The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1876-12-08
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER IT.
About fortnight after this encounter,
Roscoe Foote received card, on one side
of which was engraved, in old English
letters, "Mr. Joha Duncan" and written
on the other side, "Please call on me at
Arlington House.
The card looked weighty. It had the ap-
pearance Of representing man Of standing
and of means.
Foote brushed up his threadbare clothes,
and did his best to make himself presenta-
BILE.
He went around to the Arlington, and
sent his name up to Mr.. Duncan. That
gentleman would see him and casting
about in Lis mind for an explanation Of
this unexpected request, he followed the
waiter up stairs.
He found Mr.. Duncan in his slippers,
and divested of his coat, smoking a cigar,
and reading California newspaper. The
gentleman wore an immaculate white vest,
and shirt-front adorned with a large dia-
lnond weighty watch-chain hung IN
many doubles from his neck to his waist
coat pocket. A box Of "Henry CIay's"
were on the table by his side, which was
piled with corr espondence and newspa-
| pers.
"Sit down, Mr.. Foote,2 he said, putting
aside his paper, and pushing the box Of
cigars towards his visitor. "Take cigar
Foote took one, and lit it, thanking the
gentleman.
"You have made application about town
for position on the staff Of some Of the
papers as reporter or correspondent, !
! think"
'Yes, sir" Foote replied.
"Have you about you any credentials
showing you have acted in that capacity 2
He had, and produced several papers
for the inspection Of Mr.. Duncan.
"These are sufficient" said that gentle
man after reading them, and handing them
back. "Before make any arrangement
with you | would like to satisfy myself IN
one particular. Are you the man who is
or was the husband Of Mrs. Bessanet Par
doe ?"
II was,' said Foote, firmly.
Il am right then. Let me ask you anoth
er question At the time, OF before she
procured her divorce, did you make any
opposition q
'Neyer"
did you allow it to go by default?"
II never received any notification until
the information that the decree had been
granted her. III had. it would have made
no difference, as had no money to obtain
counsel"
Just as / thought. The thing is irregu
lar and can be set aside. Would you like
to have this divorce revoked ~
Most assuredly, if possible. 7 woulo
have possession Of my child if could"
Precisely. Now letme explain myself
4 You know something Of Mr.. David Wall
cot Of Oregon. I am from Oregon also
Wallcot was once my partner in business
he defrauded me 1 am determined tt
! be even with him. He hopes to obtain the
nomination for reelection at the end 9
4 the present term. He has several irons IN
the fire that will cool if he is not here te
give them attention, and if he has not alse
the same influence as now their loss.wouio
be the sacrifice of thousands of dollars te
him. I am resolved that be shall be dc
feated in the nomination, and fail in tn
schemes he has on hand. | own a control
ing interest in Que or two papers. ! wan
you TO act as the Washington correspond
ent for one Of the papers, at \ salary whlel
you shall say is ample If you carry out N.
designs. ! will from time to time give yo'
points which you are 10 introduce il you
letters, and our friend Wallcot must no
be overlooked I know enough Of his opel
ations here to ruin him with his constltn
ents, if the knowledge is only brought t
them in . proper way and through tn
right channels. Your letters will be e
printed in one Of the papers, and ! shal
bring about the opposition ! aim at ~
have no cause to like the man, for he
about to become the husband Of Bessane
Pardoe. / believe We can work n unlsol
ID this matter, II you decide TO take up wit
my ofer. Further, I will furnish you Wit