The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1908-11-25
CHAPTER XIII.
Continued.

<1AA5 AhCoh hlIC, III LloiA IL
mists had cleared away. The sun
came out and dried the roadways.
The dust began to blow about,
Tourists and summer visitors stay
ing in St. Malo began to appear and
pass-the ladies in fresh toilets, the
men with sun umbrellas, light cloth
ing, and blue glasses to keep off the
glare.
Gertrude had not thought of her
luggage since she left her own
steamer, but seeing a trunk carried
past that somewhat resembled her
own reminded her of the necessity
OF getting it passed through the
douane, ready to carry off with her
at a moments notice. But how
should she manage it? She could
not leave her post, and if she sent
q messenger he would not know her
things; besides, whom could she
trust? The douane was close by.
She might perhaps get some n to
watch for her, with orders to come
and fetch her if her husband or his
messenger should arrive. 1t would
take a little time to collect his things
he seemed to have more than the
bag now-and get them off the ship;
he would not come and go in a mo-
ment. But no; it would be a risk,
and If she had to travel over Europe
till the dress she stood in dropped
of, she would not run it.
While she was standing on the
edge of the quay, cogitating, she
gradually became aware of a new dis
comfort. For some time past she
had noticed without much needing,
an elderly Frenchman, evidently a
gentleman, lettering near her. She
had not wasted a thought upon him,
but now, turning round suddenly.
she was quite startled to find him
standing close beside her, cycling her
with that bold, admiring glance which
Is either ridiculous or revolving to a
woman, according to her mood at the
moment; and it then occurred to her
that she herself was the object of
his attentions. For a moment she
was afraid he was going to speak to
her, and in%voluutarily she looked
round for a protector. The officer
to whom she had addressed herself
was standing just above her, leaning
over the bulwarks, evidently watch
Ing the little scene below. Gertrude's
wits were sharpened by the emer-
gency. The young man had a pleas
ant face, and there was something in
1t at the moment which seemed to in
dictate all an Englishman's objection
to allow a countrywoman to be in
suited, especially by a foreigner.
DO come to mel" Gertrude ex-
claimed, and the next instant he had
vaulted over the hulwarks and was
standing beside her on the quay.
The F~renchman, probably feeling
himself no match for the brawny
young Briton, withdrew scowling.
II was afraid he was going to
speak to me-" Gertrude said.
We'll, yes, I guess he was" the
young man answered complacently,
well pleased with his own prowess,
and not inclined to cheaper it by
denying the necessity.
1T is dreadful waiting here" poor
Gertrude complained, with a sort of
dry sob. 49,.
"Then why do you waltz" he an
swered, with the familiar gaucherie
Of his class.
Il am waiting for my husband"
Yes, but why not wait at a hotel,
and leave word where you've gone
to? This is no place for a girl-let
alone a lady," he added.
MY husband might not come to
me- she answered, despondingly.
Have you quarreled?" he asked,
without delicacy.
NO" she replied; then looked at
MIN. His manners were unpublished
and he was rather common, not at
all a gentleman, in fact, but he had
a good, honest English face, and her
woman's insight urged her to trust
him. She was screly in need of help,
and here probably was just what she
wanted. II am in great trouble" she
said, looking up at the young man
appealingly. my husband is out OF
his mind. He imagines he is some
body else, and he went away from
home suddenly, and I have followed
him, and hope to be able to BRING
him back without publicity. He is
suffering from the effects of over
work, and will soon recover, the doc.
tor says; but he is a well-known man,
a London barrister, and it would dc
him harm in his profession if it got
Into the papers. He would never be
made a judge, YOU know, and now
he has every chance of the next va.
cancy. That is why we are so anx.
ious to keep this quiet. Oh, if you
could only help me to find him."
I'm your man." he asserted
bluntly. "And I'm glad you told me
for when you weren't sure Of his
name this morning, I thought il
looked fishy. i suppose he's tool
a%nother?"
She nodded.
well, I'm off duty till midnight
and I'll do anything I can"
"Oh, I cannot tell you how crate
full I shall be-" poor Gertrude ex,
claimed. Would you mind waitine
here till I get my luggage through
the custom house,. And will you SEND
for me at nee If he comes or sends
a messenger"
"Ali right, never fear" was the
confident response; and away she