Mexico weekly ledger., 1891-11-19

After inducing me to aid her in securing
Trent's plumber by intimating that she
would marry me as soon as she got fast
hold of it she clapped me in Jail On
q trumped up charge of stealing her
iewelry. It broke my heart; made no
defense; she had everything ready to
choke me off in case attempted to turn
the tables on her, but she might have
spared herself the trouble. went to
Jail and staid there two years think
ing it over. By the time l came ont |
was ready for action, and thanks to our
friend, the count, who gave me ten
dollar gold piece, broken leg, and the
use of capital of couple of hundred
of millions, more or less-I have put IN
my first blow. am ready to follow
it up"
"Well, Mr.. Garcia" said Tom, cross
ing his legs and scratching the back of
his head, "they say confession is good
for the soul, but I'll tell you frankly, in
the presence of Count de Lisle. that your
story puts me in mind Of an old prov
erb"-
when thieves fall out honest men
come by their own?" Garcia interposed.
Eyes, sir; that is what meant"
~ acknowledge the impeachment"
Garcia interposed. ''Once was an hon.
est man, but better men than might
lose their virtue if they fell in love with
a woman like Sallie Matchin."
Count" said Tom, 'you found me a
poor man, and you have made me a rich
one. I owe you everything. But three
years ago, when you bore another name,
you were needy artist. Now scarcely
a man living has wealth to compare with
yours. Before I knew that you were
Keppel Darke never bothered my head
about how you came by your money.
But things are different now. You
couldn't have made your fortune. Mercy
knows it's my interest to believe every
thing good of you! But my wife and /
would rather go back to what we were
before than profit by anything that isn't
fair and above board. Do you want to
say anything about it?''
What l have, / found" said Count
de Lisle. mo crime was involved
in my taking possession of it. 1t never
had a legitimate owner. 1t never can
have one more legitimate than 1.
Some time after I discovered it l met
the man who had called it his. told him
that had it, and how and when got
it. He acquiesced in my ownership,
and SO far as he could made me his
heir. The time was gone by when il
could have been of use to him, and ii
was his wish, for reasons that he
| thought wise, that none of his descend
ants should learn of its existence. 1t had
caused only disaster so far, he said; be
bade me, If it were possible, to do some
good with it. That is how the matter
stands, Bannick. I tell it, not for my
sake, but for yours; for I comprehend
your scruples, and wish you to feel al
ease in the enjoyment of what yor
have. am glad, too, that you should
understand what could not explain al
first-that what have done for you wa:
a simple act of gratitude. You did al
you could to save my life, and in
tend to give you reason to be glad that
am alive"
"'Tis a strange story, count" said
Tom grave1y.
"It is the truth, Bannick. Some day
perhaps win give you the names thai
viii confirm it, but rot now; and yo1
are not the first to sr!loln they must be
told"
"I see, but you have told her nothing
at all as YETI
'sNo; that is difficult problem. If
fail there, all is failure. am jealous
of myself, and she must be faithful by
being rnfaithful. But let that pass. AR
you satisfeds'
He held out his hand as he spoke. Ton
rose and stuck his own into it. 81 be
ieve you are true mar" "he said. "Yol
have bleached your hair and beard, ant
you wear eyeglasses and a title; bu
there's nothing wrong with you inside
I never thought there was; but I'm glat
to here ii out of Your own mouth. Now
what are you going to dor
"To speak of personal matters. Their,
arc three principal ones: to settle my ac
count with Mrs. Matchin, to get mar
ried, and to appear in New York in my
own proper person. They depend on on
another. Until it is established beyond
possibility of question who the real muir
derer of Harry Trent was it cannot b.
known that Keppel Darke is alive, ant
until that can be revealed I canno
Ssrry. My present idea is to force tn
woman to confess her own crime; tn
rest viii follow of ITSELF"
SIS there no danger that she may fine
some way to check your
"Not while she has me against her,
said Garcia quietly.
Meanwhile" continued the count
II shall hurry forward my cottage o.
Long Island, and get the foundations O
the school Of art laid. Will you com
up tonight and go over the plans witt
meS'
"All right! Are you wise," adde.
Tom in an undertune, as they rose, ans
Garcia passed out in advance. ito trus
that fellow as you DOR
"Some risks cannot be avoided" tn
other replied. "But as long as he feel
/ do trust him I think he will hold on
And don't fear him in any case"
| FRO RE CoNTINITED