The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-10-13

Older men pointed out to Hazen what
especial points of suction were to be
avoided, and showed him the chain
they had brought for his waist, and
how he was to pull upon it the very
instant he felt his senses of his
strength leaving him.
He answered as a COURAGEOUS man
might; and making ready by taking
on his coat and shoes he gave himself
into their hands for the proper fast.
ening on Of the chain. Then. while
the murmur Of expectation rose from
the crowd OH the river bank, he STEP
ped back to Mr.. Ransom and whisper.
ed hurriedly in his ear:
"You have a good heart, q better
heart than I ever gave you credit for
Promise that. In case never come out
OF those waters alive, you will put no
obstacle in the way Of Mr.. Auchincloss
inheriting his fortune in good time.
He's man worthy of all the assist.
ance which money can bring. You do
not need her wealth; Anitra-well, she
Will be cared for. but Auchincloss-
promise-brother."
Ransom half drew back In his
amusement. Then started forward
again. This man whom he had sl.
ways distrusted. whom he had looked
upon as Georgian's possible enemy,
certainly his own, was looking into his
eyes with . gaze of trust almost of
Affection. The money was not for
himself; he showed 1t by the noble,
almost grand look with which he wait.
I'd for his answer; a look that carried
conviction despite Ransom's prejudice
and great dislike.
'You will give me that much addi.
tonal nerve for the task lying before
nef" he added. And Ransom could
enly bow his head. The mans mas.
terry was limitless; 1t had reached and
moved even him.
Another moment and q gasp went
up from nifty or more throats. Haxen
had taken the chain in his hand.
walked to the edge of the rock and
slipped into the quietest water he saw
there.
Strike LETT" called out q voice.
And he struck left The eddy seized
him and they could see his head NOV.
Ing slowly shout in the great circle
which gradually grew smaller and
smaller till he suddenly disappeared.
a groan muffied with horror went up
from the shore. But the man who
held the chain lifted up his hand, and
siicnce-more pregnant of anticipa-
ton than any sound-held that whole
crowd rigid. The man played out the
chain; Harper stared at the seething.
tumbling water, but Ransom looked
another way. The torture In his soul
was taking shape, the shape of a
ghost rising from those tossing waters.
suddenly the pent-in breath OF fifty
breasts found its way again to the
lips.
The men who held the chain were
pulling 1t In with violent reaches. It
dragged more slowly, stuck, loosened
ITSELF and finally brought into sight a
race white as the foam 1t rose
amongst.
Dead! Drowned" the whisper
went around. 80
But when Hazen. was DRAGGED
ashore and Ransom had thrown him.
self at his feet. he saw that he yet
lived, and lived triumphantly. Ran.
som could not have told more; 1t was
for others to see and point out the
smile that sweetened the wan lips.
and the passion with which he held
against his breast some sodden and
shapeless object which he had res.
eued from those awful depths. and
which, when spread out and clean of
sand. betrayed itself as that peculiar
article OF woman's clothing, q small
side bag.
I remember that bag" said Harper.
Il saw 1t. or one exactly like It, In
Mrs. Ransom's hand when she got
into the coach the day we all rode up
from the ferry. What will he have to
say about Il! and could he have seen
the body from which It has evidently
been torn?"