The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1906-12-29
whether shall be obeyed or get 4 bulls


Let you finish !" he cried. "You seem
to think jabber does everything. The end
OF 1t all is, that either you give me the
money, or l take it-and if you Interfere,
look out I"
That is just what was going to pro-
pose, II you hadn't interrupted me-" said
quietly, but with inward exultation, for I
saw he was just in the state of mind to
walk eagerly into the trap I was prepar-
ing for him.
What do you mean?" he asked.
explained to him that 1t was impossi-
Die Tor me to give up the money. My
reputation was at stake it was my duty
10 ole In defense of that money! duty
which, l fastened to add, l entertained
no intention of performing.
But" l went on, although I am
bound not to surrender the money, 1 am
not bound to anticipate a forcible seizure
OF it. In times of disturbance parties of
ruffians often turn to plumber. Not even
the most rigorous precautions can guard
against it. Now 1t would be very posi-
Die that even tonight a band of such
marauders might make an attack on the
bank, and carry off all the money in the
safe"
"Oh!" said the Colonel, that's the
game, is it?"
That" replied, sis the game and
very neat game, too, If you play it prop
erly."
And what will they say in Europe,
when they hear the Provisional govern
ment Is looting private property"
My dear Colonel, you force me to
much explanation. You will, of course,
not appear In the matter"
Il should like to be there" he remark
ed. IF l weren't, the men mightn't
catch the exact drift of the thing"
You will be there, of course, but in
cognito. Look here, Colonel, it's as plain
as two peas. Give out that you're going
to reconnoiter the coast and keep an eve
on The Songstress. Draw off your com
panies from the Piazza on that pretense.
Then take fifteen or twenty men you can
trust-not more, for it's no use asking
more than you can help, and resistance is
out OF the question. About two, when ev-
erything Is quiet, surround the bank.
Jones will open when you knock Don't
hurt him, but take him outside and keep
him quiet. Go in and take the money.
IL,
like, set fire to the place."
Bravo, my boy" said the Colonel.
There's stuff in you after all And what
are you going to get out Of it? I sup
pose that's coming nextW
As the reader knows, wasn't going
to get anything out of 1t, except myself
and the Signorina. But 1t wouldn't do
to tell the Colonel that; he would not be-
lieye in disinterested conduct. So l bar
gained with him for thirty thousand dol
lars, which he promised so readily that 1
strongly doubted whether he ever meant
to pay it.
do. you think there's any danger of
Nottingham making an attack while
we're engaged on the job?"
| The Colonel was, in common parlance,
getting rather warmer than l liked. 1t
was necessary to mislead him.
II don't think So" / replied. "He
can't possibly have organized much of a
party here yet. There's some discon-
tent, no doubt, but not enough for him
to rely on
"There's plenty of discomfort" said the
Colonel.
"There won't be in couple of hours"
why not?"
"Why, because you're going down to
the barracks to announce fresh INSTALL
ment of pay to the troops tomorrow
morning. handsome installment."
YES" said he thoughtfully, that ought
to keep them quiet for one night. Fact
is, they don't care twopence either for me
OF Whittingham and if they think they'll
get more out of me they'll stick to me-"
| "Of course" 1 assented. Indeed, it was
true enough as long as the President was
not on the spot; but l thought privately,
that the Colonel did not allow enough for
his rivals personal influence and pres
| tige, if he once got face to face with the
| troops.
"Yes," the Colonel went on, I'm do
that, and what's more, I'll put the people
| in good humor by sending down orders
| for free social in the Piazza tonight"
DELIGHTFULLY."- old-fashioned and baro-
NAL" / remarked. II think it's good
idea. Have bonfire and make it com
plete. l don't suppose Nottingham
dreams of any attempt, but it will make
| the riot even more plausible"
"At any rate, they'll all be too jolly
to make trouble" said he.
| wen, LnaL 8 ABOUT Ill, ISM Z luz SAID
I. ~ shall be off. I've got TO write to
my directors and ask instructions for the
investment of the money"
You'll live to be hanged. Martini"
said the Colonel, with evident admiration.
mot by you, Ell, Colonel? Whatever
might have happened if I'd been obsti-
nate! Hope shall survive to dance at
your wedding anyhow. Less than week
now -
YES" said he, next Saturdays the
| day -
He really looked quite the happy BRIDE
! groom as he said this, and l left him to
contemplate his bliss.
II would bet ten to one that day never
comes" l thought, as l walked away.
Even If 1 don't will I'll back the Presi-
dent to be back before that"
The Colonels greed had triumphed over
his wits, and he had fallen into my snare
with greater readiness than could have
hoped. The question remained, What
would the President do when he got the
| Signorina's letter? 1t may conduce to
better understanding Of the position IL /