Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1902-08-08

I " \
A CAB DROVE UP AND. THE GENTLE
MAN HIMSELF ALIGHTED.
would you have spent an exceedingly
uncomfortable quarter of an hour in
that doorway in Holywell street."
This was news indeed. So he had
been aware of my presence there? I
put the question to him.
''Oh! Yes! knew you were there"
he said with laugh. "And can tell
you did not like the situation one
bit. AS matter of fact, I found
that it required all my nerve to pre-
tend that I did not know it. Every
moment I expected you to come out
and speak to me- I can assure YOU
the failure of my plot was no end of
a disappointment to me. had ex-
pected to see the men I had sent
after you, and instead I found you
yourself"
Upon my word, Mr.. Hayle, if I
cannot appreciate your actions,
must say. admire your candor.- I
can also add that in fairly long ex-
perience of-of-"
"Why not say criminals at once.
Mr.. Fairfax?'' he asked, with
smile: II assure you I shall not be
offended. We have both our own
views on, this question, and you, of
course, are entitled to air yourself
II it pleases you. You were about
to observe that" ~.
That in: all my experience I had
never met anyone who could SO calm
~ own to an attempt to murder
fellew-being. But supposing we now
come to business" -
with all my heart" he answered.
IT am as anxious as yourself to get
everything settled. You will admit
that It is rather hard lines on man
who can lay his hands upon quar-
ter of million of money to have a
gentleman like yourself upon his
trail, and, instead Of being able to
enjoy himself, to be compelled to re-
main continually in hiding. I am an
Individual who likes to make the
most of his life. also enjoy the So
ciety of my fellow-men."
May we not substitute 'woman?'"
asked. Il am afraid your quarter
of a million would not last very long
if you had much to do with Mile.
Beaumarais."
$50 you have heard of her, have
you?". he answered. But you need
have no fear. Dog does not eat dog,
and that charming lady will not de-
spoil me of very much! Now to an
other matter! What amount do you
think your clients would feel inclined
to take in full settlement of their
claim upon me?"
II cannot say" answered. "How
many Of the gems have you realized
upon?"
There were 90 originally" he said,
when he had consulted his pocket.
book, land have sold 60, which
leaves a balance of 80, all of which
are better than any I have yet dis
posed of. Will your clients be pre-
pared to accept $4,000, Of course,
given without prejudice3''
"Your generosity amazes me-" I:
answered, my clients, your part
ners.s are to take $4,000 apiece,
while you get of scot-free, after
your treatment Of them, with e ZOO.
O00." y !: 49,, n7,.-,! gta 4::y +
They may consider themselves
lucky to get anything" he. retorted.
Run your eye over the case, and see
how it stands. You must: know as
well as LIDO that they haven't q leg
to: stand upon II. l. wanted to be,
nasty, I should say let them prove
that they have q right TO- the stones.
They can't call in the assistance Of
the law-sit3 Ut Iic;.F$
why not2" 6e,.zs.<.
? Because TO get even with me IL
would be necessary for them Ito
make certain matchmaking admis=
sions, and to call certain y; evidence
that would entail :caustic remarks
from . learned Judge. and would not
lmprobably lead to . charge Of m,1r.
der being preferred against them.
No, Mr.. Fairfax, I know. my, own
business, and, what is better, know
theirs. If they like to take $4,000,
and will retire into obscurity upon it,
I will pay it to them, always through
you. But won't see either of them,
and won't pay halfpenny more
than I have offered" = %>s@ !.
.You don't mean to tell me that
you are in earnest?" ~: az -: .*.:
-. II am quite in earnest" he an.
.swered. 81 never was more so. Will
you place my offer before them, or
will you not .:.k. s q
II will write and also wire them
to-day" said. ''But I think / know
exactly what they will say 81.
Point out the applicability Of the