Sequachee Valley news. (Sequachee [Sequatchie], Tenn.) 1896-1952, 1899-01-05
CHAP "

When received the telegram inform
ing me that job Eldridgo had started
for oakland, was naturally very much
chaQrlned and iisap ppoiuted at the course
affairs had taken. AS long as he re-
mained in town, had hopes OF recover
ing the doeds, for l thought it possible
that he might retain them in his DOS
session for time, thinking to use thom
as lever for tho furtherance OF some
scheme. His departure was evidence to
my mind that he had no such object in
view, as tho papers would be OF no use
to tho Hamiltons, or any one else, in a
few hours Clearly his only motiye was
revenge and, such being the case, he
would doubtless destroy them az onre
and thus cut off any chance of thoir fall
ling into the hands Of their owner. The
danger Of having them found in his pos
session would be another incentive to
such course.
After Ivan and Charlie left mo taken
che precaution to retain every attorney
in Lakevlle in behalf OF my uncle, so
that's telegram from Boston or else
where instructing thom to issue papora
and seize the Hamilton property would
secure no attention. That would delay
the blow for time at least, ;but had
premonition that tho. midnight train
from the south would bring some Of the
creditors and aheir attorneys.
The hours wore slowly away, and, as
the time approached for the arrival Of
tho night train, l locked my office,
and started forth partly TO see il
my apprehcnsons were to be realized
and partly because | had dim hops
that my unclo might have received his
telegra IN in scaSon to takoi that train
home. OF this, however, there seemed
little pro liability. 1t had rainod stead
ily for the past two hours, and the night
was almost cheerleas ono, which fact
did not tend to raise my dropping spirits.
met only Que person upon the street
and that was Mr.. Knight the registrar
of deeds for that county, who was doubt
less returning from some lodge meeting.
Recognizing me as We met, he detained
me for moment to make an inquiry
concerning some business which he had
entrusted to my charge. While he was
speaking we heard the sound OF hoOf-
beats upon tho street. and pSesontly
some one riding at sharp gallop pass
ed us and pulled up iu.front of Mr..
Knights house which was close by.
~ Then Sh6ro came a sharp cry, followed
by a gcoan, and hurrying to the spot we
found my partner stretched motionless
upon the sidewalk, while near by stood
i4ded and steaming horse. Weak and
weary from his long ride, end chilled tC
tho marrow by tho driving storm, he
had in attempting to dismount fallor
against an iron post in front of the curb
stone AS l stopped to raise bim h'
moanod slightly, and, opening his eyes
saw Mr. Knight and myself
Here" he gaspod family, extending
something toward knight, "those are
for record once" and he turned hi
gaze on me, his eyes ask ng thoquVstior
that his lips refused to utter,
ats all right, old boy, you're just ii
the nick OF time" said, in response t.
his look: "but you badly hurt"
A thankful light came into his eye
as be heard the words which told hin
that his long ride had not been in vail
and he tried to speak, but was too weaI
and soon sank into Inconsistencies
We bore him to my house, which fol-
tunately was not many rods distant, an
a physician was at onoe summoned
throughout tue nigh, we used ever
means that medical skill and RI
man ingenuity could suggest to restor
animation, but all efforts to rouse mir
proved futile. Tho doctor said that h
had received a severe spinal tnjur,
which, together with the fatigue an
exposure of his long ride. rendered h
recovery extremely doubtful. Towar
morning be rallied, and for time
were somewhat hopeful, but his In
provement was but temporary
At noon next day Charlie arrived fro
Oakland, having been discharged upc
technical defect'in tue complaint, al
briefly narrated the facts already know
to the reader. Upon learning Ivan
condition be reproached himself bite
ly for having allowed him TO attem
such a feat as his midnight ride fro
Oakland.
81 was taken by surprise" he sal
''and lost whatever sense / ever ha
II had topped to realize what ri
Ivan would have to tAks, should ha
knocked over q couple Of those duhC
with the butt Of my pistol and ridd
away before the others had recover
from their Rstonishment / was j.
ready 70 mount" hs added, in a tone
aeep disguise, ''and when ! think WI
an elegant chance that fat constal
gave me TO tap him under the ear VII
be put his hand on my shoulder, a
how easily ] could have blufied the "a
it makes me want some kind friend
take me out and shoot me.