Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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T fi TV nc* * »» *? •? Ey HOWARD FIELDING Hi * *! Copyright, 1901, by Charles W. Hooke. 2 CHATTER XIII. ET.STE CHOOSES A CONTIDAVT. ^OfiN tliefollow innmorningr Captain Neale cpooar- ed at St. Winifred’s, demanding an inter view with Elsie. Ken dall had succeeded in refusing a similar de mand upon the previ ous evening and would have been glad to do it again, for he dreaded Neale In a sickroom as If he had been the angel of septicaemia, but the doctor could not honestly say that* Elsie’s condition was such as to justify him in shielding her from all questioning. As for the captain, he was "ifp against a new game” to use Lis own expression. Never before had he been held back from the bedsides of the af flicted in institutions wholly or nar- tiallv under municipal control, and doubtless upon this account there were fortunate souls in paradise who might otherwise still have been struggling in this probationary state. When Ken dall demurred. Neale strong'y intimat ed that he would "make trouble” for the doctor, but it was his own con science and not his fears which decid ed Kendall’s action. "You can see her.” he said, "if you vdll behave yourself.” And Neale was speechless in the pres ence of this audacity. It was not that N’eale was a captain of police, for such an officer may or may not amount to p row of pins: it was that* he was Joe Neale, tin* man with a "pull.” Therein lay the terror of his wrath. For as well as Elsie could be prepar ed for this interview she shuddered and turned pale when her eyes lirst rested upon the peculiar, grimacing countenance of the captain, more dis tressing than usual at that moment be cause he was trying to look beneficent. Neale had a singular delusion that he could be and seem to be all things to all people, although, in fact, his voice, his face and his manner were more rigidly incapable of disguise than those of any other man between the two oceans. He bad a monkey's pride In Im itation without a trace of the monkey’s capacity for it. and upon this occasion be was engaged In counterfeiting the demeanor of a family physician be cause he knew that Kendall did not be lieve he could do It And It was bis ex pressed conviction afterward that he bad made the doctor “feel foolish.” “Good morning,” said he. “Glad to «ee you looking so fine. You’ll be out in a. w»ek, and by the first of the month yor’ll be throwing kisses over the foot lights again.” Elsie’s forehead reddened with wrath, and she opened her mouth to say something that would have shown more spirit than discretion; but, catch ing Brenda’s eye. she suddenly closed her lips tightly. Neale turned *o Brenda. “It does my heart good.” be said, “to aee you here taking care of the sick—a society lady like you. I call It great. There’s few that would do It Now, I’ll bet the limit that you’ve been up half the night taking care of this poor little girl. Yon need rest 1 can *see that And what I say is that It wouldn’t do you a bit of hurt to go lay down while me and the doctor looks out for things here.” “Do you mean that you wish me to leave the roora v ” inquired Brenda, with o glance at Kendall. The doctor’s face was wearing that Indescribable expression incident to the first stage of seasic kness. He nodded, and Brenda walked toward the door, which Kendall opened for her, while Neale bowed several times as she de parted. Then the captain drew up a chair to the side of the bed. upon the 1 edge of which be laid his enormous and hairy Land, clinched, with the I knuckles uppermost. Elsie looked at | ?t, fascinated, wondering if it could | feally be a band “We got to havfc a little light, on this woman,” said the captain. “What woman;” inquired Elsie faintly. “The one who called on you that aft ernoon,” he replied. “Miss Miller has already said”— Ken dall began, but the captain Mfted his hand from the lied, thereby causing one side of It to rise suddenly, and made a gesture of protest "She’ll do the answering,” he si/id. “Who sats that any woman called on me?” demanded Elsie. “Now, don’t get excited.” responded the captain. “It’s well known that •somebody was there. Dr. Blair saw :ier leaving the house.” Elsie remained silent for a moment. Then she said: “There might have been fifty women leave the house and 1 know nothing jjbout it. What did this woman look like?” ••Haven’t you serm the i ewspupers?" .asked Neale. “Only some little pieces--Just to look at the pictures.” she replied. “Dr. Ken dall didn’t wish me to n ad the stories. - ’ “Did you see the pictures of tlv* ’mys teiious woman,’ drawu from descrip tion?” “No.” , “Miss Maclane didn’t show them to jyou"; Well, well! How singular!” “I selected the-things to he shown to Miss Miller," said Kendall; “most of - - “And you cut out all about the mysterious woman?” queried Neale. “Why?” “It was not intentional," replied the doctor, reddening. “I merely happened to do it.” “I guess Miss Maclane helped you,” said Neale. “What has Miss Maclane to do with, it?” asked Elsie. “A good many people think she was the woman,” replied the captain. “It’s beginning to be said all over, but there’s one person who thinks so and won’t say so—yet.” “Who’s that?” said Elsie. “Dr. Blair.” responded Neale. “You know who he is?” “I’ve met him,” she replied. “Mrs. Simmons got him to come to see me once when I was sick. I think he was staying at the house then. What has he to do with this affair?” The captain explained. “It seems to me.” said Elsie, “that anybody who ever saw Miss Machine would know her next time. If Dr. Blair says that he doesn’t recognize her, then she isn’t the woman be saw.” “Do you deny that she called upon you?” persisted the captain. “I certainly do deny it." replied Elsie, with decision. “Perhaps it was some other woman who looked like her," suggested Neale. “I don’t know any woman who looks like her," said Elsie. “I never saw one who did." The captain glanced at Kendall and said slowly: “She doesn't know anybody who looks like Miss Machine.” “Well,” said Kendall, “what of it?” “Why, neither does anybody else in the house,” replied the captain. “So Miss Maclane Is the only woman of that kind, so far as we know, who could have any motive for going there. And somebody went.” Elsie was beginning to be excited to the danger point, and Kendall cut off the interview. Neale yielding without a word of x>rotest. “Don’t you worry: not a bit,” said he to Elsie. “There aiu't going to be no trouble for anybody, except the guilty party.” When the captain had gone, Elsie pleaded with Kendall to let her see Dr. Blair. “All these stories about Brenda must rest upou what he says,” she insisted, “and If I tell him positively, face to face, that It was not Brenda he will make a statement that will put an end to all the trouble. And it is worrying Brenda- Tm sure of It. She tries to hide It from me. but there is something preying on her mind. Of course I have not understood what It was. but now I can see. We must remember how bard It is for a girl brought up as she baa been, all surrounded by dignity and re finement. to have her name In every body’s mouth in connection with such an affair as this.” Kendall was Inclined to take a favor able view of this suggestion. His own opinion, formed from the newspaper reports, was that Dr. Blair was a con scientious man who was trying to tell the exact truth In a very serious mat ter; that he believed It was Miss Mac- lane whom he had seen, but was wise and Just, enough not to say so upon any other ground than positive certainty. Upon the other hand, he would not de clare openly that the woman was not Brenda until his mind was clear of doubt. It might easily happen that a talk with Elsie would result In thor oughly convincing him, and for Elsie there was nothing to be feared, since Blair as a physician would know how to avoid exciting her. Accordingly Kendall said that he would send word to Blair during the afternoon. As it happened, he had leisure to go himself upon this errand. ElxU: looked at It, juKtf.naUd. and as outdoor air would have the charm of novelty for him he took ad vantage of the opportunity. He was surprised at the aieager furnishing of his professional brother’s small and dark waiting room. It was neat and not altogether destitute of comfort, but It was destitute of pa tients and had not the look cf a place that had ever been overrun with them. A servant’s rap upon the door communicating w'th the office brought fortli Blair, to whom Kenda l made UXiUOOk* W •• Urn - - The office was a large and dreary room, with a view of back yards. There w as a broad couch in a corner With a pile ot cheap sofa pillows, against wl ieh the doctor Lad probably been reclining. At •the foot of the couch -and oddly propped against the back of a chair was a single silken pillow beautifully embroidered. From a professional standpoint the room lacked many things that money can buy. and to Kendall, who was so far removed from the need of fees that he had almost forgotten the possibility of any doctor having to subsist upon them, the place spoke loudly of pov erty. As for Blair himself, he match ed his surroundings, for his mood was far from cheerful. “What eau I do for you, doctor?” he asked in the tone of one who has ceased to expect good from any inter view. “Miss Miller, who Is my patient at the hospital, wishes to see you,” said Kendall,. “and I called to ask you to come over.” “I hope a consultation isn’t neces sary,” said Blair, with a faint smile. “I understood that lam recovery was assured.” “It is In regard to Miss Maclane,” responded Kendall, with considerable embarrassment. ’ Blair faintly groaned. “I wish I had kept my mouth shut,” he said. “Of course If I can do any thing to please Miss Miller,” he added hastily, “I shall be delighted. I know her slightly, and she is a very charm ing girl. But really this matter of Miss Maclane Is wearing my life out. Policemen, reporters, unidentified vagabonds”— “And, last of all, a doctor,” added Kendall. —“have worried the flesh off my bones,” continued Blair without no ticing the Interruption. “They insist that I shall identify Miss Maclane as the woman 1 saw. They present threats and bribes. They offer all sorts of ridiculous plans for bringing Miss Machine and me together so that I may be sure of her. But I have seen Miss Maclane already, and I have said all that I have to say upon the sub ject.” “You have not said that she was not the woman," suggested Kendall. "No, and I won’t,” responded Blair promptly. “Why should I?” “Unless you are sure,” said Kendall, “you may feel like delaying a final statement, but I can’t help thinking that your course takes little account of Miss Maclatie’s welfare; 1 might al most say of her rights. However. I must not get excited about.lt.” “You seem to take a considerable In terest,” said Blair. “You have known Miss Maclane for some years, I am told. But that is none of my business. What does Miss Miller wish me to do?” “She believes that she can convince you that Miss Maclane is not the wom an you saw," replied Kendall. Blair was silent for some moments. “I don’t see how that Is possible,” be said at last, “but I would be very glad to oblige hpr. or you. if I could. There is. however, such a thing as the truth, you know’.” Kendall was beginning to feel pain fully anxious. There seemed to be a strong probability that Blair was per fectly convinced in regard to this mat ter of Identity and that he w’as reserv ing hls statement until the nature of the case should disclose itself. If Elsie should die, there u’as little chance that a man of Blair’s type would withhold hls evidence, for In that event some body would be directly accused, and a Just person would feel that all the evi dence should be brought forward. Blair’s present position was such that Kendal] did not know how to attack It, and so be fell back upon the matter of bis real errand. As to that there was no difficulty. Blair promised to call at the hospital within an hour. Having received this promise, Ken dall returned at once and notified Elsie of the approaching visit. Her manner was very significant. She was evi dently bracing herself for a consider able ordeal. There could be no doubt that she had determined to save Bren da from the annoyance to which she was being subjected and from the much more serious trouble that might follow. As she had expressed a wish to speak with Dr. Blair a few minutes alone there could be but one inference— she intended to tell him something which she had withheld up to that time. As Blair was the first physician who had been called to attend her she could claim the right of a patient and put him upon his professional honor i not to disclose what she might say. i Indeed, Certain questions which she asked made Kendall sure that she had considered this phase of the -.ituatiou. It was possible that she might Intend to go to the length of confiding to Blair the actual facts of the case, for by namlug the author of the crime she ! could most surely relieve Brenda from ! any further suspicion. Even upon the j supposition that Brenda had really ! gone to that house and had been seefi by Blair he would probably consent to shield her from offensive publicity if hi; knew her to he entirely innocent. Kendall was conscious of a strange, boyish feeling of discontent that Elsie should not have chosen him as the re cipient of this confidence. He could understand that there might In* rea sons why site should tell Brenda ev erything. and. as to that, indeed, he had no positive knowledge that site hud not already done so. Moreover, to have told him would have been merely to let another person into the secret, what ever it might he, since It was not he. hut Blair, who had the power to check the attacks upon Brenda. HtiU. he could not help feeling Isolated, tin* more because of his reflection that Brenda might already know all. From tills youthful frame of mind he passed to one more mature and practi cal. ft nilglit he Hint Blair was not worthy cf this confidence. Without pretending to know what Elsie’s secret might he. Kendall surely did not wish It to be betrayed. .’11 consideration of abstract Justice had vanished In per sonal Interest. He was for Elsie with a genuine loyalty, and Biair had not impressed him favorably. He seemed a morose and discontunted man. with an unsatisfied craving tor something, probably money, and he had not a per fectly honest eye. Supposing that El sie’s secret involved Alden and that Al- den had really become rich in a way in visible to his closest friends—well, In that case it might be that Dr. Blair would be able to afford a better office. With these thoughts in mind Kendall ventured to caution Elsie against the evils incident to an unwise trust in the discretion and the promises of one’s fellow creatures, but Elsie seemed to have an excellent opinion of her own good judgment, as often happens with the young. When Blair appeared. Kendall men tioned to him that Elsie desired to see him alone for a few minutes, adding, Dr. D. P. THOMSON, Dentist. "I was not aware you made it a matter of conscience.” “She seems to have some communica tion which is In the highest degree con fidential.” ”1 shall treat whatever she says as a matter between doctor and patient,” replied Blair, somewhat too promptly, as Kendall thought. Nothing of importance occurred dur ing the time when Brenda and Kendall were present with Blair in Elsie’s room. It might have been one of the doctor’s regular professional calls. The private conference lasted not more than five minutes, and It pro duced no very notable effect upon El sie, but Dr. Blair seemed to have re ceived a considerable surprise. Ken dall was far from satisfied with the man’s looks. He was not only agitat ed, but he had the air of one who is both scared and pleased, like a man who sees an opportunity the nature of which both attracts and frightens him. And the thought came to Kendall that this secret might affect Brenda, whose father was very weak in the nerves and very strong In the pocket. On the face of the matter, howevei. It appeared that Elsie had achieved a notable success, for Blair said to Bren da: “Miss Miller tells me that you are much disturbed by the absurd attempts to identify you with the so called ‘mys terious woman’ in this unfortunate af fair. I think I can put a stop to these stories.” “Was it for that that she asked you to come here?” demanded Brenda, who. by Elsie’s request, had not been in formed in advance of tils attempt. “Oh, no; it was merely incidental,’’ replied Blair, “and my conclusion de pends partly upon my having seen you again. Your word should, of course, have been enough for me, but I have not taken a proper view of the serious ness of the matter. I shall now state positively that you are not the lady 1 saw.” ‘T would prefer that you say nothing at all,” said Brenda after a brief Inter val of reflection. Blair showed hls surprise. “I do not understand,” he said. “Surely you wish me to speak the truth?” “I was not aware that you made It a matter of conscience,” replied Bren da, slightly Inclining her head by way of dismissal to Blair, who was upou the point of leaving the room. Office over Nutionul Bunk. J. E. WEBSTER, A.ttoraey- filceiu Court House.(Prohate'JudK* soflici Gaffney City, S. C. Practices in all the courts. Collec- olors a specialty Or, C. T. LIPSCOMB. Dentist, Office over R. A. |onei A Co.'e Store. Jan be found at office six davs tn the week OR. J. F. GARRETT, Dentist, Gaffney, - - - S. C. )ffice over J. R. Tolleson's new store In office from 1st to 26th of each Booth: William S. Hall, Ja. James A. Willis. HALL & WILLIS, ATTORNEYS AT LAW. »A tc V, c:. Notary Public in office. Prompt attention <lyen to all business. Office over R. A. Jones <5t Uo.'s store. J. C. OTTS, Attorney and Counselor. Office upstairs, between R. A. Jones and Javenport. Office and Residence .Phone. Ninety Per Cent. i<f all chronic headaches are due to tye Mr:t!u. G . to Or. Urlttith at thf i herokie Dru>r Go’s, ami have the d< - feet in vision corrected and thus be Quickly and Permanently Cured. Gln-v-s fitted with scientific accuracy and all d'st-a'-es of the Eye. Far, N'»se and Throat treated accordin'-'to the latest and most approved methods. Beware of Traveling Frauds who Advertise Free Examinations. iTci Bulidinc and Piasterlmr Line Coal, and Piaster Halt. Plasttr Piris. Rosendate remem,. Portland Cement Dynamite, Biastint; Powder. Ease and Dynamite Caps, call on Limestone Springs Lime Works CARROLL & CO.. Lessees. 9 Tefephnn** 5?. G. W. SPEER, ATTTOKIVISY-AT-IvAW, GAFFNEY, S. C. jfflce in Auditor’s office at Court House. J SHINGLES, BRICK, SASH, DOORS, BLINDS aiul all kinds of Building Ma terial, Paints, Oils, Etc. for sale at a small per cent, above cost for cash. Estimates made without charge. L. BAKER Jones J. Darby. Insurance. 1 Write Life, Fire, Health, Liability, Accident, Plate Glass and Surety Bonds. Rates Reasonable.^ Jones J. Darby. j-1- Thin story will be continued in next Friday’s issue of The Ledger. My stock of General Merchandise at Go forths, S. C., is more complete than ever be fore and owing to the hard times I will sell at greatly reduced prices. I handle almost every thing in Dry Goods, Notions, Shoes, Hats* Staple and Fancy Groceries, Hardware, Etc. I also have about 30 head of Horses and Mules which I will sell cheap for cash or good paper payable next fall. Also three good Milch Cows with young calves on same terms. Don’t forget that I am still handling Tyson & Jones, Corbitt, Cincinnati and Studebaker Buggies, and Taylor, White Hickory and Studebaker Wagons at Goforths, S. C., and will meet any honest competition. Syracuse and Southern Harrows and Farming Im plements. Fertilizers of all grades on hand and to arrive soon. See me before buying. J. I. Somf n“i>pli* nt*vi*r know what they want until tht-y can't get it. Announcements: i ’iirii!. umltT tl la )it*:i(i will I*' irsi- t**<J iinee ;i week until tin* primary for Cash rmisi positively accompany all cony before any lion will he given the orner. F. G. Stacy. President. J. G. Wakdlaw. Vice-President THE NATIONAL BANK OF GAFFNEY. CAPITAL, *50,000 SL’Krns AND PROFITS, - 10,000. &3iate. County »nct Cit.v IJepowitory. Deni mils solicited from Farmers, Merchants, Manufacturers and others. Every accom modation t xtended to customers that their business and responsioillty will warrant. I ». i<< >t*4S-i C'ltHliier- The friends I f fir. John G Ishck announce Mm a candid'f'e to represent < Jhorohee coun ty in Ihe State Senate. One MEnute Gough Cure For Coughs, Colds and Croup. Foley 9 s Money and Tar for children.safe.surc. /Vo opiates. KIDHEY DISEASES are the most fatal of all dis eases. cm CV’Q nmey cure is i iULlI a Guaranteed Remedf or money refunded. Contains remedies recognized by emi nent physicians as the Best for Kidney and Bladder troubles. PRICE 5fc. aod 51.00. A. N. Wool President K. B. BROWN. Vice-President. IVXorolituitH cl3id 1 *Li 111 oi>-> lictuk. OF GAFFNEY. S. 0. OAPITAIv **30,000 **4,000. State and County Depository. Does a genera! Banking and Exehau>..e business, is well titled up with Hre Proof Vault and Burglar Proof Safe, with Automatic Time lock. Wo solicit the business of people of all occupations O. tVJ. rJ’vtiT’M. Owbler HEALTH and vitality f I Bn B B ■ MOTT'** is b maam m sum u at a ivKiA.-vun-xiviJ x»xx.x4B The great remedy for nervous prostration iud all diseases of th 'generative organs of either sex, sueb as Nervous Prostration. Falling or Lost Manhood, Imnoteney, Nightly Emissions. Youthful Errors. Mental Worry, excessive use of Tobacco or Opium, which lead to Consumption and Insanity With every iCTCD IICIUC $5 order we guarantee to cure or refund the money Sold at $1.00 per box, ArlLR Uolno. 6 boxes for *6.00. UK. noi l ’s (Jlll.nil AL to., Clevolaud, Ohio. rtFTor siilo bv Cliprokup I)niff Co. [yon's French Periodical Drops Strictly veyctahlc, perfectly harmless, sure to accomplish DESIRED RESULTS. Greatest known female remedy. PiUTIAII Beware of counterfeit*! and ImtlatinnH. The genuine Ir put up only In paste-hoard Ca^ WWlfllUH tm. wtih fac--<hiiile Mgnaluru on slilo of tbn bottle, (bus: -‘m 1 -»■ bend for Clrco.ar to WILLIAMS MKiJ.CO .Hole Agents, Cie»Miand.Ohlo. ■'ipgT . J? For sale by Cherokee Drug Co. V