The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1903-06-12
CHAPTER XII.
CUT DIAMOND

James ELLISON was not the sort OF
a man who is easily moved or SUR
prised, but the sight Of Hendricks
standing. there, calm and smiling-the
very person he had been discussing
With his agent-for moment dis
concerted. him. He began to experience
a certain dread OF q man who seemed
to be SO utterly careless OF his own
safety. So he stood for a m
staring at his visitor In puzzled amaze
ment. He observed that job had
trimmed his beard, was better dressed,
and otherwise changed. II short, he
ferent looking man han when they
had met before.
well, I suppose YOU are not too.
busy to see me?" said Hendricks,
who seemed to enjoy the others dis
comfiture.
Certainly. I shall be glad to hear
what you have o say" replied Ell
lison, quick to recover from his tenn
porary torpor, wishing at the same
time hat his visitor was in q place
not mentioned in polite society.
BE pleased to walk in, Mr.. Hen
dricks?" as with a bow and a court
ly gesture Of his right hand. he mo-
toned toward the open door. Job
bowed gently, and strobe past him
into the room, where he selected the
most comfortable chair. dropped into
it with a sigh OF relief, and waited
his host as he closed the door was
still disturbed In mind, and that he
was struggling to appear at least
cool and collected as his guest, who
certainly did not display the slight
est embarrassment. :
Ellison did not sit down, for he
seemed to feel toe rvo and on
tinued to walk up and down the
room, twisting his gray mustache
with his thin white fingers mi oc-
casionally casting a curious glance
It his visitor.
Didn't expect to ses me, did your
said Job Hendricks, after q pause.
II happened up to visit you b other
day at ExtOn, and found that you had
departed, bag and baggage. and had
IT left one Of course.-for my
friends began Ellison, who had now
recovered some Of his sang frsid.
h o don't count me among
your friends"
"You will find that I shall stick
closer to y1S.: than ashrather-npt to say
a friend, until I have had my way"
replied Job calmly. The speech seemed
to wake Ellison out OF his lethargy, ana
was seated and glared at him with
flashing eyes.
clustered.
mot at ALL"
IT know who you are-certain things
have happened since we asst met. I
know that I have nothing to fear from
you"
"Thep why so excited" n Job COW
cred his mouth with q red hand as II
about me-, eh? 7 suppose you learned 1t
from the sneakinE gentleman who Just
came out Of your room? Strange that
a man Of your apparent good sense
should put any confidence in the maun-
derings Of q hans-dog looking fellow
would not hesitate to lie II he thought
he could support his position and have
a claim on your purse"
Ellison began to think hat he had
been going ahead too rapidly. JOB did
not seem to be afraid Of anything-he
spoke confidently. z8s
"Ji you think that I am running
away through fear Of you. you are
ve"y much mistaken" he said, after q
moments pause. for the tnforma-
ton I have received. I believe II. is
true" i4
He was surprised when Hendricks
eaned back in his chair and burst out
laughing. His laugh was SO hearty
that for a momen the other seemed
disconnected and strobe away to the
window to try n collect his thoughts
by staring out on the street
Il hould very much like to know
what your secret bureau (and I have
reason to know that you have one)
thinks about me-. Any information on
the subject cheerfully received, as they
say hen they advertise for missing
heirs" And Hendricks laughed again.
His manner his hooking tone,
seemed to anger Ellison more than
anything else, for he started away
warning finger at his visitor, said:
you are an escaped convict, and
as such amenable to the law. What
is there, to prevent me from opening
the window and calling an officer and
giving you In charge"
Job shrugged his shoulders, and
laughed softly.
II don't see why you should con-
suit me If you want to do a foolish
action. BY all means. II 1t pleases,
call out Of the window. or from the
housetop for anyone o please"
Ellison for a moment eyed him in
amazenent. Could tho story he had
heard about this man be true. or had
he been deceived. Certainly Job did
not behave like a man who was afraid
The banker found himself confronted
by an enigma that. with all his knowl-
edge OF men and things, he was at a
loss how to solve.
You were saying something about
poking you lead out Of The wtndoW
and calling for q policeman" said Job,
who seemed to enjoy the others dis
comfiture. why didn't you think OF
it a few moments earlier, when that
young jail bird was closeted with
81 Ellison didsnot reply at once for fear
he might make a misstep. but bit his
lips to hide his chagrin and turned on
. his heel, walked away from the smiling
face of the mar he had thought he had
no further reaSon to fear.
THE young man is still confined in
Jail and without bail. I WITH give you
the credit, Ellison. Of having done what
you could to set him Free" said Job,
pursuing another subject.
Il ought to be very much Obliged ,
and the banker bowed with an air OF
grim irony: