The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-09-18
CHAPTER XXXu.

We have seen Stanmore receive Mari.
on's letter, which had been forwarded
to him from Africa.
Naturally the reception Of this mes
sage of love afforded him the greatest
pleasure, and We have noted how de.
lighted he was.
But to return to Paxton.
The detective, some time subsequent
to the occurrence Of the events just
narrated, was rejecting upon the case
which he had built up against Levi
Kredge, and he thought:
Pratt & Weeks must speak and tell
where they obtained the marked money.
Perhaps in their evidence shall find
further proof Of Levi Kredge's guilt"
Paxton still adhered to the idea that
Oh the night Of John Oakburn's 9 murder
his savings were in the little safe; that
this money had been stolen by Levi
Kredge; and that this was the source
whence he derived the money which he
had contemplated investing In real
estate.
This day while the detective was
walking along Wall street he saw Daniel
Pratt enter the Office Of Abraham Ben
jaman, the Hebrew money lender.
Had Paxton followed the rascally
broker he would have seen him ushered
into the private office, where the old
money lender received him very afably.
An Interesting interview followed.
Pratt cunningly broached the subject
he had In mind, and which was really
the object Of his visit.
The substance of what he said was
that he offered Benjaman high interest
to lend him $4,000 in gold, and accept
as security the same amount In bank
notes.
The old Hebrew pretended not to COM
absurd proposition.
Then Pratt threw of the mask, 30 to
You are q man Of the world and not
particular as to how you earn dollar
only 80 you do earn it. I'll speak free.
ly. This is strict business confidence,
though, you understand" he said.
Certainly, my friend, certainly"
very we'll. The plain truth Of the
matter is. I've SIT, 900 in bank notes,
but every note 1s marked in peculiar
way, so as to render it's positive idenS-
fication al easy matter. I've reason to
believe that any one to whom this money
is traced will find himself in very Sc
sious trouble, and 50 dare not use it.
All ask is for you to lock it up In your
safe, and keep it there until l redeem
it," said Pratt.
"Ah, I think I understand. This
marked money is missing"
Precisely. Missing is good word,
Beniaman," answered Pratt, with q
harsh laugh.
Come, now you understand the mat
ter, what do you say?"
Benjaman seemed to reflect for mo-
ment or so, and then he answered:
There is a good deal Of risk in this
affair. I'll consider the matter. The
fact Is, we are a little short just at pres
ent. Call again at this hour, if you
like, tomorrow, We couldn't think Of
touching that marked money for less
than so per cent. off. That is to say, if
we made the allowance at all, we could
not let you have more than S3s, 800, half
the amount Of the marked money"
Pratt's brows contracted into frown,
but he thought rapidly.
Ihlrty-elSaC LnOuSand HFe aunureu
is better than nothing. If it does not
save the firm it shall save me-"
He was thinking of absconding with
the money, and Of leaving his partner to
extricate himself from his difficulties as
best he could.
Il will call at this hour tomorrow.
Necessity knows no law, but your ter ms
are hard, Benjaman. Hard even for
you," he said; and after little more
conversation he left the Office.
When Pratt was gone, Benjaman
rubbed his hands and chuckled with
satisfaction.
Now we have them. Stanmore's
hour is coming. Justice will overtaks
those scoundrels at last"
That evening the old Hebrew reported
to Stanmore.
You must let them think they are to
get the money. Pratt must be induced
to deliver the marked money to youl'
cried Stanmore, excitedly.
fTo BE coNT1NCEa