Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-03-24
"wHEN THIEVES FALL OUT"

"WhCrc-lchcre did you get Mis2"
Horace Bland, the land agent, was a
shrewd man, and possessed many of
those qualities which characterize the
successful business man. He was prompt
and exact in all his business relations,
and if popular repute was correct, he
was strictly honest; yet those who had
dealings with HIM in business way had
observed that he had faculty of keep
ing number one" in view.
Now, it happened that among other
things that had been left in charge of
the worthy land agent by the late James
Mansfield was large box filled with
books, pictures and other articles. This
box had been brought from the hotel to
the home of Mr.. Bland several months
before, when Mr.. Mansfield had left for
Baxter Springs. 1t had happened in I'M
loading the box that it fell to the ground
and was broken open, letting out part OF
its contents. Among the articles that
fell from the box was a large photograph
album, which in falling had broken the
clasp. So it happened that the album
had been left out of the box, and placed
on a table III Mr.. BANDS room, and
there it remained till the arrival of the
claimant to the Mansfield estate.
After Mr.. Bland had made the ac-
quaintance of the false Mrs. Riggsby
and had negotiated for the sale of the
property, he was about to replace the
album in the box with the purpose Of
having it sent to the hotel, when, hap
pening to glance at it, he made discov-
cry that puzzled and mystiied him a
great deal. What had attracted his at
tention was a photograph of a woman
beneath which was written, "Sally a
Riggsby." Now this picture did not
bear the slightest resemblance to the
woman who had laid claim TO the Mans
field estate, and it was this fact that set
the mind of Horace Bland to running in
Il very strange groove. The more he re-
Elected over the matter the more con-
WINGED he became that there was "some-
thing rotten in Denmark" and he was
resolved to investigate the situation of
affairs before proceeding further with
the business.
Mr. Horace Bland, "Real Estate and
Land Agent" was not only exact and
cautious in his business relations with
others, but was largely endowed with
the faculty of getting hold of the long
end of the pole, so to speak. when it
came to Il close bargain. He also pos
sessed an odd phase of character which
permitted him to suspect the most scru-
pulous people Of unfair dealing should
there be the slightest chance of such sus-
piciOn.
When Mortimer Dill appeared at the
Office of Horace Bland i'll answer to the
latters summons, he little dreamed OF
the surprise that awaited him.
80 you have succeeded i'll finding a
purchaser for the estate, have you;" OBJ
served Dill, rubbing his hands together.
while ii CLEAN OF JOY illuminated his
countenunce.
"Yes," answered Bland, land the
parties have agreed to come to my Office
at seven O'Clock this evening to have the
necessary papers signed. | suppose
Mrs. Riggsby will be here ready to sign
the papers at the appointed time|
"Certalnly certainly" responded Dill.
IL have brought the business to Il close
as quickly us possible, at your request"
went on Bland, land hope my methods
have met with your approval"
Dill nodded his head
"And / WAS Just thinking" Bland
continued, that tho dispatch with
which | have conducted the sale should
entitle me to a larger fee than was at
first agreed upon.
That Of course would rest with Mrs,
Riggsby," said Dill in some surprise. Il
would have no right to act in the matter
without first obtaining her consent to do
So"
IL don't think she will refuse my re-
quest" said Bland. in fact | am quite
sure she will give me any fee ask for"
"a think you are little overconfdent
In your suggestions" observed Dill III
naughty tone. you seem to forget
that she is my client and in all POSSIBLE
ity will act under my directions"
$50 much the better; You must direct
her TO give me a larger fee for my serv-
ices"
II shall do nothing of the kind" ex-
claimed Dill rather sharply Under
the contract already made you are to re-
ceive one thousand dollars-that is
large sum"
80 it is, but not enough"
/ at is all you will get"
"Then shall stop the sale"
"You would not dare do that-you