Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1893-03-16
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ruthlessly she had covered the trail OF
the young girl, when she disappeared
she had robbed her trusting friend Of
name, father and fortune, and now she
would steal her loyal, brokon-hearted
lover from her. This was her plot, and
her spirit never quaIed vt the upbrad'
ings Of an outraged, hardened con-
science.
He shall be mlno! Wealth Is moth.
ing without him, she had told herself
and forthwith she set herself at work tC
consummate her designs. She had
monoy--that could buy Information, CO.
operation, She had an ally in reserve
and after remaining in her room to rest
until noon, she dispatched a messenger
for DR.. Raphael Slmms.
This man was a physician who re-
sided near the village. He was hard,
cOarse-featurcd man OF about 40, and
her only living relative In the world.
He had worry small practice, for peo-
Pile generally dlsliked him. but he COM
bined with his profession mortgage
loaning office, and cared very little for
anything except money, A half cousin
of Beatrlce's father, these two had
rarely met enc another, but Beatrice
knew the man fully, and comprehended
that she could rely on his secrecy anG
cooperation whore there was moneyed
reward assured him for his services.
At about o clock In the afternoon
Doctor Raphael Slmms was ushered
into the parlor Of the suite Of rooms at
the hotel occupied by Beatrice. He
evidently supposed he had been sent for
by patient, for bowling awkwTdly to
her. he looked somewhat puzzled, as
he said;
You are the lady who sent for mey"
Yes, Doctor, responded Beatrice.
"You are ill--sOme friend"
"No, / want your personal services,
not your professional advice. You do
not know me2 Look"
Her visitor started violently as Bea-
trice removed the false front of hair
and her glasses for the first time, re-
vealing her true Identity.
Beatrice Mercer!" he calculated in
genuine surprise.
Your cousin. Yes. / need aid.
do not know person in the village l
can trust but you. First, desire COM
plete secrecy. Next, certain nforma-
ton you can CLEAN for me. Perhaps a
weeks attention off and on will do. For
all this | will pay you $500
You-wlll-pay-me!" gasped the pet
rliled doctor, wondering If the friendless
girl he had known as a dependent at the
seminary had taken leave Of her senses.
Five hundred dollars. Are not my
words plain enough?"
"Where would you get that sum of
money!"
His incredulity nettled Beatrice.
Out of my pocket book! Five one
hundred-dollar bills. Count them. Take
them; they won't burn you. | pay you
in advance.
She had extended the amount in que5-
ton. Its unexpected possession, the
munilcence Of the reward, fairly
stunned the Doctor.
Il can t understand how you come to
have 50 much money" he began.
Don't try to-, interrupted Beatrice,
Briefly have come into
possession Of several thousand dollars.
choose to spend the money as | like.
l offer you $500 to help me, Do you
agree2"
yes, indeed"
First, my identity and plans are to
be dead secret between us, now and
hereafter.
Trust me for that"
Next, you are to obey me implicitly"
with such pay for my services, am
your slaye!"
Every good. First and foremost, l
wish you to go now, and at once, and
learn all you can about the whereabouts
of Raymond Marshall.
Eth" calculated the Doctor, with a
start. Il don't think he is in the viii
lage."
Then ascertain where he is.
I'm Try.
Next, find out about the whispered
financial complications in the affairs Of
his father, Col. Marshall.
That is more easy"
And report progress to me as soon rs
you can.
There shall be no delay"
Dr. Simms departed. Beatrice looked
excited, suspenseful.
The ball set in motion oh, with a
trusted ally and unlimited wealth,
cannot fail in the scheme | have
adopted.
She counted the hours until late in
the afternoon. Her face underwent
vivid changes of color and expression
as there was a knock at the door finally.
Come I'M"
1t was her ally, DR.. Simms. He
looked tired and excited.
"Well?" she demanded imperiously.
"Tve had an afternoon of it.
"Iou have found Raymond Mar
shall?"
He returned home this morning."
From where?"
From fruitless, heartbroken quest
for that girl he was spoony on at the
seminary-the one who disappeared so
mysteriously,"
Edna Deane, YOU mean?"
Yes; that's the name. He's been
searching for her everywhere, neglect
ing business, growing SO thin and pale
that they say he is fast breaking down. ="
And his father"
added trouble there Dark rumors
say that his business integrity is at
stake, that financial crash threatens.
l made circumapect but close inquiries.
He is at the office of the lawyer now
striving to adjust affairs. You see"
You need not tell me more, inter-
rupted Beatrice, impatiently. al know
more than you do, probably, about that
At the lawyers ollice?" she continued,
arising and putting on her wraps. Re
port to me here about eight O'clock this
evening"
You are not going?"