Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-01-11

Z (CHAPTER XXX1X., cont1nued)
Mr.. Romer waited a little in order
to allow his ancient subordinate to
recover himself. Then he said author
itatively, Nov. Mr.. Grindling!"
TITS Kahn-Kahn!" he gasped, and
could say no more.
We'll, what of Kahn?' There was
at least some anxiety in the mind OF
the master of CORN Castle. Kahn had
much in his power and this man was
in earnest.
HE has gone away" said Grinding,
at last steadying himself
'Gone away" cried Jacob Romer,
his face now as pale as the superin-
say that? More jealousy"
"Oh!" cried Grinding, tortured in
his conscience of man of all since
save Of L. S. D.-"he does not owe
you anything-the purchase money?
He has paid it to you-oh. say he has
paid 1T!
Jacob Romer leaned heavier on his
stick. He put-his feet wider apart so
as to stand firmer on the earth. He
felt the need. When he spoke it was
in. changed voice and there was
stupid topping feeling in his head.
NO. he said "no-he has not yet
paid me-but that is nothing 1t is
large and difficult matter. 1t takes
time to arrange. I trust him!"
You have trusted him too long, M.
Romer," groaned Grinding. ooh, you
may be angry with me. AS an office
boy I began with your uncle, and
whatever / have done and been. no
man can say that ever defrauded
Incubus, Romer & Co., of single
copper"
Il know know. Grinding" said
Mr.. Romer; but what is this nom
sense about Kahn?"
Grinding told him-the swift pre-
paration, the hurried, hardly touch
meal the many pocketed motor coat,
and the open safe. Then it was time
for the master of millions to pull him
self together also.
''This much is true" he said, firmly:
"Mr. Kahn was to meet me and my
lawyer, Mr.. Rivers, yesterday after
noon in the Kirktown bank to make
over to us the purchase money and
the founders shares"
"The shares, tool" cried Grinding;
''he has sold them with the others!
You are out of Incubus & Co.-oh,
the villain-that ever should live to
see the day! And your private in.
vestments-"
He spoke now like cross-examin-
Ing advocate getting at the facts.
sThey have been in Mr.. Kahn's
hands for many years"
"On, Mr.. Romer!. cried Grinding.
comforting himself in agony; "and
after what we all thought of you!'
Mr.. Romer, pale to the lips, but
still quiet and resolute was search
Ing his pockets.
II should have letter somewhere,
he said; zone that was brought to tht,
bank by messenger while we waited.
It explained Mr. Kahn's failure to
come-as it seemed to us, most salts
factorily.''
He found the crumpled piece Of pa
per, smoothed it out and read in the
hearing of his acting superintendent
for Phil Calmont has discreetly be-
taken himself to a distance:
"The Caravanserai,
Thursday, $3.50 p. m.
'sMy Dear Friend and Honoured
Patron ('Humph, said Grinding who
always addressed his lord as 'sirD:
have been seized with a painful sick
ness, palpitation of the heart, which
makes it impossible for me to be =,
the bank today, as promised. l an
we'll accustomed to this disabling, but
happily quite temporary, illness.
have just taken the remedy. Now
shall go to bed, and twelve hours
sleep will make me new man again
shall be at the bank with all money
and papers at the same hour tomor
row. Or if l am still somewhat suf
fering. would it be too much to ash
you and Mr. Rivers to drive up to my
house. l expect, however, to be al
right long before that time. have
succeeded in everything you have
committed to my care, far beyond m!
expectationsAor yours.
"Regretting the unavoidable trouble
am giving
81 am, dear and honoured sir.
Every faithfully your obliged serv
ant,
James Kahn"
"To Jacob CORN Romer, Esqr,"
t.'Well, sir" said Walter Grinding
grimly, when that letter was dated
James Kahn was a good two hours oi
his way with the booty Do you know
sir, who brought the letter."
Mr. Romer had put his hand to hi
head. He seemed to be sufferin
there. At any rate he was not at