Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1902-09-10
WHO are YOU, How did Won como

''I am known by the unattractive
title of job Hendr$cks," was the UNI
pcrturbed reply. AS to how 1 came
10 know this bit Of family history
may have had it from Frale him
self, or procured il from his heirs
and assignecs. But why do you in
terrupt me in the most interesting
part of my story?"
Ellison skunk. rather than walked,
back to his chair, into which he sank
with a sigh.
4 The father was in prcdicamcnt.
He saw the fortune taking wings.
It was just at this juncture that his
former friend Frale, appeared on
the scene with the request that he
should take charge of his infant
daughter, as he had an appointment
with the government. Ellison was
never SO glad to see his shabby ex-
friend as on this occasion. The pa
pcrs drawn up, he adopted the infant
aS his own. There was an important
clause that the father might claim
his daughter when he was free. in
20 years or more, or whenever his
sentence was served. Ellison agreed
|
things that might happen to a man
in prison Jail fever or other NAL
aides; he might even happily be
shot when he attempted to escape.
The latter would have pleased FL
liSon most. Then, with money, il was
possible TO trace and destroy The pa
pers showing the adoption; in short
this philanthropic man, who had
taken in the child of criminal. had
every chance of coming out ahead
i'll his benevolent game"
Now that Ellison was acquainted
with the chief parts of the story. he
recovered his equanimity and com
posture quickly. AS he believed he
had to deal with 4 cunning blackmail-
er. who had somehow come into pos
session of the secret of his life. and
as he had plenty of money. it would
not be hard matter to buy him off
Well" said Hendricks, smiling in
his beard, for he guessed what
thought was passing through the
bankers mind. Mrs. Ellison re-
covered, and found her child living
md well. That is how Fralc's daugh-
ter the vagabond's brat-became an
hciress, and the fortune Of the
family was fixed to remain forever
in James EllSon's possession"
Ellison did not answer at once, but,
swinging round in his chair, took a
chcckbooll out of his desk. dipped his
pen IN the ink, and said: How much
money do you want?"
He received only IA laugh for an
answer
Il said, How much money do you
want"" Grritated).
We'll, l want something. but |
don't want money. You seem to have
had experience with Matchmaking
schemes. YOU fly to your checkbook
in such a hurry"
Ellison closed the book, and flung it
in his desk angrily.
1T is hard to keep my temper with
you. Now state your wants"
II think we are beginning to I'M
derstand each other" said Hen
bricks, blandly. NO doubt. i'm the
end. we shall be very good friends.
NO doubt"
The facts are these: | am inter
ested in the fortune of this young
school-teacher, who has been held on
the charge of being an accessory to
the tragedy. Now, the young man is
innocent"
you seem to he omniscient." re-
Piled Ellison, with a paIpable sneer.
Never mind that 1t is absurd
to think that he could be guilty.
Now, you will obligc me. and ! am
sure ] can count on your help to set
him free"
The banker could hardly conceal
his pleasure at the turn things had
now taken. Evidently he had TO deal
with man who was not going to be
unreasonable.
II am sure that | have always had
a liking for the young man. he said
Il was the means of his coming hero
and | supported the school out Of
my own purse. Now. even if YOU had
not asked me, / should have lost no
time i'm doing all could for him"
lie said this with an air Of frank
ness but the other eyed him for a
moment with certain distrust.
You arc relation Of Barnctt'- o."
asked Ellison, uneasy under that un-
compromising glance.
NO. never saw the fellow but once
IN my life But have made up my
mind that he is innocent and want
him free. You have moncy-use it,
Hello. What's the matter now2" for
the banker had been staring ont Of
the window, and then stepped for.
ward and made "a quick gesture as if
O." some one i'm the garden
Hendricks had slipped forward.
and pcercd ont behind his D. ok. He
was just in time 10 sec "a man dod,c
behind tree The one glance was
. enough for him TO see that the fell
low was very ragged and uukcmpt.
then nc was gone.