The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1896-08-18

may OC pcOple III THE
Exactly" cried Abraham, land
substantial"
why did you not sooner send to
me?' demanded Stanley. ''Why keep
me, for so many hours, in torturing
suspense!'
Il had to think of myself, you know"
leeTed the peddler; land to make GER
tain that l had not been traced to my
lodgings, and that nobody was about
to pounce upon me-"
absurd! What could you have to
fear?'
Abraham shrugged his shoulders.
You will not, | presume" proceeded
Stanley, attempt to deny-to me at
least-that the disappearance of that
one particular page from certain
book was your Worlx?''
Certainly not. 1t 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; so 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 i'm
patiently
"Ohr' drawled out the other, ''there
is no particular hurry, that l am aware
Of"
mo hurry" exclaimed Stanley, his
looks expressing great anxiety. You
do not know, then, that an hour has
been fixed at which / must be either
saved, or irretrievably lost"
mo, l did not know tlSGt."
But the peddler was, to confess the
truth, very Gid to hear it.
Until | shall myself possess that
leaf, l shall be fearing always that it
may have fallen into the clutches of
my enemies
And the peddler, leering, and in his
usual drawing tone, said, ''Well-yes-
shouldn't wonder-such a thing might
happen, you know"
''Then give it TO me!' cried Stanley,
eagerly.
Abraham paused a mOment-he was
enjoying the others torture-and then
said, quietly, 81 haven't it about me-"
''That is false!'
''That isn't very polite observation,
Mr. Claremont."
Il underestimate am to be made to
pay a heavy price for it,
Nothing at all-comparatively speak
ing
Comparatively speaking?'
Eyes, considering what l shall give
you"
"Give me?' and Stanley was evil
IDENTIFY perpleXed.
"Centainly," said the peddler, boldly.
III you should marry yoar 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, Il
don't wish to pry Oyermuch into your
affairs, and have a great desire to act
literally with you-so, We'll say, nve
thousand pounds for that interesting
page of your history"
give thousand pounds!' echoed
Stanley.
YES said Abraham; " tbs never my
way to drive a hard bargain with my
friends"
You must know that cannot have
such sum about me-"
.You came here, Mr.. Claremont, to
meet me, supposing that l should BRING
with me the leaf from the watch
makers salesbook, and so you nayn
come with empty pockets"
''Harlxye, Master Abraham Mailer,
said Stanley, now setting his teeth
hard trembling with mingled rage and
terror, ''you have but little warrant Tor
your present audacity."
Perhaps, Mr. Claremont, you will
be good enough to tell me how you
make that out?'
"I should have but to open that door
and call for help, and in moment
this room would be crowded with the
guests and people of the house"
NO Doubt said Abraham, care
lessly; 'fand what then?
81 would accuse you as thief! You
would be searched, and the torn leaf
would be found upon your
The peddler spread his arms
sSearch away YOURSELF he said, care
lessly: .sonly 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 good many things-he
might be taken as he was leaving the
place; so, after having jumped from
the window, he had placed the precious
paper in q place of safety; and, conse-