The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1910-08-06
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Conquering MIR. Cushway
Copyright. 1910. By Associated Literary Press
By M. J. Phillips

IL was four O'Clock of bitter win
ter's day. The mercury registered
zero. An arctic wind drove lances of
snow, fine and singing as sand, be-
fore it. Detectives Mooney and Nc
Gill, of the Central station. with over
coat collars turned up, stood guard on
the Cushway home with what patience
they could muster; Mooney watched
the front of the house; McGill tramped
through a foot of snow in the alley in
the rear.
Both cursed with great f1uency and
persistence, matchmaking Cushway,
Hammond and the Rev Mr.. Monckton
impartially. Except for few hours
respite during the previous night they
had been on watch constantly for
more than thirty hours.
Neither Hammond nor Monckton
had attempted to visit the Cushway
home: nor, in fact, had anyone else.
McGill found it livelier in the alley,
especially the second day. Delivery
wagons plowed their way through the
drifts. An olive-skinned peddler with
a huge pack of fabrics which he ear
nestly-and untruthfully declared to
have been struggled from Persia. went
from back door to back door, tempting
the maids with his gaudy display.
The gasman was the first to enter
Cushway's by way of the alley that
afternoon. He was followed presently
by plumber with his kit of tools, a
smudge Of grease and four days
growth of beard adjoining his face.
broad-shouldered grocers boy, muffled
to the eyes, pulled in with a basket
The plumber, as usual, had forgotten
important tools and went back to his
shop for them. He borrowed a match
from McGil on his way out.
Returning presently, he paused for
few moments to chat with the watch
er. Hungry for human companionship,
McGill guardedly explained his vigil.
Also he Ventured the assertion that
"old man Cushway must have a pull
like a four-horse team or the chief
wouldn't be standing for such monkey
business as this
Shortly after four o'clock Cushway's
carriage drew up to the house. He
grinned with satisfaction at sight of
the watchers, for their presence
proved Hammond had not ventured to
call On being dismissed with a gen.
erous tip they left.
The man servant took Cushway's
bag, and the magnate walked springily
! up the steps At the door of the IL
! brary he stopped, paralyzed; for there.
awaiting his coming, were his placid
! wife and pretty daughter, his secre.
tary and the Rev. Mr.. Monckton.
How did you two get in here?' de
manded Cushway.
Walked in. sir; Mr.. Monckton and
| were strong for theatricaIs in col.
lege and we thought we could disguise
ourselves and fool the detectives EIe
made up as the grocer's man and
posed as the plumber. And-here Vse
are, sir
Mr.. Cushway was noted for his VIC
lent and uncertain temper. But now
he showed that he had a sense of the
fitness of things as we'll. He realized
under the extraordinary circumstances,
the utter inadequacy of flying into a
rage. Il suppose you are married ?"
he asked, quite mildly.
mo, sir" replied Hammond, mot
yet. We wanted to show that we
could outwit detectives. But we
wouldn't take any unfair advantage Of
you. So we waited"
His employer fixed him with a hos
tile eye. 81 can't order you out" he
grumbled, "for I've just gotten control
of Perkins company and l need you
worse than ever" His glance travelled
over the expectant group. Well" he
cried, irascibly, what's the use of sit
ting around staring like lunatics? Go
ahead and get married, hang it,"
His daughter threw herself in his
arms. Daddy, you're an old darlingp''
she cried, rapturously. But, perhaps,
, we'd better wait week or so. ReaIlr,
l haven't thing to weari"