The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1914-11-11

"Sir, this Is not the hour for fts'
pancy," said the agent coldly.
Braine made a sign with his hand,
a sign not observed by every one.
Instantly Parof bent lowly. He rec
ognized that the speaker was the &C
tual, not the nominal, head of the
American branch.
What are your suggestions?" in
quired the nominal head from his
chair, anxious to avoid a clash be-
tween the newcomer and the trucu-
lent master Of them all.
Il have been informed that Har-
greave's daughter has never seen her
father, not even a photograph of him."
said Paroff, o amiably.
1--WE are absolutely certain that
this Is the case" said the nominal
head, who was known as the presi-
dent. Gut we tried one play in that
direction, and it failed miserably."
81 have the story" replied Paroff.
1T was clumsily done. The ruse was
an old one"
Braine was frank enough to admit
the truth Of this statement, however
much he disliked the admission. He
nodded.
Il have authority to take a hand in
this affair. We cannot waste all sum-
mer. Those government plans Of the
Notifications Of the Panama are wait
ing. There's your millions. But the
fact remains that it is the law Of the
Black Hundred never to step down
till absolutely defeated. The hidden
million Is but half; we must find and
break this renegade Hargreave."
"If he lives" said Braine.'
"Who a say one way Dr. the
other?" b%rusquely asked Parofr. "The
fact that all your plans and schemes
have come to naught should prove to
you that you are not fighting a ghost.
There Is but one way to bring out the
truth"
And that is to make a captive Of
his daughter" supplemented Braine.
And we have worked toward that end
ceaselessly. We are quite ready to
listen to your suggestions, count"
And so am l." thought the mar
with his ear to the little hole in the
ceiling above. And SOME day, my
energetic friend, I'm going to pay you
back for that bullet"
Count Paroff cleared his voice and
laid his plans before his audience.
ITO act frankly and in the open,
to go boldly to the Hargreave home
and proclaim my~elf Hargreave. 1
can disguise myse: in a name that
will at least temporarily fool the but
ler."
who has beIn with his master for
fourteen years, knows every move,
habit, gesture, Infection" interposed
Braine. "But proceed, count, proceed.
You will remember the old adage;
too many cooks"
"Ah," flashed back the count, but
a new COOKE"
Olga touched Braine's arm warn.
ingly.
You mean, then, that there has
been talk in st. Petersburg Of dispos-
ing of some one"
"A good deal Of talk, SIR" haughtily,
forgetting that he had bent humbly
enough but a few moments gone.
Every we'll; 60 on"
Thought the man at the peephole
above: There's another adage. When
thieves fall out, then honest men get
their dues. Yes, yes; proceed, pro
ceed!"
Paroff went on. Il shall, then, go
frankly to the Hargreave house and
claim my own. Meantime I leave to
you the business Of Turing the butler
away. Half an hour is all I need to
bring that child here, to break the
wall that stands between us and what
i've seek"
y "Is that SOP" murmured Braina
"Olga, 1 want you to play a trick on
this handsome delegate-at-large. I'm
not very enthusiastic over his talk. ]
want him Inundated. All you have
to do, ne says, is to walk into the
1900. 49, ,,~1r, >,,t ao1,r