Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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I . . ,* TWICE-A-MONTH MAGAZINE SECTION PAGE EIGHT v < r I' f FINE CANDIES FOR CHRISTMAS Christmas And New Year’s Cards « . • and Booklets A LARGE VARIETY TO SELECT FROM “Your p**n*mal property !" roy revolver, and private letter*.” He glanced aside at the table, non- pliixed for a moment, but as instantly recovering assurance. ‘•Oh, exactly; really do you know I had actually forgotten. You see they fell out.of your pockets, and we picked them up and to my surprise, he swept the papers together, handed ' them to me, then opened a drawer, and gave me the wea|M>n. It was done with such an air of good-fellowship r that I could only star** at him, my hand gripping the revolver butt. ‘‘Aice weapon,” he commented eas ily, “latest automatic model, 1 see; 1 am something of a connoisseur in fire-arms; acquired the taste in the army. To tell the truth was almost tempted to keep that gun, and report to you that it was lost in the skirmish. Still, of the two, 1 rather believe I prefer tovretain your confidence. Tact of the matter is, 'Dessaud,” and he leaned back comfortably in his chair, “you are about the first Frenchman 1 ever cared to l»e friendly with.” “The form your friendship takes,” I commended sarcastically, “would not _ prove a recommendation to many." “ You can scarcely blame me Tor" protecting myself; remember you were the aggressor.” It was sufficiently plain that his present purpose was to win my confi dence, I'naware that I had overheard his indiscreet conversation with I ran- icn, he preferred to substitute diplo macy to force. I'nder the circum stances I could do nothing better than encourage the effort. However there was no apparent reason why 1 should be biunt-) A and sat down again in my chair, "taring ** * — - French \o one moved, only Franzen and the other glanced aside at Brandt, as though expecting orders. It seemed to me the latter hesitited, as if puzzled at my sudden decision. “ Iioa’l be a fool, Dessaud, he ex claimed sullenly. “This is between us alone; you better accept the money. "No; I have answered you.” “From whom do you expect help. car- man ? . The Consul ami your two machinist* alone know you are in the city—surely, it isn’t that woman? He laughed, glancing aside at the fellow with the mustache. "You might tell him what has becoma of the girl, Swigert.” . >* “She was watched in her own home, the other rumble*!. “I know. 1 just come from there.” “You are still obstinate?” “The wherabouts of Miss Probyn can he of no special Interest to me,” KLEIN’S DRUG STORE -*■ . / Every Thing The Best . Phone 31 r Sa/t i/ 1/ One thousand Bushels Extra Fine Staple Cot Seed for sale. One to Five bushels $3.00 por l 5 Bu. and up $2.00 per Bu. Sold Walterboro C M iu sacks. Cotton brings 30c. Lb. on mafl TERMS CASH, W RITE OR PHONE H. N. STOKES • / I WALTERBORO. SOUTH CAROLINA i ■ M |i \ not call his hand, anil^ be blunt' alxiut it. “All right, let it go at that,” 1 said quietly. “And now, Brandt, what i» it you want ? 1 am not simple enough to believe all this is an accident.. If there is an understanding to lie come at, state your purpose. FH answer youJiromptly enough.” “That sounds like a declaration of war.” “ Whether |M*ace or war depends on your demands.” "Well!” he exclaimed, losing the grip on his temper. "It makes small od*\s to* me which, if you want to know. You are going to give up one wav or the other, niy fine fellow, and 1 -don’t give a sou markee, whether 1 talk with money-or fists.” '«• “Try money first,” 1 suggested, eager to have my value stated. “That will 1%* easier.” He Btansl at me in perplexity, my cool demeanor a surprise, and unable to determine whether, or not, my proposition was made in earnent. Without doubt, however, he had been accustomed to dealing with men who were for sale, and my willingness to Ik? approached convinced him I be longed to the same class and coil'd be bribed if he offered enough. “I can offer $'20,000 American gold,” ai a whisper, leaning closer. “And protection ?” “Certainly; a little private matter bet ween you and me.” “I do not trust Franzen,” ap!*ear- ing to hesitate. “That ne*H!n't interfere; I'll send him out on some errand, and telephone for a public stenographer to he sent up here,*5.She will take down what, vim hay** to say, and will never uinler^ stand a word of it. When typed well pay her to destroy the notes. That will protect all parties.” "What is it you want -exactly ?" “ \ technical description of your machine, describing,'rtceuratcly wherein it differs from the ordinary type I am not an expert, hut I know enough of such matters so as not to he <{e- reived.” “You represent your government ?” He nodded, now thoroughly con vinced of sueees!^ and no longer dis guising his eagerness. “Then you A can. offer more the secret is worth More.’’ 1 said calmly, realizing my 'surrender must not U* too sudddf. / He lit a cigarette, studying my face intently a* he did so. My own : - mind was in something of a chao«. »into 1 am Was it necessary for me to remain soldier, and negotiate with the fellow? With the revolver in my possession why could 1 not force my release T Some suspicion halted roe, for Brandt’s very roolness left W with a vague feeling that'the man w*s not alone, that I was still completely in his power. One of hisdiand* was in the pocket of his coat, and I thought of a hidden weapon, and wondered if he hadn't emptied my own revolver of its triages before handing it back. Con vince*! this must lie true, 1 remained quiet awaiting his reply. “What is yoitr price?” he asked finally, a bit of ill concealed contempt in the tone. ' V “Suppose I say fifty thousand.” ,.“ Franc* ?” “Hardly; I understood your offer to be in American money,’ Without changing his attitude ! could see the man’s muscles stiffen, his tan m •— -r-y -- -, teeth rlinch. I said, yet conscious of a vague dis- . “Are you in earn«*st ?” he asked appointment. “1 refuse, not from any sharply. "That is your price?” hope of escape, but because 1 hold 1 nodded, wondering what. I would my ^honor of more value thap my do if he should accept. There was life. an instant of silence, and then, liefore “Yet you set a price.’ ■ he "eoulTt B|K'ifk' idiree- -tapa- s©UH<l#d-- -"J’jirdon, Mfisaieurs^.but^ I did noC -* J I mentioned a price to test the value of. mj- invention. Personally 1 am not for sale.” ’ “Your decision is final?”, “It is—go on.” -X “ We w ill go on. You have a lesson to learn yet. Stand up! Now hear me. We/ the four of us, /are going down the elevator, and will take a cab waiting at the front door. A ou will walk with me. Monsieur, and Swigert and Franzen will lx* just l>e- hind. 1 advise you not to attempt breaking away, or raising any alarm. The house detective will meet us in the hall, ami accompany us to the dixir. He supposes you to be Baron Von Eiscl, a friend' of ours, crazed with drink, whom we are taking home. He is paid to think so. Any as I was to the City nothing fanulj ir greeted me in my swift glance U p j down the street. My guaMs g,, v ,. me no opportunity to perceive mii.-i, closing tightly about, and pres-n lk: 111 / hastily forward. The taxi stool li-Miv at one side the hotel entrance.. !,... j caught a glimpse of the chantf.. llr \ face in the blaze of electric lighr. ,, I wa» unceremoniously thru-t the open door—he was the reportee Kisenbarth. Franzen and S \ jammed therns«*lves into the seat on either side of me, Htill K ri|.i, ini , •my arms, and Brandt ha<l one f.,,; the step, when he pauseil -ud j, i,^. and closed the door. ’ “Wait a minute,” he said “until I use the telephone.” Helpless to move, crushed in [ was, 1 could see t he hotel cut rum • ,n,| watched him disappear, leaving house-iletective loitering in the .i,, or . way. No one spoke, except for a nn,w| from one of my guards as I attemp'. | tl , assume as easiec posture. Th*- g|; L v< windows were up' in front, uni if,,, chauffeur appeare*! only as a h,, r „- shadow. During th»>se few niom'.ms there was borne in u|xm me a full . ., n . seiousness of my de*p**rate siiu,t iken T'lv. on the outside door. CHAPTER VII. A Woman Intekfkres. Ignoring my presence Brandt eross*sl the room, and disappear«sl in the narrow hall. 1 found as 1 already suspected, that my revolver was empty. This accounted then for his cool ness— armed himself In* had no fear of me, with only that useless wea|x>n with which to .wage battle. 1 sank back into my chair, calm enough to all outwanl aptxarane*', but with every nerve throbbing. He came back aeeompani***! by two men; one was Franzen, the other a stranger with drooping blonde mustache, and heavily arched brows. While BratuH locked the ilisir, this fellow stixxl and stare*!\break on your part will result . . .. t ( tl* ■ s in at me in silence, and something in his expression caused me to rise to my feet. It was the Captain, however, who s|x»ke first, advancing to the table. "Well, Dessaud,” he said more roughly than before. "I guess we understand each other, and need spar no longer. You know why I am here, and what I am after. I take it 1 am not entirely unknown to you by reputation ?” “ I have heard of you before.” “ Most French officers have," he eonf»*ssed dryly, but with a smile of satisfaction. "That knowledge ought to make my Work easier. For instance you are aware that 1 never/betray a secret, and never let go when I one** take hold. Is this true?” "That is your reputation “Then listen; you a r, ‘ i" n >y some Lieu- -y**s. power, absolutely in my |x»yrer. No one except 1 > °' V .• t * those in my employ have the slightest conception as to what has become of you. 1 can take your life, anil it will merely remain a mystery. No one in this hotel knows who you are, or will ever suspect your identity. You are helpless to defend yourself; the revolver I just returned to you is un loaded. Now the only ouestion is. are you going to be sensible, and give me tlx* information I sis-k, or shall We ha»% #o drill irigout of you? I am mdiffefenr arf to \our choice, for we iire prepared for either emergerey. \> to your price, it is too high; my limit is twenty-five Uniiisand ilolli " You offer that?’’ *♦%’*• -- x A I f's. "Anil if I refuse, you intend to try and force the information from. .me. May I ask Imw ?” "You may ask, tertaiqly. but we keep our own counsel,” smiling plea- safRIy enough. “That, however, is a procedure iu which ] have seldom failed. I think, Monsieur, you must |>erceive the helplessness of your posi tion, and, I trust, will accept my terms, which, most "I volt «• must confess, arc generous. refuse them I returned rough handling. Franzen, put tenant D ssaud’s haf on nis head. Now, Monsieur, jx-rmit me to take your arm.” An instant I hesitated, even stepped back against the wall, half inolined to resistance? Yet the odds were too great for me to battle single-handed against thns* armed men. Swigert grijipcd my shoulder savagely, and swung me into the center of the room. / “ Maybe you want me to show you •!” he growled, "how we handle men in the (ierman barracks? You go quiet —hey?” Brandt took my arm, his grasp firm. “Come,on, Dessaud,” he said quietly. “That is no use.” 1 realized it, but was too angry for words. Besides anything wodlsl be better than this room. Franzen opened the door, and turn<*d out the lights, and I permitted Brandt to lead me forth into the hall. The house detec tive stixxl leaning against the stair- rail, watching us curiously. “Still ‘bug’ ?” he asked, indiffer ently. “Nothing serious,” returned Brandt, urging me toward the elevator. “Only a bit quarrelsome; thinks we’re trying to rob him. You better eotne along, officer, until we get him safely outside?’ We were alone in the elevator, and I was crowded back into one corner. The utter uselessness of attempting resistance, or of making afiv appeal for help, was apparent. The very larsC presence of the hotel officer Tcff me helpless. Yet my brain was active enough, and 1 was alert for the slightest opnortunity. There were several men scattered about the lobby, and, per haps, a half dozen women visible in an ante-room lx»yond. A single swift glance informed me this was not the Congress, although from umiearance a hotel of high grade, the furnishing expensive, and 'in excellent taste. The clock above the clerk’s desk, told me the hour—a quarter of eleven. Almost before 1 realized what was happening I had Iceen hustled across the lobby onto the sidewalk in front. Strange ’ Previously I had taken the tr. in,. r -eaiher lightly, uxuxbk* .tit.cy.'iU" __ n ,| how such an outrage as tlus roul i |„. consummated in the very heart '|„. 4 city. I was not unknown, or !ri< ii ||.^ s even* in Chicago; to my eountrunfn my name stixxl for much, and )„r ( ' were many all about who would r.illy at a word to my relief. It had - med that could 1 once esea|x* from tlia - „„„ up stairs any appeal for help .,|i| meet with instant response. \> )| M . possibility of my attempting su >in escape* had been anticipated, .md guarded against. I was merely a d> ink- en fool, being taken home by fr ill, under direction of the hotel i . officer. Any appeal I # might udk. would only be laughed at. Vinl . - ’ fellows were in earnest; they w.i. pre pared to go far in attaining > *r emhy This was a plot, well e.,n . ■ . [ and thought out. From the rv-„ eoldly. appearance of Miss Probyn tie . of every move was to get m< do their possession; it had all been pi j, the quarrel at the cafe, the room t / 1 in tnis obscure hotel, the nil - of my pockets, the offer of money . \ 11 now, ghttn all these means of 1. my secret hail failed, these men equally prepared to go with on t ..'ii more desperate tactics. Ki.-ii |, had not asked where he was to lure the machine; he already kre v | did not, yet my min i gra-pe | on.* probable fact—I was either tnlic : to some rendezvous, where I < u * I safely kept, froni discovery, or I— to the hangiir where my miHioi'l in., was under guard. The Litfer -no ••i-i- tion did not appear reasonable in i-\\ of the Tact that such an appen n.v . would involve the danger of e\ii ■ ,r • \| Brandt would never risk that, < \ nr .as a last resort? He was a secret af ir. and his ability to produce resuh' de pended largely on his presence I" unknown. From the eonver- .n overheard it was evident my nien 'mI lxs*n already tampered ^ith -tlie I’m- kerton guard—or one of them, at —bought, and Ramon rendered t-- less by intoxicants. But 1)** V remained sober and watchful nl the hangar could not be broken him without creating alarm. N«>. the object must be to get me where I ;l I be handled, tortured if need b. driven fo reveal nil I knew. Vil I *’oult| exfx*et little uxti'v,, ouw iu.'V — dis-med themselves safe. 1 ha I u l whispers of Brandt’s m*‘thods in I •!» : diplomatic and smiling as |t< i|»- pcareij outwardly, bv uatjire n. be longed to the age of the Impii-i ei To attain his ends he would ni" late at any des|x*rate expediem outlook was not a pleasant one The* house-detee^ive di-.tpp I within; there were occasional pa- — by, yet I was guarded too elo- i make any disturbanee. I ihow.: 1 I saw sornenne loitering in -the doorwaV’ of a railway liekei Continued on Page f) Sobel & Bogosld wish a MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL v \' We desire to fvish our many friends and customers a very, very ‘ N v ' ^ ' ' ' \ Merry Christinas . * AND Happy Holiday Season 1 *' / i- ■ _ ' . We wish that the glad season will bring you many joys and that the year has been most prosperous. |- tlon to f?,e gtft rhrt of the program there will he n program of *ong and entertainment by the school, and an address by a well known speaker. Miss Edith Fraser ha* kindly con sented to tell the school a Christ mas story, and those who know Mis* Fraser’s aptness In this line will know what a treat Is in store for them. MAKE IT EASIER TO RENT . .>THAT HOUSE e I •Ms it wired for Electricity?” This is one of the first questions asked by the vast majority of prospec tive tenants. How will you answer it? If you can say “yes” the house will already be half rented, for, of all modem improvements Electricity is recognized as the first and greatest. Arrange to have your property all put on the “Wired for Electricity” list. The increased rental will quickly pay for this small investment. Many real estate men so appreciate the value of Electrit Service that they do not attempt to rent or sell a hou&e without first wiring it for Electricity. See that YOUR property has Electric Service before the renting season is upon you. 4 I will be glad to estimate on wiring one or more of your houses Jibe RIGHT way free of coat to you. / H. O HOTTE WALTERBORO. S? C. FOIl SALK—At public outcry in front’ of the court housed 280 acres of land, bounded by fol lowing parties: B. R. C.riffin. A. Q. Padgett, Mose Rivers. .1. W. Avant and G. C. Benton. Sale to be held on Salesday in January, same being Jan. 1, 1M7, at the usual hour of sales. R. M. JKFFKUIKS. Published on the 20th and 27th days of December. 1916, in The Press and Standard. G. ALBERT BEACH. Probate Judge, Colleton County. Horses ^ Moles CAR OF HORSES AND MCLES irST ARRIVED. SEE THEM BE FORE YOC BCY AND SA\E MON EY. Yarn Bros. Co. SMOAKS. S. C. WILL SOON BE CHIMING And once more the question of "What Shall I Give Her” rings through your mind. “She Has Everything.” you say. But there is something you can give her— something that every woman terms as the ideal Christ mas Gift. “JEWELRY" is the answer. See our stock and solve the question. Wishing a HAPPY AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL Finn Jewelry Store WALTERBORO. S. C. s E S This Week-Buying Horses and Mules Special attention will be given to the selection of this stock. It will pay to wait ahd see them before buying ■' *«»? elsewhere. Your business is solicited. Walterboro Live Stock & Vehicle Co. . ■ & II. W. BLACK., Jr., Manager ', * * * . Sample Shoes For XMAS Our Mr. Fromberg has just returned from the North - ' \ where he purchased a full supply of new Sample Shoes for the Christmas trade. These shoes are bought for the least money possibly and will be sold accordingly. Come in and see them for yourself. NOT ONLY SHOES BUT EVERYTHING ELSE The Sample Store H. M. FROMBERG, Proprietor. - Next to First National Banlt.