The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1898-08-13
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| Iuo Jouu5 Bul, WHeu Sue ulsapPeaTeu,
she had robbed her trusting friend oil
name, father and fortune, and now she
would steal her loyal, broken-hearted
her spirit never quaiIed at the upbraid.
legs Of an outraged, hardened con-
science.
He shall be mine! Wealth is moth
ing without him." she had told herself
and forthwith she set herself at work to
consummate her designs. She had
money-that could buy information, CO.
operation. She had an ally in reserve,
and after remaining In her room to rest
until noon, she dispatched messenger
for DR.. Raphael Simms.
This man was physician who re-
sided near the village. He was O hard.
coarse-featured man Of about 40, and
her only living relative in the world.
He had very small practice, for peo-
pie generally disliked him, but he COM
bined with his profession a mortgage
loaning office, and cared very little for
anything except money. A half cousin
of Beatrice's father, these two had
rarely met enc another, but Beatrice
knew the man fully, and comprehended
that she could rely on his secrecy ano
co operation where there was moneyed
reward assured him for his services.
At about O'Clock In the afternoon
Doctor Raphael Simms was ushered
into the parlor Of the suite of rooms at
the hotel occupied by Beatrice. He
evidently supposed he had been sent for
by patient. for bowling awkwardly to
her, he looked somewhat puzzled, as
he said:
| you are the lady who sent for me2"
Eyes. Doctor, responded Beatrice.
| you are ill-some friend"
| No. want your personal services.
not your professional advice. You do
not know me2 Look"
| Her visitor started violently as Bea-
trice removed the false front of hair
) and her glasses for the first time, re-
vealing her true Identity.
Beatrice Mercerl" he calculated in
genuine surprise.
Your cousin. Yes. / need old. /
do not know O person In the village l
can trust but you. First, l desire COM
! plete secrecy. Next, certain informa-
ton you can CLEAN for me. Perhaps q
weeks attention off and on will do. For
all this will pay you $780,
"You-will-pay-me!" gasped the pet
| rified doctor, wondering II the friendless
girl he had known as dependent at the
| seminary had taken leave Of her senses.
Five hundred dollars. Are not my
words plain enough?"
Where would you get that sum Of
money!"
His incredulity nettled Beatrice.
Out Of my pocket-boOk! Five one
hundred-dollar bills. Count them. Take
them; they won't burn you. pay you
in advance"
She had extended the amount In ques-
ton. Its unexpected possession, the
munificence OF the reward, fairly
stunned the Doctor.
Il can't understand how you come to
have 50 much money" he began.
Don't try to-. interrupted Beatrice.
impatiently. Briefly, have come into
possession of several thousand dollars.
l choose to spend the money as like.
l offer you $500 to help ne. Do you
agree?"
Yes, indeed!"
First, my identity and plans are to
be dead secret between US, now an /
hereafter.
Trust me for that
Next, you are to obey me implicitly.
with such pay for my services, l am
your slave!"
very good. First and foremost, 1
wish you to go now, and at once, and
learn all you can about the whereabouts
OF Raymond Marshall"
Eli" calculated the Doctor, with q
start. Il don't think he Is In the vii
lage."
"Then ascertain where he is"
"Ill t.y."
kho III vnA
financial complications In the affairs Of
| his father, Col. Marshall.
THAT Is more easy"
"And report progress to me as soon as
you can"
There shall be no delay"
DR.. Simms departed. Beatrice looked
excited, suspenseful.
The ball set In motion-oh! with q
trusted ally and unlimited wealth,
cannot fail in the scheme I have
+, adopted.
she counted the hours until late in
| the afternoon Her face underwent
vivid changes of color and expression
as there was knock at the door finally.
Come int"
It was her ally, DR.. Simms. He
/ looked tired and excited.
i W6lll SIG Qciuduucu liupoflOuSlys
| 1--WE had an afternoon Of It
| you have found Raymond Mar
shall2"
| @He returned home this morning."
From where?"
From fruitless, heartbroken, quest
for that girl he was spoony on at the
seminary-the one who disappeared SO
mysteriously.
Edna Deane, you mean?"
yes; that's the name. He's been
searching for her everywhere, neglect
ing business, growing so thin and pale
| that they cay he Is fast breaking down. "
And his father"
added trouble there! Dark rumors
say that his business integrity Is at
stake, that financial crash threatens.
/ made circums pect but close Inquiries.
He Is ct the office of the lawyer now,
striving to adjust affairs. You see"
you need not tell me more, inter-
rupted Beatrice, impatiently. Il know
moro than you do, probably, about that.
/ At the lawyers Officer she continued.
arising and putting on her wraps. Re-
port to me here about eight O'Clock this
evening""
You are not going?"
ITO the lawyers Office myself.
She left the hotel alone. In ten min
utes she entered the outer room OF the
offices of the lawyer her informant had
referred to.
She sank to a chair near to the half
n