The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-01-22

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my most pertinent inquiries, turned
my mind to what lay before us. The
Cameron establishment would doubt.
less be fast locked in slumber as we'll
as otherwise, but / made small uues.
tion OF my ability to rouse some Of the
servants. My hope, however, was not
to awaken Evelyn. 1t could mean only
nights rest lost foy her, for she
could gain nothing by seeing her uncle
at this hour, considering his condition.
/ was still busy planning when
mighty hand on the lines brought our
horse to his launches, and ourselves
nearly out through the suddenly part
ed apron; and the Cameron residence
loomed massive and dark On our right.
AS / stepped to the sidewalk the
driver descended, too, but l motioned
him back.
Never mind. thank you," I said.
I'll get some one from inside to help
carry him." And in a moment my
thumb was on the push-button and
faintly there came back to me through
heavy double doors the far-off echo of
the bell, jarring against the silence of
the great house.
The promptness with which chains
fell and bolts were drawn surprised
me. And yet, suppose, 1t was mere
ly an evidence Of the perfect man.
agement Of an establishment wherein
every contingency Is provided against.
A footman, as irreproachably liveried
and groomed as though the time were
midday instead Of after two o'clock In
the morning, greeted me with becom.
ing imperturbalility recognized him
as one of the men from Cragholt, and
called him by name.
Stephen" I said, with an effort to
disguise the excitement with which
my every pulse was throbbing, your
master is outside in cab. He Is very
weak and will need assistance. Get
another man to aid me, and ther
awaken Mr.. Checkabeedy and Louis.
And make haste. No, can't come in;
I'll wait outside" He turned away In
obedience to my directions, but !
checked him. And, Stephen" l
charged. mo word to any one else. as
you value your position; especially no
word to Miss Grayson."
/ marvelled at the mans preserved
unemotioE. His Very good, sir" was
uttered with all the stolidity which
marks response to the commonplace;
and yet knew that he was fully con-
scious Of the eventfulness Of this late
and unlooked-for homecoming. And
the footman who joined me few min
utes later was not less well-trained.
Together, he and l lifted Cameron
from the hanson and carried him up
the broad flight of granite steps, be-
tween the massive guarding lions, and
placed him In great chair in the
hall, before the wide, sculptured fire.
place. And though this would probably
prove the most exciting topic Of the
servants hall for weeks to come, he
gave not the smallest sign that he was
taking part In other than the usual
Checkabeedy, the butler, however,
though no less perfect a servitor, was
as the most characteristic of his coun.
trymen, collapsed utterly, without ef-
fort, apparently, at any restraint what.
ever. The formers interest was evil
denced in a commiseratingly lugubri-
Gus visage and few blunt questions,
but the Frenchman wept and sobbed
In wordless sympathy. And ! had 1t
not In my heart to blame either, for
more pitiful picture than the one pre-
sented by the restored Cameron as he
sat there in his own spacious hall,
gazing with lack-luster eyes at the
dead and dying embers on the hearth
before him, hope never to see.
The butler, ruddy and rotund, and
looking for all the world like a we'll
led monk, for he wore a bathrobe of
somber hue and his crown was barer
than any shaven tonsure, stared for a
moment In sad silence. Then, turning
to me, he asked:
But what has happened to Mr.. Cam
eron, sir?"
Il wish I could tell you Checka-
pSCuyJ NdS NY IHSudTuSu reply. 4
wish he could tel us himself"
But he is SO wasted, sir! And his
clothes. l never saw Mr.. Cameron in
such clothes"
1t was quite true. They were of
what Is called, believe, a pepper-and.
salt mixture, coarse Of 3xture and i'll.
cut, yet not much worn.
He does not recognize u.s." Checka.
beedy went on, land still he is con-
scious. May I ask you, sir, where you
brought him FROM"
/ chose to ignore the question, in
sudden realization OF the necessity of
caution.
"And he has been missing a month,
they say, sir. Is that true, Mr.. Clyde ."
Missing" I repeated. who says
he has been missing?"
THE servants all say so, sir"
Then the servants must get rid OF
the idea, at once" / said, sharply. "Mr.