The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1903-08-13
Mystery of the
Woods
BY WALKER KENNEDY.
Conyright, 1903. by AN. Kellogg Newspaper Co,
CHAPTER NII.-CONTINUED.

Lawyer Everett was naturally a
man of nerve, but he realized that it
was useless to argue against death;
and his GOODNESS under the circum-
stances was admirable.
Il am a lawyer, Col. Franklin" he
said in an distracted way, looking
into the fire unconcernedly, land am
accustomed to giving advice. Let me
give you some. I have no desire to
take any unfair advantage of you.
l propose to fill all my legal engage
ments, and in such as conflict with
your interests I expect to give you
the best fight I can; but l hereby
warn you that you are making a
great mistake in trying to obtain
this paper in this manner"
"Not at all. You may tell any
story you please about it. I will de-
nounce it as a myth. You have no
witnesses, and besides I think it's
just as well that you should sell this
paper to me and give me a receipt"
"1ou have guarded yourself ad-
mirably," said Mr.. Everett, smiling.
"Allow me to compliment your dex-
terity and the thoroughness of your
plans, but all the same 1 shall defeat
you utterly. You will find that this
paper contains more danger to you
than you ever dreamed Of. But how
much do you propose to pay for it?"
"Ten thousand dollars"
Every we'll" said Mr.. Everett, sit
ting down to his writing desk in a
business-like manner; there's your
receipt"
"Here's your money" said Frank
lin, taking out a roll and throwing
it on the table. "Count it,"
cts all right. Ten $1,000 notes."
"Now the paper, please"
The lawyer, went to. his safe, took
from the top of a bundle in one of
the pigeon-holes a paper and, hand
ing it to Franklin, asked if that was
what he wanted.
Franklin looked at it casually, was
satisfied with the inspection, thrust
it into his pocket and prepared to
take his departure.
Remember, Colonel" said Mr.. Ev-
erett, politely, "that I warned you
: against all this.
Franklin stood refectively for a
moment. Everett's manner wa I'M
antelligible to him. Then an idea
occurred to him.
perhaps you made a copy of this"
Everett made a slight movement of
sself-dissatisfaction as he said: eff
/ had only thought of that"
CT think r will IooIJ ~ tho p,porr
lin your safe"
well, if you insist, but I give you
my word of honor that no copy has
been made of the paper now in your
possession"
But he took out a huge bundle of
papers and rapidly went through
them under Franklin's close inspec-
Ttlon. The drawers in the safe were
taken out and their contents exam
-.ned. At last Franklin was satisfied.
Mr.. Everett c~ourteously escorted him
TO the front door and wished him
good night. Then he went back to
the library, softly chuckling to him
self.
Irving was brought in a moment
after, and he was surprised to find
MI. Everett in such a radiant humor.
Irving" said he, II have just sold
"a piece of property belonging to you
and me for $4,000"
What do you mean?"
Il have disposed of the copy of the
agreement which you made Tonight"
"How did you do it?"
Col. Franklin insisted on it at the
point Of his pistol"
"AWhy didn't you call me?"
81 didn't want you. One of us
would have been hurt, and besides,
i WAS glad to get rid of the copy.
Franklin is now satisfied that taere
is no accusing paper out against him,
and the original, which I tossed be-
hind the books in the case yonder,
ds safe. We will have a vacation now
from thieveries and assaults, and all
sorts of diabolical schemes. I feel
immensely relieved. Besides, here is
$4,000 made by US in a single even
Ing