The sun. (Jacksonville, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1906-09-08
Third Page
a2Tf1E MARKEDESTAMPSJ


not prolific OF any Information and Col Jack was
nonplussed.
About ten days later he received word from
Guthrie. Another pasted letter threatening In
character had arrived. simultaneously with this
news came Stanton and In his hand he held seven
letters. one that had come to his house and six
that he had secured from his friends Stanton
was worked up 10 q high degree OF excitement
y Here's bunch OF them Col. Cheney. MY God!
threats?"
Leave them here" said Cheney quietly, 'and
come here on your way home from your ONCE this
evening. Then Il may know something"
Cheney now had nine letters, all similar, all
threatening. Athreat 10 never made except for
I reason blackmail or revenge. There was moth
ing 70 warrant belief In blackmail because there
was no request for money. Who, who could want
revenge ON Stanton, and for what?
Stanton came back about four o'clock. Cheney
had a long talk with him and during the CONVERSE
tion drew from him the fact that prior to his mar
triases 70 Mrs. Stanton he had been engaged to
young lady living In Sedalia.
This iadys name was swhat2" asked Cheney.
M NJ Trace EllertOn" Ett9
N ''Um: yes, Aud was she much in love with you,
Mr.. Stanton sss
wei. now. Col Cheney. that--er--er Is q lead.
ing question Yes, suppose she was. But
sss Yea, You separated to be sure. How long were
yQn engaged 70 the young lady, YOU say?'
Ss About one year" ~ RI
~ And what BECAME Of herr"
sAbpey by name. and Mrs Stanton and have met
them occasionally In society. In fact, Mrs Abney
and ave laughed over our engagement more
rNhgFe does Mr.. Abney liye?"
rOutsQn Washington boulevard But look here,
colonel. good God! you don't think Grace Abney
w0u.i 40 such thing? Impossible man, impossi-
ble?' exclaimed Stanton, rising
l Mr.. Stanton" slowly replied Cheney. II never
think out loud It hurts. am merely asking ques-
lions 70 IND clew. Perhaps have found one.
You VIII receive one more letter, so will your
friends then they will stop and you can discharge
All right" said Stanton, but don't, for Gods
AXE. make mistake"
| Your impetuoas chivalry is running away with
Jour judgment. There will be NO mistake made
be assured OF that Good evening, Mr. stanton"
stanton LEFT with cloud OF uncertainty in his
Imind However Judge Treat had told him TO
trust Cneney and ne would But Grace Abney the
AS soon as Stanton had gone Cheney lighted
resh cigar and, sInilingly, murmured: "Hell hath
no iury like that Of woman scorned"
0. line next TN morning Cheney made quiet nvest
he found that MRS Abney about two months ago
had purchased couple OF writing pads and some
llain. envelopes OF small stationery store lust
around the corner AT the subatation he inter
Viewed the man that sold stamps. He was civil
war veteran, Johnson by name, and after Cheney
any questions
|ji .ass<<W wv hhuW MTb AUuoy1T asked Cheney.
Yes. 4 know her by sight" replied Johnson,
Does she ever buy stamps here?"
Yes, that's the way know her."
How long since she bought any?"
About two weeks ago"
how many stamps does she buy at a timer
Generally about 80, half sheet"
Now listen" said Cheney, sharply. "This AZ
ternoon III send You out sheet Of stamps Put
them away In some safe place and when Mrs.
Abney buys any more stamps sell her from that
sheet and send the rest to me immediately. nont
forget: 1t IL important"
C All rignt. sir. won't forget" said Johnson
Cheney was absolutely certain Mrs Abnev was
the letter 'paster" IN his own mind he knew ~
put ne wanted the proof proof that could be used
"a court o. law Il necessary He went to the
sheet Of stamps and that afternoon sent them all
20 JohnsQne eubetation Then he waited. waited
IKE e. anger watching bobbng cork. waited for
npp,s vnIcn would tell him the nsh was playing
49, sls me pat. seven days later 1t happened.
johnson came down with half a sheet III afarnps