Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1903-04-16
CHAPTER Y.

JOB HENDRICKS MAKES A CALL.
James Ellison was seated at his
desk in the library writing, now and
then stopping in his work, with pen
poised, to think, his eyes fixed on
the bright garden that spread out
beyond the window. He was still
handsome man for all his so wears
and grizzled hair and mustache.
Seated there quietly at his desk, he
had not the appearance of a man
who had lost his wife in such tragic
manner but few shorts days be-
fore. Apart from certain nervous
ness which manifested itself when
he heard unexpected sounds, he
might have been taken for a man
who is at peace with his fellows and
the world. It was in one of these
pauses of his work, while his eyes
rested on the garden beds without,
that a distinct cough close to him
caused him to turn swiftly around
in his chair with a muttered ex-
clamation
He found himself facing a small
man in a brown suit, who stood in
a respectful attitude, twisting
shabby hat between his red fingers.
"Who let you in? What are you
doing here?' asked Ellison, angrily
The stranger waved his hand in
deprecating way and smiled
There, my dear Sir, don't excite
yourself unnecessarily"
s'But I do excite myself, as you call
it, over this intrusion
mo intrusion at all. I have come
to talk on a subject that will inter-
est you deeply. I knocked on the
door, and, not getting any answer,
I came in"
s'Then you can take yourself off as
you came," exclaimed the other, un-
appeased. 'sI told the household
that would not see anyone. 1t is
no time to receive VISITORS
mo, no, Of course not. People
should respect a grief so deep as
yours replied the stranger, sooth-
ingly.
Ellison looked at the man suspi-
ciously to see If there was any lurk-
ing sarcasm in that remark, but the
unWelcome visitors face was calm
and placid. 81 = N 5-:.
U ''Well, now that you are here"
said the banker, roughly, perhaps
you will tell me who you are, and
why I am indebted. for this VISIT
The other, without waiting to be
invited, sat down in a comfortable
chair, and crossed his legs like
man who is making himself at home.
'What you have to say make
BRIEF growled the banker, frowning
at the, little mans presumption.
II will reduce my story to as few
words as possible meekly. 81 have
come to speak to you on behalf of a.
friend one you knew in the past;
his name was Martin Frale.'
Ellison jumped to his feet, his
hands clasped and his lips moving.
A moment only these evidences Of
emotion lasted, and then he laughed
nervously and dropped back in his
seat.
1T must be a very old story that
you have to tell me-" he said; 'ssome
bits of ancient history. Did you
force your way in for that? Tell
mel" recovering his arrogant man
ner.
Yes; it was exactly to rehearse
some bits of ancient history that I
came to seesyon, James Ellison, re-
turned the visitor, at the same time
fixing his bright eyes on the others
face.
For moment their glances met,
but it was not the visitor who re-.
tired first from the contest of star
ing each other out of countenance..
Ellison looked down on the floor,
twiddling his thumbs and twisting
uneasily in his chair. There was
something in the manner Of his un-
invited guest that made him think,
after all, it might be best to hear
him out, and have done with him:
" gu had. certain interesting
transaction with this Frale nearly II
years ago" began the stranger.
Certainly, but what of those old
times? In the first place, the man
we are speaking about is Dead, and
in saying this he seemed to feel a
certain satisfaction. d
How do YOU know he is dead %
.Eh, what's that 2" this time star
ing at the little man as if he would
read the secrets of his heart.
st say, how do you know he is
dead? Did you ever take. any great
pains to find GU s y
st heard it ON pretty good author
ity,'' sullenly Then, his voice ris-
ing, st wish you would be kind
enough to come to the point, and not
be beating around the bush in this
distressful manner
1T don't distress me a bit,' and
the little man smiled. Well, since
YOU wish it, we will come to- the
point. If it pleases you to have it
SO, Frale is dead, though I would not
be willing to swear to such state
ment.' 2
go on 9
sFrale, these many years ago, be-
q - .