The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-10-09
rmed me that two ladies' had called to


formed me that two ladies' had called to
see me
Neither Martin face nor voice disclosed
what manner of call was to meet, SO I
was surprised to find waiting for me in
the parior woman in deep mourning.
with younger woman, one of the pref
test have ever seem but who seemed to
be suffering from a painful cough AS I
entered the room the elder woman rose
and threw back her veil, disclosing a tear
stained face, and in a trembling voice said
huTriedly. Mr.. Larkmead. you have lust
now entertained women who are beautiful
wealthy and blessed with health VIII
you listen for moment to women who
We're once wealthy and one of whom
ner glance fell lovingly on her companion
was once beautiful, but is now dying?''
This was uttered with such dramatic
Iofce that was greatly moved. I assured
ner tnaf If IT lay in my power to help her
! would esteem it favor to be allowed to
do so.
i will detain you but moment" said
the elder woman. My daughter is threat
ened with consumption and is ordered to
go South before the cold weather sets in
But We are pennilessi How we became So
how we were wronged by false trustees OF
our estate, how we suffered in silence
will not say. would not speak for my
self, but could I see my daughter. my
pride and treasure die, when speech to
one good and generous man would save
her life? I am not begging; one remnant
or our fortune was saved-this jewel
What it's intrinsic value may be I do not
know; but few thousand dollars perhaps
l could pledge it for what must have
to save my dariing's life. but that 1 could
not do. Pledge in a vulgar pawnshop the
hrst and fondest gift of my dear, dear
husbandl''
She was overcome for a moment. and
the beautiful girl soothed her. Then she
resumed: i, a lady, can speak to you,
gentleman. VIII you advance me a mere
thousand dollars. or will you have the
blood of my innocent child on your con-
science?'
She proffered me the jewel case, and
the beautiful girl, turning melting eyes
upon me, said: If you care for girls
faithful friendship, friendship which
will recognize its obligations, help usr'
l was nearly distraught, as 1 hastily
spurned the proffered jewel case and said
hastily: Il am only too glad to be of as
sistance- will write a check at once"
AS entered my library encountered
Martin. My check book Martini I ex-
claimed.
For those confidence women?" he
asked, calmly
For those unfortunate ladies'" I re-
sponded sharply.
Excuse me, SIR" he continued eff
you will not believe me you must prove
the truth by your own ears. Please step
into the hall and listen
I could not resent this from him, for I
knew his loyalty and experience. In the
hall overheard this conversation:
Martin spoke: We'll, what do 1 get out
of this?''
What do you mean, fellow?"
Come, now, no airs. I'm on. I want
my rake off or III put the master wise
The younger woman spoke. Loosen
up, mamma. It's always best to tip the
valets.''
when cash the check III give. you
$780, said the elder woman.
.All right said Martin. How do you
work the jewel case now empty or with
a paste stone?"
The woman replied in a tone of pride:
at leave it empty. If the sucker opens it
1 have a fit because it's stolen. See? I
used to put in a paste stone, but II that
is discovered there's no way of squaring
the game" +nr.fs
heard the young woman litter as. Mar
tin left the room. In the library Martin
simply said: IT never happened to see
her before, sir, but I've long heard of her
as the cleverest confidence woman in the
city The trick she works is not new, but
she is very successful with it, hear"
THANK you," Martin said. "Yous may
dismiss them. You need not wait up for
me tonight
Thank you, sir replied my extraordi-
nary man.
Alas, Uncle Silas Alas!
Affectionately Reuben.