Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-04-30

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is, not what he was, which the public
recognise"
Personally" she said, 81 hold Mr.
Statham in highest esteem. l have
never met him, it's true, but l have
knowledge Of certain kind and gener
| GUS actions on his part, actions which
have brought happiness and prosperity
to those who have fallen upon mis-
fortune. For that reason | resolved to
speak to you and warn you of the plot
in progress. Do you happen to know
a certain Mr.. John Adams?"
Rolfe started and stared at her
What could she know of the Damo
clean sword suspended over the house
of Statham?
WELL" he answered guardly, 81
once met man of that name, think.
Recently"
About month ago."
you knew nothing of him prior to
that?"
Rolfe hesitated. "Well, no." he re
piled.
He made pretence Of being friendly
with YOU"
yes. But to tell you the truth l
was somewhat suspicious of him.
What do you know of him? Tell me-"
Il happen to be we'll acquainted with
him." the girl responded. 1T is he
who has arisen like one from the
grave, and intends to ayenge the
wrong which he declares that Mr..
Statham has done him."
Recently"
mo, years ago, when they we're
abroad tcgether-and Mr.. Statham
was still a poor man"
Charlie Rolfe was sifent. He knew
Adams; he knew, too. that evil was
intended. He had warned Old Sam
Stntham, but the latter had not heed
ed Adams had had the audacity to
approach him in confidence, believing
that he might be bought over. When
he had discovered that the million
aires secretary was incorruptible he
openly declared his sinister Intentions
Il had no idea you We're acquainted
with Adams" he said, still puzzled to
know who she was, and what was her
motive.
81 happen to know certain details of
the plot" she answered.
''And you will reveal them to me?"
he asked in quick anxiety.
upon certain COndlClOnS.
'And what are they? ] am all at
tention."
"The first is that you will not seek
to learn the identity of the person who
is associated with Mr.. Adams in the
forthcoming exposure; and the second
is that you say nothing to Mr.. Stat
ham regarding our secret meeting"
"Why?" he asked, not quite under
standing the reason of her last stipu-
lation. II thought you wished to warn
Mr.. Statham?"
NO. I warn you. You can take
measures of precaution on Mr.. Stat,
hams behalf without making explana-
ton"
"Mr. statham has already seen John
Adams and recognized him. He is q
ready forewarned"
"And he has not taken any steps
in self-defence?" she cried quickly.
why need he trouble?''
"Why, because that man Adams has
sworn to hound him to self-destruc-
ton"
Rolfe shrugged his shoulders, and
replied:
Mr.. Statham has really no ap-
prehension of any unpleasanrnen-
| Miss Loreua. 1t is true that in the
old days the two men were friends,
and, apparently. they quarrelled
Adams was lost for years to all who
knew him, and now suddenly reap.
pears to find his old acquaintance
wealthy beyond the dreams of avarice
and seeks, as many more before him
have done, to profit by his former
friendship"
"Or enmity' added the girl, lower
ing her sunshade a little until for a
moment it hid her features. Il do not
think you realize the dastardly cum
ming of the plot in progress. 1t has
not only as its object the ruin of the
credit Of the house of Statham Broth
ers, but the creation of scanda
which Mr.. Samuel Statham will moi
dare to face. He must either fly the
country, or commit suicide
"Well?"
The latter is expected by the two
men who have combined and are now
perfecting their ingenious conspiracy
1t is believed by them that he viii
take his own life''
Charlie Rolfe reflected for moment
He recollected Old Sans terribl,
agitation on the day when he recog
nized John Adams leaning against tn,
ratings Of the Park. Or late, tn,
great f1nancier had betrayed signs o
unusual nervousness, and had com
; planned several times OF insomnia T.
his secretary's knowledge he ha
spent two nights that very week il
walking the streets of London from
midnight until dawn. ostensibly to d
charitable actions to the homeless, bu
in reality because his mind was be
coming unbalanced by the constan
strain Of not knowing from one me
ment to another when Adams woul
deal his staggering blow
: Had there been any question Q
blackmail, the aid OF solicitors and G
3 Scotland Yard could have been invol
} ed. But there had been no threat be
yond the statement made openly t
Rolfe by the man who intended t
i, encompass the ruin of the eccentri
millionaire and philanthropist.
, 81 think, Miss Lorena, that we nee
= have no fear Of Mr.. Statham dom
!, anything rash," he said. But VIII
:, Is it hoped that he will prefer to tax