The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1905-03-25
CHAPTER XVIII.

On the Saturday morning following
the day with which l closed the last
chapter, as the church clock was strik-
ing twelve, Mr.. Montgomery. brushed up
and cleaned up with unusual care, might
have been seen ascending the dingy stair
case that led to the Offices of Messrs.
Fcgle & Quick, Gray's Inn.
Presenting himself in the clerks office,
he inquired if either Of the principals
was disengaged. As it happened, both
were disengaged. His name was taken
in. and Immediately afterwards the mes
senger came back to announce that
Messrs. Fogle & Quick would see him.
He was ushered into an inner room,
where he found himself in the presence
of two dry, taciturn-looking gentlemen
Of some fifty to sixty years Of age. Mr..
Montgomery placed himself in such a
position that no ray of light should fall
upon his face. His voice, too, would
have sounded strange, feigned, in the
ears of those familiar with its usual
tones
Mr.. Fogle demanded his business in
the tone of a man with whom time is
money, while Mr.. Quick continued his
examination of a box of deeds, after
casting one rapid glance at the visitor.
Mr.. Montgomery's answer was to pro-
duce copy of the previous days news
paper from his pocket, and point to an
advertisement which has been already
copied into these pages. He was po-
lite in his manner, although very sparing
of his speech.
But you are not Silas Carston,' said
Mr.. Fogle, sharply.
Il am not; but l am his representa-
tive" mumbled Mr.. Montgomery, with
bow.
Have you his written authority to
represent himY'
There was the slightest shadow of
hesitation in Mr.. Montgomery's manner
as he produced from his pocketbook a
paper pufporting to be written by Silas
Carston, giving him. the bearer, full
power to act as his, the said Silas Cars
toms, representative in respect to any
communication that Messrs. Fogle &
Quick may have to make. The LAWYER
infinitely scrutinized the document, and
then the bearer. Neither seemed to
inspire him with profound confidence.
How do we know that Silas Carston
has written this?" he asked. suspicious
ly. "Why does not Silas Carston come
here himself? Where is he now?"
HE cannot come himself. Your Sec
Old question, profoundly regret to say,
cannot answer. l have promised my
friend Carston not to do So"
Mr.. Fogle passed the paper to Mr..
Quick, who also minutely examined it,
shook his head, and turned again to his
document box without uttering a word.
eve are not satisfied with your au-
thority. and decline giving you any in
formation. Mr.. Carston must come him
self" said Mr.. Fogle, CURLY.
Then I presume you will return mo
that paper?"
Certainly not; we shall retain it, and
hand it over to Mr.. Carston when we
see him..
The Professor was posed, but he was
too practiced a dissembler to betray it
by any outward sign, for the lawyers
eye was upon him.
There was a whispered conference for
q moment between the two partners.
Then Mr.. Fogle said, Stay! We will
give you our clients address, under
whose instructions we are acting. She
can use her own discretion as to whether
she pleases to transact business with
you. We thus relieve ourselves of all
responsibility either way"
ITO be continued,