The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1897-03-06

the end of his Introductory resources.
Philip thought to help him along by
asking II there were need for legal adj
vice in the affairs of the family.
INA. ma, it's no just that; but there's,
as one may say. a frien' o the family
wha wouldna be the waur for wee bit
O. that same. I'm thinkin' Elsie's been
caverin' ABBOTT it when we was over
yon."
"She told me about the troubles of
your old friend Kilgrow, and l offered
to help him If could. Was that what
you meant?"
"Aye," said Duncan, and, as he showed
no disposition to be more explicit,
Philip continued:
If am to act as attorney for your
friend. it is needful that l should know
all the facts. Are you prepared to give
them?"
Duncan was evidently making con-
scientious effort toward frankness, but
with such meager results that Thorn
dyke was finally compelled to exact the
desired information piecemeal, as from
an unwilling witness. After getting the
outline of Elsie's story verified, he pro-
ceeded to particulars.
'.How long had Kilgrow owned the
land when he took Gates as tenant?"
I'm no vera clear upo' that point,
but it's matter O. 20 year or more, as
| ken myself"
"Was his title clear?"
II think there's ma doubt ABBOTT that"
"What's the name of this county,"
"Chilmath."
"And Alacoochee is the county seat?"
"Aye."
docs this farm of Kilgrow's lie Who'll
ly within the limits of the new town."
II Gamma say as to the preceese leem-
it's; I'm thinkin' It'll talk in ABBOTT half
the town."
II suppose no one knows anything
about the exact nature of the transac-
ton between the town company and
Cates?"
Matching mair than that Gates got
a thousand dollars on the nail"
WAS that fair price for the land at
the timer"
INA, it wasna mair than half price"
Thorndyke made a note of this.
That's our starting point. You knew
Gates: what kind of man was he?
Would he be likely to sell anything at
half price of his own accord?"
INA, that he wouldna; he was canny
chiel, an over fond O. the main chance"
Then there was probably some pres
sure brought to bear upon him. Now,
what de you kaow about the town COM
pany people? Who made the deal with
Cates?"
"A lawyer by the name of Sharpless,
an the agent, Master jenkins Fench."
"Oho;" said Philip. recalling his mar
tyrdom on the train. THAT fellow was
in it, was he? He's rascal. if ever there
was one out of Jail. If his face doesn't
belle him he's equal to anything in the
way Of fraud. How about his part
ner?"
"The lawyer? I'm thinkin' he's deal
waur than t'other."
ut isn't very likely that they bought
the land without knowing all about the
flaw in the title, unless there's been
more crookedness than we know about.
Is Kilgrow sure that he never signed
any papers for Gates or anyone else?"
Hes vera willin' to tax his oath
upo' that; an it's the mair unlikely,
sim he Gamma read or write"
"And you say Gates got his money
and then disappeared?"
"Aye."
Chat adds little to the suspicious
look of the thing; but, then, it's free
country; I suppose man may go or
stay, as he pleases."
Thorndyke locked his fingers behind
his head and sat back with half.closed
eyes while he went over the facts again,
weighing each point in turn. Duncan
misunderstood his silence and grew I'M
easy.
I'm thinkin' ye'ltbe couhtin' the cost
O. the leetigation, Mr.. Thorndyke; I'm
no that weel able"
make yourself easy on that point,
Mr.. Duncan" interrupted Philip; 81
wasn't thinking OF demanding a re-
tainer. Well try to make the other side
do the paying when the time comes. In
the meanwhile, if | take hold of the
case it'll be merely out of friendship
to you and because | need something to
do. What was thinking of just now
was the chance of our being able to
prove collision between the town COM
pany and Gates. If we can't do that we
may have our labor for our palms."
"Aye?"
"Yes. Gates is we'll out of the coun-
try, and, anyway, I suppose he has moth
ing. No, we've got to recover from the
town company, and in order to do that
we must be prepared to prove that its
agent knew of the fraud when he
bought the land. Then it would be a
plain case in equity, and no chancellor
would hesitate about issuing writ of
possession"
"Would Keelgrow hae to show him
sell in court?"
"Not necessarily. The evidence in
chancery cases is taken by deposition,
and there is no formal trial as in com.
mon law procedures; the chancellor ex-
amines the evidence and hands down a
decree in accordance with the facts"