The Ekalaka eagle. [volume] (Ekalaka, Mont.) 1909-1920, 1912-09-13

Discussing an Inheritance.
~ QUITE agree with you. What is
your business with Mrs. De
lancy"
"We represent her late II
bands interests in settling up the estate
of his father. Your wife's interests are
being looked after by Morton & Rogers.
l believe. l am here to have Mrs. De-
lancy 60 through the form Of signing
papers authorizing us to bring suit
against the estate in order to establish
certain rights of which you are fully
aware. Your wife's brother left his
affairs slightly tangled, you remem-
ber?"
"She really can't see you, Mr.. Crosby.
Mrs. Delaney leaves at 4 o'clock for
Chicago, where she takes the Michigan
Central for New York tonight. You can
gain nothing by seeing her.
"But l insist, SIR" exploded Crosby.
You may come down when you
hke," said Austin. THE dog will be
here until I return from the depot after
driving her over. Come down when
you like"
you'll admit that I'm in a devil Of
q pickle, MI. AUSTIN" he said jovially.
The dog is not at all friendly"
HE is at least diverting. You won't
be lonesome while I'm away. III tell
Mrs. Delaney that you called" said
Austin ironically.
He turned to leave the barn, and the
sinister sneer OF his face gave Crosby
q new and amazing inspiration. Like
a flash there rushed into his mind the
belief that Austin had a deep laid de-
sign in not permitting him to see the
lady. With this belief also came the
conviction that he was hurry1ng her
of to New York on some pretext sim
ply to forestall any action that might
induce her to continue the contem-
plated suit against the estate. Mrs.
Delaney had undoubtedly been urged
to drop the matter under pressure Of
promises, and the Aust1ns were get
ting her away from the scene of action
before she could reconsider.
Before Austin could make his exit
the voices of women were heard out
side the door and an instant later two
ladies entered. The farmer attempted
to turn them back, but the younger,
taller and slighter Of the newcomers
cried:
II just couldn't 60 without another
look at the horses, Bob"
Crosby, on the beam, did not fail to
observe the rich tone of the voice.
Good afternoon, Mrs. Delancy"
came a fine masculine voice from no.
where. The ladies started in amaze
ment, Mr.. Austin ground his teeth,
the dog took another tired leap up
ward. Mr.. Crosby took off his hat
CALAMITY and waited patiently for the
lady to discover his whereabouts.
"Who is it, Bob?" cried the tall one,
and Crosby patted his bump Of shrewd-
ness happily. "Who have you in hid
ing here?"
I'm not in hiding. Mrs. Delaney.
I'm a prisoner. that's all. I'm right
near the top of the ladder directly in
front of you. You know mt only
through the mails, but my partner,
Mr.. Rolfe. is known to you personally.
NJ name is Crosby"
'How very strange" she cried in
wonder. "Why don't you come down,
Mr.. Crosby:'
II hate to admit it, but I'm afraid.
There's the dog, you know. Have
you any Influence over him""
'NOne whatever. He hates me.
Perhaps Mr.. Austin can manage him.
Oh, isn't it ludicrous:" and she burst
into hearty laughter. 1t was a very
musical laugh, but Crosby considered
1t a disagreeable croak.
But Mr.. Austin declines to inter,
fere. l came to see YOU on private
business and am not permitted tC
do so"
I'VE don't know this fellow. Louise
and ! can't allow You to talk to him.
said Austin %bruSqnely. II found hin
where he is. and there he stays unit
the marshal comes ont from town. Hi
actions have been very suspicious an,
must be investigated. | can't take
chances on letting Il horse thief escape
Swallow will watch him until | car
ecure assistance"
II implorc you. Mrs. Delaney. to Civ,
me II moment or two in which to eN
plain," cried Crosby. lie knows In
not here to steal his horses. and Ii,
knows | intend to punch his head tin
minute | get the chahce." Mrs. Aus
tins little shrek of dismay and he
husbands fierce glare did not checl
the flow Of language from the beam