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I T U 1 Hw 3. By REX E. BEACH. 1 Copyright. '19?. by Rax HL Bmfc. j hi _ ; P v [Continued trom page 2. J [ Rarely at a photograph of Roy Gleutotor "Oh!" Helen exclaimed ana then jytuaed u tt flatbed over her who this i ftrl war She looked at her quickly. Tea. probably men would cousider the \ woman beautiful, with that smile. < The revelation cauie with a shook, and abe aroee. trying to mask her con- | fusion. "Thank you so much for your kind- | neca. I'm quite myself now and 1 i must go." I Her change of ,*aee could o >t escape i rhe quVh perception* ot cue schooled < by expericiK-e In th.? sights of her aer. 1 Time* without number < berry iialotte i had marked that subtle, scornful ehauge in oMier wotucn. and reviled < herself for heeding It. But in some ! rway this girl's manner hurt her worst all. She betrayed no sign, however, ve a widening of the eyes and a cer I Id fixity or gmue as sue answereu: "I wish 70a would stay until you are rested. Miss" She paused with outstretched hand. "Chester. My name Is Helen Chester. I'm Judge Stlllraan's niece," hurried 1 the other, in embarrassment. 1 A Cherry Malotte withdrew her prof tared hand and her face grew hard and hateful. "Oh! So you are Miss Chester and I saved youT' She laughed harshly. Helen strove for calmness. "I'm sorry you feel that way." she said coolly. "I appreciate your service to me." She moved toward the door. "Wait a moment. I want to talk to yon." Then, as Helen paid no hoed, the woman burst cut bitterly: "Oh, don't be afraid! I know you are committing an unpardonable sin by talking to me, but no ana will saa you,- and In your code the crime Men In bafof I discovered. Therefore, you're quite I safe. That's what makes me an outoast I was found out. I want you to know, however, that, bad as 1 am, I'm better than you, for I'm loyal to thoee that like me. and I don't betray my 1 friends.'* I iT "I don't pretend to understand you." ' * said Helen coldly. "Oh, yes. you do! Don't assume sudh > innocence. Of course It's your role, but ' you can't play it with me." She stepped in front of her visitor, placing her i back against the door, while her face was bitter and mocking. "The little service I did you Just now entitles me to a privilege. I suppose, and I'm going J to take advantage of it to tell you bow badly your mask fits. Dreadfully rude of trie. Isn't It? You're In with a fine lot of crooks, and I admire the way you've done your share of the dirty work, but when you assume these scandalized, supervlrtuous airs it offends me." "Let me out!" "I've done bad things." Cherry continued unhoedingly. "but I was forced Into them usually, and I never dellberV ately tried to wreck a man's life Just for his money." "What do you mean by saying: that I have betrayed my friends and wrecked anybody's life?" Helen demanded hotly "Bah! I had you sized up at the start, but Roy couldn't see it. Then Strove told me what I hadn't guessed. A bottfe of wine, a woman, and that fool will tell all he knows. It's a g^eat k game McNamara's playing, aud he did well to get you la on it. for you're clever, your nerve is good, and your Wr makeup Is great for the part I ought f to know, for I've turned a few tricks myself. You'll pardon this little burst ef feeling?professional pique. I'm Jealous of your ability, that's all. However, now that you realize we're in the same class, don't look down on me hereafter." She opened the door and bowed her guest out with elaborate mockery. Helen was too bewildered and humiliated to make much out of this viclons and Incoherent attack except the fact that Cherry Malotte accused her of a part In this conspiracy which every one seemed to believe existed. n*oo fhof hlnf (\f /*Arnm. * tlon which she encountered on all 1^ sides. This might be merely a worn- 1 an's Jealousy, and yet she said Struve ( had told her all about It?that a bot- 1 tie of wine and a pretty face would s H make the lawyer disclose everything. 1 She could believe It from what she knew and had heard of him. The i feeling that she was groping In the J dark, that she was wrapped In a niys- j terious woof of secrecy, came over her 1 "^trgain as it had so often of late. If 1 ^Strove talked to that other woman, ! why wouldn't he talk to her? She 1 ohonfflnir hor direction to- ( ward Front street, revolving rapidly 1 In her mind as she went her course of f action. Cherry Malotte believed her ( to be an actress. Very well, she would i prove her judgment right 1 She found Struve busy in his private 1 office, but he leaped to his feet on her < entrance and came forward, ottering c her a chair. "Good morning, Miss Helen. You 1 have a fine color, considering the night you passed. The Judge told me all l about the affair, and let me state that [ you're the pluckiest girl I know." c She smiled grimly at the thought of j what made her cheeks, glow and lan- i ( juldly loosened the buttons or tier jacket. "1 stipjioee jou're very busy, you awyer man?" she Inquired. "Yes. but not too busy to atteud to in.vthlug you want." "Oh. 1 didD't come ou ImsiuetM," the uld lightly. "I whs out walking md merely sauntered In." "Well, I appreciate that all the more." he Mid In an altered tone, twisting his chair about. "I'm more than delighted." She Judged she was petting on well from the way his pro 'eealonallam had dropped off. "Yes, I get tired of talking to uncle md Mr. McNamara. They treat me 19 though I were a little firl." "WhM do yoa take the fatal step?" "What step do you mean*" "Tour marriage. When doea it ocsur? Ton needn't beaitate." be added. "MeXaiuarrt told ma about it a month ?go" He felt bia throat gingerly at the thought, but bia eye* brightened when the answered lightly: "I think you are miataken. He tenet bare been Joking." For some time she led him on adroitly. talking of many things in a way to make him wonder at ber new and flippant humor. He bad nerer dreamed be could be like this-so tantaliaingiy cioae to familiarity and yet sa maddeningly aloof and distant. He grew bolder in bia speech. "How are thioyi going with oa?" she questioned aa his warmth grew pronounced. "Uncle won't talk, and Mr. MeNamara is as cloae mouthed as can be lately." He looked at her quickly. "In what respect?" ' She sumtnone^l up her courage and walked past the ragged edge of uncertainty. "Now. don't yon try to keep tne la abort dresses too. It's getting wearisome. I've dene*my part. and I want to know what tin* rest of yon are doing." She was preps ret! for any answer. "What do yon want to know?" be aaked cautiously. "Everything. Doo't you think I can hear what people are saying?" "Ob. that's It: Well, don't you pay any attention to what people say." She recognized her mistake and continued hurriedly: "Why shouldn't I? Aren't we all In this together? I object to being nsed and then discarded. I think I'm entitled to know how the scheme la working. Don't you thtnk I can keep my mouth abut?" "Of course." be laughed, trying to change the aubject of their talk. But be aroee and leaned agalnat the deek near him, rowing that ahe would not leave the office without piercing some part of thia mystery. His manner strengthened ber suspicion that there waa something behind it all. This dlsilpated, brilliant creature knew the altnation thoroughly, and yet, though iwayed by her efforts, be remained chained by caution. She leaned forward and smiled at him. "You're Just like the others, aren't jou? You won't give me any satisfaction at all." "Glre, give, give." said Struve cynically. "That's always the woman's :ry. Give me this give me that. Selfish sex! Why don't you offer something In return? Men are traders; women usurers. You are curious; lence miserable. I can help you. therefore I should do It for a smile. You isk me to break my promises and risk ny honor on your caprice. Well, that's womanlike, and I'll do it. I'll put myjelf in your power, but I won't do It gratis. No; we'll trade." "It Isn't curiosity." she denied inllgnantly; "it is my due." "No; you've heard the common talk ind grown suspicious, that's all. You think 1 know something that will :hrow a new light or a new shadow >n everything you have in the world, ind you're worked up to such a coniition that you can't take your own >eonle's word: and. on the other hand. rou can't go to strangers, so you come jo me. Suppose I tell you I had the capers you brought to me last spring n that safe and that they told the svhole story whether your uncle Is inimi>eachable or whether he deserved langing by that mob what would you lo. ehV What would you give to see :hem? Well, they're there and ready x> speak for themselves. If you're a Ionian you won't rest till you've seen item. Will you trade?" "Yes. yes! Give them to me." she .Tied eagerly, at which a wave of ! crimson rushed up to his eyes and he ( x>se abruptly from his chair. He made :oward her, but she retreated to the vail, pale and wide eyed. "Can't you see," she fluug at him, . "that I must know?" I He paused. "Of course I can. but [ want a kiss to bind the bargain to , ipply on account." He reached for ler hand with his own hot one, but ihe pushed hlra away and slipped past ( dm toward the door. , "Suit yourself," said he, "but If I'm ' lot mistaken you'll never rest till rou've seen those papers. I've studied ' rou, and I'll place a bet that you can't , narry McNamara or look your uncle n the eye till you know the truth. Fou might do either If you knew them , n ho crook* hut von couldn't If T0U mly suspected It that's the woman, j PFhen you get ready, come back. I'll ihow you proof, because I don't claim ? be anything but what I am Wilton Strove, bargainer of some mean abllty. When they come to Inscribe my leadstone I hope they can carve there>n with truth, 'He got value re- ( . eived.'" v i "You're a panther," she said loath- : ngiy. ! "Graceful and elegant brute, that," ( le laughed. "Affectionate und full of day, but with sharp teeth and sharper ( rlaws. To follow out the Idea, which j )leases me, I believe the creature owes ^ 10 loyalty to its fellows, and hunts ( i lone. NowL when yoidve followed this conspiracy out and' pJ&trerf blame where it belongs, won't yo*i e and tell me about it? That door J? iuto an outer hall which* opens .uto the street. So one will! see yon come or go." Ah she hurrie<!! along she wondered dazedly why she had' stayed to listen so long. What a* monster be was.' Hia meaning was plain, had always been so from the first day be laid eyes on her,, aiul lie was utterly conscienceless. She had known all tttie; and yet, in ber proud, youthful confidence, and in her need, every bonr more desperate and urgent, to know the truth, she naa dared riak herself with him. Withal, the mat) was shrewd and observant ami had divined' bar mental condition with remarkable sagaelfy. She had failed with him: Dm the kirl now knew that she could ii?vw rest till stA found an answer to her ^neetlons. She must kill this ?iasplei<*i that ate Into her so. She thought teadsily of her uncle's gOtx!::cs<* to her; clung with despairing faith (o the last of tier kin. The blood ties of the Chesters were close and she felt In dire meed of that lost brother who war somewhere in this mysterious laod-ut id of some one In whom ran the stra a that bound her to the weak old man up jooder. There was MeSamara; but bow could he help her, bow moch did she know of htm, this uiau who was now?writhin the;dafffcaat aha dow of her new suspicions? Feeling almost Intolerably friendless and alone, weakened both by her recent fright and by her encounter with Strure, Beien considered as calmly as her emotions would allow and decided that this wp? no day to which prth should figure. TTiere were facts which it was Imperative the should know, a m! immediately; therefore, a few minutes later, she knocked at the Ml ot Cherry Malotte. When the girl appeared, Helen was astonished to see that she had been crying. Tears born hottest and leave plainest trace in eyes where they come most seldom. The younger girl could not guess the tumult of emotion the other bad undergone during her absence. the utter depths of self abasement she bad fathomed, for tha sight of Helen aud her fresh young beauty had aroused iu the adventuress a very tempest of bitterness and Jealousy. Whether Helen Chester were guilty or Innocent, how could Glenlster hesitate between them? Cherry had asked herself. Now she stared at her visitor Inhospitably and without sign. . "Will you let me come In?" Helen asked her. "I have something to say TO 7OU. When they were inside. Cherry Malotte stood and gaxed at her visitor with Insoratable eyes and stony face. "It isn't easy for me to come back," Helen began, "but I felt that I bad to. If yon can help me. I hope you will. You said that you knew a great wrong was being done. I have suspected it. but I didn't know, and I've been afraid to doubt my own people. You said I had a part in it that I'd betrayed my friends. Wait a moment," she hurried on. at the other's cynical smile. "Won't you tell me what you know and what you think my part has been? I've heard and seeu thiffgs that make me think oh. they make me afraid to think, and yet I can't find the truth! You see. In a struggle like this, people will make all sorts of allegations, but do they know, have they any proof, that my uncle has done wrong?" "Is that all?" "No. You said Strove told you the whole scheme. I went to him and tried to cajole the story out of him. but" She shivered at the memory. "What . success did you have?" inquired the listener, oddly curious for all Iter cold dislike. "Don't ask me. I hate to think of it." Cherry laughed cruelly. "So. failing there, you came back to me. back for another favor from the waif. Well. Miss Helen Chester. I don't believe a word you've said, and I'll tell you nothing. (.Jo back to the uncle and the rawboned lover who sent you. and in form tlieni that I'll speak when the time conies. They think I know too much, do they? so they've sent you to spy? Well. I'll make a compact.! You play your game. and I'll play mine. Leave (Ilenister alone, and I'll not tell on MeXamara. Is it a bargain?" "No. no. no! Can't you see? That's not it. All I want is the truth of this thing." "Then go back to Struve and get It. He'll tell you; I won't. Drive your bargain with him you're able. You've fooled better men now, see what you can do with him." Helen left, realizing the futility of further effort, though she felt that this' woman ^did not really doubt her, but was scounred hv lealouav till she de liberately choee this attitude. Reaching her own house, she wrote two brief notes and called In her Jap boy from the kitchen. "Fred, I want you to hunt up Mr. Glenlster and give him this note. If fou can't And him, then look for his partner and give the other to him." Fred vanished, to return In an hour with the letter for Dextry still In bis band. "I don* catch dls feller," he explained. "Young mans say he gone, come back mebbe one, two, 'leven days." "Did you deliver the one to Mr. Glenlster r "ives. ma am. "Was there an answer?" "Les, ma'am." "Well, give it to me." The note read: Dear Miss Chester?A discussion of a matter so familiar to us both as the Anvil :reek controversy would be useless. If your inclination Is due to the Incidents of last nigrht, pray don't trouble yourself. We don't want your pity. I am your aervmt, ROY OLBNI8TER. As she read the note. Judge Stlllman ?ntered, and It seemed to the girl that tie had aged a year for every hour in the last twelve, or else the yellow aftirnoou light limned the sagging hoi; Iowa and haggard lines of bis face most pitilessly. He showed in rolce and manner the nerrous burden under which he labored. "Alec has tohl me about your en^agrement, and" ft Rfts a terrible load from roe. I'm nrfjfftty tfad yon're sfofng to marry him: He's a wonderful man. and he's the- ooty one who can save ns." "What do yon anewu tryfit tiy wnat are- we in disager of?" she inquired, avoiding dirwtWHtoo of McNamani's announcement; "Wbv. that mot>. of coarse. They'll come back. They said so. But Alec can handle tile cnmmsndlug officer at ; the post. and. thanks to him. we'll have soldiers guarding the bouse hereafter." "Why- tlrey won't hurt us** "Tut. tut: I know what I'tn talking about. We're In worse danger now than ever, autl If we don't break up thy'plitnlee th?re".l be bloodshed -:hrtt's what. They're a menace, ati I they're- Crying to force me off the l benc'i tr> thay can take the law Into their own bends again. That's what I want to tee yon about. They're planning to kill Alee and me so be says and we're fpt to act quick to prevent murder. Now. this joung Glenlater la one of thorn. and be knows who the rest are. Do you think you could get him to tart?" "I don"T think I quite understand you." Mill the girl, through whitening lips. "Ob. ye* you do. 1 want the names of tbe riutriende.'*. so that I can Jail them. Tea can worm it out of that fellow If yoo try." Helen looked at the old man In a horror that at first was dmub. "You aak this of me?" she demanded hoarsely at last. "Nonsense." be aald Irritably. "Thle Isn't any time for ailly scruples. IV* life or death for me. maybe, and fbr it ? m U. tmmt Airu UV. UC 9?IU ui? swuww V* , but sbe> stormed at him: "it's Infamous! You're asking m? to betray the very man who eared us not twelve hdjra ago. He risked his life for us." "It Isn't treachery at all. It's protection. If we don't get them, they'll get as. I wouldn't punish that young fellow, but I want the other*. Come now. you've got to do It." But she said "No" firmly, and quietly went to her own room, where, behind the locked door, she sat for a long time staring with unseeing eyes, her hands tight clinched In her lap. At last she . whispered: "I'm afraid It's true. I'm afraid It's true." 8he remained hidden during the dinner hour, and pleaded a headache when McNamara called In the early evening. Although she bad not seem him since he left her the night before, bearing her tacit promise to wed him, hnw fernI<1 she meet him now with the conviction growing on her hourly that be -was a master rogue? She wrestled with the thought that he and her uncle, ber own uncle who stood In the place of a father, were conspirators. And yet. at memory of the judge's cold blooded request that she should turn traitress, ber whole being revolted. If he could ask a thing like that, what other heartless, selfish act might he not be capable of? AH the long, solitary evening she kept her room, but at last, feeling faint, slipped down stairs In search of Fred, for she had eaten nothing since her late breakfast. . Voices reached her from the parlor, and as she came to the last step she froze there In an attitude of listening. v I i-ri^. She jrou there in an attitude of listening. The first sentence she heard through the close drawn curtains banished all qualms at eavesdropping. She stood for many breathless minutes drinking In the plot that came to her plainly from within, then turned, gathered up her skirts, and tiptoed back to her room. Here she made baste madly, tearing off her house clothes and donning others. She pressed her face to the window and noted that the night was like a close hung velvet pall, without a star In sight. Nevertheless, she wonnd a heavy veil about her hat and face be? * UU.J iW. 1 .N/| lore sue exuuguioueu lud ngui auu stepped into the hall. Hearing McN'amara's "Good night" at the front door, she retreated again while her uncle slowly mounted the stairs and paused before her chamber. He called her name softly, but when she did not answer continued on to his own room. When he was safely within she descended quietly, went out, and locked the front door behind her, placing the key In her bosom. She hurried new, feeling her way through the thick gloom In a panic, while in her mind was but one frightened thought: "I'll be too late. I'll be too late," [Continued next week.]^ 0 Hie effect of Scot* Q pak children it f k makes them plum] 1 la rnnlaini PnJ I .itm 2 mm! Glycerine, to make 2 and to put together thi X b* fittle folk. X ALL DRUGGISTS; I Hereafter we positively refuse to publish any communication received at this office latei than-Tuesday, noon, except-lo cal a ad personal items, wbic) willjaot be available later thai Wednesday, noon, for th*- cur rent week. By trying to be ac conwnodating we are thrown lah ever}' week and we are tired o it. This notice applies t< EVERY BODY. 4-25-tf. fob sals. Brick in any quantity to suit purcha er. The Best Dry Press Machine-mad X b1sicx. Special shapes made to order, t'orre pondence solicited before placing veu orders. W. R. FUNK." Weak Kidneys axinsriitjsrtf&tt&sra t eparate taorfaalo aalt ami valet la taapte MM of clrculaiToa, aad to naonUta aa< LkatiaMeadaat nrk-rit from ike bod 7 ikroaal tke bladder. Amfoie vbea Ut umt *' ?* ead weak Uarm aatwau: mbl? to ptrfwii iMr w?k' ytOMri?, Mi p'rt I'r'tttk. tiiiniTttn tflliMtiHt u4 trtHfflliotiwi w ? HWli III laMnNnutltifMBl nikt ka ifM?d tkuk to tolMlMI uIm /M HW? III DoWHfo Kifaoy in* BU&UrPUL ynnyUviUaliiU ioUom fmittoaytoi u4 itlMWMtUllMlMttoMlQIVll u4 ttrmt ! For WmI Kldnays. BMkash*. In flammatt?n of th? bladdM ana ?l I uWnarr trouble* Do Witt's Kldno; 1)4 MMdM Pills aro uawupwSH A Witk'a Truiaifit for 2So. Moosf bask If ihsy IslL For Sale by W L Wallace. rinn't vii v Wait! TILL YOURPROPERT' IS DESTROYED, BUT IN SURE NOW, Against Loss By Fire or Cyclone. If you want the best, get you Insurance in a strong "01 Line" company. 1 represen several of the largest Fire am Cyclone Insurance Companies. L. H. FAIREY At Bank of Kingstree. 7-24 tf. Always That I can sav Remember you money o SASH, DOORS AND BLIND AND OTHER BUILDING MATERIALS. Wholesale Prices Direct fror Factor}-. Everything Guaran teed to come up to Specifica tions. D. J. EPPS, Kingstree, S. C Representing Cheraw Boor i Sasb Co nrsnif; } Applied by skilled mechanics ( } is worth a fair price. Cheap ( r mixtures slopped on by cheap ( r painters are dear at any price. 4 r We expect to receive a reason- i r able equivalent for onr labor. , ? Rut wft cnve as honest dollar's i r worth for every dollar we get, j r and we endeavor to permanent- , f ly satisfy our customers. , ALFRED WELLS, ; e Painter and Paper Hanger, ^ \ KINGSTREE, 8. C. 1 } Leave orders with. j Kingstree Hardware Co.\ ? -V . .. gga f*ji Emulsion on thin, o gt rosy, active, happy. | fat, blood and booe, it it is easily digested ml SOo. AND ai.oo. ^ BUILDING I ; DONE 1 At Your t ^ Own Price. I C. E. HARRIS, 1 General Contractor u) Rnildiir _ _ . ' GrteiyviUe, Sooth Carolioo 116-tf. IMtUI I 1 at WD4^3rdMoad*y 0 Visiting choppers cor1 iff// dUll? invited to coon up and (it op a stamp | . j^M.0. i PHILIP 8T0LL, j 9 27 12m. Con. Com. ' DAMiaivOtiAM VA^IAA , AC5ID 11 wtlUU aVMW' Tbeofflce ol the Supervisor of Key . istration will be opened on the first ! Monday in every month for the puri[ pose of the registering of any person who is qualified as follows: Who shall have been a resident of the State for two years, and of the county one year, and of the polling precinct in which the elector offers to vote four months before the day of election, and shall have paid, six months before, any poll tax then due and payable,, aad^jibo can both read . and write any section of the constitution of 1896 submitted to him by the Supervisors of Registration, or who can show that he owns, and has paid all taxes collectable on during the present year, pi opertv in this statb assessed at three hundred dollars or more. J. Y. McGILL, Clerk of Board. \ Bead the Parsers A Merchaits Balk's ad. this issue. Tree (3Vto?, how to obtain pMca, trada aiiHl ooprrigltfa.Mn, (N ALL COUNTRIES. Business direct with Washington saves lrM,l W money and often the patent. I < J I PitMt and lafrlngMMt Pnctlca Exclusively. I gl Wrttaoroocaatoaaat ? US BstS Stow*, off. 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