Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-03-31
CHAPTER XII,

CHAPTER XII
In Which a Woman's Honor is at
John Adams has seen you'll" ex-
claimed Rolfe, slowly Therefore the
situation is, | understand, one of ex-
IRENE peril. Is that so?"
Exactly" responded the millionaire
in thin, weak voice But by your
aid I may extricate myself
The younger man saw that the 9th
er was full of fear. Never had he seen
his employer SO nervous and utterly
unstrung. The mystery of it all fas-
cinated him. Statham had unwittingly
acknowledged having been present at
the presumed death of John Adams,
and that in itself was very suspic-
ious circumstance.
whatever assistance I can give I
am quite ready to render it." he said,
little dreaming what dire result would
attend that offer.
"Ah! yes!" cried the old man,
thankfully, grasping his secretary's
hand. 81 knew you would not refuse,
Ro|fe. If you succeed | shall owe my
life to you; you understanding
life!" And he looked straight into the
young mans face, adding. "And Sam
uel Statham never forgets to repay
service rendered"
81 look for no repayment" he said.
'You have been so very good to my
sister and myself that I owe you a
deep debt of gratitude"
'Ah you sister. Where is she now?"
"At Cunningham's in Oxford
street"
ooh, yes! I forgot. I wrote to Gun
nineham myself regarding her, didn't
n? I hope she's comfortable. If not,
\ tell me- I'm the largest shareholder in
that business"
"You are very kind" replied the
Young man. "But she always says she
is most comfortable, and all the prin-
cipals are very kind to her. OF course
| it was very hard for her at first when
she commenced to earn her own liv-
| ing. The hours. the confinement and
girl of her character always been
used as she had to freedom and a
country life"
yes replied the old man rather
J thoughtfully. 81 suppose so. But if
she's getting on well, I am quite sat
| isfied. Should she have any complaint
to make, don't fail to let me know
| Rolfe thanked him. The old fellow,
Notwithstanding his eccentricities,
was always generous master.
4 There was pause, during which
the millionaire walked to the window
peered out to see if the shabby watch
err had returned and then came back
again to his table.
"Rolfe," he commenced, as he seat
ed himself with surprising calmness
81 have spoken more openly to you
this afternoon than | have spoken tc
anyone for many years. First, you
must remain in London. Just ring
them 10 in the city and tell them tc
send Sheldon here. and say that he
must leave for BELGRADE tonight.
will see him at o'clock"
The secretary took up the transmit
ter of the private telephone line tc
the offices of Statham Brothers in Oh
Broad street. and in a few minutes
was delivering the principals message
to the manager.
sheldon will be here at seven fol
instructions" he said as he replaced
the transmitter.
"Then sit down, Rofe-and listen.
the old man commanded. indicating {
chair at the side Of the table.
The younger man obeyed and the
great financier commenced.
you have promised your help anC
also com0lete secrecy, have you not?
81 shall say nothing" answered the
other, at the same time eager to hea
some closed pages in the old man
history rely upon my discretion"
He was wondering whether tn,
gray-faced old fellow was aware of tn
startling events of the previous even
inc in Cromell Road. His sDies hat
told him of Maud. They perhaps hat
discovered the amazing truth of wha
had occurred in that house, now de
serted and empty.
Was ii possible that old Stathar
being in possession of his secret, di
not now fear to repose confidence il
j, him. for he knew that if he were be
, trayed he could on his part make a
exposure that must prove both ruiz
, ous and fatal. The crafty old fnar
, cier was not the person to place hin
self unreservedly in the hands of an
man who could possibly turn his er
envy He had an Interior motive with
} out doubt. But what it was Chari
Rolfe was unable to discover.
K THE mouth of that man Adam
y must be closed said the old man i
!. slow, deliberate voice. land yo
. alone are able to accomplish it. y
:, this for me and ] can afford to pa
you WELL and he regarded the youn