Jackson County journal. (Sylva, N.C.) 19??-19??, 1919-07-25

| for hesitated again ia two
weeks Journey"
Bermuda or Niagara Falls?" asked
the young woman.
II beg your pardon?" l inquired, con-
scious that my face was insufferably
! hot.
eff you are taking madame to Ber-
muda she will naturally require cooler
clothing than if you are taking her to
| Niagara Falls" the young woman ex-
| planned, looking at me with benevolent
patience. And seeing that 1 was wholly
| disconnected, she added:
Perhaps madame might prefer to
make her own selection"
| AS | stood in the center of the store
| apparently a stumbling block to every
| shopper, Jacqueline fitted here and
| there, until a comfortable assortment
of parcels was accumulated upon the
| counter
l bought neat sole-leather suit
case, which, at JacQueline's practical
| suggestion, was changed for a lighter
one of plated straw.
1t was while Jacqueline was exam
lining the esuittases that my attention
was drawn to Z TALL elderly man with
a hard, drawn and deeply lined
weather-beaten fZce and wearing
massive fur overcoat, open in front,
who was standing in the division be
tween the trunk department and that
adjoining 1t, Immediately behind
Jacqueline. He was looking at me
with an unmistakable glance of rec
ignition.
| | knew that l had seen him several
times before, but, though his features
were familiar, l had forgotten his
name. l stared at him and he stared
back at me, and made an urgent sign
to me.
Keeping an eye on Jacqueine and
not losing sight Of her at any time,
followed the tall man. AS I neared
him my remembrance Of him grew
stronger When he turned round I
mao his name on my lips.
1t was Simon Leroux.
D1able. SO you've got her!" he
began in hoarse, forcible whisper.
Where did you pick her up"
made no answer, but waited for
MIN to lead again-and l was thinking
hard.
There's the devil to pay!" he went
on in his execrable accent. Louis
came on post-haste, as you know, and
ne hasn't turned up this morning vet.
All, mon Dieu, l always knew Tom was
close, but | never dreamed you knew
anything. You know what happened
last night?"
1T was an unfortunate affair."" J
said guardedly.
unfortunate! he repeated, starina
at me out Of his bloodshot eyes. at
was the devil, by -! Who was he?
His face was fiery red, and he cast
SO keen look at me that l almost
thought he had discovered he was be,
traying himself.
1T was lucky l was in New York
When Louis wired US she rad flown"
he continued-I omit the oaths which
punctuated his phrases. Lucky / had
my men with me, too. l didn't think
- h00u lielu mere, Out L q prom sea
them trip to New York-and then
come Louis wire. I put them on the
track. | guessed she'd go to Daly's-.
old Duchaine was mad about that
crazy system of his, and had been
writing to him.
Il tell you it was ticklish. There
was millions Of dollars worth of prop.
erty walking up Broadway, and they'd
got her, with a taxi waiting near by,
when that devils fool strolls I'D and
draws a crowd. If I'd been there I'd
have
A string of vile expletiyes followed
his last remark
They got on his track again an6
followed them to the Merrimac." he
continued. "And they never came out
They waited all night till nine this
morning, and they never came out. ]
thought her good girl-it's awful !,
Who was he? Say. how much do YOU
know?'
His face was dripping with sweat.
and he shot an awful look at Jacoue
line as she bent over the suitcase. /
could hardly keep my hands off him
but Jacqueline's need was too great
tor me to give won't to NV poe,;o