New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1914-09-30

wnen picked up by the ponce, norning
to identify him being found. Beyond
doubt this half breed brother had dis
patched man north to look him up
possibly to assassinate him II neces-
sary. The fellow had either done the
J! job, or been anticipated in his pur-
pose. In either case he was present
to identify the body and had written
at once, inclosing the signet ring as
proof. That was the same ring we
had found in the arbor. and which ViO-
la had instantly recognized. And those
men who had made Il tool of me were
the robbers. They had found papers
and letters which opened before them
this scheme of fraud: then. with his
residence address. using his keys. they
had learned everything necessary for
the completion of their plans. A copy
of the judges will must have been in
Henley's possession. and. no doubt.
some lawyers letter. describing the
situation. received since the departure
of his wife. Apparently everything
two clever crooks needed to know was
in their possession. All they needed
to do was pull the strings. using a
fgurehead to represent Philip Henley.
That was the part for which l was
chosen. They had to construct lie
in order to interest me. vet that was
comparatively easy, and there was a
strong probability Of success but for
peculiar conditions of which they
could know nothing. The half breed
had never been mentioned. He was
the monkey wrench thrown unexpect-
eddy into their we'll oiled machine Yet
even without him. the temperance
of Philip Henley's wife was sufficient
to cause disaster.
Philip Henley's wife! The magic Of
the words halted me. Then now. if all
I had learned was true. she was his
widow. What would that mean to me-?
The swift beating Of my heart answer
ed l knew this-that, however sin
cerely she might have once supposed
she loved Henley, his neglect. cruelty,
dissipation, had long ago driven all SEN
timent from her. Before we met her
girlhood affection had been utterly
crushed and destroyed. Loyal she was
and true to every tradition Of her wo-
manhood. 1t was to guard his interest,
not her own, that she had accompanied
me on this expedition. risking her good
name in the belief that he was unable
to care for his own. What would she
do now? How would she feel toward
Lee? What change would it make in
the friendly relationship between us?
longed to tell her and yet shrank from
the task.
The sunlight streaming in through
the upper transOm told me the sun was
dipping into the west. If we were to
get away when night came there were
many things to consider first. Espe-
cially was l obsessed now with a de-
sire to overhaul the captains papers
and secure those which would be Of
benefit. We must possess more proof
than the garrulous talk Of the second
mate. and surely that proof would be
discovered in the after cabin. The noise
of the stewards dish washing had
ceased, and cautious investigation dis
closed him sound asleep. curled up like
dog. on the deck. Assured as to this,
Iventured up the companion stairs and
INDUCED in glance forward. Except
for group of sailors doing some sail
patching in the shade Of the chart
house. no one was visible. The vessel
rocked gently. and far forward there
was sound of hammering. The mate
would be there overseeing the job,
whatever it might be. Surely no bet
ter opportunity than this could be
given.
l stole back. silent and unobserved
listened an instant to Broussard's
steady breathing. then unlocked the
captains door and entered his cabin.
His wicked eyes, blazing with hate.
glared at me as l approached. and. in
spired by some sudden feeling of sym
pathy, bent over and removed the
gag from his mouth. The result was
an outburst of profanity. bristling with
threats. But these as instantly ceased
as picked up the cloth again.
DO you mean to kill me?" he asked.
Not unless l have to, but hold
some things more valuable than your
life. Just at present l mean to look
over your papers"
CHAPTER XIV.