The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-09-03

alike. but the resemblance was close
and Reuben took the chance.
Here are the Deeds" said Stanton
re-entering.
Reuben looked them over They were
very carefully gotten up and seemed to
provide in a perfectly regular manner
for the transfer of a small piece Of New
York real estate in the borough Of the
Bronx from John Atkinson to the Har-
lem Surface Railway company for $751;
600, Warren Leland acting as counsel
for both parties.
The man who had played the part OF
the accountant now acted as a notary
and commissioner, and Reuben's sigma
ture as John Atkinson" was duly at
tested.
Stanton glanced at 1t.
ut was your daughter who used to
conduct your correspondence with US.
wasn't 2" he asked; and Reuben, who
had no idea what the other was driving
at, answered that IL was.
81 suppose you'll put this money in
your safe deposit box temporarily"
said Stanton. eying the bag somewhat
anxiously.
YES" replied Reuben. IT thought
Of doin So"
He was drenched with the perspira-
ton OF Impotence, yet he maintained
an outward calm. 1t was evident that
the moment for springing the trap.
whatever 1t might be, must have ar
rived. AS yet Reuben had not been
asked for a cent Of money. and his roll
of bills was still safe in his pocket.
by the way" said Stanton, here Is
Mr.. Leland's bill for legal services. OF
course there's no hurry about it. Still
it might be well to close up the whole
transaction, and
Certainly, certainly" cried Reuben,
and he took the bill, which footed up al
most thousand dollars.
or course he understood the game by
this time. The bag into which Stanton
had put the money was a mere trick
bag. 1t could only be opened by one
understanding the springs. The victim
was expected to try to open 1t. and fail.
The operator would then suggest pay
ment out of the victims pocket, saying
that the bag could be taken to a lock-
smiths around the corner.
The game as a whole depended upon
the willingness of the countryman TO
TOD the SWIMMER vi COuISe, ne htle"
that he wasn't John Atkinson" and
that he had no land TO sell. And, OF
course, when the locksmith finally sue
ceeded in opening the bag. il would be
empty, a change having been effected
either in the office or on the way TO the
locksmith's. In the present instance,
however. the change had occurred
somewhat earlier than schedule time.
Certainly. certainly" repeated Reu-
ben. and he produced his roll Of bills.
The account was paid and a receipt
duly given.
zone Of our boys will carry your bag
10 the safe deposit company for you"
suggested Stanton. That's the safe
way. You walk right behind him and
see that nobody gets away with your
money
"AiI right" said Reuben: much
obliged"
A sharp faced boy took the bag. and
Reuben, after wishing stanton and the
accountant many happy returns Of the
day"-a pleasantly which they seemed
not 20 fully understand walked out OF
the Office on two legs that felt as At 10
support a mans body as two vet tow
els.
I've got the brains OF q swindler.''
said Reuben. as he tOttered down the
stairs. but haven't got the nerves.
nor the legs"
AS he passed out OF the building he
saw a cOuntryman entering. Just such
another a. himself.