The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1913-09-06
AIURDAY SHORT STORY: Eek CURIA By r. w. CHAMBERS


Copyright 1907 by Robt. w. Chambers.)
They decided to run through the documents in the
case once more, reviewing everything from the be-
ginning So young Courtandt, the attorney un-
wrapped the pink tape from the bundle of papers
Wall and ceiling still bore the faded imprint of the
red winter sunset. Edgerton sat before the fire. his
well-shaped head buried in his hands, Courtlandt,
loungng by the window presently began to read:
Paris, December "a, 1902.
John Edgerton, ESQ.,
Sir: Ny Client Michael Innis is seriously i'll, and
am writing you at his urgent solicitation.
1t would appear that, during the panic of 1884, my
client came to your fathers assistance, at time
when your fathers financial ruin was apparently
only question Of hours.
1t would also appear that, upon your fathers
death, you wrote Mr. Inns, voluntarily assuming
your fathers unpaid obligations.
It further appears that Mr. Innis generously of
fered to wait for the sums due him, permitting you
to pay at your own convenience.
In the conclusion of this last letter Mr. Inns men
tons his lifelong respect for your father and his
family, humorously drawing the social distinction
between the late Winthrop Edgerton, ESQ.,, and
Michael lnnis, the Tammany contractor; and rather
wistfully contrasting the future prospects of Mr..
Edgerton's son, yourself, and the chances of the
child of Michael Innis.
TO this letter you replied Copy herewith),
peatng in manly fashion your assurance of graf
itude holding yourself at the service of Mr.. Innis
Now, sir, II your assurance meant more than mere
clvllty you have opportunity to erase a deep OBJ
Mr.. Innis is a man broken in mind and body. His
fortune was invested, against my advice, in NADIA
gascar Railways Today he could not realize
thousand dollars from the investment
For twenty years his one absorbing passion has
been the education and fitting of his only child for
position in the world which he himself could never
hope to attain. And his daughter has had the best
that Europe can afford
Within month all is changed Sir, it is sad to
see the stricken man lying here watching his daugh
ter. q
And now terror of the future for her has wrung
an appeal from him to you-a strange appeal, Mr..
Edgerton Money alone is little; he asks more; he
asks your protection for her-not the perfunctory
protection of guardian for ward but the guild
ance of father, the companonship of brother, the
loyalty of husband.
The is blinded by worship for his own child;
your fathers represents to him all that is nobest
most honorable, most desirable in the world.
Sir this is an overdrawn draft upon your graft
tude, 1 fear. Yet write you as am bdden An
answer should be returned by cable with as little
delay possible. He will live until he receives it,
Marriage by proxy is legal. Special dispensation
is certain
am, sir, with great respect,
Your very humble servant
WILLIAM CAMPBELL.
Atty and Counsellor at Law,
l. rue dTssy.
When Courtandt finished reading he folded the
letter, glancing across at Edgerton: ''That was
written two years ago today, you remembergNthis
foreclosure of his mortgage upon your gratitude!"
81 remember" said Edgerton.
This is copy of the asinne cablegram you sent
without consulting me-" And he reads
INNS,
% rue d,Abdul Hamid Paris.
I assume all responsibility for your daughters
future. Utterly impossible for me to leave New
York. If you believe marriage advisable, arrange
for special dispensation and ceremony by proxy.
JOHN EDGERTON.
of tLn 1o1on hot oh