Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1880-04-29

"Darrellw
It was Mr.. Leathe1wood's voice from
the inner office. The name called was
my own; and with the alacrity of an un-
der clerk ambitious of promotion, I re-
sponded to the summons.
"Jonah Mustell's note tell due yester-
day." said Mr.. Leatherwood, as I enter
ed. 81 want you to ride over to Beech
dale and present it. OF course it won't
be paid, for by his construction OF the
merchant law, debtor has the right to
at least three distinct duns in addition to
the days of grace. So the sooner we be-
gin the better. Here's the note, and an
order on Trotter, the livery man, for a
horse"
Mr.. Leatherwood turned to his writing
desk after these instructions, and lett me
to follow them.
Beechdale was country village about
a dozen miles from the youthful Western
city of which Mr.. Leatherwood was the
leading inhabitant.
The road had so many forks and turns,
that my head got turned at last, and in
spite OF my stock of itinerary informa-
tion, being kept replenlshed at regular
intervals, had the consolation, at the
end of several weary hours, OF finding
myself many miles out of my way. Ow-
ing to that mishap, it was late in the at-
ternoon when allghted at Mr.. Mustell's
gate.
cannot say that was won by that
gentleman at first sight. There was a
look of sinister cunning in his ferrety,
little eyes, when he met me at the door,
neither agreeable nor trust inspiring.
After an exchange of distant saluta-
tions, and an intimatlon from me that I
had called on a matter of business, Mr..
Mustell invited me to enter, and led the
way to an apartment, designed apparent
ly to serve the double purpose of sitting
room and Office.
81 am sent here by Mr.. Leatherwood."
I said, taking the chair offered ny Mr..
Mustell, ,'to request payment of this note,"
at the same time producing it.
The corners of Mr.. Musteli's mouth
went down perceptibly. His brow cloud
ed; his features hardened. Dun number
one, it was plain, had failed in persuasive
power. But for forms sake, I should
have waited for no other answer. Mr..
Mustell was on the point of giving
one, however, when the sound of ap-
preaching footsteps in the hall attracted
his attention.
With a hasty excuse he hurried from
the room, closing the door as he did so
could hear Mr.. Mustell greeting some
one whom he called "Sharker;'' and then
there was an introduction of Mr.. Nc
Lure, after which there was pause.
"You needn't be afraid Bob McLure,"
said voice which I reasoned, belonged
to Sharker. "He's as true as steel.''
"H-sh!" came warningly from Mr.
Mustell, who Immediately conducted his
visitors to part of the house out of hear
ing.
At the end of halt an hour Mr.. Mus
tell returned. His manner was complete
ly changed. His look was even cordial
as he expressed his regret for having
kept me waiting.
''As was about to say when interrupt
ed just now," he proceeded blandly, "I
have the money ready for the note. Tell
Mr.. Leatherwood should have called
upon him with it, but for the press of
other business
Hele was a surprise. How I had mis-.
judged from appearances! Iwould have
made an apology, had l known how to
do so.
Mr.. Mustell counted out the money in
bank notes, all crisp and new, which 1
carefully buttoned in an inside pocket,
leaving the paid note on the table.
1t was already growing late, and I had
no time to lose if I would reach home at
reasonable hour.
of, and after parting, the warmth of
which contrasted strangely with the cold
ness Of our meeting, I set out on trot of
which the vertical motion was somewhat
disproportioned to that in advance.
had reached the loneliest part of the
road, and the sun was just setting, when
I heard the sound of hoofs behind. I
had hardly time to look, before two
horsemen cantered up, one on each side.
He on the right seized my bride with
his left hand, and leaping down pointed
a pistol at my head.
''Dismount," he said, sif you value
your life! There is money in your pock-
ct, and must have It'll"
Reader, what would you have done in
my placeg l was without weapon.
had taken no precautions for my defense
for had not expected to be the bearer
of my present charge. Here I was in a
secluded spot, at the mercy of two des-
perate men. Well, whatever you, or an
other Drawer than myself would have
done, / adopted the prudent course, ana
surrendered at discreton.
In less than half minute the money
passed from my possession to that.of the
bearer of the pistol, whose companion,
though merely looker-on, was ready,
doubtless, to offer his aid in case of
need.
The robbery completed, the two men
rode away leaving me to 60 on my way
in peace.
At late hour I found Mr. Leather
wood at his house, and told him the
whole story.
He made no reply, but rang for a
servant. "Go call me the first police
man you meet" he said, when the servant
entered.
BY few searching questions he drew
out what minor facts had before omit
ted, by which time the servant had return
ed with an officer.
supposed the object was to put the
authorities on the criminals track with
out delay. Judge of my surprise, there
fore, at what followed.
81 give this young man in charge,
said Mr.. Leatherwooa. "He pretends to
have been robbed of considerable sum
! entrusted to him; but the circumstances