The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1908-12-16
XVI.
Continued.

never thought of counting the money
in my purse before I came on board,
and now I find l have not nearly
enough to pay for my ticket. But
see, I have plenty Of jewelry. Do
you think I might offer them that
in proof of my honesty till I get to
Southampton? I have friends there
who will meet me. And l must cross
tonight. 1t is most important"
"Oh, yes" he answered. IT am
sure there will be no difficulty about
it. But if you will allow me I will
go and arrange it for you. Never
mind the jewels; I can explain"
He returned with a ticket, and
then naturally they began to chat.
II am on my way back to Sand
hurst" he told her.
"Oh, are you?" she answered. Il
have a brother there-a cadet"
I'm which division?" he wanted to
know.
II know nothing of divisions she
rejoined smiling, "but his name is
Graham Wendell"
"Why Wendell is my Particular
chum!" the young man exclaimed.
'"Then your name must be Nor
ton" Gertrude answered.
"Yes," he said; "I knew Wendell
had some sisters" but he did
not like to ask her which she was,
and Gertrude never thought Of telling
him.
How singular that we should
meet" she said.
How very jolly" he answered,
boyishly.
1t was a lovely night-soft, warm
and calm. The moon was at the full.
1t made a great path Of light over
the smooth water. There was no
wind. The ladies' cabin was close
and di~sagreeable, and Gertrude, after
a peep at it, had returned to the
deck, determined to stay up as long
as she could. Young Norton found
her a chair and wrapped a rug
around her, and then they sat and
resumed their talk. He interested
her with anecdotes Of Sandhurst life,
made her laugh at Sandhurst jokes,
and beguiled the time for her until
the sun rose, and they entered
Southampton water. The night had
passed, and she had barely time to
go below and make ready for the
shore before they were in. When she
returned to the deck she found that
a number of people had come on
board; but no one she knew was
among them. One cannot think Of
everything, and she remembered now
she had not told them when to ex-
pect her. True, they might have
known she would cross Immediately,
but at the same time they might not
have thought of it. She had recog-
nized Lord Wartlebury's yacht
anchored in the ofing as they steamed
in, and told young Norton she hoped
her husband was on board it, and
now when none Of her friends ap-
peared, she consulted him again
about what she should do. Before
he had time to make a suggestion, a
policeman and another man-prob-
ably a detective in plain clothes
came up to them, stared hard at
them, took out a written paper, and
began to con it together.
Rather above the middle height"
the policeman read aloud, glancing
at Gertrude. Dark hair, plenty Of
it, pale face, dark eyes, slight fig
ure, small hands and feet, dark blue
serge dress felt hat to match, long
gloves. I guess that's the ticket"
Eyes, it's pretty near" the other
said, considering that it's friends as
drew it up. And taking the two to-
gether, I guess we're on the right
track. What do they say about him?
Just read it again"
Stands about six feet in his
boots" the policeman read. Gen
tlemanly appearance, we'll cut clothes,
suit of small check, gray dust coat,
ring on little finger, probably spats
on boots. Brown hair, sunburned
, face, blue eyesS slight mustache-
there's no mistaking him, my boy"
II must move away from here"
Gertrude said, these men stare sc
rudely."
But when they attempted to do SC
both men approached; the policeman
laid his hand authoritatively on Ger
trude's shoulder, and the detective
laid hold of young Norton.
What the deuce" the latter
was beginning, when the detective
interrupted him.
You'd better come quietly, my
fine fellow" he said, land not make
a bother. 1t won't be no use,
neither, if you do, for we've half a
dozen men out there on the quay
ready to help u.s."
But what on earth is the meaning
of this?"
1T MEANS" drawing out a paper,
that this here is a warrant for the
arrest Of Mr.. Samuel Davidson,
clerk. and the young m yonder,
Miss Georgina Bannister, for that
they did elone together, carrying OFF
certain properties"
He stopped here and stared, for
both the young people had burst out
laughing.
Why" Gertrude explained, this
gentleman is a perfect stranger to
me. I never saw him before las+
night"
He took your ticket for you, a.
the same, ma'am, in the assumed
rame of Norton, and paid for it. a"
I've lust been informed on goo!