The Forrest City times., 1896-05-01
WAS NEVER PUBLISHED,

inc ram Tell relentlesSly; the wind that swept in through the Golden Gate was piercingly cold. and the poor wretch toiling painfully up the deep asphalt pavement staggered as he walked and now and then stopped to steady himself, pressing with his trembling hand against the buildings that he passed. His soiled, ragged clothes were soaking with the wet, and his emaciated features were pale as with the chill of death. When he had reached the summit of Mob hill he paused and wrapped his arm about an electric light post at the corner, lean ing against it 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 truth?" 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, ftorid face; the poor wretch caught his breath sharply and made step for ward. The money which the man tossed into his outstretched hand gleamed a moment i'll his trembling palm, and in another rattled noisily upon the stones far out into the street.
 Il want no gold of yours" said the wretch, with energy that shook his whole frame. Il want no gold of yours, Henry Mason."
 The man started; his forid face turned livid.
 'Who dares to call me Henry Mason? My name is Derwent. Thomas Der went" 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 laugh. "I saw the policeman from this beat running in an opium soaked Chinese few moments ago. l believe my hour of reckoning has come at last
 "Who are you"
 You knew well 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 want?" asked the man, unbuttoning his coat. His voice WIS unsteady and his hand trembling.
 Neither your money nor your life, Henry Mason," said the wretch, bitter ly. "They will do me no good now. Listen. You live near here. know your house. Why on earth l never spotted you before is a mystery. But 1 think it was more your hard, cold voice than your looks that betrayed you" Scott pulled pistol from n-s hip pocket. The man caught its gleam in the light and started back.
 Don't move," Scott interposed, calm ly. you are not worth it, and my game is not yet played. Lead on to your house, and dare to budge one inch out of the way at your peril Iwant quiet, warm place to do some writing. Per haps you did not know that l adopted 2 different profession after you ruined me and helped yourself to my money. I'm a special correspondent when I've life enough to be anything at all. l 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 l wanted no money of yours,'' said Scott, moving step nearer. II shall be paid enough for my nights lob to tide over the few weeks of life that are left me. What l want is re- yenge and the chance to set myself right in the eyes of the world. You have robbed me of my life; that 1 cannot get back Ton have stolen my money, as you