The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1904-02-02
THE CURIOSITY
VENDER

youl'
''Sinee you deal in old manuscripts,
have thought might sell you one"
'Um! The prices we get for manu-
scripts are so poor that 1t hardly pays
us 10 buy them, even when we get
them at our own terms But to whom
am ! indebted for this visit? l don't
know that ever saw you before"
Call me Damon. ! don't care TO be
known just now, especially in this
transaction. II the police should get
hold OF the matter, they might make
trouble for me-"
The shopkeeper turned pair Of gray
eyes, partly covered by shaggy eye
brows. like those of terrier dog, ON
his visitor.
If could find certain man." con-
tinued Damon, ~ could sell 1t to him
for every cent he has in the world
Yerder said nothing for time. He
appeared to be puzzled by the singular
statement Damon was watching him
closely. why do you come here" said
verder at last.
81 have thought you might find the
man for me-"
There was another pause, at the end
of which yerder said:
II could tell better about that II l
knew his name"
ut is Dealy"
yerder turned from the piercing
glance the other brought to bear upon
him, went to desk and began to look
over his cashbook.
"You don't seem to know him."
NO don't. You must excuse me. I
am busy today. Last night there was
an error in my cash"
would you not like to see the bit
of paper refer TOT" asked Damon.
at would not interest me-"
mot even to know where 1t was
found?'
The curio merchant seemed not to
hear the question. He was adding
column of figures. Damon proceeded:
81 had visit the other day from
dealer in secondhand furniture. He
told me that he had bought desk that
had belonged to an old man who was
found one morning some years ago
dead in his bed. Had 1t not been for
some blue marks ON his throat-there
were three right hand finger marks, the
third finger mssing-his death would
have been attributed TO heart disease.
AS 1t was 1t was believed that he was
murdered When his estate was set
tied, instead of finding 100000 in gov
eminent bonds which the deceased had
Informed his family lie had put away
for certain use none was found.
Well, as see that am boring You I
viii condense what have 10 say. The
furniture dealer who bought the desk
was putting 1t in order when he came
upon secret drawer in which was n
letter. That's the letter came here to
SELL
Meanwhile the curio dealer had ceas-
ed to add figures and was listening
breathlessly. When the speaker had
finished he turned his face to fire.
place fitted with a colonial mantel,
brass andirons and fender. He placed
his hands on the mantel, bowed his
head and groaned. The third finger on
his right hand was missing.
Presently he turned.
What do you want for your-your
curio?" he asked.
You wouldn't buy it without seeing
1t, would you?"
Il? wouldn't buy it. but know a
man who
Just so. thought you would know
somebody who would take an interest
in the matter. But think it would
sharpen your faculties 10 see the letter
or at least hear It read. l will read 1t
to you" And, taking paper from his
pocket. he read aloud:
must have the rest OF the bonds before
the close of the month. II not you will
not live to complete the year. DEALY.
1.-THE name is made up" continued
Damon. looking up at his victim.
That's plain. It's the word 'dear-a
pretty villainous deal, should say.
How much would your friend pay for
the letter."
Name the price" said verder hoarse-
iy.
"The missing bonds"
IF you will come in tomorrow, will
tell you what have DONE"
81 must know today
well, remain here. viii be back
within half an hour"
"If you need to send messenger,
call one, but I'm n timid man and
wouldn't like 10 be left so long alone"
what guarantee has this-Dealy-
that he will not be prosecutor"
"Ah! Now we are getting to some
thing that interests you. Look at this
He drew from his pocket paper.
which he handed TO verder. verder
read it and put 1t in his own pocket.
1t was an naturalization.
Now you're acting like sensible
man. But want to explain TO you
that the estate OF the man who was
bled OF his bonds turned out shell.
and his family are impoverished. That's
why Mr. Dealy escapes the gallows.
Seer
verder took up an old bayonet. Da.
mon drew a revolver 4but he had no
4 occasion to use 49,, rider used the
bayonet to raise sonMA5rick and NOR
tar on the hearth of the fireplace and