Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1892-01-06
CHAPTER XXI.

IhE SbhPkNT SHOWS HEAD AGAIN
long time John remained there on
the prairie trying to decide what ster
to take next. At first he was inclined
to go back and find the man who had
bought the property, and try to in.
duce him to annul the sale; but he
realized that such step would be use.
less, since 1t was not probable that the
man would consent to the proposition.
even II he could be found, which was
not likely. Then he could not consent
to surrender the money.
So he put that idea away, and de-
cided to 60 on home. On the morrow
he would go to Mills and tell him of the
sale and pay him n portion of the
money. This seemed like n fair way of
proceeding, and John had no doubt that
1t would be all right with Mills. Hav-
ing come to this conclusion, he felt re-
heved, and continued his way with less
misgivings.
The next morning John prepared to
return to town to carry out his plan.
and was about to set out from home
when he saw two men approaching.
lie soon recognized them as Mills and
Pearson, and with feeling of fear and
aWuittO tnClr arrival.
''Mr. Green" said Mills, after the
usual salutations, at came out to see
you on n little matter of business. I
am informed on reliable authority that
you sold your wagon and horses yester.
day. Is such the case?"
1T is" said John, ''and 1 was lust
starting to your office to inform you of
the fact, and make it all right with
YOU"
Mills smiled rather incredulously Mt
this statement, and John WINGED under
the expression of the money-lender's
sinister eyes.
"Such may possibly have been your
intentions, Mr.. Green" Mills replied
doubtingly. II do not pretend to know
what is in your mind. But the fact that
you disposed of the property right at
my office without saying word to me
about it is rather damaging, to say the
least. 1t seems to me that you could as
easily have come to me then, as to have
come home and gone back this morning.
The affair looks little suspicious.
sure"
You don't mean to imply" cried
Green with n CLEAN of anger, that l
purposed acting dishonorably?"
mo, oh no, l don't mean to imply
anything. I am just stating the facts
of the matter. l have n perfect right
to my opinion, though, presume
Il suppose you have, but you have no
right to make any assertions. | ac-
knowledge that / did act imprudently,
but was driven to it. You know what
my situation is, and you ought to be
willing to make some allowances.
However, L will now pay you that part
of the debt for which the horses and
wagon stood as security, and that, /
suppose, will make the matter all right"
NO, L can't accept such terms. 1t
would be setting bad precedent for nv
customers, and would lead TO no end of
trouble
What do you mean to do, then?"
John asked with trepidation.
Il can do but one thing" REPLIED
Mills, land that is to let the law take
It's course L suppose you know what
that will lead to-"
Great heavens, mani" John cried.
remember my wife, and show that YOU
have heart. Would you send me away
to prison for no crime and kill my poor
wife by the act? Surely you cannot be
brutal enough to do that"
II shall not do it, Mr.. Green" Mills
replied coolly. II am not the law. and
neither can answer for the law. You
have placed yourself in the laws prasp
and you will have to abide the conse-
quences."
Cant do anything to satisfy You
and avert this awful fate?" asked John.
Not that / know of" said Mills.
You will have to make your plea 20
the court"
Mills turned to ride away, but Harry
Pearson, who all this time had kept
quiet, motioned him aside, and for
some time they talked together earn
estly. Finally they came back to Green,
and Mills said:
For the present, Mr.. Green. I viii
let this affair rest, since my friend here
so much desires should. He agrees to
stand responsible for You, and have
promised TO do nothing for few days.
DO not know what may be done
eventually, but just now you may rest
quietly. Good day"
Pearson went away with Mills TO
avoid Johns thanks, and John returned
TO the house greatly relieved by the
turn matters had taken.
Pearson will see me out all right. -
he thought, land there will be nothing
more of II. He will compel Mills TO ac.
cept the money and remain quiet"
In this reckoning John was correct 20
certain extent, but he little dreamed
how dearly Pearson meant 20 charge
for his good Offices.
Two or three days passed and then
Pearson came again 20 John Green's
house. John welcomed him with all
his heart and embraced the emporium.
ity 20 thank hiis for his services rem.
dered few days before.
1T is nothing" Harry protested.
nothing at all, Green. TO make fuss
over; and yet I'm glad I was able TO
help you. Mills is bad man 90 deal
with, as have lately discovered, and I
am sorry you borrowed that money Of
him. But having got you into his hands
feel IL my duty 20 help you out. But
there. wen let the matter drop. How
is Mrs. Green to-day?"
"She Is doing splcndidly." said John.
Improving rapidly, and II nothing in
terfercs 20 give her a relapse she'll soon
be well enough 10 get about. She has
had q trying time Of &C."
Indeed she has, " replied Harry sym.
pathetically.