The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-08-29
CHAPTER ~.
BAD BLOOD BETWEEN THEM.

The reading OF PerrY's brief farewell
note gave Hiram Skidder tremendous
shock, telling him that the actual owner
of the Musselshell 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 fortune had slipped
through his fingers.
Nevertheless, like all men who are
wholly unscrupuloGs, daring, tireless
and capable. Hiram Skidder found q peg
on which to hang his hopes at that mo-
mcnt 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
vet be the possessor Of the Musselshell
property. He would yet mako 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
uSueTeu Giio iuto sno Aiei iSn@AASS PASS
ence.
sAh, he did?"
The fact seemed highly significant to
Skidder, who was aware that Perry
had been frequent visitor at lngle-
helm.
"Did he speak to her before she left
the store?" he continued.
"No, sir. But he watched her in a.
- / kl,ok Ia fall n,1rSr,
her and that he intended to speak to her
later"
The merchant flushed with disgust
81 see it ALL" he muttered, turning on
his heel. HThey've gone away to-
| gether"
1t cost him keen pang to realize that
he had given Ellie the protection OF
Perry Wynans by refusing his own.
Fool that 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 linger upon these sterile regrets, and
he nurricd back to his brother.
His plan Of action was decided upon
~ find my cashier has gone out on
business. jerry" he reported. ave shall
have to draw up the oeeo ourselves, or
go to my lawyers"
ooh, we can attend to it," returned
Jerry, with anxious promptness. "It's
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
ly, while Hiram proceeded to trace the
new one.
"That's all Night" finally calculated
Jerry, with long breath OF relief.
"Somehow fanced, Hiram, you were
intending to trick me,
"How trick you?"
u didn't see how, but knew you were
none too good"
"rhe pot should never call the kettle
black" interrupted the merchant smil-
ing grimly, as he touched a ca! bell.
"Thc notary will be here in minute ia
witness the deed, and l trust you will
have decency 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 decd 10 sign and deliver, Mr.. Nor: