Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1911-09-14

The letter that had come to me had no
street and number on it, so none was
needed on the note wrote. informed
Mr.. Winchell that at a certain hour on a
certain night he would find carriage
standing at certain place. He was to
get into the carriage, where he would
find Laura" who would hear what he
had TO say. Having sealed my note, |
went out and posted it. Then went to
bed rather TO think OF my adventure than
TO sleep.
On the evening in question, covered
with woman's raincoat reaching to my
heels and a woman's hat shaped like an
inverted pot that would conceal my fea-
lures, entered a carriage and drove to
the place had designated. had been
there five minutes when man approached
the door and said:
"Laura |"
"Yes," replied in woman's con-
tralto voice.
He entered the carriage, thinking he
was with a woman and ignorant OF the
fact that he was with man whose hand,
in the pocket of the raincoat, graSped a
cooked revolver. had previously told
the driver where to take us, and as soon
as the man was seated beside me we
were driven away.
81 am ready to hear what you have TO
say" said.
81 can restore the will provided that
you will obigate yourself TO pay me $780,
600 as soon as you receive the estate
which will all be yours under the will"
"For whom are you acting asked.
"That | do not care to state"
"Supposing your proposition to be ac-
cepted, when and where do you intend
the papers shall be passed ?"
whenever and wherever you like"
"Have you the will with you?"
eyes"
1--WE might close the transaction now"
"Not here in the carriage"
"No. Thinking we might need pri-
vate place for such purpose, obtained
of friend OF mine in the real estate buSi-
ness the key 10 vacant cottage on the
Centerville turnpike. There are writing
materials there-indeed, everything we
need"
"For a woman you have good head
for business. Are you sure this cottage
is vacant 2"
eyes"
every well. Tell the driver TO take us
there"
"He has been told that already"
When we stopped at the door OF the
house the man asked me for the key and
told me to remain where ! was till hehad
explored the premises. complied. He
went into the house, lighted the gas and
after some ten minutes absence returned
and politely handedme out OF the carriage.
went into the house with him and, con-
Quoting him into a room in the center OF
which was table with writing materials
on if, shut The door. He sat down at the
table and filled out note for $4,000,
payable thirty days after the maker should
come into her estate, then gave it to me
to sign. | read it and ;while doing so
said: "Where is the wilp Let me see
it."
He took the will from his pocket and
held it so that could see that It was
genuine. This was all wished for.
Putting my hand in the pocket OF my
raincoat, quick as flash | leveled a re-
volver at him, holding it within few
feet OF his face.
drop thatW | said in my natural
voice.
He stood garing at me, but powerless.
repeated the order, showing my revol-
yer close under his nose. Looking down
the muzzle of a pistol, especially with
an opponents finger on the trigger, is
not pleasant. The weapon might go off
even accidentally. The man dropped
the will on the table. feared to remove
my gaze from him TO examine it lest he
take advantage of my looking away to
spring upon me. was obliged to take
the risk of its being the genuine docu-
ment.
"Go out before me-" said, picking
up the will, still keeping my eyes on him.
He turned and left the house, ! following
him. When we reached the sidewalk |
ordered him to walk away, and when ne
had reached what thought safe dis
tance jumped into the carriage, telling
the driver TO take me TO my home. Be-
fore | slept dropped note in the mali
for Miss Ostrander, asking her to meet
me the next night at the fountain. She
did so, and handed her the recovered
will.
My story is but an illustration OF what
trivial incidents shape our lives. Had
nv name and the name Of the villain OF
this little drama not been so nearly alike
the drama would never have been played.
And, far more important than that, |
should not have married the woman who
is now my wife nor have been the father
of the half dozen children who, with their
mother. contribute to the whole charm
OF my existence.