Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1911-03-03

lis the man who Is going to save yor
and me from going back to state pris-
on"
| Valentine went on to recount to Red
how Bill Avery, after he had said
goodby to his pals" in Albany, had
gone to the middle west and eventual
ly married a sedate widow of middle
age. whose son was an expert photog-
rapher, one who operated large STU
dio in ST. Louis and employed men
who specialized in covering important
events for the newspapers and maga-
zines.
Avery" calculated Red. Avery
working-absolutely on the square?"
YES, that's the truth, the awful
TRUTH" laughed Valentine whimsically
But you say Bill-Bill Avery is
married?" asked Red, completely over
come at the suggestion.
Yes, it's all true, and Bill has
proved a true friend to me-to u.s.
answered Valentine.
| And he's really happy?" went on
Red doubtingly. Him as always had
stable of fillies spendin' his coin.
He's happy with one wife,"
The assistant cashier gave vent to a
burst of gayety at the astonishment
of the watchman, who probably would
have understood the process of refor-
nation in any one but Bill Avery.
| But few minutes elapsed after VAL
entine answered the telephone call be-
fore the door opened, and in came a
man whose iron gray hair curled be-
meath the rim Of his high silk hat.
Glaringiy bright yellow kid gloves
adorned his hands. His frock coat, of
the latest make, was a bit worn on
the edges, and 1t was for that reason
that the secondhand dealer had made
reduction in price to Mr.. Cronin.
| The newcomer laid a handsome gold
| headed Indian bamboo walking stick
across a chair, took off his gloves and
faced Valentine and Red.
Mr.. Randall?" he said.
Yes, Mr.. Cronin."
"Cronin be blowed," cried Red, start
ing forward. It's Bill Avery. How
| about you, old pal?"
| Avery, pleased at the enthusiastic
welcome and at the sight of both OF
his old friends, shook hands with each
Then he drew back and looked from
one to the other Think of us three
bein' left alone together Ike this in a
real bank" he said significantly, and
his two hearers could not restrain
circumstances would have meant to
them in days now put behind them.
Did you get the picture?" asked
Avery Of Valentine. You told me to
send it, but I wanted to see you That
double negative is a wonder"
| Valentine looked understandingly al
him. He rose from his chair, picked
up the telegram from his desk and
extended 1t to Avery.
Yes; it's all right" he said. And
it came just in time. Today is the
day I'll need it," pointing to the tele-
gram. Read that"
Avery read the message, The pal
lor Of unnerving fear came upon him
His head dropped forward and he
glanced apprehensively about him
His hand trembled as he laid the pa
per on the desk. He sank hopelessly
into a chair. Doyle" the old man
choked-"Doyle! He said he'd slough
me, and now he'll do it-or else he'll
make me pay blackmail. You never
can tell how much a copper wants for
keepin' quiet"
"Oh, don't get blue" encouraged
Valentine. He doesn't want you fell
lows. It's me that he is after" He
examined a large photograph which
Avery had sent him, 1t showed the
tables and guests at large banquet
in luxuriously appointed restaurant
Yes, 1 think this saves me-" he re.
marked, He held it before Red, ask
ing. What's this?"
"Flashlight of banquet"
Who is this on the right of the
postmaster" pointing at a face ir
the picture.
YOU"
Pipe the date" went on the assist
ant cashier, Feb. 6, 1906. Do yor
remember where l was on that date?'
He gazed curiously at Red. Averl
watched the proceedings with rare in.
terest.
The watchman became thoughtful
At last puzzled wrinkle marked hi!
forehead. "Why-whS S-you-were-ir
Sing NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.,
he replied confusedly.
Valentine and Avery laughed in theil
superior knowledge,
mo, no." protested Valentine, this
photograph proves l was at a ban
Duet in st. Paul. I'll beat Doyle ant
I'll make him like It,"
You can't" was Avery's pessimis'
tic comment.
You said we couldn't 30 square
any of us, and we all have" was Val
entines rejoinder. And If we car
beat the thing inside of us that call:
we can beat one man that hunts"
A clerk knocked at the door and en-
tered to ascertain If he should nov
bring In a trayful of cash which Val
entine was to count. He was ordered
to do so at once, and Avery's face be-
came a study as the young man sooi
re-entered with a tray on which new
banknOtes of large denominations were
piled among glistening rows of golt
coin.
Great snakes, what a chance eX
claimed the one time thief, lookinI
; from Valentine to the watchman
This is no place for me. Oh, just fo
one grab and the quick getaway!
He mopped his wrinkled brow. I'm
sweating like polar bear on th'
Fourth of July"
Haven't got it out of your hloo'
vet. eh?" asked Valentine.
; Not the craving for real money.
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