The Delta independent., 1897-02-24

Ak am 10 8Gt - ottOrney IOE your
friend, IL 10 needful that should know
all the facts. Are you prepared to give
themT"
Duncan was evidently making a con-
scientious effort toward frankncss, but
with such meager results that Thorn
dyke wa. finally compelled to exact the
desired information piccemeal. rs from
an unwilling witness. After getting the
outline Of Elsie's story verified, he pro-
ereded to particulars.
"How long had Kilgrow owned the
land when he took Gates as tenants"
I'm NO vera clear upo' that point.
but it's o matter O. 20 year or more, as
ken myser."
"was his title clear?''
81 think there's no doubt aboot that"
whats the name of this county?"
"Chilmath."
"And AlIacoochec Is the county seat?"
"Aye."
"Does this farm of Kilgrow's lie Who'll
ly within the limits Of the new town."
II Gamma say as to the preceese leem-
its; I'm thinkin' it'll tax in aboot half
the town."
II suppose no one knows anything
about the exact nature of the transac-
ton between the town company and
Cates?"
"Naething mair than that Gates got
. thousand dollars on the nail"
"Was that a fair price for the land at
the timer"
INA, it wasna mair than half price"
Thorndyke made q note of this.
"That's our starting point. You knew
Gates: what kind of a man was he?
Would he be likely to sell anything at
half price of his own sccord?"
"Na, that he wouldna; he was q canny
chiel. an over fond O. the main chance"
Then there was probably some pres
sure brought to bear upon him. Now.
what do you know about the town COM
pany people? Who made the deal with
Cates?"
"a lawyer by the name of Sharpless,
an the agent, Master Jenkins Fench."
"Ohoi" said Philip, recalling his mar
tyrdom on the train. "That fellow was
in IL, was he? He's rascal, If ever there
was one out Of Jail. II his face doesn't
bslis him he's equal to anything In the
way ct fraud. How about his part
nsf7:
The lawyer? I'm thinkin' he's deal
waur than t'other."
"It isn't very likely that they bought
the land without knowing all about the
hnw in the title, unless there's been
more crookedness than we know about.
II Kilgrow sure that he never signed
any papers for Gates or anyone else?"
"He's vera willin' to tax his oath
he rovx
sin he Gamma read or write"
"And you say Gates got his money
and then disappeared?"
AYE"
"That adds q little to the suspicious
look Of the thing; but, then, it's free
country; sNppose q man may 60 or
stny. as he pleases."
Thorndyke locked his fingers behind
his bead and sat back with half-closed
eyes while he went over the facts again.
weighing each point in turn. Duncan
misunderstood his silence and grew un-
easy.
"I'm thinkin' yen be countin' the cost
o the leetigntion, Mr.. Thorndyke; I'm
no that weel able"
Make yourself easy on that point.
Mr.. Duncan." interrupted Philip; 81
want thinking of demanding . re-
tainer. Wen try to make the other side
do the paying when the time comes. In
the meanwhile, If take hold Of the
case It'll be merely out Of friendship
70 you and because need something to
do. What was thinking of just now
was the chance of our being able TO
prove collusion between the town COM
pany and Gates. II we can't do that we
may have our labor for our pains"
"Aye?" t.-l5
Eyes. Gates is we'll out Of the coun-
try, and, anyway, suppose he has moth
ing. No, we've got to recover from the
town company, and in order to do that
We must be prepared to prove that its
agent knew of the fraud when he
bought the land. Then II would be q
plain case In equity, and no chancellor
would hesitate about issuing . writ of
possession"
"would Keelgrow hae to show him.
sell in court?"
: ..Not necessarily. The evidence in
chancery cases 10 taken by deposition,
mon law procedures; the chancellor e.
aminss the evidence ond hands down .
decree in accordance with the facts"
THAT'S ane thing in our favor, then; !;
Kselgrow il that fesrsome O. courts an
eonstablss that I'm thinkin' we'd hae
muckls trouble persuadin' him to tes-
1fy." 3 iF.s
Thorndyke laughed. II suppose he
hasn't got over the apple brandy scare.
ThatTl sever be revived, and II II were
We eould easily clear him."
? Duncan shook his head doubtfully.
II Wilma be - sure o that. It's M mair
than . month sin got word that the
revenue men wsss speerin' round after
Auld Johnnie again"
Thorndyke came ont Of his nonchal-
anco with . bound.