Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-10-01

the old lawyer said. with an air of tri-
umph. Just hear what I make out Of
it now"
Divided up, the following was Sonn-
tags version:
First Party-"Neverw will you have my
consent under existing circumstances.
You have broken faith with me in every
way. Why was the property removed
from the original placer"
Second Party-"To bring you to
time"
First Party-"What did you do with
it?"
Second Party Safely hid, where you
can never find it unless you talk wis
dom. shall go for it this very night
and take it away, and not one dollar
will you ever"
"There, that's pretty sensible talk,
l take it" said my lawyer, when he had
finished.
"Oh, well, perhaps it is sensible
enough, but what good will it do you,
now that you have made conversation
out of it?" remarked, in some inn
patience, for Sonntag's satisfaction
seemed to be out of all proportion to the
Importance of few chance remarks
caught in some mysterious fashion
from telephone wire.
The old lawyer smiled in kind of
plying way, and regarded me with a
whimsical expression.
"Who knows?" I went on, gayly;
perhaps my arrival in Jacksonville may
be the cause of a complete revolution in
matters regarding the telephone. l
must send for an electrical expert and
have him Investigate the mystery. AL
ready there are visions of an immense
fortune floating through my head"
Suppose we go to the old school
house from which the stones used in the
two doorways We're evidently TAKEN"
Sonntag suggested, breaking in upon
my imaginings.
What possible difference can it make
if the stones We're taken from t.lere ?'
I remarked. 'srhat will not III us why
the job was DONE"
"Well, it would be pleasant for you to
meet an old friend. Horace Jackson's
hunting lodge is quite near the school
house. Perhaps we may find him at
his place." my lawyer said, insinuat-
ingly.
Yes, I know. The fellow Hunter, the
agent at Sidington, told me jackson
comes up here occasionally to hunt and
fish. But as for Jackson being a friend
of mine, heaven save me from such
| friends!"
Noting Sonntag's surprise at my
words, explained the reason of my
outburst-how Jackson had of late
changed his opinion of my innocence,
and how Florence had made compact
with him, and the certainty he seemed
to feel that she would be compelled to
redeem her promise.
The lawyer was all attention now,
keeping his sharp eyes constantly on
my face, while I poured out my opin-
ion of Jackson and his underhand meth
DDS. was lover, and Jackson sort
of rival, SO naturally my remarks were
somewhat stronger, perhaps, than nee
essary.
why did you call the station-agent
HunterP" asked Sonntag.
Because he told me that was his
name," replied.
Indeed! What could he have told
you that for, wonder? His name is
not Hunter; it's Skinner"
ut is? Well, that's odd. Why should
he wish to conceal his real name from
me?"
"H'm! can't say, I'm sure" replied
Sonntag, dryly. But am delighted
beyond measure to hear what you have
told me concerning Jackson" he ex-
claimed, with more enthusiasm than
he had ever displayed.
ooh, indeed! 1t does not delight
me; the bare suspicion has been enough
for me to endure. do not know that
would cure very much for seeming
proof of guilt to be found against me.
You do actually seem pleased" I re-
marked with disgust.
Pleased is not the word. am more
than pleased. What you have told me
is most important bit of news" Sonn-
tag said, taking up his hat.
why is it important, and to whom ?''
asked.
Every important to me, but more to
yourself"
mo; stay and explain" I called to
him as he went out the door; what
do you mean?"
Haven't moments time. Must go.
mean that most probably the cloud
which has enveloped your name will be
lifted shortly. Do not cut into the eel
lar to-day. Wait until tomorrow"
Saying this, my lawyer departed.
(To be continued)