The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1907-01-25

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dition was such that any undue ex-
element might kill her. Cheney's In
vestigations OF Stanton was not prolific
OF any information and Col. Jack was
nonplussed. { Re # ~
About ten days later he received
word from Guthrie. Another pasted
letter threatening in character had ar
rived. simultaneously with this news
came Stanton and in his hand he held
seven letters, one that had come to
his house and six that he had secured
from his friends. Stanton was worked
up to high degree Of excitement.
Here's bunch Of them, Col.
Cheney. My. God! isn't there some
way of stopping this avalanche Of
threats?"
Leave them here" said Cheney,
quietly, :and come here on your way
home from your Office this evening.
Then may know something."
Cheney now had nine letters, all
similar, all threatening. A threat is
never made except for a reason
blackmail or revenge. There was
nothing to warrant belief in black
mail because there was no request for
money. Who, who could want re-
venge on Stanton, and for what?
Stanton came back about four
o'clock. Cheney had long talk with
him and during the conversation drew
from him the fact that prior to his
marriage to Mrs. Stanton he had been
engaged to a young lady living in
Sedalia.
"This lady's name was what?" asked
Cheney.
"Grace Ellerton.''
''Um, yes. And was she much In
love with you, Mr.. Stanton?"
"Well, now, Col. Cheney, that-er-
is leading question. Yes. I suppose
she was. But I wasn't with her, and
we quarreled and separated"
Eyes, you separated, to be sure.
How long were you engaged to the
young lady, you say"
about one year,
"And what became of herr"
| why, she married an attorney of
this city, Abney by name, and Mrs.
Stanton and I have met them occa-
sionally in society. In fact Mrs.
Abney and I have laughed over our
engagement more than once"
where does Mrs. Abney live?'
"Out on Washington boulevard. But
look here, colonel, good God! you
don't think Grace Abney would do
such a thing? Impossible, man, i'm
possible!" exclaimed Stanton, rising.
'Mr. Stanton" slowly replied
Cheney, II never think out loud, 1t
hurts. I am merely asking questions
to find a clew. Perhaps have found
one. You will receive one more let
ter, so will your friends, then they
will stop and you can discharge you
butler"
GAIL right said Stanton, 'but don't,
for Gods sake, make a mistake
"Your impetuous chivalry is run
ming away with your judgment.
There will be no mistake made, be
assured of that. Good evening, Mr..
Stanton ~ -. ;. .-.,4 ~ r. rzD->sr
Stanton left with a cloud Of uncer-
tainty in his mind. However, Judge
Treat had told him to trust Cheney
and he would. But Grace Abney the
1~culprit? No, never!
AS soon as Stanton had gone Cheney
lighted a fresh cigar and, smiiingly,
murmured: Hell hath no fury like
| that of woman scorned."
The next morning Cheney made a
tot inv s-1>1
! hood of the Abney home. He found
that Mrs. Abney about two months
ago had purchased couple of writ
ing pads and some plain envelopes
at small stationery store just around
| the corner. At the substation he in
terviewed the man that sold stamps.
He was a civil war veteran, Johnson
by name, and after Cheney presented
his credentials was willing to answer
any questions.
do you know Mrs. Abney?" asked
Cheney.
Eyes, I know her by sight," replied
Johnson.
docs she ever buy stamps here?"
Eyes, that's the way know her.
"How long since she bought any,"
about two weeks ago." 49,
"How many stamps does she buy
| at timer"
Generally about so, half a sheet"
"Now listen," said Cheney, sharply.
''This afternoon I'll send you out q
sheet of stamps. Put them away in
, some safe place and when Mrs. Abney
buys any more stamps sell her from
! that sheet and send the rest to me
Immediately. Don't forget; it is i'm
portant."
:"All right sir! Il won't forget, ., said
Johnson r: ~, Alji- x4,y}
f. Cheney was absolutely certain Mrs.
Abney was the letter "paster,n,, In his
own mind he, knew it, but he wanted
the proof, proof that could be used
in a court Of law If necessary" He
went to the post Office, Il interviewed
the postmaster, secured q sheet Of
stamps and that afternoon sent them
all to Johnson's substation. Then he
waited, waited like an angler watch
mo h0hhino o0rL xuoito1 for nth.