Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-12-25

eote'e, 'pSof " tftS tttU CttJC.
sea. Who is he? Not Philip Arson
surely! Philip Arson is gayly gadding
about England on his private affairs.
Where is Green? Hunter, go and tell
Green to bring my traps here instantly.
l wish him to return to town on an
urgent Grand"
There was CLINT Of admiration in
Mason's eyes. Here was one with An
sons face, wearing Ansons clothes and
addressing him in Anson's voice.
'Thats better,' he chuckled. you're
clever when your head is clear.'
"Now be off for Green. You know
what to say"
You will be alone. Will you be
afraid?'
The sheer was the last stimulant
Grenier needed.
"If you We're called on to stand IN
Philip Anson's boots during the next
week or ten days, my good friend"
he quietly retorted, "you would be
afraid sixty times in every hour. Your
job has nearly ended; mine has barely
commenced. Now leave me-"
Nevertheless he quilted that cham
Der of death carrying with him all that
he needed and hurrying over the task
while he could yet hear the dogcart
rafting down the hill.
He commenced with an inventory OF
Philips pockets.
His eyes sparkled at the sight of a
well filled pocketb0Ok, with 4 hundred
pounds in notes stuffed therein, cards.
small collection of letters, and other
odds and ends. Among Philips books
morning, and on it penciled memo.
randum:
Sharpe left for Dcvonshre yesterday.
Lady NJ. wrote from Yorkshire.
"That was neat stroke,'' thought
Grenier, with smile-when he smiled
he least resembled Philip. Being Il
man of affairs, Arson promptly went
to the Morlands' solicitors. was sure
of it. i wonder how Jimmie arranged
matters with Sharpe. / will know to-
morrow at York"
A checkbook in another pocket added
to his joy.
"The last rock out of my path.' he
cried aloud. THAT saves two days.
The bait took BY Jove! Pm in luck's
way"
There was now no need to write to
Philips bank for a fresh book, which
was his first daring eHpedient.
He seated himself at table and
wrote Philips signature several times
to test his hand. At last it was steady.
Then he put match to fire all ready
for lighting and burned Philips hat,
collar, shirt and Undertaking; also
the blood stained towel.
When the mass of clothing was smol-
dering black and red he threw n fresh
supply of coal on top of it. The loss
Of the hat did not trouble him. he
possessed one of the same shape and
color.
He was quietly smoking a cigar and
practicing Philips voice between the
puffs when Mason returned with the
valet
The scene, carefully rehearsed by
Grenier in all its details, passed off
with gratifying success. Pulring with
satisfaction, the chief scoundrel of the
pair left in the Grange House by the
astonished servant began to overhaul
the contents OF Philips bag.
1t held the ordinary outfit of Il gen.
tleman who does not expect to pay q
protracted visit-an evening dress suit,
light Overcoat, Il tweed suit and 4
small supply of boots and linen. A
tiny dressing case fitted into special
receptacle, and on top of this reposcd
a folded document.
Grenier opened it. Mason looked
over his shoulder. 1t was headed:
annual Report Of the Mary Arson
Home For Destitute Boys"
Mason coarsely cursed both the home
and its patron, but Grenier laughed
pleasantly.
''The very thing" lie cried "Lool,
here"
And he pointed to an Endorsement by
the secretary:
For signature if approved Of"
II wiz sign and return it, with II
nice typewriter letter, tomorrow from
York. Abingdon is one of the govern
ors. oh, I will bamloozle them rare
lyr'
This blooming charity Will help you
Il bit them"
Nothing better. Let us so out for Il
little stroll Now, don't forget Adj
dress me rs Mr.. Anson.' Get used to
it even If we are alone, and 1t will be
no harm should we happen to meet
somebody"
They went down the hill and entered
the rough country road that wound up
from Scarsdale to the cliff. Through
the faint light of summers night
they saw man approaching.
1t was policeman.