Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-01-23
....The....
COnSpiratOrS
BY VIRGINIA BLAIR.
Copyrighted. 1908. by Associated
Literary Press.
BY VIRGINIA BLAIR.

"Of course can understand my
wife's position In the case" the judge
said. she wants her only daughter
TO marry man with money, and you
haven't any. So this Is my plan: I'll
settle good round sum on you. and
you can say II came from rich rela-
tive. Then my wife Will be satisfied.
You can marry Roxane and live hap
by ever after"
"Oh"-Ollver.s face was bright with
hope-"you are very good, sir"
but you mustn't tell Roxane where
you got the money" the judge pur-
sued "She couldn't keep 1t from her
mother"
But | ought not TO deceive my fu-
ture wife,"
The Judge banged heavy fist ON
his desk. Don't be foolish" he said
sternly. Its the only way"
But Then before Oliver could
proceed with his objection a clear
voice asked. MAY come in?"
'Roxanew exclaimed the two men.
She stood hesitatlng on the thresh-
old. slender little thing with her fair
hair pulled out under plumed hat.
Mother is waiting In the motor"
she said breathlessly. I'VE are OH
our way to the charity bazaar, and
want some money"
The Judge kissed her. Now it's
divers turn" he teased.
"Oh. father" she reproached him,
with sob, you know Oliver and
have had to break our engagement be-
cause mother won't hear OF IT," And
she hid her face on the judges shout
der
The judge glanced ut Oliver. "rell
her" he commanded. and the boy be-
gan II halting tale.
AS he proceeded Roxane interrupted.
"You mean that some one has left you
II fortune:'
Oliver nodded.
Where did he live"
"l'm not sure" the boy stammered.
81 wouldn't inquire too closely into
II. Roxane." the judge advised hur-
rledly. ''The less said about that rela-
tive Of divers the better"
With her face shining. the girl went
swiftly to her lover. "Oh. Oliver. OH.
YER" she said. how happy ann
For moment he hesltated: then he
gathered her into his arms. IT'S worth
everything to know that you are mine
Roxane." he said huskIly.
The rustic Of silk skirts In the hall
brought him out of his rhapsody.
TITS your mother" warned the
judge. and when the rather stout lady
IN mauve entered she found two sol
emn young people on each side OF the
judges desk. That Roxane's plumed
hat was slightly over one ear and that
a golden hair strayed across divers
coat collar We're details which escaped
her.
II thought Roxane was never COM
ing down." she painted.
II found Oliver here" RoxaDe ex-
planned. "and. oh. mother, rich rela-
tive has left him fortune"
"a fortune-Oliver" scoffed the stout
lady. 'Why. he hasn't rich relative
in the world"
"The fact remains, my dear" the
judge asserted blandly, that he has
had fortune left him by a distant
cousin"
"what cousiny' was the demand.
you needn't tell me. James"
tut. tut" the Judge cautioned.
Don't accuse the boy of lying"
I'm not accusing anybody" Mrs.
vandiver stated. II merely asked you
what cousin. James"
The Judge mopped his forehead The
sudden arrival Of the ladies OF his
household had not given him time to
perfect details.
"Im not sure OF the name, Abbie."
he stammered. perhaps Oliver can
satisfy you"
But Oliver weakened. 81 think Mrs.
vandiver is right" he said unsteadily.
Until ! can Offer satisfactory proof of
my good fortune 1t will be well for me
to give up Roxane."
"Oliver." The wall was from his be-
trothed. but he went on. "There may
be some mistake"
"Of course" said Mrs. yandiver,
with aggravating sureness. "Come ON,
Roxane." And she dragged her unwill-
Ing captive from the room.
Left alone. the conspirators stared at
each other.
s"Now you've done IT," said the Judge
disgustedly. "Why couldn't you bluff
II out? ?"
mot with Roxane's trusting eyes on
me-" said Roxane's lover.
"Wcll. II you knew Roxane's mother
as well as do" the judge growled.
you would know that It's the only
hope"
After a depressing silence Oliver
ventured. Perhaps II you approached
her differently you might get better
results"
The Judge smiled. "How do Won