Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1897-12-31

i
strongest, most powerful opposition to
your arrest came from one whose influ-
ence outwcighs even the presidents"
'one OF the trustees ?" asked, ager-
ly. -
"Yes."
lou cannot mean"
sylvester Morley" interrupted the
lawyer.
MIR. Morley!" exclaimed, joyfully.
For knew. great as Sylvester Morley's
influence was, there was one who vield-
ed greater, since she could influence
her father. Was it her sweet self that
mad come to my aid through her
father? 1t would be happiness to know
this; but then-why had she passed
me without greeting?
My face must have told a whole story
to the shrewd old lawyer When I
turned toward him again there was q
very grave expression on his face, and
contemplative look about his sharp
eyes as he regarded me.
You seem highly clatcd by this" he
said.
"Oh, I am. What young man would
not feel highly honorcd in knowing
that man of Mr.. Morley's standing
had defended him ?" I exclaimed.
The old fellow saw the blush which
spread over my face, however. and he
smiled as he replied: II do not court
your confidence, but it is plain there is
some power behind Mr.. Morley which
led that gentleman to defend you. Now.
believe me, Mr.. Conway, do not ask
for curiosity; there is grave purpose
in the question I am about to ask you."
he went on. as the smile died from his
face and what seemed to me to be deep
concern appeared instead. ''Thc ques-
ton is this: Are you an especial friend
of Miss Nforley's? Are you engaged to
marry her::"
mo. But, had the suspicion of the
robbery not fallen upon me. probably
would have asked her to be my wife
long before now" replied, rather Won
dering at myself for telling this to the
old fellow on so short an acquaintance.
"Ah. she loves You, then?'
"That I cannot say. believe she did
think very highly of me at one time;
but 1 promised not to hold any COM
munication with her until my inno-
cence was known. It is a year since
then. Whether her feeling for me has
changed or not do not know
'1ou have kept your promise, then ."
''Why. certainly!" 1 answered. with
some indignation at the implied doubt
of me.
"Now about the investigation you de-
sire to engage in,' Sonntag said,
changing the subject rather abruptly.
what do you propose to do? How go
about it,"
''Oh, hire some smart detective" I
replied. Il suppose that will be the
only way. What else can do?"
do you think the bank officials have
done nothing? Do you think you could
find any shrewder detectives than have
undoubtedly been working on the case?
If the bank with all it's tremendous re-
sources has not succeeded in running
the robbers down, how can you expect
to succeed when your limited means
would make your search merely
superficial one?''
''But. heavens, man! what am to do:
Carry this load to the grave: Why, Mr..
Sonntag, this suspicion of me, you can
not imagine what horrible thing it is,
how it darkcns my life!" exclaimed,
in bitterness of spirit, as realized how
hopeless my case seemed.
You have been patient so long under
your trouble, a little more endurance
will not hurt you," Sonntag said. in
answer to my despairing words.
"You'll come out of it all with fly
ing colors some day. Now it may not
look so to YOU. but to me it appears
that YOU have done a great deal your
self. in the Investigations which no
doubt are still in progress
'.How can that Ice? Ihave done moth
ing"
sand that is exactly what l mean.
That very course seems to Inc to De Il
great feature in the search. though
YOU cannot see it in that light Som
TAG smiled in a knowing way.
"In what respect has my suplneness
aided the casc?' I asked, curiously.
"By allowing the real perpetrators of
the crime to feel secure in their posi-
ton, knowing as they probably Go that
YOU are still the only suspected party:
l was much impressed by the old tel
lows words.
"You ought to have been detective,
[ remarked, ut which he turned his
sharp glance toward me and answered.:
Yes, I might have done something
in that line. But prefer quiet life.
Sonntag followed me out to the bug
CIV. 1 took up the lines. but thought
occurred to me. and l delayed my de-
| Darture to voice it.
DO YOU know Mr.. Morley::' asked.
NO. I do not" was Sonntags answer
"rhen where did you get your in
formation about that gentlcmans de-
Tense OF me-"
"Oh, such news gets out sometimes.
Still, I don't mind telling you. It was
from Horace Jackson l received the III
| formation"
1osy ~