The morning news., 1897-08-29
THE MAN WHO STOOD BAIL,
BY ERNEST GRANVILLE.
copyrisnted, 1so7, by Ernes, Granville


ciety, he did not ride, and DE hated TRAY
cling. but he loved the salt sca, ana spent
most of his time cruising i'm his WeII-ap-
pointed steam yacht-"The Seagull now
lying ready for lengthy voyage amid the
Canary Islands.
In his mouth was full-havored Hav-
ana by his elbow glass of whisky, h's
slippered feet were on the seat OF one
chair. and he r,clneI at his ease in am
other. looking up at the whirling circles
OF smoke and listening with sense Of
comfort to the howlng Of the wind.
His reverie was disturbed by the en-
trance Of his man-servant followed oy
smootl-shayed gentleman.
MY name is Parks sir, of Parks and
Beecram, solicitors ! here venture TO call
in the interests Of mutual tuend-Mr.
Davis Sloper
TAKE a seat sh-a cigar! Robert anoth-
or glass us a cold night and boisterous.
eft is cold. sir" and the lawyer held his
thin hands over the fire Very good wins
ky indeed-tnough generally, l like my
whisky in my boots"
BLESS my soul--in your boots!
Indeed. sir. The spirit Of alcohol sets up
a most grateful warmth. Look after your
feet, and the body VIII look after itself?'
"Ha! ma! must tell that 10 my skipper
I'm 60 bau it win astonish his nerves. What
can 1 DO for you?'
"Not for me MIR. McWillam-but for our
cool friend. Mr Davis Sioper-and you
have Yourself stated the object of my can.
You must have heard from the press re
rorts that our friend has been involved
and uniustly so-in the alleged conspiracy
TO defraud the shareholders of the General
Utility Company.'
Mr.. McWilHam nodded his head.
..yVeU sir. to condense the matter-for
You arc a man Of few words-our friend is
held 10 ban with the other directors to the
tune of f2.e0 Shortly, sir-will you stand
sccuuN?"
Mr.. McWiliam took the cigar from his
mouth and studied the glowing end there
or
1T is merely formal act sir, and only
involves your signature 10 cheque. MT.
Davis Sloper is as innocent Of the crime
as-as / am-and he is only TOO anxious
TO face the jury with che fun proof OF ms
innocence. I have worked up evidence for
he agrees with me that the prosecution
has not leg to stand upon-not leg,
sir
Mr.. McWniam replaced the cigar and
rubbed the back OF his head The lawyer
played his last card.
Il believe Mr.. Sloper did you good
turn once. regarding the insurance on the
steamship Ella, wrecked under somewhat
strange circumstances.
'.The Ella was wrecked through the fool
hardness of her captain. When do you
want the money!
"If YOU win attend at the Guildhal
court tomorrow at II O'Clock with your
cheuue book. your act Of mercy and kind
ness 70 our old friend may be settled WIN
in ten minutes
"AU right. I'll be there
your hand. sir" The lawyer took the
brown sinewy hand of the other in his
and wrung it with a look of immense re-
lief. Now. l must run off and put our
friend out of his anxiety, and see him
safe home to cheer his broken-hearted
wife"
Mr.. McWmam poked the fire savagely,
after the lawyer had retreated, and said
Dash it," repeatedly.
How many more times will that old
tub be forced down my throat? Hang II
hang them-the scheming set of sharp
ers." From which reflections il viii be
gathered that he did not receive any fine
GLOW Of satisfaction from his act of kind
ness.
Nevertheless next morning he was due
to time and stood BAN with stolid calm
ness. but he was far from ovcrioyed when
Mir Sloper an hour after. rushed into his
room. and poured out "a torrent of thanks
ia a voice that trombied with feeling.
MY dear old FRIEND he wound up, 81
knew YOU would not desert me In this
evil hour, when / was assailed with calum-
ny. abused 10y reptile press whose eN-
tortionate demands for hlackmal ! had
treated with contempt, and doubted by
those who should nave been true 10 me
If they possessed but a shred Of honor
"Confound that Ella muttered Mr.. Nc
William.
"Now. my dear sir YOU must come to
dine with me tomorrow night. No ! Will
take no rcfusa.'
but ] am leaving for Ryde tomorrow
20 join my yacht
"Oh. but a dav sooner or later cannot
surely matter. and consider. sir the pleas
ure 10 will De 20 my wife 90 thank YOU. T..
not deny us hat qualification of the weight
OF Indebtedness viii Doe 800 great"
Mr. McWuli3m sighed.
"But ] have seen ms hanker-arrangcd
20 draw this afternoon-and see, I've just
filed cheque
Lucky mar" said Mr. sloper. glancing
at the slip of blue paper "Hum-hum-
pay bearer two thousand pounds Hai
very nicc-vory nice indeed. I rejolce deep
Nv at the implicit trust In me-" and he
tapped the cheque.
"l scarcc.y comprehend"
"N hy. sir a cruise TO the Canaries win
occupy you how long?'
81 shall Boz four months away"
VERY good within that time ] stand
90 take nay trial. and your arrangements
show that YOU have every confidence lea
my appearing"
"Of course" said McWiliam. gravoly
Most certainly, my dear SIR. Now 10
confer one more favor upon me-one which
] shall esteem very uy-accept my in-
Vitatlon for tomorrow. %
VERY well-and thank you"
I'VE shall both wish you a pleasant vow
age Mr. slopcr again took up the
choque nhacnty read BE- over carefully
and then hastily put it down. Pardon mo-
rcaly-weil. until o-morrow-gooI-bvc.
"Phcw' exclaimed Mr. McWIlam.
"mealy hcerar Come unr ln rc'
Fpourc Co another knock
"a man wants to see you. slr-vcry
pressing"
"oh. show him ln."
Tho newcomer entered strllthliv. r8fuv
closed the door and nN fuff.v r.au.t..l 10