Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1891-09-24
CHAPTER ~.
BAD BLOOD BETWEEN THEM.


The reading Of Perry's brief farewell
note gave Hiram Skidder a tremendous
shock, telling him that the actual owner
of the Musselshen property was for the
present beyond his reach.
What a mistake he had made in get
ting rid OF it. At very moderate esti
mate, what a fortune had slipped
through his fingers.
Nevertheless, like all men who are
wholly INSCRIPTIONS, daring, tireless
and capable. Hiram Skidder found peg
on which to hang his hopes at that mo-
ment of disaster. He instantly &C
cepted the suggestion of his evil nature
that he would eventually find means, no
matter how vile, dishonest, or murder
ous-in Montana, If not before-to re-
cover the ground he had lost He would
yet be the possessor of the Musselshell
property. He would yet make all secure
by getting hold OF Perry's deeds before
they could be put on record.
"Just how long has Mr.. Wynans been
gomez" he asked. as soon as he could
find voice, thrusting the letter into his
pocket.
~He went out at the heels of your
niece, sir, answered the clerk who had
ushered Ellie into the merchants pres
ence.
@Ah, he did?"
The fact seemed highly significant to
Skidder, who was aware that Perry
had been a frequent visitor at Ingle-
helm.
@Did he speak to her before she left
the store?" he continued.
mo, sir. But he watched her in a
way which showed that he was following
her and that he intended to speak to her
later"
The merchant flushed with disgust
u see it all, he muttered. turning on
his heel. They've gone away to-
gether."
It cost him keen pang to realize that
he had given Ellie the protection of
Perry Wynans by refusing his own.
"EOOl that 1 am" he said to himself,
@why didn't take her to Hilda? a few
soft words would have made her my
friend, and she would now be in my
clutches.
The situation was too pressing for him
to hnger upon these sterile regrets, and
he hurried back TO his brother.
His plan of action was decided upon
II find my cashier has gone out on
business, jerry" he reported. ave shall
have TO draw up the deed ourselves, or
go to my lawyers"
@Oh. we can attend TO it," returned
Jerry, with anxious promptness- Its
no great task.
Stepping to his safe, the merchant
produced his deed of the Musselshell
property and handed it to his brother.
~Sit near me and read it, jerry" he
said, seizing a pen, ~and do not read
faster than can copy.
Taking their places at the desk, the
brothers entered upon their labor, Jerry
reading the old deed carefully and slow
", while Hiram proceeded to trace the
new one.
That's all right" finally calculated
-
somehow I fancied, Hiram, you were
intending to trick me,
"How trick you?"
81 didn't see how, but I knew you were
none too good"
sThe pot should never call the kettle
black, " interrupted the merchant smil
ing grimly, as he touched a call bell.
-The notary viii be here in minute 70
witness the deed, and trust you will
have deoency enough not to Insult me in
his presence"
A clerk appearing, the merchant gave
him an order, and brief interval of
silence succeeded, which was broken by
the appearance of a notary.
"a deed to sign and deliver, Mr.. Nor
ris, " said Hiram Skidder, without taking
the trouble to present his brother to the
newcomer. ~It's all ready for our sig
natures"
The document was duly perfected and
handed to Jerry, who counted out the
$500, 900 agreed upon, and the notary.
after few words in the ear OF his client,
took his departure.
II would be hard to say which of the
two brothers was the most delighted at
the transaction Their mutual expan-
sion was tremendous.
"And now for the other half of this
property, Hiram" said Jerry, gaining
his feet and securing the deed in his
pocket with suppressed jubilance- slow
far is it to Ingleheim-to the home of
our brother-in-laW, Chariest Tower, who
bought these lands with you?"
about eighteen miles, Jerry, replied
the merchant, who was in the act of de-
posting in his desk the money which
had Just been handed him
There are trains every hour or two,
do doubt?8 pursued Jerry.
~Oh, yes; every half hour, think, at
about this time Of the day But why do
ask9S
Naturally explained the visitor. 4
am going TO Ingleheim TO see Charley
Tower, the husband Of our sister Mary,
TO buy his interest in these lands, and
III frankly warn You. Hiram
~Oh, save your threats, Jerry inter
rupted the merchant with insOlent iubi-
lance Il shall make no attempt 70
warn Tower Of your coming or Of your