The suburban citizen., 1902-11-01


with the glow and reflection
of big, cheerful fire. Drawn
near TO this was a 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, were
fixed immovably on the slumbering
man, and the slim, dapper body quiv-
cred with triumphant excitement at the
sight.
Cautiously inserting a 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 a vigorous
slap on the back brought Horace TO
his feet with a bound. Staring about
him, dazed and bewildered. he finally
perceived the amused intruder at
whom he gazed long and incredibly.
"Who are your" he demanded, when
his astonishment permitted. What do
you want hereT
II answer to Jedrey, and my business
here is-well, rather peculiar"
"Then state It quickly and begone,"
said Horace sternly, with his hand on
the bell, "unless you wish to be ar
rested"
"You may ring yourself blue, my
dear SIR" returned Jedrey. but no one
will heed you. 1t has turned u, and
the servants are all ia bed. Besides
you would be wise to hear me. A man
Of your prominence should always
have a clear character, and not mere
pretence to one"
why, what do you mean?" said Hor-
acc sharply
"Meanp retorted Jedrey, 81 mean
to tell your history better even than
you know it yourself"
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 a divorce he had left
her to seek his fortune in 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, he was obliged to inform
him that his first wife was not dead,
but living and anxious to see him.
"Heavensr' exclaimed Horace, all
apathy vanishing in sudden dismay.
"Alice alive2 Alive? But no; impos-
sible! 1t is false-hideously false! Be-
yond the slightest doubt she committed
suicide"
"Have you ever had absolute proof
that the buried woman was actually
your wife?" n,,n,
mo, but"
'"Then don't be deluded any longer"
declared Jedrey, literally beside him
self with glee. "She is no more dead
than you are. She has been craving all
these weary years to see her beloved
husband. And, by the way, capital,
and plenty of it, is the only thing to
quiet herr
IF you do not instantly depart"
shouted the banker, clenching his
hands fiercely, Il viii kill you'll swear
it,"
"The threat" he said, "is both empty
and foolish. However, will obey your
command If you promise to obey mine.
The sole object OF this visit, on behalf
Of Alice, is money. Money we must
have--shall have. The amount decided
upon is 100000. DO you agree TO pay
IT."
Twenty thousand poundsY NUT
tered the banker. Eyes! l agree! But
cannot pay It now. or here"
THAT is immaterial," chuckled jed
rey. advancing and unlstchlng the win
dow, Your word and my knowledge
are sufficient. Meet me on the other
side of the Demon Arches, two nights
hence, after dark. Be sure to bring the
money. Fail to do so. and Alice herself
will call upon your wifep'
Shuddering at the appalling menace
Horace fastened the window and then,