Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1889-12-12
CHAPTER XIII.
GILES BRoCKLE's BOLD HAND

GILES BRoCKLE's BOLD HAND.
Giles Brockle's conscience, dull as it
was, accused him as time passed. Once
he started upon beholding man on Sat-
turday who resembled Algernon Somers.
The mans head was bandaged with a
dirty rag; his clothing was coarse, too
Now that Giles looked at him as he bent
over another man, he did not bear much
if any resemblance to Somers, who was,
he hoped, in the bottom of the river.
Still the thoughts the chance resem-
blance aroused made Giles feel uncom-
Portable. If Somers were as completely
completely out of the way as Rutledge
now. 1t was some satisfaction to know
that John Watrous, the preacher, and the
man who drew up the will were out of the
way.
Before nightfall it was discomforting to
learn that Squire Jepson was alive-all
the Jepsons had escaped. Giles hated
the family. He cursed them one and all.
The Squire knew too much about him
besides, he was in his uncle's confidence.
1t was certain that Squire Jepson knew
the contents of the will. Giles was be-
side himself with rage when he fell asleep
Saturday night.
But he resolved to test the matter to-
morrow. He would compel the Squire to
reveal all he knew. He could exasperate
/ Jepson, and he would. That was his
strongest weapon-his reputed weakness
he, the man who did not stop at mur-
derl
Il wonder if all the world is like me-
playing a deep game" Giles asked him.
self, as he fell asleep.
Sunday morning found him still firm
in his resolve to draw Jepson out" He
| put himself in Broadhurst's and Jepson't
way.
Jepson's manner was unchanged. Broad.
hurst's, on the contrary, was altogether
unlike his usual manner. He neither
spoke to nor looked at Tom Peters heir
In the arrangement of certain affairs il
which, had he been there, Tom Peters
wishes would have been consulted
Broadhurst ignored Giles SO pointed,
that the latter was stung
Don't you think, Mr.. Broadhurst, yol
ought to consult some of the men whit
have had business relations with Mr.
Peters before you do that? Mr.. Peter
has some rights; his property is q
stake"
Enoch Broadhurst deliberately turned
his back upon Giles Brockle, and con
tinued planning as though no one hat
spoken. Giles turned to Squire Jepson
Mr.. Broadhurst is taking good dea
on himself, for one man. want him t,
know that my uncle's rights will be main
tanned"
Are you sure you are able to speak TO
your uncle, Giles2' Jepson asked, coldly
Il will speak for myself. If my uncl
dies, this is my property. am protecting
myself"
"Ah!"
"You needn't say 'Ahr Jepson. war
you, now. not to carry your plan out. I
you do, I'll prosecute you. You preten
you have to knock this wall down to saw
the houses below it. don't see the ne
cessity. You shan't do it, either.
Broadhurst at that instant headed tn
men who, provided with a great beam
were bent upon pushing the wall over.
@Do you deny my right, Mr.. Jepson
I want to know.
Il do. You are no more concerned i
this matter than the veriest stranger
, Tom Peters.
How do you know thatP"
@Pooh! Find out.
J, That was all Squire Jepson youchsafe
, as he strode away, casting contemptr
Que glance upon Giles.
He does know" Giles said to himsel
{ aHe'll rue it. I'll make him eat his word
Curse him, I'll get even with him befol