The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1910-05-19

Mr.. Lane had at that moment the in
epiration OF his life. Since he was b,
lortuttouH circumstances involved ii
ahis matter, and since 1t could maxi
very little difference one way or tn
other what he said, he seized the FAM
that lay to his hand.
Il am one Of the Borough Lot" h,
said, and was led out proud and hand
cuned with the knowledge that he hat
established beyond dispute his title Il
consideration as desperate criminal
Mr.. Speeding was a man who thought
quickly. Ideas and plans came to hin
a dross and diamonds come to 9
man at the sorting table. and he had
theefaculty OF selection. He saw the
= police system Of England as only the
police themselves saw It, and he had ar
open mind upon Angels action. II
was within the bonds of possibility that
Angel had acted with full authority;
q was equally possible that Angel was
6luffing.
Mr.. SPEEDING had two courses before
MIN. and they were both desperate; but
he must be sure, in how, so far, his
immediate liberty depended upon the
sioner Of Of poli Sepu'' commas
Angel had mentioned supreme au-
ehority. It was characteristic of
SPEEDING that he should walk into a
mine to see how far the fuse had
burned. In other words, he hailed the
first cab, and drove to the House Of
Commons.
The Right Honorable George Chand-
Ter Middle Borough, His Majesty's sec
Rotary OF state for home affairs, is q
notoriously inaccessible man; but he
makes exceptions, and such an excep-
ton he made in favor of SPEEDING. For
eminent solicitors do not come down
20 the house at 10 o'clock in the
evening to crafty an idle curiosity or
to be shown over the house, or beg pat
ronage and interest; and when q bust
ness card Is marked most urgent"
and that card stands for a staple rep
resentative Of an important profession,
the request for an interview Is not
easily refused.
Shedding was shown into the min
listers room, and the home secretary
rosefwith smile. He knew Mr.. Sped
ding by sight, and had once dined in
his company.
in his hand, what can do for you
at this hour?" he smiled again
Il have called to see you In the mat
ter Of the late-er-Mr. Reale" He
saw and watched the minister's face.
Beyond looking little puzzled. the
home secretary made no sign.
"Good!" thought Speeding, and
I'm afraid" said the minister.
He got no further. for SPEEDING was at
once humility. apology. and embarass-
ment.
What! had the home secretary not
received his letter? A letter dealing
with the estate of Reale? You can
Imagine the distress and vexation Of
Mr.. Speddings face as he spoke Of the
criminal carelessness Of his clerk, his
attitude of helplessness. his recognition
OF the absolute impossibility Of discuss
ing the matter until the secretary had re-
ceived the letter, and his withdrawal
leaving behind him q sympathetic min
lister OF state who would have been
pleased-would have been delighted,
my dear sir, to have helped Mr.. Sped
ding II he'd received the letter in time
to consider its contents. Mr.. SPEEDING
was an inventive genius. and 1t might
have been In reference to him that the
motherhood of invention was first iden-
titled with dire necessity.
Out again In the courtyard, SPEEDING
found cab that carried him to his
club.
Angel bluffed!" he reflected with an
inward smile. my friend. you are
,risking that nice appointment of yours"
He smiled again, Tor 1t occurred to
him that his risk was the greater.
Two millions!" he murmured. 'Tt
Is worth it: I could do a great deal
with two Millions"
He got down at his club, and tend
cred the cabman the legal fare to a
penny.