Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-08-28
NOT PUBLISHED.

nit Of Mob Hill, he paused anu wrapped
his arm about an electric light post at the
corner, leaning against 1t for the support
his feeble frame needed SO pitifully. A
quick, firm step sounded on the pavement
"For Gods sake give me money to buy
food!' said the wretch at the post.
The quick step ceased. "Why don't you
say drink and speak the truthP" said the
man, running his gloved hand down into
the pocket of his fur lined overcoat. The
glare of the electric light shone full upon
his handsome, florid face The poor wretch
caught his breath sharply and made step
forward. The money which the man tossed
into his outstretohed hand cleaned mo-
ment in his trembling palm and in an
other ratified noisily upon the stones far
out into the street.
II want no gold Of yours" said the
wretch, with energy that shook his whole
frame. II want no gold of yours Henry
Mason"
The man started; his florid face turned
livid.
"Who dares to call mo Henry Masonf
My name is Derwent-Thomas Derwent, -
the man said hoarsely, staring about him
into the night.
"You are out of reach Of help just now,
Henry Mason" said the wretch with a
laugh. ~ saw the policeman from this
beat running in an opium soaked Chinese
few moments ago. believe my hour of
reckoning has come at last.
"Who are your"
"You knew me we'll enough 20 years
ago." the wretch answered.
Howard Scott! My God!" cried the
man.
"Oh, thought you would recall me. "
And the wretch laughed again.
"What do you want2' asked the man,
unbuttoning his coat His voice was I'M
steady and his hand trembling
"Neither your money nor your life,
Henry Mason" said the wretch bitterly.
"They will do me no good now. Listen
You live near here. I know your house.
Why ON earth never spotted you before is
a mystery. But think 1t was more your
hard, cold voice than your looks that be-
trayed you" Scott pulled pistol from
his hip pocket. The man caught its CLEAN
in the light and started back.
"Don't move," Scott interposed calmly.
"You are not worth it and my game is
not yet played Lead on to your house,
and dare to bulge one inch out of the way
at your peril. want quiet, warm place
to do some writing. Perhaps you did not
know that adopted different profession
after you ruined me and helped yourself
to my money? I'm special correspondent
when I've life enough to be anything at
all. haven't made much Of my life, as
you see, but can write"
IF you want money, tell me how
much" Derwent said hoarsely.
II told you I wanted no money of
yours, said Scott, moving step nearer.
II shall be paid enough for my nights
job to tide over the few weeks Of life that
are left me. What want is revenge and
the chance to set myself right in the eyes
of the world. You have robbed me Of my
life; that I cannot get back. You have
stolen my money, as you did that of many
others, and have saddled upon me dis
grace that should rest on your own shout
ders. 1t was you who forged that draft
and not I, and you know it, though I
served my term in the penitentiary for the
crime. You call yourself gentleman
now, Henry Mason, and am worse than
dog, but my hour has come. Lead on
home"
The wretch had raised his voice almost
to scream and now waved the pistol in
the air. The man walked on, glanoing
over his shoulder furtively.
II told you should not kill you unless
you tried to escape said Scott with a
sneer. IF you speak to any passerby,
however, you are dead man on the word.
Go on
The rest Of the way was made in silence
Scott was close upon Derwent's heels when
he mounted the marble steps of his stately
mansion and turned the latchkey. With
in all was silent. The wretch had counted
on this 1t was we'll past midnight. The
gentle radiance Of the soft lights, the warm
air of the elegant house almost overpowered
him, but Derwent heard the click of the
pistol In his trembling hand and pushed
open the library door.
So this is your home, Henry Masonp'
said Scott, staring about him.
"Not SO loud man, for God q sakeln cried
Derwent.
0O UuAS ~ yOuI AOlu6t kCUbU QrOCG0U-
ed, unheeding. "Not much like the prison
cell that was my home for ten years,
thanks to you, Henry Mason; not very
much like the ratholes that make about
the only home I know now"
"What do you wtnt, mani" began Der
went, his hand finding his pocket again.
"Pen and paperl' said Scott flercely,
rousing himself and sinking into chair
at the writing table. "Now do you cit
there across the room from me. Move or
speak at your own risk"
Scott took the pistol in his left hand
and began to write, yet keeping close
eye upon Derwent all the while. BY and
by he read aloud:
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. IL, 1885,
!, Henry Mason, alias Thomas j. Derwent
do hereby certify that forged the note upon
the Goldthwaite bank Of New York city 20
years ago, for which crime Howard Scott stood
accused. declare said Scott innocent. alone
am guilty.
"Come, now, and sign your name.
Straight goods; I know your signature,
remember"
II will give you $4,000, s15, 1000. $780,
0OO"-- began Derwent eagerly.
"Sign."
Gritty ttousand'-
"Sign, !" and the pistol clicked.
Derwent bent over the paper. Zone