Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-04-10

Craig, had Matilda Webb gone home
one day earlier, or had she told 1.-The
Iuuth-the whole truth" in the court
ROOM he would lave hanged for it.
What next? That was the question
presented to Mr.. Prier. He had seen
Matilda Webb laid to rest under the
frozen Sods, in the shadow of the ever
greens, the rocky lodges rising toward
heaven at her head, and seeming to
keep guard over one so brave as she
had proved herself to be. The frost
locked brook murmured drowsily
through the wintry silence not far
away, a protest against the season
which symbolizes death-a promise of
the springtime which promises the
resurrection. He had turned away re-
gretfully. He had gone away slowly.
And then. The question came home
To- him with great force. What next?
Jasper Jahnway," said the detective
to himself.
He read Jahnway's letter over again.
II was a strange one, an uninviting
one, a harsh and roughly expressed
one. Well. what of it? He would go
and see this gentleman. He would in
trude himself upon him, if intrusion
it could be called.
Il am a better judge than he is,
he said to himself, "Of the question re-
garding his ability to assist me to any
more information than he has yet help
ed me 10 obtain. | will go 10 Jasper
Jahnway"
| He went
| With the fierce impetuosity' with
which he greeted every far-off possi-
bility of success, however, remote, he
stopped not to consider any difficulties.
The train took him to a station a
couple of miles from Jahnway Park.
1t was dusk when he left the train,
and snow was slowly falling-a prom
iee of severe storm.
The sound of the sea was in his
ears. Its salty flavor was in the
breeze.
What if the sky was gray with
storm? What if the night was falling
fast? There was hope in his heart.
Jasper Jahnway had helped him so
much. Was it not likely he could help
him still more?
| He found no carriages at Jahnway
Station. The train stopped for only a
half-minute. The children from the
Ihalr-doZen houses clustered about the
railroad depot looked at Mr.. Prier
wonderngly. Even the older MEM
berS of the community seemed filled
with surprise. Perhaps it was a very
unusual thing for passengers to get
off at Jahnway Station.
He inquired the way to Jahnway
Park The directions were given
with that usual over-use of words
which so effectually conceals ideas
and clouds the understanding.
BE you a-goin' there tonight?'
asked the man who had told him the
way.
Il am"
The man shook his head with an air
which he evidently meant should be
impressive.
Il wouldn't if 1 was in your place, "
he said.
No? Why not?"
well, none of US folks like Mr.,
Jahnway; he's different from what the
other Jahnways used to be-"
| In what way?"
IN many ways. He doesn't spend
money as they used to; he's gloomy
and sullen; he's sour and cross and
grabbed"
Mr.. Prier looked at the critic of Mr..
Jahnway-looked at him from head to
| foot. If such man as the critic found
| il necessary to say what he had said,
| il was not likely that Mr.. Jahnway
would prove to be pleasant ac-
Quaintance.
We'll. what else" asked Mr.. Prier.
"What elSe?" growled the man. Il
should think that was enough. But
tastes differ If you don't think so. I'll
| ;en you something else"
You evidently want to tell it, said
Mr.. Prier. with a smile, and 1 am
willing to listen"
Keep civil, old fellow" said the
man. surlily, cor you may get into
trouble"
81 beg your pardon; mean no Of
fense"
NO, | s'pose not. But I'm as good
as anybody, and l don't allow any in
Situations where l am
"All right. Go on with your story
II will, when I get ready"
Good night" said Prier, quietly
turning away and walking rapidly in
the direction the man had indicated.
He had not gone a dozen steps be-
fore the man laid his hand on his arm
Look here" said the fellow, rough
Iy: ARE you a-goin' to listen to what
have to tell, or shall l make you
LISTEN"
II guess you won't have to make me
listen" responded Prier. stopping al
once and appearing to be very pa
tcnt.
The man laughed.
"Youre not so big fool as you
look" he said. pleasantly-peasantly
for him.
Il hope not"
The man laughed again.
NO. And you're not so bad a tel-
How after all, do believe. l haven't
frightened you much, have r.
Not very much" said Prier.
I. Because. when a man hasn't got
Ianv fight at all in him, l hate to fright
en- him. You're not much a fighter
are you?"
Il don't enjoy getting hurt" admit
ted Prier.
All right: | won't hurt you. and
won't let any one else hurt you, anc
when Patsy Gullens gives his word
Patsy Gulens keeps it,
SO this is Mr.. Gullens. is it, asked
Prier.
hic hand He