss Holiday had or
dered q carriage ON the morning Of
Thursday, April 3. They We're to re-
port at the Office every day, noon aud
evening, until the search was finished.
turned to follow them, when my eye
was caught by the expression of our
juniors face.
'Afr. Royce is ill, sirr' cried. Look
at himr'
He was leaning forward heavily, his
face drawn and livid, his eyes set, his
hands plucking at the arms of his
chair. We sprang to him and led him
to couch. l bathed his hands and
face in cold water, while Mr.. Graham
hurriedly summoned physician. The
doctor soon arrived and diagnosed the
case at glance.
Nervous breakdown" he said terse-
ly. "You lawyers drive yourselves too
hard. It's wonder to me you don't
all drop over. Well have to look out
or this will end in brain fever"
He poured out IL stimulant, which the
sick man swallowed without protest.
He seemed stronger in few moments
and began talking incoberently to him
self. We got him down to the doctors
carriage and drove rapidly to his lodg-
ings, where we put him to bed without
delay.
II think he'll pull through" observ-
ed the doctor after watching him for
awhile. "I'll get a couple Of nurses,
and we'll give him every chance. Has