The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-05-25
Gordon Craig Soldier of Fortune - by Randall Parrish
by Randall Paf-r-ish

GB at the edge of a closely drawn curtain rapped on the door three times. my nerves tingiing from excitement. There was moments delay so that I lifted my hand again, and then the door opened silently.
 s4Come in, said mans voice
 I stepped within. seeing nothing of the man. and the door was closed be- hind me. The sharp click of the latch convinced r1e 1t was secured by a spring lock.
 Turn on the light, said the voice at my side sharply. Instantly an. cleo tric bulb glowed dazzling overhead in narrow hallway and blinked, about half blinded by the sudden change.
 Neale, appearing somewhat more slender in evening clothes, smiled at me genially, showing sa gold crowned tooth, and led the way to spacious apartment, evidently library. The high ceiling and restful wall decora- tions were emph asked by luxurious. furnishings The only light was un- der shaded globe on the central taA ble, leaving the main apartment in. shadows. but the windows had their heavy curtains closely dra wn. The sole occupant was man in evening dress, seated in a high backed leather chair. With an indolent wave of one hand he seemingly invited me to take vacant chair to the right, while Neale remained standing near the door.
 This new position gave me a better view of his face, bull could not guess. his age. His was. one Of those old young faces, deeply lined, smooth shaven, the hair clipped short the hesh ashen gray He must have star ed at me full minute
 ssHe will do. very well, Neale,'' he decided, with glance across at the other. Possibly q rifle young. Have cigar or drink. Craig ?,
 ssI will smoke
 How old are you 7's
 Twenty
 ssEver been south ss'
 Only as far as St Louis. was at Jefferson barracks.
 Neale said you were in the army full enIistm ent
 Yes Discharged as corporal.'
 .sY You would be glad of Job that paid well and wouldn't mind if there was bit Of excitement connected with 1t. hey ?''
 What is your idea of paying weil2',6
 Expenses Hberally figured,s he re- piled slowly, and S10 1000 for years work or less if done right"
 half rose to my feet in surprise.
 Sit down, man. This is no pipe dream, and I mean it. h fact, am willing to hand you half of the money down. See here, Craig,'' and he Ieaf-s ed forward. peering into nay face, .-al you have got to do to earn your money is obey orders strictly and keep your tongue still. DO you get that r
 The proposition looks good. only should like to know little more clear ly what am expected to do."
 He slowly Hf fresh cigar, studying the expression of my face in the light as though deciding upon a course of action.
 ssVery good. We'll come down to facts. H will not take long. In the first place, my name is vail-Justus C. Vail. I am a lawyer of some reputa ton in this state, and my entire inter est in this affair is that of legal ad- wiser of MT. Neale- Here is the case as submitted to me: Judge Philo Hen ley, formerly of the United States cir cult court, retired at sixty-four and settled upon a large plantatio near sNdLIOllI0u AIt. s HIS VII r tAt SAA s,t'OAl after, and week or 50 ago the judge also departed this life, leaving an es tate valued ip excess of $500, ,O0O. PhiIo Henley and wife had but one child, now a young man of twenty Eve years. named Philip. As boy he was wild and unmanageabIe, and final ly when about twenty years old some prank occurred of SO serious a nature that the lad ran away. He came north and was unheard of for some time, living under an assumed name. Later some slight correspondence ensued be- tween father and son. and the boy was granted a regular allowance. Philip remained in the north. led his own life, became dissipated and q rounder and drifted into evil associa- tions. Finally. about six months ago, he married an actress in this city. not of wealthy family. but of respectable antecedents. He married her under his assumed name, and they began Housekeeping in a Hat on the north side.
 s.The fudge learned of this marriage in some way and began to insist that Mhe son return home with his Wlre. Circumstances prevented. however, ana the visit was deferred. Meanwhile. becoming more eccentric as he grew older. the father discharged all his old servants and lived the life of recluse. When he died suddenly and almost alone he left a will leaving his prop erty to Philip, providing the young man returned with his wife to live ,,non the estate within six months; otherwise the entire estate should be divided among certain named chari- ties Three administrators were nam es5. of whom Neale here was one.
 NeaIe drew a legal looking paper from his pocket.
 ..Here is a copy of the will" he said. eff Craig cares to examine it. ,ov,ifod snf me hear