Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-12-11

shake it. Then Philip Arson will dis
appear, vanish into thin air, and with
him a hundred thousand or more of
his own money, some in gold, but
mostly i'll notes which will have been
changed so often as to defy any one
10 trace them. AS precautionary
measure, he will 90 out of his way to
annoy or insult the young lady whom
he intends to make his wife, and that
alone will supply an explanation, of a
sort, for his wish to conceal his move
ments. With proper management,
Philip Arson should leave the map
without exciting comment for weeks
after he is dead, and when the weeks
grow into months people will class his
disappearance with the other queer
mysteries familiar to every one who
reads the newspapers. Neat, isn't it?"
"Too neat. You can't do it,
Have you or | evolved the idea !!
Who runs the greatest risk, the man
who strikes one blow and hides dis
figured corpse or he who calmly faces
hundreds of men and says he is Philip
Anson!",
az don't care about risk, but If it
comes to that l suppose you are the
more likely to be found OUT
THANK you. You see my way at
last. In any event, you are safe. Even
suppose am discovered, will l split OH
you? Will l add charge Of murder
to one of forgery? Not much! l tell
you the scheme is workable, not by
timid bunglers, but by clever men. ]
admit l haven't the nerve to kill any
body, nor would care to suggest this
present arrangement to an accomplish
merely to make money. But If you
are resolved to end Philip Anson's
earthly pilgrimage can't prevent you.
and fail to see any reason why |
shouldn't profit by the transaction"
What about me when the thing is
done"
"Oh, you are beginning to appreciate
the other side Of events. Now, we
will assume that Philip Arson has
been dead couple of months and Vic
tor Grenier has amassed fortune by a
sheer run of luck on the turf; 1t is fair
ly evident that Victor Grenier must
divvy with Jocky Mason or the latter
can make the world too hot to hold
him, even IL IN old friend We're unkind
enough to refuse to disgorge unless un.
der pressure
Mason's brows wrinkled in thought.
The project sounded plausible enough.
Determined us he was to wreak his
vengeance OH Philip, Grenier's ingen-
ious idea not only offered him reli-
able means of escape, but promised q
rich harvest of wealth. Certainly IL
was worth trying. Not once, but many
times, during the preceding month Gre
nier had withheld the murderer's will
ing hand When it did fall, what keen
er satisfaction could he have than the
knowledge that lie would be enriched
by the deed?
81 can't see ahead like you," sdiC
Mason ut last. But l will obey or
ders. You tell me where and when;
will be there"
Grenier shifted his feet uneasily.
81 don't quite mean that" he said
81 will acquaint you with certain facts
on which you may rely absolutely !!
will forthwith act myself on the as
I sumption that the real Philip Anso1
won't interfere with me. That is ALL"
The other man guffawed most un
pleasantly. This sophistry did not up
peal to him.
"Put it any way YOU like" he said
"You can depend on me for my part ci
the bargain"
"And you can be quite certain thai
in very little while we need moi
trouble our active wits any further as
to the wherewithal to enjoy life.
have thought this idea out in all its
bearings. 1t simply can't fail. Come
let MS drink to glorious future"
He reached for decanter, but a sud
den knock ut the door Jared the nerves
of both men considerably.
"See who is there" whispered Gre
nier, whose face showed white through
the paint and grease 1t bore.
"What about you In that rig outY
growled the stronger ruffian.
II will slip into my bedroom. Quick
See who it is"
Iangdon entered.
where's victor?' he said eagerly.
"In his room. He, will be here in ,
moment. What's the matter? YOU
look pretty glum."
i've had a piece of wretched luck
was at Mis-. Atherley's at home to
day, when Arson turned up. l me
him without winking, but he knew mt
at once. He called me outside ani
treated me like, a dog" AZ
"He did, eh?"
yes. 1t wac no good trying to bluff
him. Only on the guarantee that
would never meet Miss Atherley agaiI
would he consent not to expose me
I'm done. My last chance is gone.
have wasted my money on Grenier'.
mad notions and was fool enough tt
think you meant what you said whe1
you swore to have Anson's life.'
| Grerier, who had heard every word
rea9peared.
"Does Philip Arson know that Mr.
James Crichton Langdon is Sir PhiliI
Morland's stepson" he asked.
| can TEL. w nut uoes IL matter
anyhow
"Think, man, think! Does he ever
know your nameY"
"He can easily find it out"
Not he. This young spark has {
fine sense of honor. You promised tt
keep away from the lady in future
He will never even mention you. AND
your money is not lost. It has beer
well spent. every farthing. Take care
Miss Evelyn does not see you until she
is heartbroken about Philip Arson
She will be, you can be quite sure Of
1t. Then your opportunity will come
TO BE Continued
SINGULAR CUSTOMS.
bulgarian Ceremonies That Com,
From Pagan Rftea