Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1886-10-07


CHAPTER xvIL-CoNrINuED
The next day was Sunday, and in
the afternoon Walter dressed himself
neatly. sporting a little cane. which he
rhanced to find, newly shaved and
with very much the air of a dandy
called on the banker at his residence
The afternoon was pleasant, and Mr..
Smallweed, his wife and daughter were
sitting on the portico in front of the
house. As Walter entered the front
gate in a careless, unconcerned man
ner, the banker, with bland smilo on
his face, arose and walked down to
meet him.
"Good-day, sir" said Mr.. Small
weed.
Good afternoon" replied Walter,
with n courteous bow.
4 presume, young man, you wished
to see meP" said the banker.
81 do, Mr.. Smallweed, and on n
matter of the most vital Importance 70
you," said Waltor. ~ would not have
come TO see you on the Sabbath day,
had 1t been any matter which could
have deferred"
what is itPn asked Mr.. Smallweod.
the broad smile disappearing from his
face as he observed the terrible ear
nestness in the countenance Of his vis-
itor.
II must speak to you alone, whore
no living mortal can hear what ] say,
or even see our features while we con-
verse"
Come, then, TO my private room;
there we will be safe from intrusion. 4"
The banker led the way and Wal
ter followed. When they were in the
room Mr. Smallweed locked the door
aud again asked:
"What is itP"
you are in danger Mr.. Small
weed"
'Of whomP Of what?"
''Of burglars and murderers," said
Walter ''Now do not start or be
alarmed at what ] am about 70 tell
You, but there is a deliberate plan on
foot to rob and murder you on next
Wednesday night. The same men
who attacked and came so near muir
dering the unfortunate Californian
know that his gold is locked up in your
vaults"
''How do you know they know itP"
''Because l am one Of them" re-
marked Walter, coolly.
''Whatl'' shrieked the banker, start
ing up in alarm.
do not be frightened, Mr.. Small
weed, but listen TO me patiently. l am
only one of the burglars to detect them
and bring them to justice. am one
for purpose.
"Young man." said the banker, in a
very serious tone, ~ must have full,
fair and complete explanation Of this
whole business. There are many things
81 Il do not understand. 1t Is very
serious matter. and you must convince
me that You are honest"
''Had intended or desired the rob.
bers 10 succeed, / should never have
Informed you Of your danger" said
Walter.
THAT Is so; but go ahead now and
tell me all about IT,
Walter proceeded to carefully and
truthfully relate brief history OF his
own sad life, especially tho disgraccful
accusation of Brewster at Queenstown,
his employment at the farm at Mr..
Miles and meeting Bill Martin and
Jack Hawkins with their band in the
woods. He told all, and the banker
was lost in wonder.
"Their plan is for me to get in Your
employ Z possible" said Wmter, "and
let them in. II you should be in the
bank, or whoever sleeps there is TO be
killed, the safe blown open and the
money taken from f."
81 believe you 10 be an honest but
unfortunate young man." said the
banker. with considerable warmth.
lyon shall be employed as my clerk,
and you shall let the burglars in when
they come, but ! will see that the sheriff
Is there ready TO receive them"