Los Angeles herald., 1908-08-09


that in view of the strike you might be induced to
advance the money necessary to redeem the stock
for half interest in it." AS she spoke her face
flushed and her voice faltered little at the end
Harrison knew that game being played.
but the charm of the girl and the appeal of her
beauty impressed him strangely Something of
this must have shown in his face, for he turned
he caught CLEAN of greedy satisfaction in Blacks
eyes.
Harrison affected to consider. Excuse me for
a moment" he said. Let me see what informa
ton We have in the Office concerning the mine"
Going into the outer he beckoned to
Holmes and held whispered conversation with
him. At the end of it Holmes nodded quietly, and
Harrison returned to his private Office. well,
Miss Almore," he said, smiling. at is something of
a gamble, but If everything is represented don't
know that mind taking chance" And sitting
down at his desk he wrote few words sheet
of paper and passed it to her. The first step will
be to sign this order on the Longfeld Trust Com
pany to deliver the stock to our firm on receiving
from us $40 90 for Mr.-er-Jenkns."
The girl looked at the paper and hestated
Black, and his words snapped like whip.
The girl looked swiftly at him. His face
bland. but his eyes cold as ice.
She signed the paper.
Harrison took it, and writing check for $751;
600, called Holmes and said:
Here is the order on the Longfed Trust Com
pany in the Con Amore stock transaction, which
explained to you few moments ago, Holmes, and
here is my check for $4,000 AS soon as you have
concluded this business bring the stock to me-"
Every WE'LL SIR" answered Holmes. Here is
telegram which a moment ago." And lay
ing 1t on the desk. Holmes left the
Harrison opened the telegram. 1t was from his
partner James. and in their private CODE
eff you and Mr.. Black will me-" said Har-
rison, turning to Miss Almore, 81 will decipher
this wire while we are waiting for Holmes. Here
is morning paper If you care to see it,
She took the paper mechanically. and Harrison
began to translate his telegram. The office
very still. Black watched the door nervously.
When HARRISON had finished translating the wire,
he read the result with start of amazement and
glanced swiftly at Black. Then he returned to the
message again and reading 1t through second
time when he was interrupted by a sharp cry. and
starting up he saw. Miss Almore gazing hxedly at
the newspaper which he had handed her.
What is the matter, Miss Amore?" he ex-
claimed
my brother" she gasped. pointing to the paper.
HE is dead!'
AS she spoke Blacks face changed and he rose
walking across the room. stood before the door,
At this moment Miss Almore sprang forward i'm
petuousIy and exclaimed: "Call back your clerk.
Mr. Harrison! The loan is a pretense! have
not borrowed penny! This man is jenkins! He
will get your 10000! All of It! The report of
a strike is false. 1t was sent in by this mans con-
federate! The stock is worthless! We have de-
frauded you'll"
In her excitement she seized Harrison's arm.
Black started toward her. You must be
crazy!" he exclaimed Il"
stand back there, Mr.. Black!" ordered Harri-
son. 1T will be better for you. Now, Miss Al
more,' he added turning to her. Ego on"
1--WE have defrauded you," she declared again.
my brother had-had done wrong. This man
held him in his power and threatened to expose
him and send him to Mexican prison unless I
would do-Wrhat have DONE My brother was in
curably i'll. He was weak and despairng. He
pleaded with me not to let him spend the last
months of his life in prison. He was my only
brother-hardly more than boy-and I loved
him-and SOL did this to save him. I am not
trying to justify myself am only telling you
why He is free now. Do what you like with
me-"
There was silence in the room. Then Harri-
son looked at Black what have you to say?" he
asked
AS he put the question there quick knock,
and Holmes appeared in the door. Here is the
stock, sir" he said and handing Harrison open
bunch of Con Amore certificates he went out and
closed the door.
Black took quick, triumphant glance at them,
and turning to Harrison with easy air of as
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