The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-03-20
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7 assumed a demeanor expressive OF
some hesitation in the choice of words
necessary to proceed with a some
what difficult task.
At this moment the door opened,
and Charles Mistley entered the room
alone. In one comprehensive glance
he took in the situation, noting the
position of every person in the room.
He closed the door and stood with his
back against it.
jacob half rose from his seat, and
then sunk back again with rather a
sickly smile. Ryan made no move
ment whatever, but his unhealthy
face assumed an ashen gray. The
maiden lady and the German sat gaz-
ing weakly at the stalwart intruder.
Noiselessly the Baroness rose from
her seat and crossed the room to
where Lena sat, and there she stood,
waiting.
Lena felt that the whole situation
was intensely funny from an obserV-
er's point Of view; but unfortunately
she was an actor in the comedy,
which sadly altered the matter. How
ever, Charles Mistley had too much
tact to treat the affair loosely. He
looked gravely round him, and then
spoke in a deliberately authoritative
voice, which recalled to Lena's mem
DRY a ha~lf-forgotten remark of Law
renee loves, to the effect, that
Charlie was essentially a foul-weath-
err sailor.
ct am SORRY" he said, "to disturb
matters; but I think Monsieur jacob
knows who I am. If he should re-
quire any explanation, he knows
where to find me-"
jacob shrugged his shoulders in
differently, while Ryan watched him
furtively.
"Will you come with me now?"
continued Mistley, addressing Lena.
Nothing of a dramatic nature oc-
Cured. Lena rose from her seat, and
crossing the room, she stood beside
Charlie, experiencing a sudden n
of comfort and relief at the mere
contact of his sleeve, which touched
her shoulder.
II do not know" said Charlie to
the assembled brotherhood, land it is
none of my business to inquire who is
implicated in this swindle and who
among you are dupes; but it may be
Of some interest to you to learn that
that man there-Jacobi-is a COM
mon swindler. He is no more the
London chief of the Brotherhood of
Liberty than I am. Such a society
exists, and | have been in communica-
ton with the authorities at its head
quarters in Rotterdam. 1t has
transpired that jacob was once a
clerk in their office; and they are at
present somewhat anxious for his ad-
dress, with a view to the recovery Of
some funds which he, by mistake, re-
moved from their cash box and omit
ted to restore. 1t is only fair to you,
Monsieur jacob, to inform you that
III the course of my inquiries I am
afraid. the Brotherhood must have
learned that you are in London"
Then he opened the door, and by
way of intimating to Lena to pass out
in front of him, he touched her arm
slightly. 1t was not his habit to do
this, as it is with some men. Not
ever with his mother did he ever in
dulge in such harmless famaliarities.
Lena noted the. little touch, and some
how, to her, it said much that Charlie
never allowed to appear in his inter-
| course with her. There was a sense
of protection. a hint, as it were. of
brotherly affection and reliability in
this rare exhibition of feeling, slight
though the indication Of 1t might be.
At the head of the stairs he stopped.
You will find Mr.. Lowe down
stairs" he said. Il must go back
and see after the Baroness. Walk on
slowly toward Bedford place. l will
catch you up. My mother expects us
all to afternoon tea"
He watched her descend the stairs.
and heard Laurance Lowe come for
ward to meet her.
Before they had gone far their
heard a quick footstcp behind them,
and Chales Mistley came to Lena's
side. They were in Portland place,
and as he Joined them he beckoned to
the driver Of a hanson cab. There
seemed to be no question of Lowe
getting into a cab with Lena. He
nodded, and as he beckoned to a
second driver. Charlie took his seat
at Lena's side.
The young sailor began his ~ex-
PLANTATION at once.
Lena" he said, "only Lowe and
myself know of this. and it will be
better to keep the whole affair quiet
for some time yet. Of course. it is
not quite the right thing for you to
keep it secret from your mother; but
later-later, perhaps--When WI is
home again. you can tell her all about
it."
Lena turned slowly toward him.
She was leaning back in the cab,
while he sat forward with his gloved
hands resting on the door. They
were passing down Oxford street, and
the smoothness Of the pavement Ell
dered it unnecessary for her to raise
her voice.
when Win comes home!" she re-
peated, wonderingly. What has Win
to do with it,"
She was fully convinced that what
ever he might know. he could nc.