The Elbert County tribune., 1905-08-17
what is that you say?n

Senior Roblado laughs in his dis
agreeable way.
II have no fear. there will be any
thing of that kind here oh. no, my
dear young friend. have anticipat-
ed everything, and It is quite impos-
sible that you receive the benefit Of
this great property without sharing
the same with your wife and her step
father. Make your mind easy on that
score. for 1t does not worry me lit
tie bit. You signed the papers, there
fore have you powerless."
Pardon me. the only binding act
that / have done was to promise my
wife l would not force my preseLce
upon her, and that | shall keep most
religiously."
"But-the papers"
II have signed none"
Senor Roblado seems In doubt
whether to laugh in derision or swear
Justify in Spanish. He looks at his
companion across the table and en-
deavors to read the cool sphinx who
leans back in his chair apparently in
tent only on watching the rings of
blue smoke that go curling up from
his cigar. Finally the artist compro-
misses; he realizes that 1t is necessary
for him to remain calm in order to
keep on footing with this customer.
Senior, are you joking?"
"Never more serious in my life. /
assure you" comes the reply.
Then you mean to play me false.
Take care: | am in position to hurl
you down from your station, even If
have to keep you company, and men
of my race will never forgive treach-
cry. You swore to keep the faith
with me-"
Senior Roblado grows excited-he
leans across the table and endeavors
to throw a bit of emphasis in his
voice; but Jack appears still at his
ease. and as he turns his gaze upon
his companion, something between a
sneer and a smile can be seen on his
countenance.
Pardon me again, but | swore moth
ing of the kind, either verbally or on
paper
"Carajo! beware, young man. You
tempt me too far. am no fool. neith-
er am bllnd.
Il had begun to think the latter,
else you must have caught ON to some
thing before now"
Caught on-I-you say my eyesight
is not good. Come, what have | failed
to see beyond that you were double
rogue posing as gentleman? Tell
me. sir!"
D<b 1a1 t-
seriousness of his cause. and as he
speaks he raps his knuckles imperi-
ously on the table, while his face no
longer appears tranquil. but infiamed,
his eyes blazing with gathering
wrath.
First of all. that | am not the per-
son you took me for. declared to
you that had signed no papers save
those connected with my marriage.
ters, but they were not written by my
hand nor did ever see them. No
wonder you look mystifed. Senior Rob-
lado. l shall have little mercy upon
YOU. Settle yourself comfortably.
then. and listen, while spin a little
yarn that will make the whole thing
as clear rs MONDAY.
81 had an appointment last night in
the Canongate. While waited for
my friend to appear, a hanson, driven
recklessly, lost wheel and was
wrecked. The inmate. gentleman,
was badly hurt, and while we waited
for an ambulance to take him to Trim
ity hospital. he uttered various things
in half delirium, that attracted my
attention. AS | had once known the
unfortunate gentleman. | thought it
might be an act Of charity to seek the
house of seven gables, and let the
good people know what had become of
him.
well. ! did so. You came to the
door, and gave me no chance to ex-
plain. l was quick to perceive that
you mistook me for Howard Spencer.
and having already an inkling of the
game. determined to allow myself to
be drawn on, with the intention of
finding out why that man had assum-
ed the name of Jack Travers.
You know the rest. ! need not tell
you l entered into the spirit of the
game, anu tidt couSluel III stll very
fortunate in being the legal husband
of so charming girl"
The Spanish senor has some Difficult.
ty in finding his voice and 1t is in a
hoarse whisper he cries.
"But-my letters! You had them
You are surely playing Yankee joke
on me-"
"A pretty serious one am afraid
then. AS to the letters. my Chinese
servant picked them up when Spencer
had been trotted off to the hospital
When you asked for letters remem
bered them, and they seemed to fill
the bill admirably"
"Then-it is all-true?"
Absolutely, senor"
You are not Howard Spencer?"
Most certainly not. That gentle