The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1909-08-11

"Mr. Garrison" he said, may ark
you to act as a witness while Mr.. Der
mot examines his property?"
The tall man stared from Ezra Ia
the lawyer.
well, what do you think Of that? ~
he muttered.
Ezra opened the bag.
"Thls Is your bag, Mr.. Dermot, al
though you may not recognize It, A
friend thought 1t well to restore the
original color for fear the bag might
be recognized by the persons we sup
posed stole it."
Then there is someone else who
has knowledge of this-this loss?" said
the lawyer.
"Only one other person." Ezra an
swered. He flushed little. "The per-
son Is the lady expect to marry" he
said
"And she advised you to hunt up
the owner of the money!" said the
tall man.
"Why, yes" Ezra answered.
fihcy lH6 ttill lldu.
He turned abruptly and shook the
packages from the bag and hastily
counted them.
"The money is all here, Mr.. Gran
ley" said the lawyer.
Before Ezra could speak the door
opened and slender man with Il
smooth shaven face suddenly entered.
"Oh, Ridley" said the lawyer, "glad
to see you. | thought something in
teresting was about to happen when
| called you over. Detective Ridley.
Mr.. Dermot Mr.. Cranley. That money
has been found, Ridley"
The slender man, threw a swift
glance at the packages of bills on the
lawyers table. Then he looked at
Ezra.
Found by Mr.. Cranley?'
yes replied the lawyer.
Perhaps" said the detective, "Mr.
Cranley wouldn't object to letting us
hear his story-if agreeable all
around"
1t was the eminent lawyer who took
Ezra in hand and drew the story from
him. Ezra skillfully guided, told of
his hardships in the great city, of his
defeat and return, of the momentous
journey, of the short, dark man and
his companion.
zone moment" interrupted the de-
tective. 81 fancy am the engrossing
object that your dark man was watch
ing so intently. | happened to be in
the station on other business, however.
Go on"
So Ezra finished and the detective
came forward and shook him by the
hand.
"Glad to know you, Mr. Cranley,"
he said. He looked across at the
lawyer 'The parties who sneaked the
bag are the ones suspected, Mr.. Gar
rison. They must be getting lot Of
enjoyment out Of Mr.. Cranley's coll
lars and cuffs. Good day, gentlemen"
he laughed, noiselessly, as he passed
out.
The tall man had made a little pile
Of money packages on the table.
81 think that ten of these belong TO
you, Mr.. Cranley,' he said
Bzra's face grew red and he drew
back.
mo, no." he murmured.
GAS your legal adviser" said the
lawyer, gTavely, II strongly recon-
mend that you take this gift from Mr..
Dermot- The amount will not cripple
him-he is man of wealth-and l am
sure he would not rest easy if he could
not testify nj a practical way to his
high regard for you"
"That's right broke in the tall
man. "And another thing-to get this
money back is like finding it in the
street. I never expected to see a
blamed dollar of it again. And, say,
when will that wedding take placer"
Ezra suddenly smiled.
'Therell be no reason for postpon.
ing it now he said.
"Fine' cried the tall man. 'Td
like to meet the lady, See here, Gran
ley, how would you like to come out to
Southern California as my secretary?
I'm looking for such man. Good pay,
plenty to do, and glorious climate.
What do you say?"
Ezra's head swan. Opportunity was
crowding him hard.
81 say yes, and thank you," he re-
piled.
make it your wedding tour!" cried
the tall man, "and we'll all shake
hands on the compact"