, 1908-05-14

started perceptibly and Redeemed.
1t was certainly ludicrous. and when
Stoddard faced me again he was biting
his lip.
Pardon mel" he murmured.
Now gentlemen, will you kindly
state your business? My own affairs
press me-"
Pickering was studying the cartridge
boxes on the library table. The sheriff
TOO, was viewing these effects with in.
terest not, | think, unmixed with awe.
"Glenarm, | don't like to invoke the
law to eject you from this property
but | am left with no alternative.
can't stay out here indefinitely. and /
want to know what's I'm to expect."
That is a fair question: l replied.
IF 1t were merely a matter OF follow.
ing the terms of the will should not
hesitate or be here now. But It isn't
the will. or my grandfather. that keeps
me, it's the determination to give YOU
all the annoyance possible,-to make
1t hard and mighty hard for you 10 get
hold of this house until | have found
why you are so much Interested in It,"
~" "'"oy hou a way III
money matters. AS | told you before
you came out here, it's a poor stake.
The assets consist wholly of this land
and this house, whose quality you have
had an excellent opportunity to test.
You have doubtless heard that the
country people believe there is money
concealed here,-but | dare say you
have exhausted the possibilities. This
is not the first time a rich man has
died, leaving precious little behind
him"
You seem very anxious to get pos
session of a property that you call a
poor stake" | said. "A few acres of
land, a half-finished house and an un.
certain claim upon a school teacher,"
Il had no idea you would understand
my position" he replied. THE seri-
Of a mans oath to perform the
solemn duties imposed upon him by
law would hardly appeal to you. But
| haven't come here to debate this
question. When am | to have posses
SION"
Not till I'm ready,-thanks,"
Mr.. Sheriff, will you serve your
writ" he said, and l looked to Stod.
dard for n hint from him as to what
l should do.
ing to hear whatever the sheriff has to
say to him." said Stoddard. He stepped
nearer to me, as though to emphasize
the fact that he belonged to my side
Of the controversy. and the sheriff read
an order of the Wabana county circuit
court directing me. Immediately, to de-
liver the house and grounds into the
keeping of the executor of the will of
the estate of John Marshall Glenarm.
The sheriff rather enjoyed holding
the center of the stage. and | listened
quietly to the unfamiliar ~phraseology.
Before he had quite finished ] heard 4
step in the hall and Larry appeared at
the door, pipe in mouth. Pickering
turned toward him frowning, but Larry
paid not the slightest attention to the
executor, but leaned against the door
with his usual tranquil
Il advise you not to trifle with the
law, Glenarm," said Pickering, as the
sheriff folded his paper, You have
dDSIlulClN III llSHt Whatever W Dt
here. And these other gentlemen
your- guests. | suppose-are equally
t:e.i assers under the law"
He stared at Larry, who crossed his
legs for greater ease in adjusting his
lear frame to the door.
We'll, Mr.. Pickering. what is the
next step?" asked the sheriff.
Mr.. Pickering" said Larry, straight
ening up and taking his pipe from his
mouth, I'm Mr.. Glenarm's counsel. II
you will do me the kindness to ask the
sheriff to retire for a moment | should
like to say a few words to you that you
might prefer to keep between our
selves"
| had usually found it wise to take
Pickering, this is Mr.. Donovan, who
has every authority to act for me in
the matter"
Pickering looked impatiently from
ono to the other of us.
you seem to have the guns, the
ammunition and the numbers on your
side he observed dryly.
THE sheriff may wait within CALL
said Larry, n at a word from Pick
ering the man left the room.
Now, Mr.. Pickering,"-Larry spoke
slowly,-"as my friend has explained
the case to me. the assets of his grand
fathers estate are all accounted for
the land h%ereabouts, this house, Ten
thousand dollars in securities and =
somewhat vague claim against a lady
known as Sister Theresa, who con-
ducts st. Agatha's school. Is that cor
rect?"
81 don't ask you to take my word for
it, SIR" rejoined Pickering hotly. Il
have filed an inventory of the estate,
so far as found, with the proper Au-
thorities"