Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-10-12

! cellar under my room has been used
maybe is being used, for some crimina
purpose? If that is true, my arriva
in Jacksonville 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 art
being made to cause me to leave; il
| mysterious demonstrations cannot ac.
complish 1t by frightening me, then
the purpose is to remove me by DEATH
There may be something in what
you say" Sonntag remarked, after q
moments thought. but promise me
you will not attempt to shoot the sta
ton agent" he added, with deep ear.
| nestness.
what? Make no defense against
his cowardly attacks?" l exclaimed, in
amazement at my lawyers request.
He will not repeat it, you may be
sure. At least promise to defer re.
taliation until tomorrow"
"And get shot in the meantime!"
mo. said it would not happen
again"
"Just let me get my hands on him.
I'll choke the life out of him." was the
only reply made.
"Oh, yes; that's all right. Choke him
all you want to, but please, Mr.. Con-
way, no shooting. 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 results. Wait
until tomorrow. You shall know all
then. promise YOU"
1t 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 to feel trust
and confidence, notwithstanding his
many sayings bearing on some secret
purpose which he was so careful not
to reveal.
Well, give up trying to make you
out" said, after considering his
words and being impressed by rneln.
You certainly are the most inexplica-
BILE specimen of country lawyer.
Who are you, anyhow"
"Your lawyer and agent, and, Mr..
Conway. let me add, in sincerity, your
friend"
Somehow could not but believe him
at the time. His words carried conyic-
ton.
pardon me for seeming imperti-
nent," Sonntag said, as he accompanied
me to the door, but have you seen Miss
Morley since your arrival?"
YES"
And everything is all right?"
EYES,"
You intend marrying her?"
Il have her fathers consent"
"Ah! congratulate YOU"
sonntag extended his hand and
smiled. But the smile died away imme-
diately, and the expression which fol-
lowed strangely disturbed me-. Was it
sorrow? For what? Or was it pity :?
Surely not pity for me!
l went from the office resolved to fol-
low my lawyers advice just this once.
Tomorrow was not far distant, and I
"oaAA ENiSN OH ShChs fSIH
much what this all would prove to be, 1
started on my five-mile walk homeward.
Fortunately, l encountered Sarah,
who had driven to Twineburgh to do
some trading, and who was just climb
ing into her wagon as came up.
Hello, Sarah," called, as she was
about to take up the lines. ''Will you
give me a lift?"
She looked around in surprise, then
expressed her pleasure at seeing me
again as climbed up beside her.
AS we were crossing the track at Sid
ington, was considerably surprised to
see the station agent at work on the
Platform handling some freight. The
fellow really seemed to be ubiquitous.
l had encountered him in Nelsonville,
in sonntag's office. and now again at
the station attending to his duties.
His back was toward us and he did
not notice the wagon and it's occupants.
Sarah pulled up the team at my re-
quest and ! climbed down from the
wagon. I was curious to note again
what effect my presence would have on
the fellow. When ! had moved some
distance from the team for did not
propose to endanger Sarahs life in
case he took it into his head to fire at
me again), placing my hand on my re-
volver as 1t rested in my pocket,
called to him:
Hello, there! l say, you, Sllinner!"
The fellow dropped the truck handles
and turned quickly. Then he fled swift
~ along the platform toward the door
OF the station house, through which he
bolted.
But was not watching him. His
flight and the manner of it was per-
ceiEed simply because his form was In
the line of vision.
1t was upon the bow-window in the
telegraph Office that my gaze was fixed.
For, at my hail, face had appeared at
that window, and then was quickly
withdrawn.
Did my sight deceive me, or was it
really the face of Horace Jackson?
Following a natural impulse, I
sprang upon the platform and went to
the door. 1t was locked. Then tried
the door leading into the ladies' watt
ing-room, but that was also locked.
I walked around the place few times
and peered into each window. but no
one was to be seen.
1t was no surprise that the fellow
Skinner should wish to avoid me, but
If the other face had seen belonged to
Jackson, why should he desire to hide
from me?
The idea Of smashing In window Or