Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-10-22

VI "ha0 remains, out all my own. i am
rich now, and don't need it,
"And who made you rich?"
"Oh, you did. Idon't deny it; and you
have my thanks" replied Jackson, in
hooking tones. '"That last deal in
which we were on opposite sides hap
pened to turn my way, and got the
pile you dropped. That's my luck. I
can give her as luxurious home as
she has had. Come, old man, be rea-
sonable."
Never. You cannot have her. She
despises you, and her likes and dis
likes have more weight with me than
anything you couM offer. Thank God,
she will marry a Better man than either
you or me-"
ooh. she will! Not while live. No,
she shall marry no one if not me-" Jack
son exclaimed, in rage.
"And you thought that removing the
stolen bonds to some secret hiding place
OF your own and thereby depriving me
of my share would compel me to ac-
cede to your demand for my daugh-
tcr's hand?" asked Mr.. Morley, in great
scorn.
Partly that. There was another rea-
son, too. had an iden that some ono
was on our track, and it was my pur-
pose to throw proof on the one who was
universally considered the guilty party
In case it became too hot for us.''
TOO hot for you," quietly interposcd
Mr., Morley,
mo, for us. Do you suppose have
been such fool as to place myself SO
completely in your power that my safe
ty should depend on your within? Not
much! If 1 am found out. be sure you
go down with me, in spite of your high
standing and incorruptible honor"
Jackson Missed out these words with
venom.
"Ihis conversation is fruitless. We
will change it," remarked MFR. Morley,
in tones wherein great effort at self
control was evident. Nov, restore my
portion of the bonds, and you have my
word that | will not modest you. Re-
fuse, and I'll grind you down in the
dirt, where You belong"
"Bluff! all bluff" exclaimed Jack
son, with derisivc laugh. "There was
time when was afraid of you, but not
now, not now. You've been so very kind
as to tell what you'll do; now let me
have my say. You'll give me your
daughter, or will dcnounce you. You
know can do it. hold absolute proofs
which will astonsh the world, you bet
Don't answer just yet. Think over
what l am saying. know well I must
fail when you do. My showing you w
necessarily includes that. But YOU
are such a senseless old fool in re.
fnnsing me yoHr daughter that it would
be q pleasure 10 show you up. Besides,
| do love Florence, and if can't have
her | don't care what happens to me-"
There must have been something in
Mr.. Morley after this speech which dis
turbed Jackson, for he gaye vent ts a
neryous laugh and backed away, so that
could not see him.
Nov, don't act like fool, old man.
and do anything
Before jackson could finish q pistol
shot rang pvt:
Ahls was immediately followed by
TIVE other reports. Mr.. Morley had evil
IDENTIFY missed the first time, and his
second shot sounded simultaneously
with Jackson's return ire.
Ihen Mr., Morley staggered before the
passageway. His arms were appraised.
and the hands worked convulsively.
He made great effort to speak, but
no sound came from his lips. except a
deep groan as he fell forward full
length. And there he lay, moiionless;
.iis lace resting on the hard floor.
In moment Jackson was bending
over him. The look of horror, of fear,
of dread in his face as he arose from
beside the PROSTATE body telr tale 81
mprdsE;
With nervous haste he picked ND tho
papers which had fallen from his hand,
and. throwing a hasty glance around,
seized the lantern and entered the pas
sageway, intent on instant flight.
Too Mortified to think what course 10
pursue, 1 backed a1wsay from the door
ana .see.olls; q position near the stairs
jackson entered the eeek-Asns- =
az, ana aP !as!sa me lev I'LL. e.
:. me door. Then he turned
| and peered about. The start he gave
and the alarm on his face told me ]
was discovered. He had his pistol still
in his hand, and started to raise his arm
no, no." cried; keep that hand
down." He saw had him covered with
my revolver, and he obeyed my com.
| mand for the moment. But knew that
he was desperate man and would not
hesitate to throw his life away in the
endeavor to escape. Therefore hastily
followed up the advantage.
You'll throw that pistol to me-" ]
continued. Instantly, you damned
villain, you murderer, or, as sure as
| Heaven"
But my words were interrupted. He
had backed up against the door, his
eyes staring tiXedly at me. There was
movement of his arm, and was about
to pull the trigger to forestall his pur
pose of firing at me, when report
sounded out from behind him, as he
leaned against the wall and door, and
with loud cry he sprang forward
came down all in heap, rolled over OF
his back, and lay there, dead-dead, and
by his own murderous device for guard
ing his hiding place.
Hurried footsteps were crossing the
room above, and hastily took up new
position of defense.
"Stop!" yelled, as the feet began tt
descend. "The stairs are covered by my
pistol"
There was pause, and'a hurried con
sultation upon the landing.