The Washington times., 1906-08-12
The House of a Thousand Candles

him"
you seem anxious 20 get possession
OF a property that you call a poor
stake" I said. "a few acres OF land
q haIf-nnlshed house. and an Uncer-
tain claim upon a schOOl-teacherF'
I had no idea you would under
stand IL" he replied THE fact that
a man may be under oath 20 perform
the solemn duties imposed upon him
by the law would hardly appeal 70
you. But haven't come here 70 de-
pate this question. When are you
going 10 leavey''
Not Till I'm ready-thanksT'
'Mr. Sheriff, VIII you serve your
writg he said. and I looked 20 Stod-
dard for any hint from him as 20 what
I should do.
I believe Mr.. Glenarm Is quite Will
ing 10 hear whatever the sheriff has
10 say 70 him." said Stoddard. He
stepped nearer 70 me. as though 70
emphasize the fact that he belonged
10 my side OF the controversy, and the
sheriff read an order OF the Wabana
county circuit court directing me i'm
mediateIy, 10 deliver the house and
grounds into the keeping OF the ex-
ecut0r Of the will OF the estate OF John
Marshall Glenarm.
The sheriff rather enjoyed holding
the center OF the stage. and listened
quietly 20 the unfamiliar phrase0Iogy.
Before ne had quite finished / heard a
step in the hall and Larry appeared at
the door, pipe IN mouth. Pickering
turned toward him frowninF but
Larry paid not the slightest attention
10 the executor. leaning against the
door with his usual tranquil uncOn-
cern.
II advise you not to trife with the
law, Glenarm." said Pickering augrily.
You have absolutely no right what
ever 10 be here. And these other gem
tlemen-yOur guests, / suppOse-are
equally trespsssers under the law"
He stared at Larry. who crossed mis-
legs for greater ease in adjusting his
lean frame 10 the door
"Well, Mr.. Pickering. what is the
next stepz' asked the sheriff, with an
Importance that had been increased by
the legal phrases he had been reading.
Mr. Pickering" said Larry.
Strengthening mp and taking the pipe
from his mouth. I'm Mr.. GlenaTms
counsel. If you will do me the kind
ness 10 ask the sheriff 10 retire for
moment I should like 10 say a few
words TO YOU that you might prefer 10
keep betWeen ourselves.
] had usually found IL wise 10 take
any cue Larry threw me, and I said:
Pickering. this Is Mr Donovan,
who has every authority to act for me
in this matter
Pickering looked impatlently from
one 10 the other Of US.
You seem TO have the guns. the am
munition and the numbers on your
side" he observed driIy.
The sheriff may wait within call.
said Larry, and at a word from Pick
ering the man left the room.
Now. Mr. Pickering. Larry spoke
flCwIy.-'as my friend his explained
the case TO me, the assets ~ his
grandfather's estate are all accounted
fcr-the land herea bouts, this house,
the $1,000 in securities and some
what vague claim against a lady
known as Sister Theresa. WHO con-
ducts st. Agatha's School is that
correct?'
Il don't ask you 10 take my word
for it, sir" reioined Pickering hotly.
II have fled an inventory of the es-
tate. so far as found, with ,he proper
authorities"
Certainly. But 7 merely wish 20 be
sure of my facts for th4 purpose Of
this interview. To save me Una trouble
Of going 70 the records. And. more.
over. 7 am somewhat unfamiliar with
vorr. procedure i'm this country. ] am
q member. sir. of tie Irish bar. Par
don me. but ] repeat my question
II have made oath-that. / trust Is
sufficient even for a member or the
Irish bar"
quite SO. Mr.. PICKERING ' said
Larry. .nodding his head Eravely.
He was not. to be sure. Il TreSentabl5
member of any bar. for smudge de-
tracted considerably from the appear
ance OF one side OF his face. his clothes
were rumpled. and covered with black
dust, and his hands were BLACK. But ]
had rarely seen him so calm. He rc-
crossed his legs, peered into the hoWl
of his pipe for a moment then asked.
as quietly as though he We're solicit
Ing an opinion Of the weather
win YOU tell me. Nh. Pickering
whether you yourself are debtor of
John Marshall GlenaTm's estateH
Pickerings face grew white and his
eyes started. and when DE tried sud
denly 10 speak his Jaw Iwitched- The
room was so SUI that the breaking
Of a blazing log on the andirons was
a pleasant relief. we stood, the three
of us. with our ewes on Pickering. and
in my own case ] must say that my
heart was pounding my ribs at an un-
comfortable speed. for ] knew Larry
was not sparring for time.
The blood rushed into Pickering 3
face and he turned toward Larry
stormily.
This is unwarrantaHie auu 70
famousl Ny relations with Mr.. Glen
avn, are none of your business. When
Won remember that after being de-
serted by his own flesh and blood ne
appealed TO me going 80 Tar as 10 in
trust all his affairs 10 my care at his
death. your reflection is an outrageous
insult. I am not accountable 10 YOU
or anv one else!'
Really, there's a good deal in all
that" said Larry. I'VE don't pretend
10 any judicial funetlans. We are per
fectly wiling 10 submit the whole busi-
ness and all nay clients acts to the
authorities"
Continued on Nintn Page)
AUGUST IL. 1906