The Globe-republican., 1892-04-25

OtudTt AdTIduQ gave OF Cnc man VINO
took his overcoat, said the detective.
Il think could recognize the fellow
| again il I were to see him." said the
| watchman.
Paxton asked several more questions
and then the watchman took his de-
parture. Stanmore, too, withdrew and
the detective found himself alone.
The watchman's story had confirmed
his theory that the man who had the
skeleton keys and wax Impressions was
the assassin of John Oakburn or the
confederate Of the murderer.
But Paxton determined to place Levi
kredge under surveillance, for he enter
tanned a suspicion of the janitor which
had been materially strengthened by
the Information that StanmOre had
given him.
That very day the detective placed
one of his most reliable assistants on
Kredge's track, and he also directed
another co-labOrer to shadow the
brokers-Pratt & Weeks.
The quest for the man who had taken
Stuart Harland's coat and whom the
watchman had seen at the door of Gar
risOn's Office was continued, and Paxton
began to think he had the game well in
hand.
Little did he anticipate the startling
and mysterious developments that were
to follow, as he advanced in the cam
paign against the mysterious assassin.
When StanmOre found himself in the
street at the conclusion of his interview
with Paxton, he turned to cab stand,
and, entering one of those convenient
vehicles, he directed the driver to pro-
ceed to the residence of Jason Garrison.
Marks & Book have informed me
that Pratt & Weeks are the unfortu-
nate brokers' pressing creditors. The
loss Of the money which has found its
way into the hands of those Wall street
bandits may place Garrison at their
mercy" said Stanmore, mentally.
While he was approaching Jason Gar
rison's home Daniel Pratt was leaving
the brokers' residence.
An hour previously, while Garrison
was wondering why he had not yet heard
from his importunate creditors, there
came a loud ring at the dOOrbell, and a
servant admitted Pratt.
Garrison received him in the library,
and stormy scene ensued. Recrimina-
tiOns were exchanged, and both men
were enraged. Pratt persistently de-
manded his money, and controlling his
passion said:
"On account of the loss which you have
sustained by the robbery, we have de-
layed calling on you, but now we can
wait no longer.
You know I am unable to meet your
demand. The theft of the money with
which had meant to pay you prevents
my doing so. II you would grant me
time?"
Impossible; my partner will not con-
sent"
Can make no terms with you?"
Pratt did not Immediately answer, but
he made the transit of the room several
times, while he furtively glanced at Gar
risOn.
Finally, as though he had arrived at
a decision upon some point which he
had been considering, he said in a low
voice:
Mr.. Garrison, there is one way in
which all this might be arranged without
inconvenience to yourself"
How do you mean?" asked Garrison,
eagerly.
Il admire your daughter!"
"Sir!" thundered the broker
Hear me; 1 am honorable in what I
say. would make your daughter Edna
my wife.
Never! Never!"
But II you consent your debt will be
cancelled. I promise you that"
Your proposition is an insult. 1
would choose rather to see my daughter
in her grave. Go! Leave my house,
you internal scoundrel, for I shall do
you an injury" cried Garrison.
White with rage Pratt fastened from
the room, but at the door he paused and
hurled back the threat:
III turn you into the street; I'll
beggar you unless you think better Of
this. You shall have one more chance.
I'll call at 6 o'clock for your final an
swer"
The street door banged behind him
moment later.
Edna Garrison had heard all.
1t chanced she was in an apartment
adjoining the library, and the voices Of
the two men. raised in anger as they
were, reached her distinctly.
Edna Joined her father as soon as he
was alone.
You are my own dear, dear father.
have done!" she cried, throwing her
arms about his neck.
Jason Garrison caressed the golden
head that nestled affectionately on his
bosom, and he said:
The future looks dark for US. my
dear. Ny greatest hope now Is that
may be able to negotiate loan on my
Colorado property. did not dare to
mortgage it before for fear Of spelling
the sale. which thought was sure to be
made. Fortunately, Pratt l. Weeks
do not know that l own real estate in
Colorado and they will not seize that.
We will hope for the best, father,
answered Edna, cheerfully.
A few moments subsequently, while
father and daughter were still convers-
ing, the bell rang again, and immediate
ly the brokers' servant presented Rich
ard StanmOre's card.
-Stanmore,' muttered Garrison, Il
know no one of that name, but you may
show the gentleman here"
Edna retired, and Stanmore entered
the brokers' Office.
Stanmore introduced himself, and q
short conversation ensued which we need