The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1908-08-12
CHAPTER XIV.
Continued.

a gentleman, if you're sensible; sc
give up that instrument, and I'd bet
ter take this unfortunate infant my
self-there. Now then, sir"
Yarker strobe along by his pris'
oner's side with one hand within his
arm; for some time he kept a solemn
silence, while Campion glanced with
a dull interest at the pragmatic face
under the helmet, and the letter and
number cleaning on the collar.
But the constable was not the man
to walk along without attempting
conversation; he was burning with
curiosity, and that passion for cross
examination which distinguishes
members of ever longer standing in
the force.
"Heigho, Mr.. Campion!" he began,
ct little thought when I used to
announce you at Sussex Place that
one day I should have to show you
into a police station"
Campion made no reply. Come,
sir, be pleasant" said Yarker. I'm
trying to make this walk as agree
able as I can-meet me arfway, Sir.
II you'd like to give some account of
how you came to contemplate such a
p~redicament, why I'm here to listen,
and it will pass the time If it does no
more"
"The less I say the BETTER" was all
Campion said in reply to this exhor-
tation.
That walk seemed to Campion like
a CHASTITY dream-pilgrimage, with
Yarker's conversation-which was
largely prompted by mingled malice
and curiosity-as a running accom-
paniment. Now and then the COR
stable stopped to try a gate or a win
dow fastening, and nee he reported
himself to a "fxed-point" sergeant,
but nothing interrupted his small-talk
long.
All at once a man in evening dress
passed them close and then stopped
and turned back.
"Campion!" he cried, "the very
man I was coming to look up!"
It was Babcock, who had recov-
cred from his recent lethargy, and,
too late for the soiree, had started to
find Campion, who he expected would
reach St. Johns Wood about the
same time, and whom he believed to
be the instigator of the liberties Neb-
elsen had taken with him.
He was the last man Campion eX-
pected or desired to see just then.
He thrust his hat down rel his eyes
and took refuge in obstinate silence.
THere," said Babcock, "just turn back
with me; I've something to say to
YOU"
"Very sorry, sir, but he's got an
appointment with me at present"
said Yarker.
Babcock laughed. "Why, you
haven't found dynamite on him, have
you?"
mo, no-not so bad as that, Mr..
Babcock, sir said Yarker, who knew
him we'll.
DO you mean to tell me you're
really taking him to the ~station!"
cried Babcock, in astonished delight.
What have you been about, Cam
pion? Why don't he answer, Yarker,
eh?"
We'll" said Yarker, "you can see
for yourself that he amt in no con-
dition to answer questions"
"By Jove!" cried Babcock, as CAM
pion accepted the excuse resignedly.
Anything was better than having to
reveal his awful position to his rival
and enemy. $50 he's been kicking up
q row., Ell? dear-dear-dear! Well,
Yarker, I mustn't interrupt you-
two are company-don't be rough
with him, poor devil"
And he went off hastily, lest he
might be called upon to furnish bail,
which he had no desire whatever to
do under the circumstances.
pleasant spoken little chap, Mr..
Babcock, amt he?" said Yarker,
when they were alone, land liberal
with his arf-crowns. I'm downright
fond Of Mr.. Babcock, I am, aren't you,
sir? Well, there's no occasion to
bust out like that anyhow-you are
behaving unsociable tonight, | must
say"
And he said no more now, for they
were in a narrow, quiet street with a
square building at II end, over the
door of which burned a lamp with a
h1,,o = nnn an fuyn ioht-prNuyln rc
Joined them here and accompanied
them to the threshold, but Yarkel
shut the door sharply in their faces
and Campion found himself in a
brightly lit room with dingy, buff
colored walls and q dado Of notified
green; There were a table and
benches at one end, and at the Other
a little inner office like a hotel bar.
"Now, sir!" said Yarker important
ly; and presently Campion found him
self inside the rallied dock, with thu
bar clicked upon him.
"a child, eh?" said the Inspector
who regarded the affair as a mere
matter of business. Dead or alive?'
ALIVE, sir" said Yarker, least
wise, it was when 1 found it. Beller
ing horful, sir"
why don't you send round fo'
the doctor at once? There, go a
once, somebody, and don't lose an.
more time; leave the child where i
is now, we a do no good till w
know what the doctor says"
More minutes of suspense, durin!
which Campion strained his eyes t.