The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-04-13
CHAPTER I

Many years ago two men We're talk
ing together one morning in the pri-
yate room OF a bank in the west of
England. The junior partner of the
house. a white-haired, sage-looking
financier, was cautioning his compan-
ion, who evidently had their business
enterprise very much at heart. ihere
was something eager and adventurous
in the younger mans appearance, IN
spite of the look that betrayed the
country squire and lawyer that he was.
The bank, personitied by the elder man,
was making an investment quite apart
from it's usual steady customs, to JON
the Squire who was putting a good
bit Of money into venture by sea.
This money was to be forwarded 10 the
port Of Bristol to be shipped, ana the
two capitalists had received news from
the captain of the vessel that ne was
sailing much sooner than had peeh
his first intention. The difficulty was
to find proper messenger at such
short notice and the squire, who was
something of a sportsman, had come 10
saw that he had fallen in unexpectedly
with a horse dealer, very honest man,
fearless and good rider, whom he had
known for many years, and VINO, 1or-
tunately was on his way to Bristol the
next day but one.
1.-THE only defect he has is in being a
stranger to the roads hereabouts;
mean between here and Bristol, sald
the 'seuire. But Rogers. you say, can
go with him, and knows the way We'll
Weymouth has an English tongue IN
his head, but with so much gold TO
carry a man is sometimes glad TO take
a short cut, or a different turn, espe-
cially in these days where there is so
much tramping and thievery. You
never know whom you fall in with on
the road. I must say 1 never liked the
looks of Rogers"
The squire turned quickly from the
window where he stood with hands
deep in his pockets, looking out in the
street, and saw Rogers himself, VINO
had come, soft-coated as a cat, from
the outer room to stand behind the SEN
ior partner. The squire stared at him
angrily.
Il knocked, sir,' said Rogers, defe>
entially.
II should hope So" answered the
seemed to take no offense, and depart
ed on tiptoe after handing some checks
to his chief. The old man flushed lit
tie and was disturbed. Rogers was his
daily companion and made himself
quite indispensable. To the squire he
was only subordinate, and apt to be
presuming and curious.
II don't like him, in spite of all you
say" the squire grumbled to the senior
partner a moment after the door was
softly closed.
well, perhaps not as companion"
agreed the old gentleman with smile.
"I thought he looked crafty and sneak
ish myself at first sight, but he has
been perfectly faithful and steady
these six or eight years now, and l long
ago gave up suspecting Rogers. He is
curious, perhaps, but harmless, harm
less"
He'll wait forever for his chance,
but he'll take it when he gets it," said
the squire. "That is, if / know any
thing of human nature. I wish we had
our money all in notes instead of so
much gold, but we cannot risk the
chance of our changing the notes in
Bristol before the Mary and Bell sets
sail. And my man Weymouth can
hold his own, I'll warrant him. i hope
he'll be prompt about starting. He as
much as told me that it was not all
business that keeps him here; he is pay