The Delta independent., 1897-03-17
XIV.
DRAWING THE SWORD.

XIV.
DRAWING THE SWORD.
When the first burst of exultant ex.
citment had spent itself, Thorndyke sat
down upon fat-topped stone and
mapped out plan of attack. He would
begin on Prngmore, terrifying the old
nortary into submission and confession
by q sight Of the forgery which he had
made possible. Then he would push
Fcnch and Sharpless to the wall by in
stituting proceedings against them in
both the civil and the criminal courts.
lie would apply for an injunction re-
straining them from disposing Of any
Of the property in dispute. He would
stop the wheels of business and seal up
the fountain of Allacoochee's prosperi-
ty until Kilgrow's rights were recog-
nized. He would show these ungcrupr-
lous robbers that though Justice might
he blind, she never sleeps.
This was the outline of the temerari-
Gus plan which ingeniously combined
all the elements Of defeat and failure.
The impetuous zeal which had carried
Thorndyke triumphantly over the dis
,ouragements Of the long search for
evidence became at once q source Of
weakness and stumbling-block in the
way of final success; and he was never
less match for the crafty and con-
sciencelcss corporation attorney than
ut the moment when he believed that
victory was 70 be had for the taking.
Not to give sober second thought
chance to counsel better things. he
pocketetl the forged deed md went
straight to the dingy little office next
door to Catron's store. The old notary
was sitting ut his desk, and the lines OF
reticencc in his sallow face deepened
into wrinkles when he looked up and
saw who had opened the door. Thorn
dyre wasted NO time in introductory
phrases.
.sIvv or thFee moafhs aso. Mr.. Prag-
more. I asked you some questions about
o deed purporting to have been given BY
John Kilgrow to James Gates. The
record shows that you attested 1t, but
you denied any recollection of the cir
cumstances. Will you tell me now that
you did not antedate your certificate six
years or more? that you did not &C.
knowledge the signature Of . man
whom you believed to be dead?"
Pragmore stiRened himself in his
chair and made no sign, though he had
to moisten his thin lips to say: "fou
cayn't prove anything"
The sullen defiance overdrew what
ever amount Of prudence the discovery
Of the deed had left Thorpdyke. Lean
ing over the desk, he held the paper out
spread before the eyes Of the old man.
DO you pretend to say that this Ii not
your signature2 Will you tell me that
you don't know Fench's handwriting
when you see IL Did the printers make
u mistake of FIVE years when they put
their imprint ON this blsnk?"
The mask Of inscrutability slipped
aside for . moment, and Pragmore's
face became gray and furred with
terror. Then be relapsed into sullen.
ness again, but there was an angry snarl
In his voice when he spoke.
"I don't know nothin' about II. mr.
what-all ye're amin At, but I'll tell ye.
first an last, ye cayn't bulldose me
This here's my Office, an since ye found
tho way in, I reckon ye can find the way
OUT
Philip started OF In . white heat Of
wrath. Halfway to the door he turned
on Pragmore.
II came down here 70 give you one
more chance to save yourself" he said;
"you don't deserve any more consider
alton than any common criminal, but
you're an old man and you've let these
fellows make a tool Of you. Once for all,
will you turn states evidence7 2 or shall
send the sheriff after you?"
There was q rasping noise, - Of .
hastily opened drawer, and the old man
sp,spg % his feet and leveled . revoi-
yer at ThcrnJyke. His eyes baased. and
his voice yuavered with excitement.
by the Mighty! II ye don't get out
o. here"
Philip stood his ground long enough
to show his contempt for the argu-
nsent Of force; then he turned his back
On the angry man and ran up the street
to catch an electric car for the new
courthouse. AZ soon - he could find
. magistrate, he swore out . warrant
for Pragmose's arrest sod went him
self with the deputy who was to serve
it. Al . matter Of eUurse, they found
the ofIics locked and empty; and. 1eay-
ing the officer to coatinue the search
for the notary. Philip went hack 70 the
Johannisberg to prepere Tie paPers in
the suit against the town cu0pany.
The constable hsd pruOtsed - rep0st
in the eouFse u The sfsesDOoo, snd
whea essaiag caDs wisbous say word
from him, Philip resolved To 90 70 the