The Brownsville daily herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1897-1910, 1909-07-26
could be induced to let up,

why because OFdeIne himself IS d.
innocent of wrong doing and wrong in
tent as You are"
you believe that?"
81 do" affirmed Bannerman. His
fat pink fingers drummed uneasily on
the cloth for a few moments. There
isn't any question that the Dougherty
people induced you to sink your money
in their enterprise with intent to de-
fraud YOU
q should think not, Maitland inter
jected, amused.
"But old man Graeme was honest,
in intention at least. He meant no
harm; and in proof of that he offers
to shoulder your loss himself, if by so
doing he can induce you to drop furth-
er proceedings. That proves he's In
earnest, Dan, for although Greame is
comfortably well to do, it's known
fact that the loss of a cool half million.
while it's drop in the bucket to you,
would cripple him.
.oThen why doesn't he stand to his
associates, and make them each pay
back their fair share of the loot?
| That'd bring his liability down to
about fifty thousand"
because they won't give up without
a contest in the courts They deny
your proofs-you have those parers,
haven't you?"
Safe, under lock and key" asse- led
Maitland, sententiously. When the
time comes III produce them
And they incriminate Graeme?"
They make it look as black for him
as for the others. Do you honestly be
lieve him innocent, Bannerman?r
81 do, implicitly. The dread OF ex-
posure, the fear of notoriety when the
case comes up in court, has aged TIE
man ten years He begged ne with
tears in his eyes to induce you to drop
it and accept his offer Of restitution.
Don't you think you could do it, Dan %
No, l don't" Maitland shook his
head with decision. IF I lei up. the
scounG1els get off scot free. I have
nothing against Graeme; I am wiling
to make 1t as light as can for him;
but this business has got to be aired
in the courts; the guilty viii have to
suffer. It viii be a lesson to the pub
lie. a lesson to the scamps, and a les
son to Graeme-not to lend his name
too freely to questionable enterprises"
"And that's your final word, is it?"
Final, Bannerman. You go
ahead; prepare your case and take it
to court When the time comes. as I
say, III produce these papers. I can't
go on this way, letting people that I'm
an easy mark just because was IN
fortunate enough to inherit moro
money than is good for my whole
some
Maitland twisted his eyebrows in dep
recation Of Bannerman's attitude;
signifed the irrevoeability Of his de-
cision by bringing his fist down upon
the table-but not heavily enough to
disturb the other diners; and, laugh
ing. changed the subject.
For some moments he gossiped
cheerfully Of his new power boat,
Bannerman attending to the inconse-
quent details with an air OF abstrac-
ton. Once or twice he appeared
about to interrupt, but changed his
mind; but because his features were
so wholly infantile and open and can
did, the time came when Maitland
could no longer ignore his evident
perturbation.
Now what's the trouble?" he de-
manded with trace of asperity.
Cant you forget that Graeme bust
ness and
oh. it's not that" Bannerman dis
missed the troubles ct Mr.. Graeme
with an airy wave Of pudgy hand.
That's not my funeral, nor yours.
Only I've been worried, of late,
by your utterly careless habits"
Maitland looked his CONSERVATION.
In heavens name, what now?" And
grinned as he joined hands before him
in simulated petition please don't
read me a lecture lust now, dear boy.
If you've got something dreadful on
your chest wait till another day, when
I'm more in the humor to be found
fault with
NO lecture" Bannerman laughed
nervously. I've merely been wonder
ing what you have done with the Matt
land heirlooms
''What2 On, those things? They're
safe enough-in the safe out at Green
fields"
ITO be sure! Quite sol" agreed the
lawyer. with ironic heartiness. ooh,
quite" And preceded to take all
Madison square into his confidence,
addressing it from the window. Here's
young man, sole proprietor of 8
priceless collection Of family heir
looms--diamonds, rubies. sapphires ga
lore; and he thinks they're safe
enough in a safe at his country resi-
dence, SO miles from anywhere! What
a simple. trustful soul it isl"
ITO be Continued
Take the train to Tarpon Beach
tomorrow. 7-19-tf