The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1896-08-28
"Absurd! What could you have to


book was your work."
Certainly not It was a perform
ance OF which have no need to be
ashamed, and for which you should be
very grateful"
That has yet to be seen; 20 let us
come at once to the point"
Exactly my WISH"
what sum do you require for that
leaf?"
The peddler appeared to consider.
Speak quickly" said Stanley, Inn
patiently.
"Ohy drawled out the other, "there
is no particular hurry, that am aware
mo hurryY exclaimed Stanley, his
looks expressing great anxiety. "You
do not know, then, that an hour has
been fixed at which I must be either
saved, or irretrievably lost"
mo, did not know that"
But the peddler was, to confess the
truth, very glad to hear it.
Until I shall myself possess that
leaf, shall be fearing always that it
may have fallen into the clutches Of
my enemies"
And the peddler, leering, and in his
uSSAeAA 0A8 4kA4G5 SOAOS 61AuS WSA-yCS-
shouldn't wonder-such q thing might
happen, you know"
Then give it to me!' cried Stanley,
eagerly.
Abraham paused O moment-he was
enjoying the others torture-and then
said, quietly, II haven't it about me-"
''That is false!'
"That isn't q very polite observation,
Mr.. Claremont."
II understands am to be made to
pay a heavy price for II"
Nothing at all-comparatively speak
Ing"
Comparatively speaking?"
eyes, considering what shall give
you"
"Give me| and Stanley was evil
IDENTIFY perplexed.
Certainly" said the peddler, boldly.
IF you should marry your cousin, you
will have to thank me for it."
Stanley was writing.
And Abraham, extending his open
hand, said, saucily, "Pay away-and
I'll tell you when to stop"
"How much do you demand?" asked
Stanley.
"How much do you marry?" inquired
the peddler.
Stanley turned away, shocked, and
uselessly enraged.
However" continued Abraham, 81
don't wish to pry overmuch into your
affairs, and have a great desire to act
literally with you--so, we'll say, five
thousand pounds for that interesting
page Of your history"
Give thousand pounds!' echoed
Stanley.
EYES," said Abraham; "'tis never my
way to drive O hard bargain with my
friends"
you must know that cannot have
such sum apUut uIe:"
"You came here, Mr.. Claremont, to
meet me, supposing that should bring
with me the leaf from the watch
makers salesbook, and so you havn't
come with empty pockets"
"Harkye, Master Abraham Mailer"
said Stanley, now setting his teeth
hard trembling with mingled rage and
terror, "you have but little warrant for
your present audacity."
perhaps, Mr.. Claremont, you will
be good enough to tell me how you
make that out7''
II should have but to open that door
and call for help, and in a moment
this room would be crowded with the
guests and people Of the house"
''No doubt said Abraham, care
lessly; land what then?"
II would accuse you as thief! You
would be searched, and the torn leaf
would be found upon you!'
The peddler spread his arms.
"Search away yourself" he said, care
lessly; "only remember the advice you
gave me awhile ago, and, for your own
particular sake, don't talk so loud"
The peddler's assurance convinced
Stanley, to his utter confusion, that the
much coveted leaf was yet beyond his
reach.
'search away" repeated Abraham.
And then went on to tell Stanley that,
while behind the curtains, he had
thought over q good many thingsthe
might be taken as he was leaving the
place; 80, after having jumped from
the window, he had placed the precious
paper in place Of safety; and, -conse-
Quently, Mr.. Claremont was, Just then,
at liberty to search away until he got
tired Of it.
And when the peddler had concluded
said Stanley, with a moan he was un-
able to suppress; II am, then, com.
pletely in your power?"
THAT'S it exactly" drawled Abra-
ham; and greatly enjoying his triumph,
continued, an evil smile overspreading
his face, 'you don't like it, I can see.
An accomplish that has you in his
power is SO unpleasantly in the way
that-that am very certain you would
not be too particular as to the means,
IL only you could see the prospect of
being forever rid Of him."
Stanley WINGED.
"Come, there has been too much
talk" cried the peddler; "now payy'
YES" said Stanley. "Come to the
mansion
Abraham gave a long whistle, and
winked knowingly.
"Of what are You afraid?" asked
Claremont.
Nothing at all, I assure you. I have
well provided against that"
Stanley instructed his accomplice as
to the way in which that gentleman
~ ~, A. ~AAA 49, ~