The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-04-18
A. SCHEME. THAT FAILED,
BY HATTIE PRESTON RIDER.

Copyright. 1904. by Daily Story Pub. Col You wish a loan of <, 900, then? What security can you giye?" The pale eyes of the visitor shifted unsasiIy. "A mortgage on farm in Kent coun- ty; as fine quarter section as ever lay out doors" Burdick looked him over keenly.
 "A first mortgage, of course know Kent County. What Is your name7" Emmett Warren The visitor pro- nounced the words almost brazenly. 1t seemed to Burdick. He started slight ly, flushed under his clear brown skin.
 Not the warrens of Orton township? {? You are not-John warren,s son?'
 ''His only child" the young man nod ded eager affirmation. Ny father died four years ago. The farm was willed to me-"
 Burdick's pen clattered to the floor. He stopped to recover 1t. When he straight ened up there was a queer. drawn look on his face.
 Your mother-'' he paused.
 Young Warren set the tips of his slim, unfarmerly fingers together
 Mother has-ahem-no control of the property" he said smoothly. T attend to everything. The farm is in my name"
 Burdick's face cleared. Then he frown- ed.
 Do you mean that your father left his wife dependent?" he asked, stcrnly. The confirmed bachelor had ideas of his own concerning such matters. "Are you mar ried?" He looked his, client over with cold. critical dislike. The latter fiinched under the disconcerting gaze. He had sought the money-lender- as an absolute stranger; yet the man evidently knew his people-more than that. was catechizing him like Sunday school teacher
 "I have a wife and two children" he answered. with smooth irony. T am of legal age. and, I believe. of a sound mind; therefore qualified to transact busi- ness. However, If you decide to loan me the money, I can probably get my moth- CTS signature to whatever is necessary"
 The place is good for It. said Will liam Burdick. passing his visitors rude ness unheedingly. T must see the title. though, and an abstract, If you have it. also the original of your fathers will. Your mother lives with you. suppose ?''
 A dull flush stained young warren's face.
 "5he is in Ridgetown. just at present" he evaded, stiffly.
 The lawyer raised his brows; but he only asked:
 Her address. please?'
 Emmett Warren turned a dozen colors, cursing vigorously under his. breath. as his questioner wrote down from his dic- tation: No. 15s Collins Street." and folded the paper inside eorpulent pocket book. Cad! What danger was this he had run his head into so neatly? Bur dick was leaving him not loophole of retreat. The fiends take Homes, that he should have dropped off, just at this juncture!
 We'll! At least the dead claim no share In any spells! Luck had stood by him so far. There was a chance he might still bluff his game through. The money once safe in his hands-yes, there were better places of residence, even, than Kent County.
 Bring the papers tomorrow, at this hour. If it suits you" he heard Burdick saying. Then he got up, and almost without a word took his departure.
 Under the long line of naples in front of 156 Collins Street. two days later. Bur dick hitched his span of bays. Emmett Warren had come and gone. but the in- terview had not progressed. exactly as the young worthy hoped. Burdick smiled grinly as he thought of it. and then frowned with pain. It was Marcia,s son; and his own task to tell her the story.