The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1903-01-15

sigh of relief. The chief difficulty
had been overcome-success was
practically certain. Returning to his
rooms he listened eagerly to re-
cital of Thompson's capture, and
gave expression to his satisfaction
by presenting Grimes with a cheque
for half the amount agreed upon.
Next morning, as an invited guest,
he joined the wedding party, and in
due time arrived at the church. Not
a sign was to be seen of his confed-
crate, but presently the bride entered
and took up her position by the altar
rails. She looked fearfully i'll, and
leaned heavily on the arm of an old
gentleman, friend of the family,
who was to give her away. Frank
ison gazed upon her with an almost
satanic look. upon his features, and
saw with intense satisfaction the sur
prised expression on her face give
way to one of absolute pain as the
time passed and no bridegroom APP
peared. He himself had tasted sus-
pense the night previously, and cal
culated to a degree the effect it was
having upon her. The whispered en-
pectancy of the congregation lapsed
into low murmur of consolation
and sympathy for the bride, and
even Frankison began to anticipate
failure.
Suddenly the sound of carriage
being driven rapidly in the direction
of the church was heard, and an au-
dible AT last!" went round the
building as the bridegroom, flushed
with haste and excitement, appeared.
AS he hurried up the aisle his eyes
sought those of Frankison, and the
prearranged signal of success was
given.
The ceremony was at once proceed
ed with, and soon the assumed bride
groom led his almost fainting bride
away.
| Arrived at home, as soon as it was
decently possible Frankison gave
Grimes the sign to retire, and after
apologizing to his guests he did SO.
Frankison would have enjoyed the
sight of the newly-made brides
agony on being made acquainted with
her true position, but considering
the possibility of danger arising he
denied himself the pleasure, and soon
afterwards departed.
Grimes, who had removed his dis
I guisc, was waiting his arrival at the
place appointed, with the news that
I the letter had already been dis
patched. After congratulating him
upon the success of the plot Frank
ison handed him a cheque for $3.50,
being, with the amount already re-
ceived $50 more than the total
agreed upon.
He could afford to be generous;
the manner in which the suspense
in the church had affected his cousin
convinced him he would not have to
wait long for his increased income,
and, moreover, the fact that Grimes
! Rad ale ea.'1rrcha sed his ticket and
mirSe arrangements for leaving the
country that day was worth more
than the extra amount he had given,
for now that the scheme had been
carried through he felt an aversion
akin to fear of his accomplice.
Bidding Grimes farewell he sought
his club. and afterwards Joined
music hall party. 1t was early morn
ing when he arrived at home. His
first thought was the gratifying one
that Grimes would by that time be
on the sea. Obtaining light he was
surprised to find two letters await
ing him. Tearing open the first he
read aS follows:
Dear Sir: 1t will probably interest you
to know that Grimes, the man you en-
| ployed. decoyed me into a house last
| night, but instead Of making me a pris-
oner, as you desired. entertained me with
an account Of your diabolical scheme.
I am at loss to know the reason Of
this confession-probably his better man
hood prevailed-we will hope so Acting
upon his suggestion, for neither Of us
extreme measures If you had the slightest
suspicion he had turned informer, I
| stayed with him all night and never
| found a more entertaining host. The
| arrangements for keeping up the decep-
| tion we intended practicing uAon you
were the cause Of my late arrival at
church this morning. When ! obeyed
your signal and left my wife, / simply
retired until you had departed
| I understand you have had a large call
upon your purse Of late, and would sug-
gest the advisability of your recouping the
| stock in other regions. otherwise I must
3request my friend. Detective Superin-
ltendent Robson, to whom have commu-
nicated the whole facts, to call upon you
| in his official capacity. Yours truly.
WILLIAM THOMPSON.
The second letter was from
Grimes:
| Dear Sir: In future would advise you
never, under any circumstances. to en-
deavor to intimidate man with more
| brains than yourself If you want to
| succeed in our profession, be less of n
coward, take equal risks with your ac-
complice, and for time operate only on
such fools as yourself.
The reaction was too much for
Frankison. The rapid change from
anticipated success to complete fail
ure stunned him. For time he sat