The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-07-11


beginning that he would be governed
largely in his decision by our opinion
of your conduct. That is why we felt
no hesitation in advising you to con-
time as, you were going. While you
were off at sea we had many letters
from him, all in that sarcastic vein of
his, but in none of them did he offer
word Of criticism. He seemed thor
oughly satisfied with your methods. In
fact, he once said he'd give million OF
his own money if it would purchase
your ability to spend one-fourIh of it.
"Well, he can have my experience
free of charge. a beggar can't be
cfooser, you know said Brewster bit.
terly. His color was gradually coming
back. What do they know about the
secretary" he asked suddenly, intent
and alive.
He was a new one, understand,
who came to Jones less than year
ago. Jones is said to have had implicit
faith in him." said Ripley.
.a.And he disappeared at the same
time:''
sThey were last seen together
'.Then he-has put an end to Jones"
cried Monty excitedly. cit is as plain
as day to me- Don't you see that he
exerted some sort of influence over the
old man, inducing him to get all this
money together on some pretext or
other. solely for the purpose Of robbing
him Of the whole amount? Was ever
anything more diabolical?" He began
pacing the floor like an animal, nerv-
ously clasping and unclasping his
hands. 1--WE must catch that secretary!
I don't believe Jones was dishonest.
He has been duped by a clever scoun-
drel.''
''The strangest circumstance of all,
Mr. Brewster, is that no such person as
Golden, the purchaser of your proper
ties. can be found He is supposed to
reside in Omaha, and it is known that
he paid nearly S3,0o0,000 for the prop
erty that now stands in his name. He
paid it to Mr.. Jones in cash, too, and
he paid every cent that the property IS
worth
sBut he must be in existence some
where cried Brewster in perplexity.
"How could he pay, the money if he
doesn't exist
81 only know that no trace of the
man can be found. They know nothing
OF him in Omaha" said Grant helpless
".
$50 it has finally happened said
dropped. We'll" he added, throwing
himself into q deep chair, st was al
ways much too strange to be true.
Even at the beginning it seemed like a
dream, and now-well, now am just
awake, like the little boy after the
fairy tale I seem like fool to have
taken it so seriously
There was no other way" protested
Ripley. sYsu We're quite right
well, after all" continued Brewster,
and the voice was as Of one in a
dream, perhaps it's as we'll to have
been in Wonderland, even if you have
to come down afterward to the or
dinary world l am foolish. perhaps,
but even now l would not give it up"
Then the thought of Peggy clutched
him by the throat, and he stopped.
After a moment he gathered himself
together and rose. Gentlemen, he
said sharply, and his voice had chang
ed. Il have had my fun. and this is the
end of it. Down underneath am des-
perately tired Of the whole thing, and
give you my word that YOU will find me
a different man tomorrow. I am going
to buckle down 20 the real thing. |
am going to prove that my grandfa-
Tiers blood is in me. And I shall
come out on top"
Ripley was obviously moved as he re-
piled: Il don't question it for a mo-
ment. You are made of the right stuff.
I saw that long ago. You may count
on US tomorrow for any amount you
need
{. Grant indorsed the opinion. II like
your spirit. Brewster he said. 'There
are not many men who would have
taken this as well. It's pretty hard on
yoG. too. 500 its a miserable wedding
gift for Your BRIDE
We may rave important news From
Butte in the morning said Ripley
hopefully. At any rate, more Of the
details. The newspapers will have
sensational stories no doGht. and we
have asked for the latesg particulars
direct from the authorities Well see
that things are properly investigated.
Go home now. my boy, and go to bed.
You will begin tomorrow with good
luck at Your side. and you may be
happy all your Life IN spite of tonight's
depression.
IN! sure to be happy" said Brew
ster Simply. The ceremony takes
+ place at ociock. gentlemen. w&s
coming to your Office at 8 on a little
matter Of business. but fancy it Won
after all be necessary for me TO hurry.
III drop iii before noon however, ana