The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-09-11

stinct made him turn, and Mr.. Ran.
som. recognizing his opportunity,
stepped forward and addressed him
by the name under which ne had in
troduced himself at the reception;
that of his wife's family, Hazen.
The effect was startling. Instead Of
increasing his anger, as the detective
had naturally expected, 1t appeared to
have the contrary effect, for every
vestige Of passion Immediately dis
appeared from his face, leaving only
its natural Disagreement to plead
against him. He approached them,
and Ransom. at least was conscious
OF q revulsion Of feeling in his favor,
there was such restraint and yot such
undoubted power In his strange and
peculiar personality.
"You know me?" said he, darting
keen and comprehensive look from
one to the other.
I'VE should like "A few words with
you." ventured Gerridge. "This gen.
tleman thinks you can give him very
valuable information about person
he is greatly interested in"
He Is mistaken" The words
came quick and decisive in not un.
melodious voice. II am a stranger in
New York; stranger in this coun.
try. ! have few, If any. acQuaint.
ances."
"You have one"
1t was now Mr.. Ransom's turn
"A man with no acQuaintances does
not attend weddings certainly not
wedding receptions. have seen you
at one, my own. DO you not recog-
nize me. Mr.. Hazer?"
"A twitch Of surprise, not even Ran.
som could call 1t alarm, drew his
mouth still further towards his ear;
but his manner hardly altered and it
was In the same affable tone that he
replied:
You must pardon my short-sighted.
ness. l did not recognize you. Mr..
Ransom"
did not want to-" muttered Ger.
ridge, satisfied In his own mind that
this man was only deferred by his
marked and unmistakable physiogno-
my from denying the acquaintance.
ship Just advanced.
Your congratulations did not pro-
duce the desired effect" continued
Mr.. Ransom. my happiness was
short lived. Perhaps you knew It's
uncertain tenure when you wished me
Joy. ] remember that your tone lack.
ed sincerity"
1t was Q direct attack. Whether a
wise one or not remained to be seen.
Gerridge watched the unfolding drama
with interest.
i have reason to think" proceeded
Mr. Ransom. chat the unhappy termi.
nation of that days felicities were in
measure due to you. You seem to
know my bride very we'll; much too
well for her happiness or mine"
We will argue that question In nv
room." was the unmoved reply. ''The
open hall IL unite unsuited tn con.
versation of this nature. Now" said
ne. turning upon them when they were
In the privacy If his small but not
uncomfortable apartment. you will be
kind enough to repeat what you just
said. wish tC thoroughly understand
YOU"
"You have the right" returned Mr..
Ransom, controlling himself under the
detectives eye. II said that your
presence at this wedding seemed to
disturb my wife, which fact, consider
ing the after occurrences of the day,
strikes me as important enough for
discussion. Are you willing to discuss
1t affably and fairly?"
MAY ask who your companion
is?" inquired the. other. with slight
Inclination towards Gerridge.
"A friend; one who is in my conf
dence."
Then I will answer you without
any further hesitation. My presence
may have disturbed your wife. 1t very
likely did. but l was not to blame for
that. No man Is to blame for the bad
effects Of an unfortunate accident"
"Oh. I don't mean that" Mr.. RAN
som FASTENED to protest. THE cause
Of her very evident agitation was not
personal. II had deeper root than that.
1t led, or so I believe, to her flight
from love she cherished. at q mo-
ment when our mutual life seemed
about to begin"
The impassive, I might almost say
set features CT this man Of violent pas
sions but remarkable self-restraint
failed to relax or give any token of
the feelings with which he listened to
this attack.
Then the news given of your wife
in the papers tonight is false" was
his quiet retort. 1T professes to give
a distinct. II somewhat fantastic, rea-
son for her flight. A reason totally
different from the one you suggest"
"a reason you don't believe ia?"