The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1889-04-24
CHAPTER Ky.

An USPLEASAST INTERRUPTION
"Gonc The will gone! II you have lost
thatpaper, Scclmore Gripes, I'll be the death
OF you," cried Captain Starbrght, in stern
voice, in which anger and alarm were
mingled
"Tho wind must have blown it out the
window returned the lawyer. "a look
outside will make every thing plain sailing
again"
Procuring the lamp Mr.. Gripcs leaned out
into the night, flashing the glow up and
down the porch that ran the length Of that
side Of the house. He saw nothing OF the
lost paper, and as there was scarcely q
movement OF air, it was not likely that the
document had been cast out by the wind.
II was but few feet from the window 10
the porch, and both men proceeded at once
10 search the premises.
No discoveries were made, however, save
that the imprint of foot was found in the
garden where the ground was soft and
damp
The track was followed to the sidewalk,
where all trace was lost.
"Somebody rs on 10 your tricks, Captain"
said Mr.. GTipes, after the twain stood once
more in the lawyers room.
A black look came 10 the face OF the dis
comfted Captain.
at seems evident that theft has either
been committed. or else -
The ferret eyes OF the lawyer were fixed
in keen gaze on the face OF tho speaker.
"Well, Captain"
"or otherwise vou are playmga double
gamer
"lndeed lam a gentleman, sir"
"Doubtless."
al have professional honor at stake,
Captain Starbright Rather than 90 con-
trary TO my convictions Of right, sir. would
pluck out my righteye."
An incredulous smile moved the tawny
mustache OF the Captain.
The lawyer did not seem TO be offended,
however Evidently he understood the man
be was dealing with perfectly. II would be
O hard matter TO abraid the feelings Of O
man like Seekmore Gripes, who had been
for more than forty years criminal de-
fender OF the most conscienceless type.
His class exist and preyon the public In
all large towns, as the reader knows, and
In giving his character an airing no offense
Is meant toward that large class Of honor
eble men who make law their calling In life
There was no Disgusting the fact that the
will was lost Gripes knew that IL was
stolen, the Captain could not be surc In any
event he was puzzled and deeply chagrined.
Il do not understand H." finally muttered
Captain Starbright. "Who could wish TO
destroy the willi"
That Is not for me TO say. Yos ought to
be postedp
II can think of but one who would be ben
Gifted BY such villainy," said the Captain.
"Who Is thatP'
"Mrs. Penroy."
"Exactly."
sit can not be that she has had hand In
this. She hasn't the requisite nerve 10 do
such thing"
"A weak woman, ehl" smiled the lawyer.
81 lind them the hardest cases In my expert
encer
"Then you imagine that she, that faded
widow, without life enough 70 more than ex-
ist has oompassed ten miles OF space at
night, watched your movements with the
Keen eyes OF a detective, and at an oppor-
tune moment snatched this precious paper
from your tableP'
~ can't say that do tits for you to
draw inferences."
'Do you intend TO go back on me, Mr..
Gripesi'
"Not II you show proper shrewdness."
aWhat would you advised"
sThat you find that will at the earliest
possible moment"
"But that may be impossible The one
who would steal the will would not hesi-
tate 70 destroy H."
''True enough"
'If tho viii is destroyed we lose every
thing
s'Undoubtedly.r
aMrs. Penroy being the only direct living
heir 70 Morgan vandible would inherit
every thing. ! know she hates me and
she would not hesitate 10 ="
~ see, see," interrupted Mr.. Gripes.
aBut you must excuse me from further con
sideration OF the case tonight. IL may be
necessary for you TO employ detective. II
ehis woman you mention Is so timid and
weak, she would hardly dare destroy the
win. II may DO that she will be open 10
compromise. Move cautiously, Captain,
and see her al tho earliest moment It's Q
bad piece Of business anyhow"
Thed che little man resumed bis seat at
The table and tarned his back on his client
. Ignored compietely.
THIS move on tho part OF the WHY lawyer
IA roi p,ease Ca5.n.n SiarbriehL a.,4 Nc