Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1903-05-14
Stairs Of
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Who are you? How did you com,
to know all this?" he demanded.
II am known by the unattractiv,
title Of Job Hendricks" was the I'M
perturbed reply. LAS to how l came
to know this bit of family history
may have had 1t from Frale him
self. or. procured 1T from his heir.
and asSignees. But why do you in
terfupt me in the most interesting
part Of my story?"
Eilison skunk. rather than walked
back to his chair, into which he sanl
with q sigh.
The father was in a predicament
He saw the fortune taking wings
It was Just at this juncture that his
Former friend. Frale, appeared or
the scene with the request that hi
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
pefs drawn UP, he adopted the infant
AZ his own. There was an important
clause that the father might claim
his daughter when he was free, In
twenty years or more, or whenever his
sentence was served. Ellison agreed
readily to this. for there were many
things that might happen to man
In prisoh-Jail fever or other NAL
aides; he might even happily be
shot when he attempted to escape
The latter would have pleased FL
iison most. Then. with money, 1t was
possible to trace and destroy the pa
pers showing the adoptioni in short
this this. phtlanthropic man. who had
taken IN the child of criminal. had
every chance Of coming out ahead
IN his benevolent game"
NOW that Ellison was acquainted
with the chief parts OF the story, he
recovered his equahimity and COM
posure Quickly. AS he believed he
had to deal with a cunning blackmail-
,ef, who had somehow come into pos
session Of the secret of his life. and
not be q hard matter to buy him OFF.
We'll" 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
and we'll. That is how Frale's daughter
the vagabond's brat-became an heir
ess. and the fortune of the family was
fixed to remain forever In James Eli
sons possession"
Elliaon did not answer at once, but
swinging round in his chair, took a
.checkbook out Of his desk, dipped his
,pein in the Ink and said: 'How much
money do you want7"
He received only laugh for an
answer.
II said. How much money do you
Want" Qrritated).
Well, I want something. but 1
had experience with Matchmaking
schemes. you fly to your checkbook
in such a hurry"
Ellison closed the book. and flung 1t
in his, desk ankriiy.
1T is hard to keep my temper with
you. Now state your wants."
Il think we are beginning to UNI
bricks. blandly. mo doubt, in the
end. we shall be very good friends.
mo doubt"
The facts are these: I am inter-
ested In the fortune of this. young
.scnool teacher, who has been held on
the charge Of being accessory to the
tragedy. Now, the young man is in
'hocent."
You seem to be omniscient." re-
Piled Ellison. with q palpabfe sheer.
Never mind that. 1t is absurd
to think that he could be guilty.
Now, you will oblige 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 ne had to deal with
man who was not going to be UNI
reasonable.
y am sure that I have always had
liking for the young man." he said.
Il was the means Of his coming here,
and ! supported the school out of
my own purse. Now, even If you had
not asked me, should have lost no
time In doing all could for him.
1 He said this with an air of frankness,
but the other eyed him for moment
with certain distrust.
You are relation Of Barnett'sY'
asked Ellison, uneasy under that UNI
compromising glance.
NO, never saw the fellow but once
in my life. But I have made up my
mind that he liz innocent and l want
him free. You have money-use it.
Hello! What's the matter now?" for
the banker had been staring out of the
window, and then stepped forward and
made a quick gesture as IL to some one
in the garden.
Hendricks had slipped forward, and
pecred out behind his back. He was
just In time to see man dodge behind
a tree. The one glance was enough for
him to see that the fellow was very
ragged and unkempt, then he was gone.
He returned noiselessly to his place
just as Ellison turned. The latter found
his unlimited guest seated with his face
resting on his hand, evidently in deep
meditation.
You may have been surprised at my
rushing to the window in such an alb
rupt way" explained the banker. you
see. we are overrun with neighbors'
children, who come in and steal flow
Gus, fy,rS, f1,n
mind that. II they wouldn't trample
down the beds and ruin everything. /
say them at 1t again just now, and was
moved to anger. You seer"
yes. see" replied the worthy Hen
bricks. regarding the other out of the
corner of his eye. To himself he said:
What is the use of this elaborate lie,
that mans sudden appearance which
he does not care about others knowing.
A cunning knaye this-surely."
CHAPTER vi.
I'VE SHALL BOTH GO DOWN TO-
GETHER."
"By the way" said Hendricks, after
q moments pause, in which each man
coyertly regarded the other, where is
your daughter now2"
Eth; what's that?" The question
seemed to surprise the banker Hen
bricks frowned, and his red fingers beat
tattoo on the arm of the chair while
he looked the other firmly in the face.
AS the guardian, or rather trustee,
of the affairs of her father, Martin
F'rale, it is not strange that I should
like to see the young lady"
But surely, man, you are not"
No, am not going to tell her that
her father was driven to crime in an
effort to save her mothers life. But If