The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1914-12-24

told him of his gratitude towards Mr..
Marvin, his anxiety to be of service
to her
You can't break into family row.
you know" he was advised. You'd
get no thanks if you did. It's just
this way: if Marvin could be made to
know and see the ridiculous figure
he makes when he gets full Of cham
pagne, he would probably be shocked
into behaving himself"
1--WE got an ideal" mused Boyd
slowly and hopefully, and he proceed
ed to carry it out. He was an expert
photographer, as has been said.
There came to him an inspiration to
use his art to produce a salutary i'm
preston upon the reckless Marvin.
After that for nearly two weeks
Marvin had shadow without sus-
pecting it. Secretly but diligently
Boyd followed him through two of his
reckless bouts with the boys" It
was the morning after the last Of
these escapades that Boyd appeared
in his private office.
Mr. Marvin" he said, as they were
alone, Il have called to show you
some photographs"
Marvin had met him several times
and was civil enough, but evidently
bored The effects of his previous
nights debauch had unnerved him.
He was unhinged, probably ashamed,
possibly repentant.
The pictures comprise a SERIES"
went on Boyd. They cover the do
ings Of man deeply esteem, but
who has fallen upon evil ways. l
hope you will be patient while l e1-
hibit them, and then tell you how and
why they were taken"
Marvin regarded his visitor with
slight suspicion. He gave violent
start and flushed deeply as he glanced
at the first OF the pictures Boyd hand
ed him.
Then he forgot rancor and resent
ment at this overt invasion Of his
strictly personal affairs.
He was the center of all the pho
tographs shown. In the first he was
depicted standing at bar. drinking
with men, some Of whom he would not
even have recognized in his sober
senses.
The second showed him leaning
from an automobile. a senselessly sill
ly expression on his face, throwing
coins to a hideous. jeering mob fol-
lowing the machine.
In a third he was being held up
by two others while he made speech
to a grinning crowd at street cor
ner. Another showed him clinging to
a lamppost, helpless. So down the
line, a truthful delineation Of a tip
piers progress.
81 suppose" he observed, looking
up finally in chagrined, shamefaced
way, that you wish to sell me these
photographs to get them out Of the
way?" plainly intimating suspicion
of blackmail.
For reply Boyd seized the package,
tore the cards to fragments and
threw them into a waste basket.
mo, Mr.. Marvin" he said, II only
wished to bring home to you what the
dear, loyal wife who loves you SO
truly might feel, If she ever saw you
as you have been. Oh! sir"
"You need not go on!" cried Marvin
poignantly, springing to his feet. He
had seized the hand Of his visitor fer
vently. His eyes were filed with
tears.
Never again." ne said. First
shame, remorse, then confession. l
am going home to tell my wife that
she need sit up no more fearing the
unsteady step that has terrified her
in the past. Heaven bless you for a
true, honest friend!"
It was a happy-faced Mrs. Marvin
who called at the Boyd home the next
day, hopeful-hearted, fervently
grateful woman. Tearfully she told
Mrs. Boyd of what her husband had
done. Then, facing the noble. en-
barrassed fellow, she threw her arms
around his neck and kissed him-as
1oor door c}ofQr