River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1896-03-19
'epend on me for that. Fisher. 1

KNOWS ABOUT IT."
hope to be back under two hours. lou
will wait for me?'
Mr. Martin welcomed his visitors cor
dially. He was profuse in his apollo
e;es that the little matter could not
Ice settled there and then, but the i'm
siructions of his principals were per
omptory, he said, and Mr.. Sharpe would
agree with him that any risk of the ne
gOtiations falling through must be
avoided at all hazards AS they left
the house he was careful to look back
to make sure that they were not being
Swallowed, a precautiCn followed by
the elder of his companions. Each sus-
ptcted the other, tho ugh outwsr,lly
on the friendliest terms.
They entered a large house, very
much in want of repair" thought the
detective, as he stumbled up the crcak-
ing staircase without a ray of light to
illumine the way. On the third landing
his guide pushed oper = door and
struck a match to light a candle that
stood ready on the mantelpiece. The
room was OF the most squalid descrip-
tiOn, but not without signs of prepare
ton having been made for expected
visitors. In the adjoining apartment
Mr.. Sharpe's quick ear detected the
voices of men. whom he sagely con-
cluded TO be Mr.. Martins actual pr;n-
cipals.
1T would not be professional for
them to see you," said the latter. Il
suppose you want TO make sure OF the
identity of the jewels?"
Certainly"
II will bring them. but they may irst
ask to see the money"
Il cannot let the money out of my
sight" was the prompt and decisive
answer.
In second Mr.. Martin was back,
carrying shabby black bag. He
opened il. however, without parting
isfied the detective.
Here is the money" said he, as his
fingers rested upon the bag.
Mr.. Martin counted the notes, while
fne other negotiator reckoned up sew
orally the contents, at all events, hut
not so Mr.. Martin, who was clearing
his throat preparatory to speaking.
You see, Mr.. Sharpe, that is all fair
ard above board, as | told you it would
he, so far as the stuff is concerned, but
my men are bad to please about the
money. You couldn't let them have an
other hundred. could you?"
impossible" that's all the money l
brought with me. Besides, I've no in
structions to pay any such additional
sum"
II knew this afternoon they wanted
an extra hundred, but hoped to sat
isfy them with the five in hand. They
seem to prefer six i'm the bush. Shall
we cry quits until you have seen your
principal? The men are anxious for a
deal, but only at the price have men
sum to each"
But Mr.. Sharpe was obdurate, and
the professor handed him back the roll
he had been lovingly lingering, and took
the bag again into the room where the
men were. His entrea ties for them to
accept the visitors Offer were met with
a chorus of acccntuated "Noesi" The
latter meanwhile carefully recounted
his notes and slowed them away his
safest pocket. And then he took his
leave. arranging to see Mr.. Martin after
the lapse of few days.
Its great pity" said Mr.. Fisher.
ON his return home. but dare say his
IorJlship will pay the other hundred"
Il have no doubt he will. However,
we will place this money in the bank
the first thing tomorrow morning.
They are raseally enough to break in
here on the off-chance OF getting il that
way. believe. was one too many for
them tonight already. ard shall take
il home with me now to make Silite
sure"
But to Mr.. Sharpe's horror, the bank
cashier next morning tcld him his notes
we're forgeries. The legerdemain pro-
fessor's sleight-of-hand had stood him
in good stead. for when handling the
N ties he. unobserved. substituted daft
ers." The countess of Mountfield is
still without her jewels and Beauchamp
& Co. without the earl's recommended
lions to his friends.-Tid Pits.