Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1891-12-09
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2sUs21 Story efweStesQ Life
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CHAPTER XVII.
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v u.
THE SERPENT AND HIS AGENT.
[ The reader may be inclined to think
ft a little strange that Scraggs should
manifest such decided interest in mat
Der that did not at all affect him. But,
rs has been said, Scraggs was a man of
heart, and he was great friend of vir-
kue. Besides, he was n man of strong
Impulses, and his likes and dislilxes
Svcre extremely pronounced. From the
moment he came to know Harry Pear
son in his true character he had disliked
him. and the instant he became cogni-
xant of Pearson's intentions relative to
Louise Green, he resolved TO thwart
chem if possible. And it may be added
that Scraggs was a man who. once hav-
ing formed purpose, never abandoned
IL until he had reached the end.
Thus may the interest of Scraggs in
this affair of Green's be accounted for
TO the satisfaction, no doubt, of all.
1t was late when Scraggs arrived
home, and it was impossible for him to
do aught that day, but at an early hour
the next morning he repaired to Mills
Office None of the great army of loan
seekers who visited Mills office every
day had made their appearance yet, and
Scraggs found that worthy alone, and
In a very few words stated the object of
his visit, which was to purchase John
Green's note.
Il am sorry, Mr.. Scraggs," Mills re-
piled promptly, but L cannot accom-
nodate you with the note"
why not?" Scraggs asked.
because / loan money as a business,
Ind IL there is profit in it want it."
Certainly, Mr.. Mills. 1 did not ex-
pect you to sell the note at its face
value"
You didn't? Then you are willing
TO pay Premium"
~ am, or 1 should never have come
here. We money lenders do not do
things for the fun of it."
That's very true, and fer that rea-
son am at a loss to understand why
you should be willing to buy Green's
note at a premium. l let him have
twice as much on his property as /
would under ordinary circumstances"
THAT has nothing to do with the
matter ut all. Please state what
amount will buy the note
! Mills looked at Scraggs rather curl
ously for an instant, then broke into a
soft smile.
Ito be plain with you, Mr.. Scraggs,"
he said, land to bring the affair to n
point at once, must say that the note
Is not for sale"
''At no price?"
eat no price"
MAY ask your purpose in holding
1t when you can make a good profit by
letting it go?H
Eyes, you may ask, Mr.. Scraggs, but
i am not compelled TO answer you"
For moment Scraggs was clearly
stumped," to use an expressive slang
term. The note was evidently beyond
his reach. and it seemed useless to try
further to get it. Yet he did not like
10 abandon the effort so soon, but how
10 proceed further he did not know.
Scraggs went back to his own office,
where he found Pearson in waiting for
him.
John Green came up to see You yes
terday afternoon" Pearson began, land
not finding you at home, left a message
with me-
You needn't put yourself to the
trouble of stating it." said Scraggs,
-coldly, ''since Green himself delivered
1T little later"
Pearson was taken somewhat aback
by these words, but in moment he
had recovered his equanimity and said
carelessly:
"You met him on the way home,
suppose"
YES, and he told me Mills had fur
nished him the money"
That was the message he left with
me"
For little while neither of the men
spoke, and Pearson began to hope that