The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-15

Bates eyes were brighter than had
ever seen them certain buoyant note
gave an eitirely new tone TO his voice. He
walked ahead of me 10 the library door.
threw IL open and stood aside.
Here you are. Glenarm," said Stod-
dard. Pickering and stranger stood near
the fireplace in their overcoats.
Pickering advanced and offered his
hand, but ! turned away from him with
out taking IL. His companion. a burly
countryman, stood staring, paper In his
hand.
"The sheriff" Pickering explained, "and
our business is rather personal"
He glanced at Stoddard, who looked at
me.
MIR. Stoddard will do me the kindness
30 remain ! said. and took my stand be-
side the chaplain.
oh. Pickering calculated scornfully.
81 didn't understand that you had estab-
lished relations with the neighboring
clergy. Your taste is improving, Glen
MIR Glenarrn is a friend of mlne." re-
marked Stoddard quietly. "A very par
ticular friend he adued.
II congratulate you-both."
laughed. Pickering was surveying the
room as he spoke-and Stoddard suddenly
stepped toward him. merely. | think. TO
draw up a chair for the sheriff; but Pick
ering, not hearing Stoddards step on the
soft rug until the clergyman was close
beside him, started perceptibly and red
dened.
1t was certainly ludcrous. and when
Stoddard faced me again he was biting
his lip
Pardon mel" he murmured.
Now. gentlemen. will you kindly state
your business? My own affairs press
me"
Pickering was studying the cartridge
boxes on the library table. The sheriff.
too, was viewing these effects with inter-
est not, | think, unmixed with awe.
"Glenarm, ] don't like TO invoke the
law 10 eject you from this property. but /
am left with no alternative. / can't stay
out here indefinitely, and l want to know
what I'm 10 expect
That is fair question" replied. ''If
II were merely a matter OF following the
terms OF the will | should not hesitate TO
be here now But IL isn't the will. or my
grandfather, that keeps me, it's the de-
possible-to make II hard, and mighty
hard, for you 90 get hold Of this home
until / have found why you are so much
interested I'm It,"
You always had a grand way in money
matters. AS 1 told you before you came
out here. it's a poor stake The assets
consist wholly of this land and this house,
whose quality you have had an excellent
opportunity TO test. You have doubtless
heard that the country people believe
there is money concealed here,-but dare
say you have exhausted the possibilities.
This is not the first time a rich man has
died leaving precious little behind him"
You seem very anxious to get posses
sion OF property that you call a poor
stake" / said. "a few acres OF land, a
half-1nished house and an uncertain
claim upon a school-teacher!
II had no idea you would understand
It," he replied. The fact that man
inay be under oath 10 perform the solemn
duties imposed upon him by the law
would hardly appeal To you But I
haven't come here TO debate this question.
When are you going to leave?"
Not till I'm ready-thanks"
Mr.. Sheriff. will you serve your writ7'
he said. and looked 10 stoddard for any
hint from him as 10 what / should do
II believe Mr.. Glenarm is quite willing
10 hear whatever the sheriff has TO say
20 him." said Stoddard lie stepped
nearer TO me, as though 10 emphasize the
fact that he belonged to my side OF the
controversy, and the sheriff read an
order OF the Wabana County Circuit
court directing me, Immediately, to de-
liver the house and grounds into the keep
ing OF the executor OF the will OF the
estate OF John Marshall Glena7n
The sheriff rather enjoyed holding the
centre OF the stage, and listened quietly
90 the unfamiliar phraseology. Before he
had quite finished heard a step in the
hall and Larry appeared at the door. pipe
In mouth. Pickering turned toward him