Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-21
WAYLA/D!


he partnership between Edward Chap
man and Arthur Starting ever began,
and a still greater wonder hcw it con
tinued.
IL was we'll for the credit of the
firm that he was the predominant
partner. for his impeccability. his
parsimony (which had ever spice OF
kindness, his strong sense OF justice.
and his industry. were all needed 10
counteract the recklessaes5 OF Mr..
Startling. The latter had come into the
firm as an adept at litisating business
IA phase of the profession which Chap
man detested). and when he was con-
scious OF what he was doing-which
was not always the case for certain
reasons-he was up 10 all the tricks
of common law practice. Each partner
had his own staff of clerks. his own
set of chambers, and his own lot OF
clients.
II was rarely that any business of
Importance came TO be intrusted 10
The Filler" and when the purchaser
brought the contract for Gl6.-
QUO purchase in the summer of 1892.
IL naturally came to Chapman's side
OF the Office.
The preliminary work all fell 10 my
share. and all went smoothly. The
completion was fixed by the contract
for the 29th of September. and. as all
was clear, there was nothing to pre-
vent the actual day being adhered to.
Chapman was away with his family
for the vacation. but intended to come
up specially to pay over the Gl4.-
400 balance, after deducting the 10
percent paid on the signing of the con-
tract.
On the morning of the 2Sth all was
in readiness The figures had been
agreed to by letter. and an appoint
ment made with Isaac Blumenthal. the
vendors solicitor, for completion 10
take place at 2 the next day.
had all the papers in readiness on
the morning of the 2Sth. II was our
practice to close at during the long
vacation; but | had some letters for
Startling TO sign. and had to wait till
his return 10 the Office. About 5.45
heard his unsteady footsteps coming
up the stairs. He locked al me hazily,
and threw a wire TO me.
What do you think of it? Are you
ready?"
The wire was from Chapman:
Please attend Bathbridge compile
ton. Son seriously i'll; far DEATH
Chapman.
Yes" said !. I'm all ready"
Then be ready to come with me-"
said Startling Give Kreutzer figures
in the morning He can draw check.
and I'll sign it. Is the cash at the
bank?"
He had Endorsed the purchasers
check that morning for payment in.
but had forgotten all about il.
He turned mp at the Office about
noon next day. The check was ready
for his signature and he signed il.
But the man seemed dazed. | did not
like the prospect OF the completion at
all. Still. liked less having the re-
sponsibility myself.
You rcady?" he said. opening his
eyes with an effort. Then meet ne
NJ Blumenthal's at =. Get everything
fixed. and I'll attend with the cash.
Very we'll said |. and lett the
room. But | had no intention OF doing
what he said.
put the papers in the oI!ce-bag
and slipped ont 10 the solicitors en-
trance to the law courts. Presently I
saw Starting come prancing along out
of New Square gate on his way 10
our bank. the Chancery Lane branch
of the Union Of London. watched
II al.
emerge and turn 10 the left up Chan
Gerry lane. Then | followed quickly.
was within 20 yards of him when he
crossed HolboTn and went up Grays
Inn lane.
| followed across and turned into
the lane. AS | rounded the corner |
heard scufie and yell. Running UP
quickly. | saw Starting on the ground.
with two rough-looking men holding
him down and pulling him about. |
had stout ash-st;ck with root-knoh
in my hands. and rushed up just a.
they We're leaving him. | caught one OF
them-a tall thin. man. with bushy.
rel beard and large. misshapen spec
tacles-a sounding crack on the back
of his head. He went down. doubled
up in lump. and fastened after the
other. But he was fleet. and | did not
care 10 go far from Starting, who was
lying on the pavement. with the ruff
fan I had floored beside him. At least
he ought TO have been beside him But
when ! returned from my futile chase
of number two | could see no sign of
him. He had recovered before Starl-
ing. and made the best of his way Off
But on the pavement lay a piece OF
false rcd beard, | found Startling sit
ting up, looking dazcd and disreputa-
BILE.
Have you got the money all right"
cried: "or did ;hey get ito"
He felt in his inner coat pocket. His
face fell, and he looked UP blankly
Heavens" he cried. That red
whiskered man asked NE where the
e14.OO0 was. And that's all /
remember"
WHAT" l cried. did he name the
sum-"
yes" said Starting. Why"
looked at ny watch. Il still want
ed some minutes of >.
Have you got the number of the
oteS?" | asked