The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1914-12-09

passed the line of desks and busy
reporters he did not note the keen
scrutiny of a smooth faced, gray haired
man who stood at the side of Norton's
desk awaiting the reporters return.
why, JONES'" cried the surprised
Norton. What are you doing all this
way from homer"
"Orders," said Jones, smiling faint
ly as he delivered a note to the re-
porter.
"Anything serious?"
Not that I am aware Of. Miss Flor
ence was rather particular. She want
ed to be sure that the note reached
your hands safely"
"And do you mean to say that you
came away and left her alone in that
house?"
Again Jones smiled. 81 left her we'll
guarded, you may be sure Of that, She
will never run away again" He wait
ed for Norton to read the note.
1t was nothing more than n of
those love orders to come and call at
once. And she had made Jones ven
ture into town with it! The reporter
smiled and put the note away tenderly.
And then he caught Jones smiling, too.
"Tm going to marry her, Jones'"
THAT remains to be seen," replied
the butler, not unkindly.
well, anyhow, thanks for bringing
the note. But I've got to disappoint
her tonight. I'm off in a deuce Of a
hurry to interview General 'Hender-
son.. I'll be out to tea tomorrow. You
can find your way out Of this old fire
trap. Sy-by!"
The moment he turned away the
smile faded from Jones face, and with
the quickness and noiselessness of a
cat he reached the side of the booth in
which Gregg believed himself so Sc
cure from eavesdropping. The half
dozen words Jones heard convinced
him that Norton was again the object
of the Black Hundreds attention. He
had seen the mans face that memora-
BILE night when the balloon stopped
for its passenger. Before Gregg came
out of the booth Jones decided to over
take him and forewarn him, but un-
fortunately the reporter was nowhere
in sight.
There was left for Jones nothing
else but to return home or follow
when he came out. AS this night he
knew Florence to be exceptionally we'll
guarded, both within and without the
house, he decided to wait and follow
the spy.
When Braine received the message
he was pleased. Norton's assignment
fitted his purpose like a glove. Before
midnight he would have Mr.. Meddling
Reporter where he would bother no
one for some time-if he proved tract
able. If not, he would never bother
any one again. Braine gave his or
ders tersely. Unless Norton met with
unforeseen delay, nothing could pre-
vent his capture.
When Norton arrived at the Hen
derson place, a footman informed him
from the veranda that General Hen
derson was at 40 Elm street for the
evening, and it would be wise to call
there. Jim nodded his thanks and set
off in haste for 40 Elm street. The
footman did not enter the house, but
hurried down the steps and skunk of
among the adjacent %shrubbery. His
mission was over with.
The house in Elm street was Braine's
suburban establishment. He went
there occasionally to hibernate, as 1t
were, to grow a new skin when close
pressed. The caretaker was a nan
rightly called Samson. He was 8
bruiser Of the bouncer type.
1t was fast work for Braine to get
out there. If the man disguised as a
footman played his cards badly Braine
would have all his trouble for moth
ing. He disguised himself with that
Internal cleverness which had long
since made him a terror to the police,
who were looking for ten different
men instead of one He knew that
Norton would understand instantly
that he was not the general; but on
the other hand he would not know
that he was addressing Braine.
So the arch-conspiraror waited; and
so Norton arrived and was ushered
into. the room. A single glance was
enough to satisfy the reporter, always
keen eyed and observant.
81 wish to- see General Henderson"
he said politely.
General Henderson is doubtless at
his own house."
"Ah!"
Don't be alarmed - yet," said
Braine smoothly.
9" am not alarmed" replied Norton.
II am only chagrined. Since General
Henderson is not to be found here
l must be excused"
II will excuse you presently"
"Ah! begin to see."
"Indeed!" Knocked Braine.
g" have tumbled or walked into a
trap"
"A keen mind like yours must have
recognized that fact the moment you
discovered I was not the general"
81 am indebted to the Black Hun
dred?" coolly.
Precisely. We do not wish you i'll,
Mr.. Norton"
ITO be sure, MOI" ironically. What
with falling safes, poisoned cigarettes,