The Washington herald., 1914-07-12

fair price for delivering that package
into the hands of Miss Horncastle,"
said Rawson.
''Yes-I knew" said the fisherman.
And you knew she was part of
New York syndicate that gets its stuff
in from foreign parts in this way?"
Rawson went on.
Well-yes, I knew" growled Rivers.
But | didn't want to lose my land It's
been mine and my fathers and my.
grandfather's ever since anybody owned
it and"
The old fellow fell forward, his face
buried in his hands, and broke into a
storm Of weeping.
Well and good.' said Rawson. q
l don't blame you-only your excuse
won't hold in the eyes OF the law. III
do what l can to save YOU, but-next
time when it's a case OF land or honor
let the rocks go and hang on to the
other"
We left the old man and proceeded to
the hotel. Arrived there, Rawson sent
his card to Miss Horncastle.
To what am l TO attribute the honor
Of this CALI" she asked austerely.
Il should think that Mrs. Robertson
Arnot, Of No. ? Wall street, would al
ways understand the reasons for a
visit from an officer of the"
Law she cried family.
"No-customs," said Rawson.
The color returned to the lady's cheek.
"Ah," she said calmly. It's mat
ter Of price, is it?"
Yes" said Rawson.
How much" asked Miss Horncas-
tie, or Mime. Arnot-whose career in
the smuggling profession is sufficiently
notable 10 require no further descrip-
ton from my pen.
The full scheduled duty upon them"
said Rawson, producing the box and
disclosing the pearls. And a promise,
violable under penalty OF exposure and
full punishment for this attempted
crime, never in any way directly or in
directly TO molest Ezekiel Rivers for
having failed to fulfill TO the letter his
part in this conspiracy or to breathe a
| word OF his connection with it to liv-
ing soul"
Miss Horncastle clutched the back OF
her chair in an ecstasy Of bafled rage.
How shall the duty be paid:" she
asked in a hoarse whisper.
TO the conscience fund" said Raw
son
The woman paced the floor Ike a
Gagged tiger.
ii l refuse" she asked.
4 know the whole gang" said Raw
son. Jail"
II I accept" she demanded.
The pearls will be returned to you."
said Rawson.
When" she bIurted out.
When the conscience iund is in re-
ceipt OF your check for $3.50" replied
Rawson.
You would not consider $4,000 for
yourself" she asked
Madame" said Rawson sententiouslv.
Il an a rich man myself and money can
not tempt me. I have an income OF
$2.5oo year and l can live happily and
comfortably on $500. So, you see.
having more than I need"
You are a foolr' she muttered.
81 know it" said Rawson. but I am
wha; am and it is too late to change.
You have not answered my proposition"
There is nothing to do but-to ac-
oept." said Miss Horncastle.
Thank heaven" said Rawson a week
later in New York. whittier we immedi-
ately returned. That gang is settled,
and have saved poor old Zeke Rivers.
He has kept his land"
Good" said / Poor devil! But I
say, Billie, what put you on to all this?"
Very simple" said Rawson. y
knew Miss Horncastle the minute laid
eyes on her-shes an old hand at this
sort OF thing-and when saw her max
ing early morning calls on Rivers,
thanks to my early rising and a field
glass. I knew something was doing. For
the rest. like all our business. chance
played the greater part"
Il thought you were in love with
her." said l.
Il admire her greatly" said Rawson.
She's a dod-gasted smart woman. as
Zekc would put it"
The second story of this AEshtfd
series, syhich anil Be published merit Sun
dGy, 5,iH be entitled "The Education of
Mrs. -WHliGDrs." In it Mr..
John Kendriek Bangs 5riH relate. in his
inimitlbie manner. another highly en-
tcrtdiuing exploit Of Billie Rd5usoH. the
retired Secret Scr5Tcf man.
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