Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-12-29

with the glow and reflection
of big, cheerful fire. Drawn
near to this was round oak table COW
cred and Uttered by documents of all
descriptions; while beside it with his
head resting on his arms, Horace Nor
cliffe, banker and broker, sat soundly
sleeping.
Outside the easement window, whose
curtain had not been lowered, was a
face sharp as that Of any fox. The
small eyes, intense and glistening, We're
fixed immovably on the slumbering
man, and the slim, dapper body Quiv-
cred with triumphant excitement at the
sight.
Cautiously inserting clasp knife
blade, he deftly forced up the hasp,
then stepped within, closed the window
and dropped the curtain.
Gliding noiselessly to the door, he
turned the key in the lock.
Presently, however. he shook the
banker smartly by the shoulder. A
disappearing grunt was the only re-
sponse he received. But vigorous
slap on the back brought Horace to
his feet with bound Staring about
him, daZed and bewildered, he finally
perceived the amused intruder, at
whom he gazed long and incredibly.
"Who are you?" he demanded, when
his astonishment permitted. "What do
you want here?"
Il answer to Jedrey, and my business
here is-well, rather peculiar"
J Then state it quickly and bcgone"
said Horace sternly, with his hand on
the bell, "unless you wish to be az
rested"
"You may ring yourself blue, my
dear sir" returned Jedrey, "but no one
will heed you. 1t has turned l., and
the servants are all in bed. Besides,
you would be wise to hear me. a man
of your prominence should always
have clear character, and not mere
pratence to one"
why, what do you mean?" said Hor-
ace sharply.
"Mean?" retorted Jedrey. II mean
to tell your history hetter even than
you KNOW IL yOurSelI.
He then sketched the bankers career
in an accurate manner. He told how
when susceptible young man he had
married a woman who, older than him
self, afterward proved to be unworthy
of the love he had bestowed upon her
either before or after he had made her
his wife. AS he had desired to avoid
the scandal of divorce he had lett
her to seek his fortune in a distant city.
Reports that came to him from his old
home told of the woman's downfall,
disappearance, and finally of her death.
After several years had passed he had
met and married his present wife and
was enjoying to the full the happiness
of perfect love. Much as he regretted
to disturb this happiness, the visitor
continued, lie was obliged to inform
him that his first wife was not dead,
but living and anxious to see him.
"Heavensw exclaimed Horace, all
apathy vanishing in sudden dismay.
.Alce alive? Alive? But no; impos-
sible! 1t is false-hideousl false! Be-
yond the slightest doubt she committed
suicide"
Have you ever had absolute proof
that the buried woman was actually
your wife:"
""No, but"
"Then don't be deluded any Longer,
declared Jedrey, literally beside him
self with glee. "She is no more dead
oil
these weary years to see her beloved
husband. And, by the way, capital
and plenty of it, is the only thing t.
quiet her.'
"If you do not instantly depart,
shouted the banker, clenching hi
hands fiercely, 81 will kill you'll swea
itw
The threat" he said, sis both empt,
and foolish. However, l will obey yol!
command if you promise to obey mine
The sole object of this visit, on behal
of Alice, is money Money we mus
hare-shall have. The amount decide
upon is 100000. Do you agree TO pa
it,"
Twenty thousand poundS?" nut
sered the banker Yes. agree. Bu
cannot pay it now. or here"
THAT is immatcrial," chuckled JeC
rcy, advancing and unlatching the viii
dow. your word and my knowleds
are sufficient. Meet me on the othe
side of the Demon Arches, TWO night
hence, after dark. BE sure to bring tn
money. Fail to do so. and Alice hersel
will call upon your wife"
Shuddering at the appalling menace
Horace fastened the window and thci