Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1897-01-14
XXu.-CoNTINUED.

On the desk before him lay sealed
letter, a check book, u sheet of paper
covered with figures and the little black
valise which he had guarded so jealous
1y on our journey to Rodneytown, and
which had not rested eyes upon since
the day of our arrival.
He motioned me to a seat beside him.
.'Dr. Norris said he, ''last nights
tain duties which, in view of my fail
ure of health, had too long been neg
lected. I desire your assistance in the
completion of them"
81 am at your ORDERS" said I. "Foc
the little while that remains for you"
I added, to myself.
He opened the hand bag and took
from it a paper, which, upon being IN
folded, appeared to be a petition or
agreement of some sort; for appended
to several closely-written paragraphs
was a long list of signatures. He gave
me no time, however, to decipher either
text or names. Striking a match, he set
fire to the document, which was burn-
ing briskly before he dropped it to the
floor. AS the flame grew I saw that
about it lay several little heaps of
fluffy ash, no doubt all that remained
of other papers he had chosen to put
out of the way. He watched the fire
creep along until the whole sheet was
ablaze.
eff the question arise, as it may, you
can make oath that document of this
appearance was destroyed" said La
mar. "You may feel free to do So. No
one suffers by the destruction of it,
though many might by it's preserva-
ton"
81 will certify to the fact" said I.
'tBut who will make inquiry about it ?''
Possibly no one. But, If inquiry is
made, they who ask will understand
He opened the check-book and
passed it to me. It was one had given
to him months before, though, as the
funds deposited in the bank at Trent
stood in my name, he could have had
little use for the book. In fact, none
of the printed forms had been filed in.
81 desire to make provision for John
son. he explained. HE is deserving
of a reward. Make check to his
order"
'For how much?"
I've CIlOOStuo
looked at him in wonder. Was he
playing practical joke of some sort :?
But he met my gaze. and repeated his
words: Five thousand dollars
After all. to a man in his position the
fsherman's services certainly had been
valuable. filled up the form, and tore
it from it's stub. Lamar took the slip
of paper and thrust it into his pocket.
You comprehend the reason in these
matters" said he. cit is necessary to
arrange with an eye to the worst. I
fear sudden failure, collapse. If
such should be my end, wish to have
my affairs in order. For johnson pro-
vision is now made. To Martha, who
has been a faithful servant, would
give, let us say. $500. count upon you
to arrange the matter"
st will do so," said /.
"And as for yourself"
''You have paid me well,'' broke in
But he continued:
LAS for you, I desire this: when my
death comes. you will regard as your
own the money deposited in the bank in
your name. There will be no rival
claimant. From my memory of the
account you submitted recently, am
convinced that you will find consider
able sum remaining after the two pay
ments you know of have been made. I
may tell you that the fund has been of
late replenished-"
.'But why should you make me such