The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-07-31
CHAPTER XXI.
Abandoned.

Though RObert Aldred q an
bounced his intention of seeing with
his own eyes how things were going
on in Albany street," he did not on
his arrival in London drive thither
directly. He had no less modest a
confidence in his own powers as con
cerned business matters than the
canon himself, and it was clear to
him that his influence with Sophy
would be much less than that of his
father. He wisely resolved to take
no action without the approval of
Frederic Irton, of whose judgment he
had the very highest opinion, and
therefore drove straight to that
gentleman's Office in Bedford Row.
triton received him with great cor
diality, but with a serious air. To
his apologies for troubling him
about what might after all turn out
to be of no great confdence-refer-
ring to Sophy's letter to the canon
he answered unhesitatingly, you
have done quite right"
do you really think, then, that
she is on the brink Of some desperate
step?"
ION some decisive step she may
be-" he replied, thoughtfully; 1.-The
desperation will be the other. way, I
mean upon her husbands side"
But will not that involve her in
peril?"
Undoubtedly, if certain precau-
lions had not been taken. He is like
some wild beast over whom a net has
been thrown. 1t is scarcely visible
to him, and seems slight enough, but
If he attempts to escape, to strug-
GLE"
But if he finds he cannor escape"
interrupted Robert, apprehensively,
lis there no fear of his doing mis-
chief to innocent people-those who
are in his power, and whom he may
confuse, perhaps, with his enemies?
I am prejudiced, Of course; but it
seems to me that this Adair is a
sort of man who will stick at moth
ing"
Here a cab drove rapidly up to the
door, and the Office bell rung with
violence.
81 should not wonder if that was
some news about our FRIEND" con-
tinued triton, with his finger raised
for silence. "Clients, unless, indeed,
they are ladies who have suffered
wrong, do not try our bell wires so
severely"
Are you expecting news about
him."
Not this morning in particular
but it must needs come soon."
A clerk entered with a card in his
hand. He gave it to his employer,
who passed it on, with a significant
look, to Aldred.
Good heavens, Irton! 1t is the
man himself"
Yes; l think I can guess what he
has come about" returned the law
yer, grimly; sit down at yonder
desk, with a pen in your hand, and
you will hear what the gentleman has
to say for himself. Show him in,
Mason"
The next moment Adair was ush-
cred into the room. He looked pale,
as he always did, but with a differ
ence; his color was leaden, even to
his lips. He might have been a
corpse but for his eyes, which, after
a hungry glance around the room
fixed themselves like two burning
Goals upon the lawyer.
You are not alone" he said;
what I have to say to you must be
said in private"
The gentleman yonder is in my
confidence" returned Triton, coldly
eff you object to his presence you
a say what you have to say ir
writing. 1 will not see you alone"
You are afraid, are you?" sneereG
Affair.
Not in the least, since. I an
neither your wife nor your child"
"Ah! your words convince me tina
/ am On the right track. Since yot
will have a witness, so much the
worse for you. I am here to say tina
you have committed an infamy."
Indeed! 1 do not confess it, bu'
1 admit that you should be a gooG
Judge of what is ~infamous?"
Where are my wife and child?'
exclaimed Adair, passionately. "They
have been lured away from home BY
your Vaccinations. Where are
they"
81 cannot tell you"