St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1903-01-10
cess of his plot they were dispelled
when Grimes revealed himself,

| Wnen OT1meS rcVe1leO himself.
On several occasions afterwards he
cal;ed to report, as requested-some-
times disguised and at others not.
So exceedingly clever was the man.
and SO well had he studied the char
acter of the man he intended to per-
senate, that these visits completely
mystified his employer, who, in or
der to disarm suspicion, outwardly
evinced the warmest friendship for
the man he intended to so cruelty
wrong, and was, therefore, always at a
loss to know whether he was receiv-
ing the real Thompson or Grimes in
disguise.
At length the night prior to the
marriage arrived. Frankison nerv-
ously paced his rooms, waiting inn
patiently for an indication of the
successful issue of the first part. AS
the time passed slowly on the sus-
pense became terrible. The fearful
consequences of failure and exposure
took possession of his brain until at
last he could bear it no longer, and,
|
street. He had not gone many yards
before his arm was grasped by man
coming from the opposite direction.
1t was Grimes.
"Quick-tell me,' he said, in q
hoarse whisper. 'Is all safe?"
Grimes laughed at the terror be-
trayed in his voice before replying:
"Of course it is"
Frankison grasped his hand with a
sigh of relief. The chief difficulty
had been observation-disclosures was
practically certain. Returning to his
rooms he listened eagerly to a 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, a 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
cl1lated to a degree the effect it was
having upon her. The whispered ex-
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 FraIkison, 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. u
Grimes, who had removed his dis
guise, was waiting his arrival at the
place appointed, with the news that
the letter had already been dis
patched. After congretulating him
upon the success of the plot Frank
ison handed him cheaue for $3.50,
being, with the amount. already re-
ceived ESQ more then the total
agreed upon.
He could afford to be generous;
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
had already purchased his ticket and
made 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
.ead as follows:
Dear Sir: It will probably interest you
20 know that Grimes, the man you en-
ployed deccyed me into a house last
night but instead of making me prfs-
oner, as you desired. entertained me with
an account of your diabolica1 scheme.
/ 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
doubted, that you would resort to more
extreme measures ii you had the slightest
suspicion he had turned informer,
stayed with him all night and never
~ound a more entertaining host. The
arrangements for keeping up the decep-
ton we intended practicing upon You
were the cause Of my late arrival at
church this morning. When I obeyed
your signal and left my wife. l simply
retired until you had departed.
I understand you have had a large call