Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-11-07
CHAPTER <.

The MAN WITH THE LONG BEARD.
Meanwhile in small room of the
courthouse still more serious con-
versation was in progress. DIR. Talbot,
Mr.. Fenton and n certain able lawyer
in town by the name of Harvey We're
In close discussion. The latter had
broken the silence of years and was
telling what he knew of Mrs. Webb's
affairs.
He was shrewd man of unblem-
ished reputation. When called upon to
talk, he talked well, but he much pre-
ferred listening, and was, rs now ap-
peared, the safest repository of secrets
to be found In all that region. He had
been married three times and could
still count 10 children around his
board, one reason perhaps why he had
learned to cultivate silence to such a
degree. Happily the time had come
for him to talk, and he talked. This is
what he said:
Some 10 years ago Philemon Webb
came to me with small sum Of money
which he said he wished to have me
invest for his wife. 1t was the fruit
Of small speculation of his, and he
wanted it given Internationally to her
without her knowledge or that of the
neighbors. / accordingly made out a
deed of gift, which he signed with
Joyful alacrity, and then, after due
thought and careful investigation,
put the money into new enterprise
then being started in Boston. 1t was
the best stroke of business ever did
in my life. At the end of year it paid
double, and after five years had rolled
away the accumulated interest had
reached such sum that both Phile-
mon and myself though. 1t wisest to
let her know what she was worth
and what was being done with the
money. l was in hopes it would lead
her to make some change in her mode
Of living, which seemed to me cut Of
keeping with her appearance and men
tai qualifications, while he, / imagine.
looked for something more important
still, smile on the face which had
somehow lost the trick Of merriment,
though 1t had never acquired that Of
i'll nature. But we did not know
Agatha, at least did not.
when she learned that she was rich
she looked at first awe struck and then
heart pierced. Forgetting me, or ignoc-
ing me, it makes no matter which, she
threw herself into Philemon's arms and
wept, while he, poor faithful fellow,
looked as distressed AZ II he had
brought news Of failure instead Of tri.
umphant success. suppose she thought
of her buried children and what the
money would have been to her II they
had lived; but she did not speak Of
them, nor am quite sure they were in
her thoughts when, after the first ex-
element was over, she drew back and
said quietly, but in a tone of strong
feeling to Philemon: You meant me a
happy surprise, and 1t shall be SO, Phil
emon. This Is heart money. We will
use it to make our townsfolk happy /
saw him glance at her dress, which
was q purple calico. remember 1t be-
cause of that look and because of the
sad smile with which she followed his
glance. Can we not afford now,' he
yentured, "a little show of luxury, or
at least ribbon or SO for this beauti.
full throat of yoursY She did not an
swer him, but her look had rare com.
passion In 1t, compassion, strange to
say, that seemed to be expended upon
him rather than upon herself. Phile-
mon swallowed his disappointment.
Agatha is right he said to me. we do
not need luxury. ] do not know how
SO far forgot myself as to mention it,
That was ten years ago, and every day
since then her property has increased.
did not know then, and do not know
now, why they were both so anxious
that all knowledge of their good for.
tune should be kept from those about
them, but that 1t was to be SO kept was
made very evident to me, and, not
withstanding all temptations to the
contrary, have refralned from utter
Ing word likely to give away their
secret. The money, which to all up.
pearance was the cause of her tragic
and untimely death. was interest mon.
| ey which was delegated to deliver to
her. I took 1t to her day before yes.
terday, and 1t was all In crisp, new
notes, some of them twenties, but most
OF them tens and fives. l am free ia
say there was not such another roll of
fresh money in town"
Warn all shopkeepers to keep a
lookout of the money they receive
was DR.. Talbot's comment to the con,
stable. "Fresh $40 and $50 bills are
not any too common In this town.
And now about her win. Did you
draw that up, Haryeyw Z