Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1909-09-30
CORNERED

uAu AouSS AS u1u puICudSGu lIOll tle
duke of ST. David's with one of his
many millions made in Mexico.
Plainly he was uneasy. There was
a knock at the door and the butler
entered
1.-TWO gentlemen wish to see you
on important business, sir. Here are
their cards.
"Mr. Ferdinand Harrison of 'Soci-
ETY. Sketches and Mr.. James Ma
guire. introduced by James Strode."
Mr.. Harrison was a slim, dapper
little fellow, with perpetual smile
on his face. A striking contrast, in
deed, to Mr.. Mcguire, who was pow
erfully built man, with disagree
able countenance. Yet, somehow,
the millionaire thought that he pre-
ferred Maguire's scowl to Mr.. HarSi-
sons perpetual smile.
Charming day, isn't it, Mr.. Gran.
thorne?" remarked the editor of $50
ciety Sketches
The millionaire nodded.
Mr.. Harrison seated himself,
beamed on Mr.. Cranthorne and said:
"In a charming village of Sussex
there lived, % years ago, a young
man named James Strobe. This
young man led highly creditable
life till his marriage proved unhappy.
$50 one day, when his wife had
been more than usually aggravating
her temper did not improve when
she was drunk-James Strobe van
ished. He left his money and what
valuables he had behind and shipped
aboard vessel bound for the States.
There he became very wealthy
aand took new name. Then he re-
turned to England and married the
daughter Of an earl.
Ellis first wife is still living and
would jump at the chance of prose-
cutting James Strobe for bigamy.
"Now this is where we come in.
The knowledge of this unfortunate
fact is confined to those present in
this room. Why, ask, should it go
further?"
"Why, indeed?" queried Mr.. Gran
thorne.
"Well," continued the editor, in his
most insinuating mannay, 1--WE GER
tainly deserve some recompense for
suppressing such a striking news
item. Shall we leave it to you to
suggest sum-"
"No, it's your game-that is, unless
decide to call in the police"
you've no proof" said the smiling
editor. "Your word against ours
what's that? This is a good thing
for us, Mr.. Cranthorne. 1t should
be worth good lump sum to us;
only you might demur, thinking that
when the first sum was paid we
might come down on you for fur
Their sums"
"That possibility has occurred to
me-" said the millionaire.
$50 we concluded that it might
suit all parties best if we arrange
for regular payments. You will send
to an address in Paris that / shall
give you ESQ in notes every week"
"And If l fail to comply with this
kindly suggestion?"
ooh, you're reasonable man, Mr..
Cranthorne! But if you should prove
obstinate-well we go to press on
Saturday. | haven't thought of the
headlines, but l think they'd run
The Rubber King-Fraud and Big
| amist-Base Deception of an Earl's
| sued?"
81 wish this proposition had been
made to me in Mexico" said the mil
| lionaire.
Fifty pounds a week is a lot of
money"
"Bigamy is very serious offense,"
replied the editor.
"Well," said Mr. Cranthorne, you
gentlemen have cheered me a good
deal. I had the blues this morning
Life seemed very empty business
but see there's bright lining to
every cloud. All that's the noise
was expecting! Come to the win
dow!"
Catch him, Maguire!" said the ed
itor quickly. He'll throw himself
OUT"
Keep your hands off, Mr.. Mcguire,
If you value your skin! Listen! Can't
you hear the newsboys calling?"
They stood in silence for mo-
ment, waiting till the raucous voices
came nearer.
They're sure to come to this
square," said the millionaire. You'll
hear 'em in moment under the win
dow"
gasping newsboy hurried into
the square, shouting, "Great Sensa-
ton in the City! Rubber King Bank
rupt!"
Mr.. Cranthorne chuckled as he saw
the faces of the partners fall.
you may be interested to know
that the Mexican government have
repudiated the rubber concessions /
secured. This action of theirs has
ruined me absolutely, and this morn
ing my petition in bankruptcy was
filed. Publish what you like, when
you like, where you like. Cornered
me, have you, you contemplate
hounds! Who's cornered now, may
ask?"
They skunk away without word,