Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-06-19
THE BANKERS CRIME
Diamond Cut Diamond.
By NATHAN D. URNER.
CHAPTER XIII.
HnNfE-rHRIrSrS

HOME THRUsTs.
The visitors who were introducing
themselves into Gilbert Marlowe's private
office, as Noel was quitting it to go up
stairs, were four in number, and were
such as were calculated to cause the
banker and his legal confederate species
Of panic.
One, indeed, was q gaunt, keen-eyed
man, Of taciturp, business-like air, whom
they did not recollect to have seen before;
but the two principal figures were Jasper
Marlowe and his wife, and they were ac-
companied furthermore by no less o
parsonage than Mr.. Hartwell, whose
ability and high standing at the London
bar had achieved for him something of o
national reputation.
Crosk was the first to recover his self
possession, and he at once set about
facing out the affair boldly.
-Ah, Mr.. Hartwell, how are you?" he
exclaimed, stepping forward briskly. Il
don't happen to be acquainted with your
companions, but of course a visit from
you must be esteemed high honor both
by Mr.. Marlowe here, and myself" And
he extended his hand with smile that
was meant to be of engaging frankness,
but was, nevertheless, more suggestive Of
hyena's snicker in place of skulls.
HYou can't really expect me to shake
hands with you, sir?" said the great law
yer, waving aside the outstretched palm
with contemptuous surprise; and then,
Rs his companions and he proceeded to
eoolly help themselves to seats, he turned
60 the banker, observing gravely:
"You, sir, doubtless recollect me,
though it is eighteen years since we met,
and, Of course, this gentleman and lady. I"
with bland gesture, indicating Mr.. and
Mrs. Jasper Marlowe, "are well known
to you
them, or you either, sir!" spurted the
banker, purposely taking refuge in bad
temper, the better to rally his demoral-
lied forces to the support of his sur
prised assurance.
@But what do insist on knowing, sir,
is the meaning of this piece Of impu-
dence, sirl Your conduct in thus making
your way, unannounced, into my house
and my presence is scandalous, sirl
Zoundsl shall demand an explanation
of my servants at once.
Red in the face, he fairly danced
across the Office toward the door, which
had been left open, but before he could
teach it Miss Winford made her appear
ancethere, and calmly confronted him.
You need go no further than me for
an explanation, Mr.. Marlowe," said she,
quietly but with peculiar ring in her
voice that was quite new to him. Il an
ticipated the visit of these worthy per-
sons, and was on hand to admit them
without announcement. You may even
expect another visitor upon less cere-
mony presently
Her unexpected assurance almost took
his breath away.
-Insolent creature! are you crazy or in
ebriated?" he managed to gasp out. Quit
the room, or I may not answer for myself!
Consider yourself dismissed from my SER
vice at this Instant"
Not so. sir; and if you can not answer
for yourself, can and shall answer fol
myself at the proper time, be sure OF
that" said the housekeeper, still without
more than implied defiance, and she cool
ly swept past him. @And as for consid-
ering myself dismissed, l confess
should have done SO from the moment
discovered you as the villain that yor
are-and that was sufficiently long ago
only have had certain ends Of my owI
in view, which are now rapidly cuiminat.
ing.
She then deliberately crossed the floor
inclining her head to Jasper, Mr.. Hart
we'll and the stranger, and exchanging {
friendly kiss with Mrs. Marlowe, afte,
which she seated herself slightly apar
from the rest, with her back to the window
that stood between the side of the money
vault and the dividing rail, and looked
out upon the garden.
%This is monstrous! Woman, quit thu
room!" thundered the banker, almos
beside himself with fury, but with new
and vague element Of fear creeping owe
him.
Miss Winford slightly shrugged he
shoulders, and no longer even looked q
him.
.The end is not just yet, but it is com
ing, surely" she murmured, composedly
1T will be we'll for you to be seated
Mr.. Marlowe," said Mr.. Hartwell, slightl
rising, and motioning the irate banker t
the chair he had vacated. which was mex
to the one now occupied by Croak, an
facing the visitors, who were in line
with their backs to the dividing rail
4The grave charges that have to prefe
against you will require your utmos
confederate in the alleged crimes yonde
will be meet associate for you.
1He. he, he! This is rich, decided
richl" chuckled Croak, who was, none th
less, feeling very ill at ease. aWhy nc
make it regular melodrama, with pric
set for admission?"
II don't choose to be seated" snarle
the banker. There are no charges tbs
can be preferred against me.
@To prove to you, then, that We are ,
least in earnest. perhaps ! had better il
troduce this gentleman to you, said M
Hartwell, turning partly around to Il
gaunt stranger, who slowly arose, with
Stiff sort Of bow, as though partly III
hinging himself.
-Mr. Dalhoasie, let me make 70
known TO Mr.. Gilbert Marlowe, the well
known banker of Highcombe, and
Mr.. Cfoak, equally well known, and pc
haps even less enyiably notorious in leg
circles. Mr.. Marlowe, Mr.. Croak, this
Mr.. Dalhousie, the present head OF Il
secret police service Of Scotland Var
London. Pray, do not stand on ceremor
know each other. ] beg!'