The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-01-10
CHAPTER XXI.


announced. 1t proved to be Captain Star
bright. Of course the lawyer realized
that his client had come with reference tc
the missing will.
Il have heard nothing with regard to the
lost legal document" said the lawyer,
smoothing his knee with the back of his
hand while he talked "It's most puzzling
case, indeed. l never saw any thing like
it during my long legal experience,
never"
s:What would you advises"
'The services Of q detective, perhaps."
The Captain corrugated MS Drows and
looked troubled, as well as thoughtful.
81 have but little faith in detectives" he
finally said. II have suspicion that I
could point out the person who is at the
bottom of the theft"
sWell!"
"Mrs. Martha Penroy."
"Certainly"
"Dld not understand you to say some
time since that you had perfect confidence
in this woman and that in fact she was
anxious for you to marry her daughters"
ST might have said all of that" returned
the Captain. sit was true four weeks since,
but now
"And now?"
"Now great change has come over the
woman. She insists that no VIII was
made"
"Indeed."
"She has gone so far as to order me out
Of the house as an interloper."
"That is bad," agreed the lawyer. "She
doesn't seem to be the weak creature you
imagined.''
"Far from 1t. Something must be done
at once or l am ruined"
The Captain seemed really pale and con-
cerned. Seekmore Gripes regarded the
floor intently, and slowly polished his knee
with the back of his hand.
| tits peculiar case, as / said before"
finally proceeded the lawyer. ''There GER
tainly was will made, and it is exceedingly
annoying that it can not be produced.
Time may aid us. If this woman has
secured the will through second party it is
evident that she has made sure of its de-.
struction."
"True. Yet am not sure that she has
had hand in the theft.''
"Do you suspect any one else?"
For moment the Captain hesltated. He
thought of Lura Joyce and of the crazed
brother of Mr.. Vandible, who slept quietly
|
of the two might have spirited the will
away. And there was Fingal, too; he was
certainly none too good friend; yet what
motive he could have the Captain was I'M
able to surmise.
"No one in particular" finally answered
Starbright. 81 have enemies, however,
and it is possible that some of them are at
tempting to ruin me. I would give ten
thousand dollars to get hold of that will
once more. Mrs. Penroy knows that no
will has been probated. She imagines none
was made, and unless somethin g is done at
once to prevent, she will institute proceed
! lngs for settlement of the estate in her
favor. She has threatened it.''
For some time Mr.. Gripes remained lost
in thought.
"She will undoubtedly visit the city to
consult some legal authority" he finally
said eff you could manage to send her to
me every thing would be we'll"
"Posslbly might do that"
II think that would be the surest way out
Of the difficulty" said Mr.. Gripes.
The Captain came to his feet
81 will endeavor to send her to you,n he
said, slowly. First, however, shall an.
nounce to her that the will is IN court ready
to be probated, and, if possible, prevent her
visiting the city at all, that is, for the
| present.
A clang of the office bell cut short further
speech. Mr.. Gripes came to his feet.
II will call again tomorrow"
And then CAPTAIN Starbright left the
place. unheeGing the presence of the vailed
woman who passed in as he went out.
Mr.. Gripes. the great lawyer I 'spose,n
said the woman, as she confronted the law
yer.
My name IS Gripes, but can not take
any more cases just now" returned he.
noting with keen precision that his visitor
was poorly clad, and evidently from the
lower walks of life. He was courteous
enough to show her chair, however.
She made no move to be seated.
i've got case 'at you may be willing
70 look at anyhow" proceeded the woman
~ reckon you're Cap'n Starbriahts law
| yer, hain't you!"
HE sometimes employs me.n
LIANT you'n him got into trouble lately
| kind of a muss like over the Lone Hollow
| property!"
"Madasn please come at another time "
gElnted Mr.. Gripes, with manifest impa.
| thence.
"Mcbbe, now, you wouldn't give some.
! thing for this"
She drew from the folds of her dress a
large legal envelope and held it toward the
lawyer. He took it mechanically. drew
forth its contents, a folded sheet of legal
cap, and then, as he glanced ut the first
page, started and stared at the woman IN
evident perplexity and surprise.
"Wuth any things' questioned the woman.
something. Where did you find itgn
I'm the woods, on the ground. where a
crazy fellow'd dropped it. furI see bj.,, loolr
a. :. - S-r=y r,ose lest arore n,...
up" =
"Indeedr'
Mr. Gripes thrust his hand into his pocket
and drew forth several pieces of silver. He
held these toward the woman.
Sne lifted her vail then and regarded the
weazen-faced lawyer with contemptlons
sneer. We have seen this woman before
Motner CaDera, OF Hangman's Gulch. She
hao purchased new outfit, lowever. and
seemed less filthy than when we last looked
upon her parchment countenance.
ITS with more" she said. harshlv
"How muchr'
'Give me a hundred dollars. don't snr-
render valyble papers like this fur notbin,
short OF that figure.'
See here, madam, if I did the proper
tnmg it would be to put you under arrest
Tor stealing thus paper. l don't prouose to
compound felony by rewarding YOU for il. >,
but didn't steal it.'
mot word. Go, or I'll put you under ar
rest" retorted Seekmore Crimes. staruly.