Rocky Ford enterprise., 1894-02-01
"Stt do,on," he said, ,rtth good ndturcd
CuTneStneSS.
CHAPTER XIV.
"OIIi WHAT HAVE 1 DoNE?"
TSS.te.kslJ-

-uCS-tshslJ-
"Stt do,on," he said, trith good ndturcd
CdrneStness.
Max Manson felt that he had over
stepped tho bounds of strict prudence,
but it cannot be said he regretted it.
Knowing as he did that this man had
the rajah's ruby in his possession, or at
least had it u few hours before, and be-
lieving that he was going to. escape scot
free, he could not resist the temptation
of letting him know that he had grounds
for his accusing words.
Ho did not think it worth while to Te-
turn to the hotel and tell Simpson what
had passed. The doctor had admitted
nothing, and he did not suspect the iden-
tity of his friend; the latter therefore
possessed the same opportunity to carry
out his schemes and combinations as at
first.
Folsom Simpson, finding himself alone,
followed singular course, but one which
it may be said was in keeping with his
conduct since coming to Ellenville to
look into the mystery of the rajah's ruby.
Paying no further attention to DR.. Maid
hoff or the young man whom he had
seen in conversation with him at the
Livermore homestead the evening before,
he took the train to Northampton, whith-
er he learned Miss Glider had gone,
though she must have returned to Ellen
vile tho previous evening, since she was
at the physicians office at that time.
Arrived at this country town about
noon, he found that it bore marked re-
30 1,a l,,1 ,c% LOFT
having about the same number Of in
habitants, though it boasted u couple Of
dilapidated inns or hotels.
Ensconcing himself in one of these he
ate his midday meal, and through some
guarded inquiries learned that the new
home of Miss Glider, like the one at Ell
lenville, stood on the outskirts and was
an imposing structure, showing consid-
cradle wealth on the part of the occu-
pants.
Lighting cigar, Simpson sauntered
thither, on the alert as ho did 80. So far
as he could judge the coast was clear, and
stepping upon the porch he gave the bell
gentle pull.
1t was answered by the servant Mar
tina, who showed pleased surprise on
recognizing him. Simpson bowed as
courteously US though she were a prin-
cess and extended his hand.
81 can't tell You how glad I am to see
you," he said, as she gingerly accepted
the salute. ,"How have you been, Mar
tina, since your scare the other night?"
"Oh, a1n we'll, thank you," she re-
piled, smiling all over her broad counte-
nance; "but, mister, if you want to see
Miss Glider she isn't Mt home"
"Who said wanted to see her? I've
come to SEQ You, Martha" replied the
audacious fellow, stepping into the hall
and then making his way into the par
lor, which was hardly set to rights as
yet.
Martha followed him with no little
embarrassment, though it was evident
that the round faced and genial detect
i've had made an impression on the
heart of the young woman.
"Sit down" he said, with good natured
earncstness. motioning her to seat.
Miss Glider would hardly be pleased
If she knew this"
"But there is no need of her knowing
it. You don't fancy am going to tell
her? Sit down-sit down, l say, or l
don't know what I will do" and he
made as If he meant to compel her.
Thereupou slo laughinRly complied, and
Eimpson, holding his hat and cane, said
in his most insinuating voice:
"You haven't forgot our meeting the
other night, MarthaT'
"Indeed I'll never forget that as long
rs live; it was awful"
ayes, it was rather stirring. was
glad was able to take care of YOU"
"I'll always remember your kindness.
When / catched n glimpse of You as l
was a-wallxin up the path, I just thought
] would faint. was sure it was that
dreadful man."
$50 it was. Martha"
..What!' she exclaimed, almost falling
from her chair.
Eyes, it was he, but was right by
you, ready to pounce upon him on his
first motion to harm you"
..Well, declare! Did you eyer!"
"What did the folks say when you
went in and told your story"
"They couldn't believe me at first, but
I said lsnowed you spoke the truth, for,
scuse me, sir, you looked like real
gentleman that couldn't deceive lady.
The doctor said he would stay all night
with us, and he did. Nobody didn't dis
turb us, as s'pose you know"
81 judged not. i waited around the
outside awhile, ready to rush in if I
heard you call for me, but am glad
nothing of the kind happened"
"Oh, the folks asked me all kinds OF
questions" continued Martha, becoming