The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-09-29

door opening. then your wife's voice.
raised IN entreaty to the driver. call.
Ing on him to stop before her sister
jumped out and hurt herself. She n
deaf and very Wild was oil the ex.
PLANTATION she gave after Miss Hasen
had leaped into the wet road and
darted from sight into what looked
TO me, In the darkness, like q tangled
mass OF bushes. Then she said some
thing about her having had hard
work to keep her still till We got this
far; but that she was sure she would
nnd her way to the hotel, and that
We mustn't bother ourselves about it
for she wasn't going TO; Anitra ana
she had run this road too many times
when they were children. That is all
] have to tell Of my intercourse with
these ladies prior to our appearance
At the hotel. think II right for mo
to clear the slate, Ransom. Who
knows what We may wish to write
upon II .next?"
a slight shivef on Ransom's part
was the sole answer he gave 10 this
innuendo: then both settled them.
selves to work. the eyes OF either
nashing hither and thither from one
small object to another, In this seem.
lngiy deserted room. In the momen-
tary silence which followed, the even
breathing Of the woman In the ad.
soining room could be distinctly heard.
It seemed to AFFECT Mr.. Ransom deeplv
though he stroye hard to maintain the
business-like attitude he had assumed
nom the beginning Of this unoficial
examination.
She has co-nded nothing more Ia
you since your return from the river
bankf" suggested the lawyer.
mo"
The word came sharply, consider.
jng Mr.. Ransom's usual manner. The
lawyer showed surprise but no resent.
lment. and turned his attention to the
bas both had noted lying open on two
chairs.
Nothing eQuivocal here" he do.
clared. after moments careful scru.
uny OF Its remaining contents. "The
only comment should make In regard
20 what find here is that all the arti.
cles are less carefully chosen than
you would expect from one of your
wifes fondness for fine appoint,
ments."
They were collected in hurry and
possibly by telephone" returned the
unhappy husband. after a shrinking
glance into the bag. 1.-THE ones she
provide 4 in anticipation of her wed.
ding are at the hotel in New YORK.
10 tho trunks and bags there you will
and articles as elegant as you could
wish" Here he turned to the dresser.
and pointed to the various objects
grouped upon It. '''"'~' ~
These show that she arranged her.
self with care for her meeting with
you last night. How did she appear
at that interview? Natural?"
Hardly; she was much too excited.
But had no suspicion Of what she
was cherishing In her mind. I thought
her intentions whimsical, and AndAav.
ored to edge in a little advice. but
she was in no mood to receive It. Her
mind was too full Of what she intend.
ed to do.
Here's where she ate her supper"
he added. picking up morsel of crust
nom q table set against the wall.
And 80 this door was found fastened
on this side?" he proceeded, laying
his hand on the broken lock.
1T had to be burst open. you see."
"And the window"
was up. The carpet, as you can
tell by look and feeling, is still wet
with the soaking 1t got"
Mr. Harper's air changed to ono OF
reluctant conviction.
THE evidence seems Conclusive OF
your wife having left this room and
the house In the remarkable manner
stated by Miss Hazen. Yet"
This yet showed that he was not
as thoroughly convinced as the first
phrase would show. But he added
nothing to It; only stood listening, an.
parently to the even breathing of the
sleeper on the other side of this loose.
ly hanging door.
As he did so, his eye encountered
the hot. dry gaze of Mr.. Ransom, fixed
upon him in suspense too cruel to
prolong, and with a sudden change Of
manner he moved from the door. say.
Ing significantly as he led the way
out:
Let us have word or two in your
own room. 1t is a principle OF mine
not to trust even the ears OF the deaf
with what 1t Is desirable to keep
secret"
AS they were crossing the threshold,
the lawyer wheeled about and cast a
quick look behind him.
II observe" said he, that you have
a full and unobstructed view from
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