Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-06-12

4..A6A.u u6r 1uenUlGy, and you have
kept it, thinking to realize money upon it, OF
to have me in your power. What means it!
Speak, or I'll strangla you'll"
But William Jones was evidently unable to
speak, being perfectly paralyzed with fear.
Monk stretched forth his hands to seize him
again, when the old man, who had been a
Mortified spectator of all this, suddenly broke
in with:
'Look ye, now; know there was summat.
1t were a leetle book, stuffed in the front of
her frockl"
"a bookr' returned Monk, eagerly; sand
what did you do With it? Tell me that, you
old fool! Did you burn it?''
"Burn it?' exclaimed the other. ''No, mis-
ter, we don't burn nothin', William and me.
You know where you put it, William dear.
In the old place"
''Then curse you for an avaricious old
DEVIL Numbered Monk 'sThe book has been
stolen-do you hear?-stolen by that young
painter!''
He could say no more: the effect of his
words upon William Jones was electrical He
gave one wild shrek, and began tearing his
hair. It now became his turn to moan and
rave, and for some time nothing coherent
could be got from him.
At length, however, Monk gathered that
Ul6i0 was SOluo oSClo tl1eiC0 WHICH
Brinkley had discovered.
81 thought his poking and prying meant
t5umnlat, ''moaned William JONES' 'sIfancied,
too, seen marks i thesand, but Inever could
find no one near, and thought they was my
own marks. Oh, what will come to me? Pm
ruinedi"
Course your folly p exclaimed Monk;
''you've brought it all on yourself by your
own greed, and you don't deserve should
help you; but aUiil help you! Listen thenl
1t is clear that this young man has possessed
himself somehow of your secret and mine.
But from what he said to me, fancy he has
not as yet divulged it to a single soul. Hei i
the only human being we have to fear. We
must cease to fear him. you underestimate
No, William Jones did not understand; so
in order to make his meaning clear Mr..
Monk drew him out from the cottage and
whispered something in his ear. William
Jones turned as white as death, and began to
tremble all over.
IT couldn't do it, sir" he moaned "Look
ye now-I couldn't do it!'
Monk stamped his foot impatiently: then
he turned to his frightened victim.
s'Listen to me, William Jones. You ought
to know by this time that I have both the
power and determination to effect my ends,
Continue to oppose me and play the fool and
all that power shall be used against you Do
you hear? will ruin you! will hand you
over to the authorities as thief will have
you tried for concealing the papers which
might have proved the identity of the child
found washed ashore fifteen years ago, Do
you hear?"
Mr.. Monk evidently knew the nature of the
man with whom he had to deal. for after
little more conversation William Jones, cow
ering like frightened child, promised i'm
picit obedience.
'Now, then," said Monk, when he had
brought matters to satisfactory terminal
ton, you will show me this hiding place Of
yours"
To this William Jones at first objected, but
Monk was firm.
'Who knows" said he, "but there may be
other things having reference to the child. ]
mean to see for myself. Now, William
Jones'"
So William Jones, seeing that resistance
would be useless, promised to conduct his
friend to the cave; and after a good deal of
hesitation and of continued show of unwill-
ingness on William Jones' part, the two men
started off.
When they drew near to the cave William
Jones gave a cry and pointed to the sand.
Looking down, Monk clearly saw footprints.
They followed them and found that they led
right to the mouth of tho cave.
"It's standing openl" cried William Jones,
as hepointed down with trembling finger.
"Follow mel" said Monk, crawling down
into the hole.
Jones followed in terror.
As he reached the rocks below he heard a
sharp cry, and locking down saw, by the dim
light of a candle stuck in the wall, Brinkley
struggling helplessly in the powerful grip of
Monk. He had been sprung upon from be-
hind, and was helpless through sort of
garotte.
Mortified and trembling, William Jones
was rooted to his place.
Suddenly he saw the young man fall back
ward ifeless, and with one last gasp, lie per-
fectly still. Monk stopped over him and
looked into his face.
ooh Mr.. Monk!" cried William, sis he-is
he
''He is dead!'' was the reply. $50 much