The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1907-01-15

Leave them mere, SAID Cneney,
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 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-
yenge on Stanton, and for what?
Stanton came back about four
o'clock. Cheney had a 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 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, / suppose
she was. But l wasn't with her, and
we quarreled and separated"
"Yes, you separated, to be cure.
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 l have met them occa-
sionally in society. In fact Mrs.
Abney and | 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
4 possiblel" exclaimed Stanton, rising.
"Mr. Stanlcn," slowly replied
Cheney Il never think out loud, il
hurts. am merely asking questions
to find clew. Perhaps I have found
one. You will receive one more let
ter, so will your friends, then they
viii stop and you can discharge you
BUTLER"
"All right" said Stanton, but don't
for Gods sake. make mistake"
Your impetuous chiyalry is run
ming away with your judgment
There will be no mistake made, b
assured Of that. Good evening, Mr.
Stanton"
stanton left with a cloud Of uncer
tainty in his mind. However, Judg'
Treat had told him to trust Chene!
and he would. But Grace Abney th'
culprit? No, never!
AS soon as Stanton had gone Chenel
lighted a fresh cigar and, smilingly
murmured: "Hell hath no fury lik
that Of woman scorned."
The next morning Cheney made
quiet investigation in the neighbor
hood Of the Abney home. He founl
that Mrs. Abney about two month
ago had purchased a couple Of writ
ing pads and some plain envelope
at small stationery store just aroun
the corner. At the substation he in
teryiewed the man that sold stamps
He was a civil war veteran, Johnso
by name. and after Cheney presente
his credentials was willing to answe
any questions.
DO you knew Mrs. Abney ?" aske
: Cheney.
yes, know her by sight" replie
Johnson.
Does she ever buy stamps here?
Eyes, that's the way | know her"
How long since she bought anyg"
3 about two weeks ago"
] How many stamps does she bu
7 At a timer"
; Generally about 20, half sheet
] Now listen, said Cheney, sharpl.
$ This afternoon I'll send you out
z sheet Of stamps. Put them away
t some safe place and when Mrs. Abne
q buys any more stamps sell her frol
that sheet and send the rest to N
t Immediately. Don't forget; It is in
] portant"
/. "All right, sir. won't forget" sal
5 johnson
b Cheney was absolutely certain Mr.
d Abney was the letter "paster." In h
own mind he knew It. but he wante
: the proof, proof that could be use
n in court Of law il necessary. +
+ went to the post Office. INTERVENE
y the postmaster, secured a sheet
it stamps and that afternoon sent the
$ all to Johnson's suhstation Then |
It waited waited like an angler watcl
: ing bobbing cork. waited for a MI
Q BILE which would tell him the fish WI
n was playing with the bait. Sieve
II days later 1t happened Johnson can
2 down with half sheet Of stamps ar
t reported Mrs. Abney had purchase
d 80 that morning. The cork was bo
E. bing rather vigorously and the ind
cations were the fish would soon swa
d low hook line and slnker.
+ Two days later Stanton came !
u A report from Guthrie had preced,
x his coming.
It Here's another batch Of tho
Q damned letters" he said, thrown
le them on the table,
d Right ON time TO the minute" sa
Cherey. smiling. "But. Mr.. Stanto