Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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CHAPTER X. MAURICE. The morning dawned cheerless and gloomy. A storm was setting in. The dull gray clouds weighed upon the hori zon even as my dreadful discover}1 op pressed my heart. life seemed intolerable. As I sat at breakfast and studied Portia's face-the face of a murderer-it was at times .with difficulty that I kept from scream ing aloud. I did not allow Daphne to go out of my sight, but kept her with me, amusing her in every possible way with toys and story books. I was conscious, too, that Portia was watching rae. She evidently possessed half defined suspicions,for once she asked me in a careless manner, which was pal pably assumed, whether I had hoard any unusual sounds about the house the night before. I said "no" and in return asked the reason of her inquiry. She replied she had slept lightly and would have said that once she heard the hall door shut. "She is sounding me," I reflected and forthwith grew as cunning as my inter locutor. "No," I said indifferently. "I heard nothing." It was nearly noon when a carriage dashed up to the piazza, and a tall, fash ionably dressed man alighted, looked about with some curiosity, paid tho driver and then ran lightly up the front steps. Presently the great knocker re sounded through the hall. "A visitor," I said, with some interest, for visitors were not numerous at Swamplands. Tom, the butler, came into the library carrying a card on a silver salver. Por tia was lying on a broad couch drawn up before the open fire, sleeping or feign ing sleep. She $ ad not seen the car riage drive np and opened her big eyes lazily as Tom approached her. " What is it?" sae murmured languidly. "A gem'man, missis." Portia took the card and read it. Sae stared at the name before her in a dazed manner. At iast sue turned her .blood- j less face toward mc. "Prudence," she said, wearil}- passing her hand over her head. "Yes. Portia," I answered, leaving Daphne in the window with her dolls and going over to her mother. "Read that name-aloud." she com manded, thrusting the card in my hand. I read, "Maurice Raymond."' "I could not see-tuen he has come," Portia muttered in incoherent, wander ing fashion. Then sharply lo Tom, "I will not see him." Tom bowed gravely and \ra> al>ont to go, when I said: "Portia, is not this the guest you have been expecting? What would Colonel Marchmont say if you were to send such a message as that? Had you not better reconsider?" "You see him, Prudence," she begged In an almost childish fashion. "I cannot looking about after the first gratings were exchanged. As diplomatically as possible I ex plained her absence. But a dark look crossed her husband's face, and ringing for a maid h9 ordered her to tell her mis tress that Colonel Marchmont desired her presence at once in the drawing room. In a few minutes the soft swish of Portia's silken skirts was heard. She came in with bowed head and toying nervously with a dainty fan she held. She did not look her cousin in the eyes as she extended her lhnp hand and turned coldly away as quickly as possi ble after her little speech of welcome uttered in perfunctory fashion. I cordd see that Mr. Raymond was both puzzled anc. disappointed with his reception. He watched his cousin curi ously, though he did not address much She stared at the name before her. of his conversation to her, but chatted with the colonel on various topics, occa sionally turning to me with a swift, raro smile which brightened his rather severe face. Portia preserved her attitude of con strained defiance. When questions were directed to her, she answered them briefly, but kept her eyes fixed upon the floor. Colonel Marchmont was greatly annoyed, but did his best to cover his wife's delinquencies in entertaining. Wo were all relieved when luncheon was an nounced. At tho table the constraint was not quito so marked. Once or twice Portia lifted her heavy lids and shot scrutiniz ing glances at her cousin. But Mr. Ray mond's faco was inscrutable and sphinx like. He had lost tho puzzled air he at first wore, and no ono could possihly have read what was passing in his mind. He complimented Portia upon tho preservation of her beauty; ho petted Daphne; he charmed the colonel. How did he affect me? Maurice Raymond fascinated me. I had never met a man at once so brilliant and kindly. A beautiful, strong soul looked out of his keen gray eyes. His conversation was intellectual and re freshing. I studied him constantly, al ways recalling the words I had heard at the gate tho night before, "Dangeh comin from de souf-awful." If the prophecy of old Jezebel should come to pass-if indeed the danger which threatened Portia were coming through her cousin-she well had need to trem ble, for in this keen, observant, brainy man she would meet an adversar}' worthy of her skill. CHAPTER XI. A SLIGHT ENCOUNTER. After luncheon the colonel took hii> guest out to view the plantation, and we did not see them again until dinner. Portia was absolutely dazzling when she swept in and took her Beat at the head of the table. She was dressed in scarlet from head to foot. Her superb shoulders rose from folds of fiery silk, and the little feet that wandered in and out beneath her skirts were shod in the same lurid hue. She looked a veritable daughter of Mephisto. Her eyes spar kled dangerously, and on her face was an expression of audacity. Evidently 833.BY AMERICAN PRCSS ASSOCIATION. go in now. I must go up stairs, dre and compose myself." "Yery well, Portia. I will do my be to entertain him until you are ready relieve me. But do not tax me too long Portia did not reply, but rose and lc the room. She appeared confused ai helpless. Suddenly I recalled the prop eey of the old negress-"Dangeh is com from de souf." Ah, perhaps the pei which had menaced Portia was at han As I entered the drawing room the vi itor rose quickly and came forward I greet me. What most impressed me i this first meeting with Maurice Ra; mond *vas the atmosphere of latei power which seemed to emanate from h personality. He was not a baudson man, though his fae was good, his dec set eyes keen, his nose straight. H lips were not hidden by beard or mu tache, and in their firm lines I read tl positive character of the man. He ca: ried himself like a prince, with graf, and hauteur. His general appearanc was impressive and commanding. "You are not Mrs. Marchmont?'' li said half in inquiry as he took my liane "No, indeed," I replied-"Mrs. Marci mont's friend, Prudence Mason. Mri Marchmont is not feeliug well an hopes yon will excuse her for a littl while." "And the colonel:'' asked the visitor. "He is somewhere about the planta tion, but will soon bo in fur luncheon." "I have arrived a few days ahead c time," said Mr. Raymond, "butlfmishe my business in Atlanta sooner than had anticipated and so hurried on. ? was so anxious to see the country ii which I passed my boyhood, and abov all to see niy dear cousin again, who? I remember as thc idol of ni}'3'outh-; beautiful and lovely girl." "Mrs. Marchmont is a very beautifu woman," I said gravely. "There is a child, I believe," said Mr Raymond. I called Daphne from the li brary, glad of an excuse to have her ono more in my sight. She came running in delighted to see a stranger, anti was soot on very good terms with the visitor. Presently Colonel Marchmont entered profuse with apologies and extending ; genuine southern welcome to his guest. "W?iv VP norn in p.-.rr? :\''" lir?.u.ny>ni"?<..1 she had nerved herself for the oncoming contest which was in the air. When Maurice saw her. ho coolly aw deliberately ran his eyes over her cos tn me and ?hen said nonchalantly asl? shook out his napkin, "Evidently yoi have overcome that intense dislike oJ scarlet which was one of your market traits as a girl, belle cousine." Portia did not answer, but lookec straight at him. "It was mest extraordinary," contin ued Maurice. "I never knew any ene tc hate a particular color as yon hated red, Do you remember what you used tc call it?" "2%o," said Portia. "A nigger color," replied Maurice, "and declared it only fit for the quad roon girls." A great pallor overspread Portia's face, but she laughed and lifted her glass of sherry io her lips. "How absurd!" she said. "Well, other times, other manners." "Yes," said Raymond as he lifted his glass to her, "I myself adore scarlet. It is vibrant with life and action." "Do you remember, cousin," he went on as he set down his glass, "do you re member the day your pony ran away and threw you? I can see you nov.* lying white and cold on the moss and-and why, what tho deuce was your pony's name?-the one your father brought from Atlanta and to whom yon were so devoted. Astonishing that I can't rc member-I know tho name of that par ticular nag as weil as I do my own. Surely, cousin, you can help me." "No, I do not remember," said Portia in a low voice. "The chestnut with the while mane and tail. Jacko-no-ah! was ii not Jacqueline?" "Oh, yes!" cried Portia, as if greatly relieved. "No, no, cousin,"said Maurice. "Why, no; Jacqueline was the pony your father got after the runaway-a black one. But the chestnut-how amazing that neither one of us can recall her name!" "I have such a wretched memory," be gan Portia. "There, too, you have changed," rat tled on Maurice. "Why, Portia, I used to boast of your remarkable memory. The dates, tho names, the numbers, you would dash off were astounding. I re member it was rather a trial to me that your memory should be so superior to mine." I could see that Portia was worried, and also that for some reason Mr. Ray mond was trying to trap her. But to what purpose? Was this his revenge for the frigid reception she had given him? All through dinner he was constantly reminding her of some of their youthful experiences. Occasionally, she answered him 'understandingly, but as a rule her replies were wide of the mark. Ono would have said that so far as that period of her life was concerned Mrs. March mont'8 memory was a blank. When we entered tho drawing room, Maurice opened thc grand piano, and turning to Portia said with great ami ability: "Dear cousin, I am longing to hear your sweet voice again. Sing some of :hoso dear old songs." 1 looked at Portia. Would she sing ;it his bidding? Again and again during my stay had I asked her to sing for me, but siio bad always refused on one pre text or another. "You will excuso me, cousin," she said coldly. "I gave up singing long since. I found my voico was growing thin and metallic and could not endure its sound." "That is absurd," said Colonel March mont, suddenly rising and coming over to us. "oho sang just as well as she ever did before I went to England. On my return she refused to sing and has persisted in that determination ever since. One of lier many caprices." "How long were you in England, Marchmont?" nsked Mr. Raymond qui etly. "A year," replied tho colonel. "I was detained on business. I was sent for as tho heir to property near Nottingham, and after I got there a pretender turned np. Well, you know the law's delay, especially in that slow going country. Tho result was, I was away from Swamplands for over a twelvemonth." "And during that time you were lady of the manor," said Mr. Raymond to Portia, "What an interminable absence!" he continued, fumbling the music, "but then tho reunion-how delightful!" Colonel Marchmont looked embar rassed, while Portia was very pale. What manner of man was this who appeared to play upon their heart strings? It was not possible that FO I !:.. rv-rt - . - ::l or Human "nature" c?iTlcl havo failed to remark the cool relations existing be tween the husband and wife. No. Mr. Raymond was simply drawing them / saw him roughly seize her arm, out. The situation was becoming strained, when I broke the ice by sitting down at the piano and playing a few se lections in my amateur fashion. I was conscious that Colonel March mont left the room after a few minutes and that Portia and her guest were alone. Just over the piano hung a huge old fashioned mirror, and glancing in it 1 saw an extraordinary scene. I saw our polished, courtly visitor suddenly ap proach his hostess, who shrank back with a look of absolute terror on her face. I saw him roughly seize her arm and push back the loosely flowing sleeve and in tently scrutinize the lovely bare flesh. In vain she silently struggled to free her self. He held her firmly and examined her arm asa scientist might study an in sect under a microscope. Suddenly he raised his eyes from her arm to her face and smiled so tauntingly, so malevolent ly, that Portia gave a faint little mean and fell back in her chair. "Miss Mason," said Mr. Raymond, "I fear Mrs. Marchmont is ill." I sprang co her side and lifted her head. Portia had fainted! CHAPTER Xn. A BATTLE ROYAL, In reading over what I have written I find I appear more or less in the role of an accidental eavesdropper. I nm now about to describe a scene to which I was an intentional listener. Let me excuse myself. I had become firmly convinced that Portia was plot ty.ig harm to Daphne; that she was visit ing tho old hag of Dead Man's swamp to urge her to hasten the destruction of tho child, for whom, through some un accountable madness, she had conceived a violent hatred. I felt myself, then, quite justified in frustrating her wicked schemes. I con .stituted myself a detective and watched Portia unceasingly. I determined tir?t at tho first .'j;is; icio?s movement ? would report everything to Colonel Marehmoul and leave bim to act. Lut Maurice Raymond! He was al most as great a mystery io mc as his cousin. And my instinct warned me, that he, too. was studying and watching Portia. His puzzled air at first sight of her, his quizzing and leading questions, and above nil that inexplicable examina* tion of her arm in so rude and masterly a fashion were all mystifying and vexing. How I wished to penetrate his thoughts, to road what was passing behind the impassive face! At times I was prompt ed to seek him and confide all the de tails which were so troubling me, but ruy natural timidity and reticence for bade this step. Portia was like a caged tigress these days. She fumed and stormed and lashed herself into tempests of rage. She feared and hated this cool, calm, in scrutible man, who was for some reason dissecting and analyzing her. She tried to avoid him, but it was useless. He was ever at her side. Did she lounge in ono of the great bamboo piazza chairs, Mr. Raymond took the one next her. If she snatched a shawl and fled down one of tho garden paths, Maurico at once lighted a cigar and followed, keeping at a respectful distance enough, but allow ing her to see she was under his constant surveillance. His manner, too, when he addressed her was peculiar. It was a combination of authority and mocking courtesy. She winced perceptibly when he spoke-to her and seemed relieved when his utter-. anco was not a question concerning the past. I marveled greatly that Colonel March mont did not mark the comedy-or was it a tragedy?-that was being enacted under his eyes. But he appeared to live apart, wrapped in sorrowful and gloomy thoughts, and rousing only when his child sprang upon his knee and cuddled closely to his heart. But to return to the scene of which I was at first an involuntary, then inten tional listener. Ono dreary, rainy after noon I was sitting in the window seat of the library, the heavy curtains shutting me in and completely concealing me from view. I knew Daphne was asleep in the nurseiy with Sophie watching her. The colonel had driven to tho neighbor ing town. Portia had shut herself in her rooms after luncheon and refused to ad mit mo when I knocked. I supposed Mr. Raymond to be in the smoking room at the end of the hall. Presently, however, I heard a man's tread, and peering be tween the curtains saw him come in the library, throw himself down in a big easy chair in the corner by the fire and fall to studying the glowing coals. I reflected whether I should speak to hun. but decided not. "Ile will gosoon," I thought, "and in any event ho would not care to talk to me." The door softly opened, and Portia came in. Sho wore a long white dress ing gown, and her heavy braids of hair wero tumbling down. She appeared half asleep and did not Kee her cousin. Crossing to the bookshelves, she selected a novel, and turning prepared to leave tho room, but with the quick, stealthy spring of a tiger Maurice was before her. He locked the door, and turning gave her a terribie .smile. "Huw dare you?" she panted. "Thc stereotyped question of a woman when she is vanquished," sneered he. "Dear cousin, why do you not go in for something original?" "Open that door." she fumed, "and let mo go." "1 will'not," ho retorted. "Do you think after all tho skirmishing between us since my arrival now that it has cometo battle that you aro to escape me? That may be your modo uf fight ing-to run away; 1 think it very likely -but it does not please inc." Sho turned toward the bell rope, evi dently with the ?nteut?on of summoning help. With a cruel laugh, he whipped out his knife and cut tho rope and tossed it contemptuously at her feet "Ring for your servants, do." ho said tauntingly. I began to bo frightened. Ought I to make my presence known? While I hes itated Portia spoke: "1 am not afraid of you, you coward." "Oh. yes, you are." he retorted lightly. .'You have been afraid of mo ever since J came-before I came. I do not won der-yon-you" "Maurice, Maurice," she cried wildly. "Don't dare to call mo Maurice when we are alone,"' he said, "you may keep up the farce before others a little long er" "Farce!" hhc cried. "Enbnirh. I will not bo insulted any longer. Upen tnat ?loor, Mr. Raymond, and let me go, or 1 will rouse the whole house." He# simply burst out into a fit of the most* mocking laughter I have ever heard. It maddened Portia, and she flew at him like a fury. Ho caught her .hands and pushed her way. "Sit down." ho said sternly, "and lis ten to me. You have not imposed upon me. I have recognized your infamy. You have deluded everybody but me, though I think the little northern girl suspects you. She is not a fool. Y'ou aro clever and cunning, but you have gone too far. Y"our inhumanity to that poor innocent child shall be avenged. I mn I "Open lliat door," she fumed, "and let mc (jo." know more than you suspect. I know the key yon carry which will only un lock one door. I know of your midnight walks. I know your friends in Dead Man's swamp." Portia staggered to her feet. "Have mercy I Have pi ty !" she moaned. "The mercy you have shown to the in nocent shall be yours." he .?aid. with flashing eyes. "You are not a woman but a yampire. Go now," and he un locked the door. "Go, but do not for one moment think you can escape me. You are as much my prisoner as though chained in a cell. Go to yonr rooom and stay there until I send for you." Moaning, shivering and cowed, Portia rushed by tiii:j terrible man. I heard her lagging footsteps 03ccnd thc stairs and the sound of her moaning dio along tho corridor. ' ' " .Then I parted the curtains and stepped out. CHAPTER XIII. KORTI) A.\"L? SOUTH. I think for once in his life Mr. M-inrice Raymond was nonplused.. However, he speedilj* recovered. "Ah!*' h-cri".1., "yon riv little Puri tan, eavesdropping were you? Do 3'ou think that is a nico trick for good little "?ir!" I said .stiifly, "I :-.::i neither a Puritan nor a good li! tie girl" "No?" heaskedgood [mmorejjjly, "are yon.then a pagan and a bad little girl?" "Please reinen?ber I am not on the witness stand," ! retorted, "and do not try lo muddle me with vain questions.'" At this he shouted with laughter. "1 nm glad you lind me amusing," I sni<!, with considerable sev< ri ty. "I do," he cried. "You are delicious with 3'our prim little ways, and your still little speeches, and your dear little face" "Sir!" I exploded. "Pardon me, my child. I have no right to speak of you in that way. But come," catching my hands in his and drawing me away from the window, "tell mc, how came you to be spying and eavesdropping?" "I was not spying," I sputtered indig nantly. "I was reading there when you came in. I wish now I had ma p,^yr^ presence known, and that I had not been a witness of your unpardonable severity to that poor, wretched, half mad wo man." "Ohl She is half mad, is she?" he asked, assuming his puzzled and ques tioning air. "Why, cannot you see her condition for yourself?" I asked. "And I must say that while it is just as well she should know that you have remarked her cruel ty toward Daphno I think you might have been less harsh with her. Poor Por tia is uot to blame. She is the victim of some dreadful spell cast over her by those vilo creatures, thoso voodoos in Dead Man's swamp." Mr. Raymond caught me by tho shoul ders and bent Iiis head to scrutinizo my face. "What do you know, child," he mut tered, "of Dead Man's swamp and the people there? You couldn't have been in that ghastly place." "Iso," I replied, "I have not been there, but I know enough about it and the bale ful influence it has exerted on my poor friend's life. My desire is to save Por tia, to see her restored to her right mind and bring her once more to her husband and child." "Why, so is mine," ho answered, with a curious expression. "Well, this is no way to go about it," Isaid, "to fly at a crazy woman, call her a vampire, taunt her, alarm her, talk about chaining her in a cell and all that. To be sure, it's just like a man. You are not to blame, I suppose, for your brusquerie, which amounts almost to to"- I hesitated. "Well, well, out with it! Let's hear the dreadful word," ho cried. "Brutality!" I said. "So I was brutal, was I?" he asked. "Indeed you were. I liad no idea that a courteous gentleman could behave so villainously to a suffering woman." "Well, now, tell me," said Mr. Ray mond quite solicitously I fancied, "how .should 1 have approached Portia?" "It is quite right to be firm and de cided with her," I answered. "I think myself she needs a strong hand. You can see for yourself how little attention her husband pays to her, and I blame Colonel Marchmont greatly for this de plorable state of affairs. He neglects his wife, treats her with contempt and coldness. What can a man expect? Why, 1 heard him say a dreadful thing to her one evening. She was dancing in the hall-somewhat boisterously, to be jure"-the blood rushed to my faco as I recalled that abandoned dance-"and he told her that her dancing was mon: suit aide to thc orgies of Dead Man's swamp than to a gentleman's house." "Quite right, too," interposed Mr. Raymond. "Oh, you .aro as bad as he," I said, and it suddenly occurring to mc that Mau rice was still holding my hands I tried to draw they away, but he only tightened his grasp. "Don't, Prudence," he said very quiet ly, "don't take your hands away. Poor little fragile claws," looking down on them, "I could easily crush them, but they arc good hands." He suddenly bent his head and kissed them. It was the first caress I had ever re ceived from any ono eave Portia and Daphne, I trembled, and with an effort released myself and left him, going over to tho fire. Mr. Raymond followed, but did not at tempt to touch me. Ue took up his station opposite mo on the rug, and leaning his arin on tho mantel said: "Possibly I was too severe with her; but, cs yon say, she needs a strong hand. She must not be allowed to harm little Daphne, must she?" "Ci no account," I replied quickly. MV.t niu'ht I hr.ro watched and . <*A-LCV1 trio CA?I?\I CWI?D mu UL j. "Since what night?" ho asked care lessly. I hesitated. 1 was conscious that he was, trying R. Iraw me ont. Should 1 tell him? Io Luew of the closed gate: he knew w .'qrtia's visit to the swamp: why should he not know of this? I studied his face before speaking. Candor and honesty were written there. He might be severe, but he was just. Yes. 1 would tell him. I then as briefly as possible recited the story of that night. When I spoke of the knife she carried, and which she held so long as if in invocation toward the moon, he gave a perceptive art. And when I repeated tho e relation with old Jezebel at the gate ;-. ?va3 again vis ibly affected. Once he ground his teeth and stamped his foot in rage, and more than once the strong white fingers clinched as if they ached to throttle somebody. . Then, growing more confidential, 1 told him of my first night in the house and of Portia's stealthy survey of me through the window; the experience in the arbor; her anger when I tried the "Tlicy arc ijmul haiuls" closed gate, and at last of that awful cry in the night which had welled up from tho interior of Dead Man's swamp. His face grew tense and white with suppressed passion, and the veius stood out on his neck like cords. "Uh, Portia. Portia!" he cried aa I fin ished, "my poor tortured girl. It is time for me to act. Yes. it is time for mo to act." "Can we ?ave her?" 1 asked tremu lously. "Can wer" he said, rousing from the study in which he was. plnnged. "Yes. we will." * Then once more, taking ruy not too ahwilling hands iu his. ho said gently ind almost tenderly: "Little woman. I believe yon to he nf -.he Bfcnff of which fighters are made. Fhere must be a drop of Bunker Hill blood i:i yonr veins. I believe you to ba loyal, honest and brave. Yon are cour igeous? Yes, I know you aro. 1 want )*ou to trust your.-elf to me, to go sbrongh a terrible experience. To what .-lid? you will ask. To this: We will ?ave Portia. Will you help me?" "With all my heart." "Very well. Say nothing to a soul, gut prepare lo go with mc at midnight :o Dead Man's swamp." CHAPTER XIV. A MIDNIGHT MISSION. I started. To Dead Man's swamp! To enter that uncanny, mysterious place at midnight was a prospect which might well daunt the most courageous of wom en. What could be Maurice's motive in visiting thai spot? How was Portia to be benefited by such an adventure? As if he read my thoughts. Mr. Ray mond said: "Yes, little woman, you hesitate. 1 expected that, but you need have no. fear. Yon will bc amply protected, and [ want your assistance and presence. I need you. Will yon come?" A thrill shot through me at these words. I raised my eyes and saw in his only tho kindest and tenderest ex pression. "Come," he said again, holding out his hand. I would have followed him to the ends of tho earth had he so bidden me. I put my hand in his. "I will go." I said. At nightfall the rain ceased, but tba sky was black and overcast. I shudder ed as I drew back tho curtains and look ed out and thought of the dense tangles and thickets of the gloomy swamp. How black, how awful, how impenetrable, seemed those dusky recesses I remem bered! What was I to see-to hear on this wild midnight quest? I scarcely dared ask myself. But I resolved there should be no mis givings, no faint heartedness. I had put my hand to the plow, and I would not turn back. To save Portia, Maurice had said. Ah, yes! if by any sacrifice of creature comfort I could exorcise the evil influences surrounding my poor friend, how gladly would I make that denial I But what did it mean? Had Maurice in any way discovered that Portia in tended to pay one of her nocturnal visits to the swamp? Was it his plan to follow her and plead, threaten or command her to give over forever her association with the half human devotees of that hellish cult? But of what avail were questionings? I found no answers to the many riddles puzzling my mind. I trusted Maurice with the blind, unreasoning trust which every woman gives to the man she loves. For I had acknowledged the fact to my lonely heart that I loved this bril liant, intellectual, masterful man. Though my superior in every way, I yet lifted my eyes to him as a weed clings to tho base of a mighty tree. Did he love me? It seemed absolute folly to think so, and yet I could not banish the look in his eyes, the ring in his voice nor the magnetic pressure of his lips upon my hands. "Good little hands," ho had said, looking down on them. And now as I looked down on them, too, and re membered his words I was thankful they had never been stained with evil, and that though small they were strong and could help him on his mission, whatever it might be. Portia did not appear at dinner, send ing down a message that she was not well. I knocked at thc door, but she would not admit mc. Colonel Marchmont appeared to be plunged in deeper gloom than ever. He scarcely noticed Mr. Raymond or ?ny "Oh, Ond!" self. Daphne only could rouse him from ; ic lethargy which surrounded and en veloped him. It was painful to see him so depressed, so unhappy. When spoken to, his gaze wandered, and his answers were incoherent." "You are not well, dear fellow," said Maurice aa wo Wt (ho flinins room. "i canner ciccp. i nave not slept tor two nights," returned thc colonel. ""When I close my eyes, 1 ECO her as she used to he, not as she is now-oh, God!" wildly breaking o?r. "Listen. Jtrniyn," said Maurice in a low voice. "Your troubles ave nearly at an end. No, do not ask one question now. Before another day dawns yonr doubts, your sorrows, will be dispelled. All I ask of yon is to go to the library and remain there until I come. Do not leave the room cr house! Wait there for me if you wait until daybreak. Do you promise?" Colonel Marchmont stared at Ray mond in a dazed fashion. "Trust me, Jcnnyu," said Maurice, "and premiso me." "I promise," said the colonel in a strange voice. Overhearing this, I marveled mor* than ever. Was it possible that Mau rice intended, after bringing Portia from her rendezvous with the voodoos, to lead her into her husband's presence and oblige her to beg his forgiveness? Igrew more and more mystified. The evening dragged away. Daphne was sent to bed, Sophie receiving or ders from Maurice, who seemed to have assumed command of everything, not to leave the child for one moment during the night. Eleven o'clock. I sat in the drawing room waiting for Maurice, as we had agreed to meet there. The great house was still. There wero lights in the li brary, where the unhappy husband kept his vigil. But everywhere else darkness brooded over the mansion. The silence, the hour, the nervous expectancy pos sessing mo grew almost unbearable. "Where is he? Why does he not come?" I cried to myself. Suddenly I heard stealthy footsteps in the hall above, on the stairs, then the rustle of a woman's dress. Stepping softly to the drawing room door, I looked out. A figure wrapped in black was descending the stairs. It was ! Portia. Clinging to the stair rail with one hand, with the other she was draw ing a long black lace scarf over her face, which in the dim light was ghastly and terrible to see. Just as she reached the lower stairs a man stepped quickly out from the cor ner of the hall. Maurice! Without a word he confronted her. She stared at him fur an instant with " dilating eyes; then, evidently realizing her helplessness, with, a gasp fell for ward. He caught her in his arms and carried her np the stairs. I Heard the door of the room open and in another moment shut. Then a key softly clicked in a lock, and presently Maurice came down thc stairs again. He came into the drawing room. "Prudence,"' he said in a low voice, "are you here?" ?.Yes," I responded, going toward him. "Are von ready?" .Yes." "Grive me your hand. Ahl Pulse all right, nerves steady. Good. Come." ftB:n Portia*1 ?Well, what of lier?" "She is ?II. I ought to go to her." "She will scoa he better. It is nothing serious. Von can help her more by going to the swamp than in any other way." He drew me out upon the piazza, wrapped my shawl closer about 1110, aud tucking my baud under his arm led the way down the path toward the swamp. There was no conversation. We walked in utter silence. Once or twice he turned and looked back. I had a fancy that he was looking to see if we were followed. Just as wo came to the wall and the closed gate a dark figure rose huddeuly up, it seemed to me, from the earth. I suppressed a faint shriek. "Don't bo alarmed," said Maurice. "Jake, is that you?" "Yes," answered the big overseer. ? "You have your rifle?" "Yes, sir." "Are the boys at hand?' "Yes, 6ir; here they are," as two brawny negroes stepped out of the dark ness. "That's ail right. Now, I don't appre hend any trouble; still there may be some. I wish the lady to bo protected in any event. You remain here close by the gate. If you hear my pistol, come: otherwise wait for tis." "All right, sir," replied Jake. Mr. Raymond drew a key from his pocket and opened the gate. He held out his hand. "Come, Prudence,'' he said. We stepped through the gate. He did not lock it behind us. "Remember, Jake," he said in a low tone, "if you hear my pistol, lose no time." "Yes, sir." Black, slimy and filthy stretched the morass about us. We wero in Dead Man's swamp. BE CONTINUED. J When you want neat, clean, and stylish, Job Work done call at the Advertiser Job Ornee. Satisfaction always guaranteed. Give us a trial order. Facts and Figures The following letter from the happy holder of a Tontine Policy, gives a few facts and figures, in which there is profit able food for thought : COLUMBIA, 8. C. Dec. 22,1892. Mr. W? J. KODDEY, Manager, Bock Hill, a C. DEAR SIR:-I om In receipt of your favor of the 20th Inst, enclosing check for (250.60 In payment of Tontine Dividend on policy No. 200,312 on my life In the Equitable Life Assur ance Society. I am pleased with the results on my policy and can recommend the Equitable to any seeking Life Insurance as a safe and reliable company ; one that meets Its claims promptly and fulfils its contracts to the letter. Yours very truly, W. S. POPE. Life insurance under the Tontine Plan of the EQUITABLE LIFE is an investment, not an expense. The returns mature during life, as well as after death. If you are a single man. you owe it to yourself. If you are are a married man you owe it to your family. The time to act is now. Interesting par ticulars can be had by addressing W. J. RODDEY, Manager, Department of the Carolinas, ROCK HILL, S. C. - GEO B, LAKE RE^L ESTATE - AND INSHRAN6GA6T, Office over BanK of Edgefield. ?SPECIALISTS*^ (Regular Graduate*-) Are the lending and mott successful specialist! and ?ll! give you help. Yonne ?nd.ml? ?le aged mea. Remarkable re salts have follow ed our treatment Many yean ot varied audjacces* fal experience In tile au-of cara* Uvc methods thai we alone own and control for sll dis w?. orders of mee wini have weak; onJc t%veloped or dis -?-eesed orpins, of ^vT Swu0 urc surtctlnz ?trom errors ot pom lt and execs Xii Imputen l. ?tiic srora of tbel: ?.'J: cl io v.-s sad the S,- contempt of their ' frienas and coo. panton*. leads u to jnarantco to all patient*. If they CM> powlhly be restored, our own cxclaslre treatment will afford a cure. "WO ll EX! Don't yon vant to get cured of thal wcakne?? with a treatment (list you c?n UKC at home without Instruments? Oar wonderful treat ment has cared others. Why not you? Try IL CATARRH, and diseases of the Skin, Blood, Heart, Liver and Kidneys. STPniXIS-The most r'Pld. safe ar.d eScctlre remedy. A complete Care Guaranteed. 8 "Erv DISEASES of all kinds cored where many others have failed. TTXXATTJEAIi DISCHARGES pranpttT cured in ??few days. Quick, sure and tafe. Th* ncludes Gleet and Gonortiaca. TRUTH AND FACTS. We have eared cases of Chronic Diseases th? ?ve failed to get cared at the hands of other speen? sta and medical Institutes. at?iKEMEJlBEK that there ls hope for Yon. Consult no other, as you may waste valnable lime. Obtain oar treatment at once. Beware of free and cheap treatment?. We give the best andraoec sclentlflc treatment at moderan prices-as low as can be done for safe ana skillff treatment FREE consultation at tho office: by mall. Thorough examination arid carnal dis?, nosls. A borne treatment can he given fa ?mnionty afeases. Send for Symptom Blank No. liorMen: No.2for Women; No. 3for Skin Diseases. AUcorrq jpondence answered promptly. Business strict!y con ?dentist. Entire treatment sent free from ot-.serva tlon. Befer to our patients, basks ana baslaes* mea Address or call on OR. HATHAWAY & CO., sa i-a South BroadS^et, ATLANTA.O* Three 2-Horse Farms. rPHIlEE 2-horse farms near Johnston 1 for rent, apply to W. G. KEEN A GHAN, or W.P. CASSELL^, Johnston, S. C. PATENTS, For Inventions Procured by the PRESS CLAIM COMPANY, Equal with the interest of those having claims against the Gov ernment is that of INVESTORS, who often lose the benefit ef via ble inventions because of : he incompetency or inattention of the at torneys employed to obtain iheir patents. Too much care cannot be exercised in employing competent and reliable solicitors to procure patents, for the value*)! a patent depends greatly, if not entirely, upon the caro and skill of Hie attorney. With the view of protecting inventors from worthless or careless' attorneys, and cf seeing that inventions are well protected bv valid patents, THE PRESS CLAIMS COMPANY has retained "counsel expert in patent practice, and is therefore prepared to Obtain Patente, Conduct Interferences, Make Special Examinations, [Prosecute Rejected Cases, Register Trade-Marks and Copyrights, Render Opinions as to Scope and Validity of Patents, Prosecute and Defend Infringement Suits, etcf If you have an invention on hand, send THE PRESS CLAIMS COMPANY a sketch or photograph thereof, together w'th abrief de scription of the important features, and you will at once be advised as to the best course to pursue. Models are . not necessary unless the invention is of a complicated nature. If others are infringe ing on your rights, or if you ?re charged with infringement byotlierB, submit the matter to us for a reliable OPINION before acting on the matter. The Press Claims Company, C18 F Street, Northwest, WASHINGTON, D. C. P. 0. Box 463. JOHN WELLtRlUEN, fcau'g Att'v fiJ&~ Cut this out and ; end it with your inquiry. I*' YOU rSVA?T INFORMATION ABOUT P6NSI0RS ADDRESS A LETTER OR POSTAL CARD TO THE PRESS CLAIMS COMPANY, JOHN WIEIERBIFF, Mnging Attorney, I>. O. Box 46, WASHINGTON, 13. O Honorable discharged soldiers and sailors who served nirteiy dar*, or over, in the late war, are entitled, if now partially or wholly diabled for ordinary manual labor, whether disability was caused by service or not-, and regardless of their pecuniary circumstances. Widows of such soldiers and sailors are entitled (if not rf married) whether soldier's death was duo to service or not, if now dependent upon their own labor for support. Widows not dependent upon their own labor are entitled if the soldier's death wa6 due to service. Children are entitled (if under sixteen in almost all cases where there was no widow, or she has since died or remarried. Parents are entitled if soldier left neither widow nor cbiid.nrovided soldier died in service, or from effects of service, and they are now de pendent upon their own labor for support. It makes no difference whether soldier served or died in late war or in regular army or navy. Soldiers of thc late war, pensioned under one Jaw, may apply for higher rates under other laws, without losing tiny rights. Thousands of soldiers drawing from .$2 lo $10 per month under the old Jaw, are entitled to higher rates under new law, not only on account of disabilities for which now pensioned, tut also others,, whether due to service or not. Soldiers and sailors disabled in time of duty in regular army or navy since the war are also entitled, whether discharged for disability or not. Survivors, and their widows, of the Black Hawk Creek, Cherokee4,, and Seminole or Florida Indian Wars of 1832 to 1842 are entitled un der a recent act. Mexican War soldiers and thpir widows also entitled, if sixty-two years of age or disabled or dependent. Old claims completed and settlement obtained whether pension has been granted under later laws or not. .? Rejected claims reopened and settlement secured, if rejection . improper or illegal. Certificates of service and discharge obtained for soldiers and sailois of the late war who have lost their original papers. Send for laws and information. No charge for advice. No fee un. ' less successful. Address, THE PRESS CLAIMS CO., JOHN WEDLERBUJR2?] Managing Attorney. P. O. Box 403. _ WASH jKGTON, I>.G WM. SCHWEIGERT, Tlie Jeweller, Corner Broad; and McIntosh Streets.. Augusta, - - Oa