Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1910-11-24
- y. . \
A P p ] |
Watch
1t Was at the Bottom of
a Plot
By ESTHER VANDEVEER
Copyright, 1910, by American Press

BY ESTHER VANDEVEER
Copyright, 1910, by American Pres
Association.
"Goodby, Harold"
"GOOdby, Alice"

"GOOdDy,- Alice.
These. and these alone. were the
parting words between Harold Roth
we'll and Alice Swain. for their hearts
were too full to say more. They were
to have been married within a few
months. but Rothwell had developed
pulmonary trouble. and it was decided
that he should go west and live an
outdoor life. The prospect before
them was gloomy. Even If Harold
prospects he was leaving might keep
him in poverty and necessitate their
continued separation. He turned away
and set out for the railway station.
Alice watched him till he reached a
bend in the road when he turned and
threw her kiss. She returned it, and
he passed out of sight. Sad as they
were, they would have been far more
so had they known what would hap
pen before they should meet again.
That same day two years hence
found Rothwell financin; manager for
Henry Palmer. a rancher, though but
just appointed to the position. Roth
well had long been sheep herder for
completely cured him of his ailing
AS soon as it was considered safe for
him to lead a more confined life Palm
er, who had taken a great fancy to
him and who needed clerk, put him
in charge of the financial part of his
ranching. Then Rothwell wrote to
Alice Swain that within another year
he hoped to return for her and bring
her back with him.
The ranch was not large one, and
the owner and his clerk were the only
two persons engaged upon it except a
few herders, who were always away
in care of the focks. The men be-
came very warm friends and were al.
most constantly together. One day
Palmer said to his clerk:
You know. Harold, that l am
bachelor and have no one in the world
to leave what belongs to me. I'm
going to make will bequeathing this
ranch and the stock on it to you
Rothwell smiled. considering that
you are but ten years older than and
far stronger. l think would better
leave my possessions. if had any. to
you"
'Furthermore" Palmer continued
without noticing the comment. "there
are five $1,000 bonds. which will also
be yours. These bonds. together with
some old family trinkets, l have plac-
ed in hiding. and l am going to show
you where they are hidden. They.
too, will go to you at my DEATH
He led the way to the attic and
from recess formed by corner in
the roof between two joists took tin
box. opened it and showed Rothwell
the bonds and the trinkets referred to-
The latter consisted Of gold watch
bearing the initials H. P. and soma
articles of jewelry.
You are very kind" said Rothwell.
Ito make me your heir; but. as have
said. don't think there is the slight
est chance Of my ever receiving my in
heritance."
There is better chance than you
think" said the other.
Rothwell looked at him inquiringly.
but received no further confidence.
Palmer replaced the box. and the two
men returned to the lower story. Then
Palmer opened a safe kept on tho
premises. took out will. showed
Rothwell that it was in his favor. put
it back and closed the safe door.
why" asked Rothwell. don't you
keep the bonds and the other things
in The safe?"
II have a special reason for not
keeping the bonds there. AS to the
watch and jewels. it doesn't much
matter where they are kept. Some
day you may learn the, reason. So
long as live can trust you not to
disturb the box in the garnet. and
after my death what it contains mas
be of some benefit other than for their
intrinsic value"
ITO whom?"
''That will appear at the time"
This was not very satisfactory, but
Rothwell was obliged to be satisfied
with it.
1t was but few weeks after this
that Rothwell, having got in some
funds for the sale of sheep, rode to
the town, some dozen miles away, to-
deposit the money in bank. The day
proved an ventful one. On the way
two masked men sprang upon hiI
from wood beside the road and
robbed hin, Returning to the ranch.
he found Palmer lying in the living
room Of the house with a bullet hole
in his brain = 2'sses@.ss-}
AS soon AS he had sufficiently re-
covered from the shock to think he
determined to ride Ito the nearest
ranch. get messenger and send for
the proper authorities to come and
take legal action upon the matter
Within few hours an officer Of the
law arrived and took charge Of both
the premises and the body.
When Rothwell had told him the
whole story of his connection with