The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1896-08-27

may be people in the adjoining roomT'
Exactly" cried Abraham, land
these partitions are no remarkably
substantial"
why did you not sooner send to
me-" demanded Stanley. "Nhy keep
me, for so many hours. in torturing
~SuSpensey"
Il had to think of myself, you know"
leered the peddler: land to make GER
tain that 1 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, l presume" proceeded
Stanley, attempt to deny-to me lat
least-that the disappearance Of that
one particular page from a certain
book was your work."
Certainly not. 1t was a perform
ance of which l 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.
"Oh!" 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 that"
But the peddler was, to confess the
truth, very glad to hear it.
Until l shall myself possess that
leaf, l shall be fearing always that it
may have fallen into the clutches of
ms enemies
Aid 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, II haven't it about me-"
THAT is falser'
That isn't a very polite observation,
Mr.. Claremont."
II understand am TO be made to
pay a heavy price for it,"
Nothing at all-comparatively speak
ing"
Comparatively speakingT
Eyes, considering what l shall give
YOU"
"Give me?" and Stanley was evil
IDENTIFY perplexed.
Certainly" said the peddler, boldly.
eff 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, IL
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"
Five thousand pounds echoed
Stanley.
"Yes," said Abraham; Its never my
way to drive a hard bargain with my
friends"
You must know that l cannot have
such Il sum about me-
"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 out?"
Il 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."
mo doubt said Abraham, care
lessly; land what them
81 would accuse you as a 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 ove a 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 a place Of safety: and, conse-