The Delta independent., 1897-12-24

att was trivial, then?"
"Yes. yes, of no importance what
ever"
''Mr. Sonntag, it is from no wish to
know the subject of your conversation
with that wretch Of Skinner that l
ask the question. But 1 happened to
see you just before entered the Office,
and am trifie curious to know if you
usually speak as earnestly on unimpor-
tant topics as you evidently did to him" "
The lawyer regarded me a moment.
He seemd to be debating some question
in his mind.
"Was earnest ?" he finally inquired.
Everything about me seems to be
mysterious!" exclaimed. piqued to
impatience at his wholly dodging my
will be cleared up soon, however," l
added, decidedly.
"Yes? And that is" essAal
1.-THE cellar mystery"
Sonntag again cautioned me against
being too precipitate.
Then give me some good reason for
your caution!" l exclaimed. Its get
ting monotonous following peoples ad-
vice without having reason for so
doing. I'll do SO no more. have half
. notion to get out of the place. Ever
since my arrival, petty trivial circum-
stances have harassed me and kept
me In an irritable mood"
"Well. maybe it would be best for
you to visit some of your friends in
town." Sonntag said. reflectively, "if
only for a few days"
mo, sir. have no friends, and your
seeming desire to have me away makes
me the more determined to stay. But
q course of supineness is done with.
Now I'll take the reins, and see whae1s
to be made out of the driving"
Just as you please about that, Of
course, Mr.. Conway. But l do beg of
you, and 1t is for your own interests 1
speak, delay the attempt to enter the
cellar until tomorrow"
"why?" curtly asked.
you'll know in the morning." my
lawyer replied, with q smile.
II may be dead by that time," re-
piled. Certainly II must be the tar
est for every assassin's bullet, my
euan might a. well be ordered now
Saying which. took my own pistol
from my pocket. "You see that? Well.
Il means that after this I'll be ns handy
with pistol as others nre."
Mr.. Sonntag eyed me rather sus-
piciously, as though not at all certain
but that I would level the weapon at
him.
Those things are dangerous. Mr..
Conway, and are liable to go OF without
warming" he remarked, dryly, after ]
had returned the pistol to my pocket.
Yves, know that. And II there
should be occasion for It to go of in my
hand, you may be sure it will be for
the purpose Of hitting something. I
believe my peace is threatened. IL not
my life. How do know but what that
cellar under my room has been used.
maybe is being used, for some criminal
purpose? II that is true, my arrival
In Nelsonvillc and taking up my abode
right in the midst Of hidden crime
would naturally prevent any contin-
uance of operations, and endanger the
secret. believe that attempts are
being made to cause me TO leave; II
mysterious demonstrations cannot &c
complish il by frightening me, then
the purpose In to remove me by death
"Therc may be something in what
you say" Sonntag remarked, after q
moments thought. But promise me
you will not attempt to shoot the sta
tion agent" he added, with deep ear
nestness.
"What3 Make no defense against
his cowardly attacks?" I exclaimed, in
amazement at my lawyers request.
"He will not repeat it, you may be
sure. At least promise to defer re-
talia.ion until tomorrow"
''And get shot in the meantime!"
"No. 1 said il would not happen
again"
Just let me get my hands on him.
I'll choke the life out Of him." was the
only reply I made.
"Oh, yes; that's all right. Choke him
all you want 70, but please, Mr.. Con
way. no shooting. 7 don't mind tell
ing you that any headstrong course on
your part may upset few well-laid
plans for your own good. which give
promise now Of fruitful rcsults. Wait
until tomorrow. You shall know all
then, ! promise you"
II is impossible TO convey by words
the seriousness Of my lawyers manner
in making these remarks.
When I was conversing with Mr..
Sonntag there was something about
him which compelled me 60 feel trust
and confidence, Notwithstanding his
many sayings bearing on some secret
purpose which he was 20 careful not
20 reveal.
well, I give up trying 20 make you
est" I sid, after considering his
words and being impressed by then
"You certainly are the most iDexplics
bIe specimen Of . country lawyer
Who ere you. anyhowr