The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-07-14
owhat?, I said, in slow amazement.

"What?" I said, in slow amazement.
 Exactly, Captain smith, he said quietly. "Yesterday a gentleman giving the name of MT. Ffthian of New York interviewed me with regard to my bank advancing him a loan. He said he was about to start a large brewery in Stam ford. As security he offered me a first mortgage on his brewing plant In New York-the American Distilling company. Now, Captain Smith, though man may be a fool one day doesn't argue he re- mains one for the entire year. Though l had never seen this Mir. Fithian be- fore, there was something in the eyes behind the glasses that awoke a vague, unpleasant memory in me I may say I haze a memory Ike fiypaper-eyerything sticks to it. l am positive that this Mir. Fithian, artistically disguised, is the jolly good-natured MT. Horner, the California capitalist who did me up so satisfactorily on that bond deal six months ago. As I had been a victim once, he naturally inferred that I would be a victim twice. What particular bunco game he has in mind now l do not pretend to say.
 "I am a clever man, Captain Smith, whatever my associates may believe to the contrary. Therefore when Mir. Fithan intimated that he was compelled to re- turn to New York last night, and as I also had business here today, I accepted His lUNlldliOil lO ullle Wlln nm at ms home tonight and discuss the terms of the proposed loan. Meantime, I called up the head of every New York brewery and ascertaned that there Is no Mir Fithian connected with them nor the American Distlling company. I thought Captain Smith, that you might accept an invitation to be an unexpected guest at the dinner"
 But are you sure, despite your convic-  some huge blunder. MT Wilson?' I asked cycling him keenly. 'I cannot afford to be made a laughing stock. Remember, you have only the evidence of your eyes to go by"
 'I feel sure I'm quite right" he said slowly Pm positive this Fithian is Hor- her and he the professor However, I appreciate your position, Captain Smith As you cannot leave yourself open to criticism, suppose you drop in in plain clothes about half way through din ner. I'll say I'm expecting a friend By that time I'll know positively where I stand. If I'm right, Il squeeze your hand Then you will know what to do. Is that satisfactory?'
 I thought the proposition swiftly over. The adventurous side of the situation ap- pealed to me. There was possibility of 1t being a blunder-a case of mistaken identity. On the other hand there was nothing to lose and everything to gain. Yes, everything to gain-the biggest catch in the country.
 Very well MT, Wilson," I said de- eisvely. T will be there at g o'clock tonight"
 Very good, Captain Smith," and he rose.
 T hope we will be successful. By the way, here is that bond I advanced the loan on six months ago. I brought it along as 1 knew you would require evil dence." He extracted 1t from his wallet Myself and Cashier Mowbray are the only ones who know of it's existence" He hesitated a moment, his hand on the door, T would like very much,' he be- gan hesitatingly, if 1 would not be drawn into the case. l mean about the bond loan. The evidence of the A bank would serve quite as well for con victon."
 Very well, Mir. Wilson, as yod have volunteered valuable information I win see that your matter does not get into the press"
 ''Thank you" he said. You understand, l must be careful of the-the integrity of the bank" and he was gone
 l spent fifteen minutes carefully re- viewing the entire incident Then l looked at Mr. Wilson's card and the forged bond. Everything was perfectly straight, but my adventure with MT Browning had tanught me double dis tllied caution and distrust. MT. Wilson had told a perfectly straight story with corroborative evidence, but still. To clinch the matter I called up the Ma tional Bank of Stamford, Conn, on the long distance phone.
 "who Is president of this bank?" I