The Morning herald., 1878-11-22

hint from Mr.. Clark, that, as this was to be
Jaspers last night out of Jail, che really
should be placed in more commodious
quarters than he had occupied the night be.
fore" r.fe. o,,rs,-i ,.a,.. d. - ,,.-,s
The CONSERVATION created by the myste-
rious disappearance aided Clark in the con-
cocting of his plans against the heiress OF
the Clayton property, as also did the won
| derful sagacity Of Mr.. Belts, the prison off,
cial, who INDUCED in all sorts of surmises
and conjectures in regard to the affair, CIV
ing much more of his time to these than to
duty Clark determined that his prize, on
which he had, for years, fattened, should
not escape him, if scheming could now pos
sibly save it.
The smooth-tongued villain profered his
services as guard over Jasper while the ex-
emplary official was taking his supper, and
they were readily accepted. p" - 0.' ..
CLARK saw him on his way to the house,
where special board was laid for him, and
then sat down beside the convict. -.,-...,
swell, Ned, you've made mess of it,
haven't your" he said, half-tauntingly. ".1 "
Jasper's gaze was fixed upon the flooring
at his feet, and he seemed not to hear.
"What are you going to do, Ned, when
you get home to- prisonp18 continued Clark.
II thought you had more courage than to
allow them to drag you back as they'd drag
an OK to slaughterp 90 ia r.! ~, =
The man, lifted his head. st.a nrg ~
Cali the towards are not behind prison
bars, Jade Clark" he returned, doggedly.
Clark smiled iIQrW Ar14HH&4
. "That's cruel. Ned. But, seriously, old
friend, do you intend to keep mum on that
little history hidden behind that brain Of
yours?' .i s. s..- sd. Al .r.,s,,y -..-, ..,.r ..,
Jasper's eyes turned to the floor again, as
if the contemplation Of the wood interested
him more than the animated being before
him. u A p" sa.E 1mgol @s' "@6d
He moved his left foot out at an angle
from the other. and covered an object lying
on some loose straw So unconeernedly
was the move made that Clark thought II
merely change Of position.
"Jade Clark, you think me weak from my
injuries, and consequently at your mercy"
said the convict, slowly. ''You also think
that, should I remain SILENT you can force
those who unfortunately are Of the same:
name as myself Though assume another)
to pan out well. Regarding the former
idea, you are entirely mistaken" and as he
spoke he stopped quickly, moved his left
foot aside, and picked up pistol This
shows you that am able to protect myself"
He leveled the weapon. "While you were
enjoying your little chat with the guard,
this article slipped from your coat-tail pock-
et The officer having kindly left me un-
tethered, I have presumed to pick it up.
Moral: Never carry firearms in your coat
tailsp '.' "'
CLARK did not move. .'
Gas to the information and knowledge
beneath my skull" continued Jasper, with
tantalizing nonchalance, 1--WE shall see here.
after what use will be made of it. Haul out
yorr portable inkstand, Mr. Clark, your pen,
and piece of paper, for know that, unless
YOU have altered since I last talked with
you, you always carry such things" .a
The chagrined villain ground his teeth
with rage. 97.
To resist would be folly, for he knew that
Ned Jasper, weak as he doubtless was, could
overpower him. The hardships of prison
life could not rob him of strength acquired
on the sea, nor yet could his fast-healing
wounds. And then, the muzzle of pistol,
placed in such proximity to the temple was
still stronger evidence.
"You would not kill me2" he CALCULATED.
"Kill YOU, dog! I didn't think you such
cowardv' replied Jasper, mimicking the
tone Clark had employed when taunting
him. then demanded: "Tell me, quick,
where is John Clayton?" .atr
"How should know" whined Clark.
sYou threatened him, didn't your"
The pistol was showed little nearer the
vital spot ..a.. :
"Yes, yes" -
"Scoundrel! to menace an old man who
takes his troubles so to heart He may
have taken his own life, to save himself
from persecution. I have notion to
kill YOU. Jared Clark! But, if you cannot
tell where the husband is, likely you know
the whereabouts of the wife, or is she
dead2" H' ft-
"She is deadw
81 belieye YOU lie! Would that were |
able to prove itp Kissed the convict.
"You are all asp, poisonous and vie. 10
be touched by you is to die, and yet, some
day, your fangs will be drawn, and your
power gone Come, out with your writing
"What do you wish2" faltered Clark,
obeying the mandate.
"Pen little note, above your proper sig
nature, declaring yourself to have been a
witness to the affray which resulted IN the
death of William Armstrong eighteen years
ago."
Clark uttered an oath. NN
Don't get excited" said Jasper. u
am only going to cripple your blackmalnng |
schemes. Make the little document read
ss q communication from Mr.. Jared Clarx