The sun. (Jacksonville, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1906-09-08
Tenth Page
Continued from Page Three.)

morning. Inc cork was bObbing rather vig0r.
ously and the indications were the fish would soon
swallow hook, line and sinker
Two days later Stanton came In. report from
Guthrie had preceded his coming.
Here's another batch OF those damned let
ters," ne said, throwing them on the table
Right on time to the minute said Cheney,
smiling. But, Mr.. Stanton, let me assure you
there won't be any more. These will be the last"
You mean you know who Ia sending them and
can stop III" asked Stanton
Yes, that's just what mean, and tomorrow or
next day you can discharge your butler; I may
need him here"
"All right" said Stanton but I'd like to keep
Il know that" replied Cheney. Guthrie Is good
at anything he undertakes but don't believe he
fancies this butlering' business Come around to-
morrow afternoon and will tell you ALL"
Now Cheney was ready to move swiftly and
surely In his work. He was sure before that
Grace Abney had sent the threatening letters: now
he knew It. All that was left to do was to bring
about the denouement.
before the door OF which hung curtain. In this
alcove was his secretarys Office, and his secretary
was very bright woman named May Wood.
Cheney called her.
be In your office constantly l expect lady visi.
tor, quite society woman In fact, and want
every word spoken while she Is here taken
down."
that gentleman promised to have Mrs. Abney in
his (Cehney's) office the next morning He knew
her and would not have any trouble In inducing
her to come. Cheney didn't want her husband to
come-not Just yet, II at all, 1t depended on the
woman
The next morning about II o'clock the postmast.
er and Mrs. Abney arrived. She was beautiful
woman stylishy gowned, and possessed pair of
biue'biack eyes. The introduction was brief and
the postmaster withdrew. Mrs. Abney had her.
SELF under splendid control She knew nothing of
what was In store for her. Cheney too, was good
to loo~ upon that morning. he was well dressed
and decorated with a red carnation
Mrs Abney," he began after his guest was
comfortably seated In an easy chair, II am con-
nected with the government service, and In pro-
cess OF my work have formed an idea that some
thing Is wrong with the stamp department of the
st. Louis postofdce"
And what has that to do with me- pray?" asked
Mrs Abney In q rich contrato voice Her eyes
were looking straight at Col. Cheney.
Wait, please 1t Is thought there are a mum.
Der OF spurious stamps being sold in st. Louis.
The suO station near your residence Is suspected
OF being implicated"
WHAT? Mr.. Johnson? Impossible. Col Cheney,
impossible" .rr,
MRS. Abney nothing is impossible. have not
said Mr. Johnson was implicated. l am merely In.
vestigating. or course Mr., Abney buys all his
stamps downtown; but you, presume. purchase
near where you i've"
Cheney spoke In well modulated voice. His
manner was that OF gentleman, his eyes were
quiet there was not the least sign of an Interior
motive In his talk The hook was baited and dang.
ling mar the fish. and the fish nibbled
Yes" replied Mrs. Abney, II buy stamps fire.
Quently from Mr.. Johnson"
lust So And when did you last buy any from
him"
why. let me see-three days ago, II remem,
Der Alright"
Her memory was good: that was the day John.
son reported the sale and returned the remain.
Ing half sheet. Not muscle OF Cheneys face
moved; the smile was still there
Have you used all you bought on that day. Mrs.
Abney.
why, no. I have some of them here now.
Here tney are" she said, laying some S5 stamps
on the table Col Cheney carelessly took them.
The fish had swallowed the bait, hook, line and
sinker. All that remained was to land the prize
Mrs Abney began to wonder what all this ques.
tioning from this quiet, masterful man meant
slightly uncomfortable feeling began stealing over
her Miss Wood was seated In the curtained al
cove, taking down every word
i have told you all know, Col Cheney and